Preston Approves CUP for Solar Array

Preston Dairy and Farm Association applied for a conditional use permit for a 68.1 kw ground mounted solar system at 27743 State Hwy 16 on its 6.1-acre lot. This size solar array requires a CUP and is allowed in I-1 (general industrial) district. The request was heard at a Planning Commission meeting just prior to the November 18 city council meeting. During the P & Z public hearing, no comments were heard against the request. 

The Planning Commission recommended approval with 10 proposed conditions. There is plenty of space for the array; it is a fixed structure with no moving parts or emissions. A permit is required from the city to construct the solar system. The CUP was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission.

Other Business in Brief

• No action was taken this day on the 2025 CEDA contract. Mayor Kurt Reicks said they are still waiting for more information from CEDA.
• A resolution was adopted authorizing the city administrator and the general manager of Preston Public Utilities (PPU) to act as representatives on behalf of the city to initiate the process for a USDA grant and loan assistance program for the Wastewater Treatment Facility project. 
• Some Preston property owners benefited from the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) loans through the EDA. All loans were paid back by the borrowers and closed in 2023 and GMHF was repaid. There is a fund balance of $568.75 resulting from interest paid on the loans. Approval was granted to close the GMHF account and transfer those dollars to the EDA revolving loan fund.
• Parks Department has three mowers; one of the three is replaced every other year. A quote was submitted from Preston Equipment in the amount of $19,000 for a new 2025 John Deere commercial mower with a 72-inch rear discharge deck after trade of a 2019 John Deere 1570 mower. The cost of the new mower is split between the Parks Department, the city, and the PPU. The city’s third of the cost was approved in the amount of $6,333.
• The city council met on November 14 for a special canvassing meeting. The election results were reviewed and approved. Kurt Reicks won a two-year term as mayor with 454 votes. Four-year terms were won by Dean Aug (558 votes) and Steve Hall (506 votes).
• The Truth in Taxation meeting will be held at the December City Council meeting.