City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton, at the city council’s April 7 meeting, explained seven proposals had been submitted to update the city’s comprehensive plan.
Mayor Kurt Reicks and Throckmorton had reviewed and scored the proposals; they recommended going with MSA Professional Services, Inc. At the March 17 meeting Throckmorton had asked for volunteers to review proposals that had been submitted. Members of the Planning Commission and EDA were also asked if they wanted to participate.
Throckmorton said proposals varied in cost, ranging from $18,000 to $64,100. He noted MSA has an extensive background in comprehensive plans, provides a variety of opportunities for the community to engage, includes community goals and development planning, works through existing and future land use maps, and will outline opportunities and provide an action plan. The project is to begin in May and run through December. MSA will provide the work outlined in the proposal for a lump sum fee of $30,000.
Before voting on the MSA proposal, Reicks said MSA had good references and that their proposal stood out among the proposals submitted. Throckmorton added that the MSA proposal was very complete.
Councilman Steve Hall suggested nobody understands Preston better than Widseth. Widseth had submitted a proposal. Hall was concerned about the Riverfront project and the housing study; he wanted to make sure they were not overlooked. Reicks said MSA will look at the previous comprehensive plan (2014) to find out what parts of that plan have been followed. They will be looking at what is best for the city, not just tourism.
Councilman Charles Sparks noted the plan will be a guide; some things have completely changed since the last plan was approved. For example, what is now the Riverfront project was an industrial area in the 2014 plan. Reicks suggested the decision could be tabled, if council members wanted them to, so council members could each go through each proposal.
Hall said, “I think we should move forward.” The council unanimously approved the proposal submitted by MSA.
Other Business in Brief
- Throckmorton reviewed several draft ordinances to be updated. He noted the tobacco ordinance could be repealed, as tobacco is regulated by the state. The EDA, PPU, Planning Commission, and Park Board ordinances should be updated. New language is recommended for the Tree Board, Library Board and Tourism Board. Hardship variance should be updated to reflect Practical Difficulties language and add IOR zoning regulations. Floodplains are in compliance, but staff could be given better direction.
The draft ordinances will be published and then considered at the May 19 meeting. No action was taken this day.
- Rock and bituminous bids were approved from Bruening Rock, Milestone Materials, and Rochester Sand & Gravel.
- Friday, April 25 is Arbor Day. The mayor will sign an Arbor Day Proclamation proclaiming the last Friday in April as Arbor Day and May as Arbor month. Preston has had the Tree City designation for 41 years. There will be a tree planting ceremony on Arbor Day with school kids and members of the Tree Board.
- The April 21 city council meeting will include the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.
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