At the Preston City Council’s July 20 meeting, candidate Nels Rasmussen received unanimous approval to fill the PPU General Manager/Public Works Director position as recommended by the Preston Public Utilities Commission.
Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke said there had been 12 applicants for the position. Rasmussen is from this area and has 20 years’ experience in public utilities and supervisory experience. Councilman Jon Wood noted Rasmussen has worked with the MPCA; he added that selecting from the final two candidates was very difficult.
An employment agreement will be negotiated and brought to the city council at a later date for its approval.
Voters to Weigh in on Swimming Pool
A resolution prepared by Taft Law Firm was approved calling for an election on the issuance of up to $6 million General Obligation Bonds for the municipal swimming pool project. Marotzke made it clear the $6 million will cover “all” of the costs including but not limited to construction of the pool, related facilities, and demolition of the old pool. Voters will have the opportunity to vote on the ballot question in November.
Public meetings will be held before November to provide more detailed information to the public.
Other Business in Brief
• Preston Protein Products asked to withdraw a former October 2025 variance to add additional silo capacity, as they have decided not to go forward with that project. The withdrawal of the variance was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission.
A new variance request from Preston Protein Products to allow for the addition of five new storage tanks on the east side of the property was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission. The variance allows for 82% of lot coverage (city code 50% limit), the right-of-way setback of 37 feet (city code 35-foot limit), and a height of 80 feet for storage tanks (city code 75 feet limit).
• A Security Camera Policy was approved as updated. Councilman Steve Hall had provided input to help create an acceptable policy; City Attorney Joe O’Koren had provided recommendations and reviewed the updated policy.
• Approval was granted for city hall capital improvements. The city pays 75% of the cost and Preston Public Utilities is responsible for 25% of the cost. LaCrosse Glass & Overhead Door Co. provided the low bid for doors/windows in the amount of $43,445. Central Telephone & Sales provided the low bid for door controls in the amount of $4,025. Northwest Aluminum provided the low bid for carpet in the amount of $9,995. PPU had approved a payment of up to $12,500 which will cover their portion of the costs. The city’s total cost will be $36,979.
• Eight judges for the Primary and General Election were approved.
• The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association is holding its annual summer conference on August 17-19.
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