A rezoning request submitted by C & G Properties was considered at the December 18 meeting of the city council. The property at 413 Farmers St. NW has previously served as an office building.
The request to rezone the .6-acre property from I-1(Industrial) to R-3 (Multi-family Residential) will allow for the repurposing of the building as an apartment building.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the rezoning request prior to the council meeting and recommended approval. Chuck Aug was present at the city council meeting representing C & G Properties. He wants to redevelop the existing building as a six-unit apartment building. Everything fits within the building requirements for R-3 zoning. Ample parking is available (two stalls per unit as required).
The application to rezone the property to R-3 was unanimously approved.
An ordinance amending the zoning map to rezone the property to R-3 was adopted.
Other Business in Brief
•City administrator Ryan Throckmorton reviewed Personnel Policy changes. Most of the changes were updates to conform with those already approved in labor negotiations. Language was added to conform to Minnesota laws: Juneteenth in 2023 and Earned Sick and Safe Time in 2024. The Personnel Policy changes were approved as presented, effective immediately.
•A quote for 2024 city attorney submitted by Luhmann Law, LLC was considered. The flat rate retainer fee in the amount of $21,000 for the year was approved. The fee is unchanged from 2023.
•Official newspaper quotes from the Fillmore County Journal were accepted. The quotes are roughly 5% higher than in 2023.
•A resolution certifying the Preston Emergency Services Building as the city’s official polling place for 2024 was approved.
•Gabrielle Kreidermacher was hired as and EMT and Simon Hershberger and Mitchell Walbridge were hired as EMRs as recommended by ambulance director Deb Ristau.
•The city council meets next on Tuesday, January 2.