The June 17 meeting of the Preston City Council was the last meeting for city attorney Dwight Luhmann. In late May, Governor Walz appointed Luhmann to fill a vacancy in the Third Judicial District. He will serve on the Winona County bench and will be sworn in on July 12. His resignation with the city after 18 years of service will be effective June 30.
Mayor Kurt Reicks presented Luhmann with a key to the city. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said we all share gratitude to Luhmann for his service and commitment to our community; we appreciate all he has done. Reicks added communication with Luhmann has been good; he has been great to work with.
Luhmann expressed an excitement for the new challenge and admitted it will be a little bittersweet. He said; “When we moved to Preston it was one of the best decisions we made; it is home.”
Throckmorton presented the council with a proposal for the city attorney position from Joe O’Koren. He currently serves as city attorney for Lanesboro, Rushford Village, and Whalan. A city council meeting with the city of Lanesboro would overlap with the first Preston city council meeting of each month. Therefore, he will not be available for the first meeting of the month in Preston, except under certain circumstances.
O’Koren detailed two options for payment. Preston has for several years hired its city attorney with an annual retainer for all services. One option provided by O’Koren provides for a flat fee of $1,350 per month for all general legal services excluding the prosecution of criminal cases, litigation, court appearances and preparation for those appearances. The excluded items would be billed separately on an hourly fee basis ($175 per hour for attorney and $100 per hour for paralegal).
Approval was granted unanimously to offer a two-year contract to O’Koren with payment as summarized above.
Other Business in Brief
•The lease and management agreement with the Preston Historical Society (PHS) that was approved at the June 3 meeting was amended this day. The Preston Public Utility (PPU) did not agree to contribute up to $250 per month as a utility bill credit. Therefore, the agreement is between the city and the PHS only. References to the PPU are eliminated. The PHS shall pay all utilities.
PHS will convert the former Dairy & Farm building and grounds into a Depot-Museum & Riverfront Center (DMRC). “Any improvements to the Premises, including the initial construction of the DMRC, shall become the property of the City.” Committee member Steve Hall thanked the other members of the committee for their unanimous vote and Luhmann for his help with the amended agreement.
•A request from Robert and Kelly Doherty to split their 8.91-acre lot at 1175 Highway 52 into two lots was approved. The Dohertys sold their house and 2.5 acres will remain with the house. The Doherty’s will retain ownership of the remaining 6.41 acres.
•The Library Board has requested parking restrictions in front of the library. It was noted that time restrictions for parking are hard to enforce. However, those with special needs would appreciate closer access to the building. The possibility of a parking spot for handicapped only was brought up. No action was taken this day.
•The ordinance proposed by Fillmore County to regulate Public Use of Cannabis was discussed. The proposed ordinance has a list of restrictions. Local jurisdictions can’t be less restrictive but could be more so. A motion adopting a resolution in support of the county’s proposed ordinance was approved unanimously.
•Fillmore County Soil and Water administrator, Riley Buley has requested permission to install a Root River Watershed informational kiosk on city property near the Preston Trailhead. Watershed signs may also be placed at Hokah and Stewartville. The proposed sign is to be four feet tall and three feet wide. Approval was granted to allow the sign to be installed as requested on city property at the Trailhead.
•Curb and sidewalk improvements on Main St. in front of the pharmacy were approved at a cost of up to $8,470. The quote was submitted by Legends Concrete, Inc. to remove and replace curb and sidewalk to make access from the street ADA compliant.
•The Towards Zero Deaths resolution was adopted which provides federal funds to law enforcement agencies to enhance traffic enforcement.
•Approval was granted to add Flossie Schultz to the Election Judge list in preparation for the November election.
•Riley Buley was appointed to the Preston Park Board.
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