At the June 3 city council meeting, the Preston City Council approved a lease and management agreement with the Preston Historical Society (PHS) for the former Dairy & Farm building at 304 Fillmore St. E.
The agreement is between the city, Preston Public Utilities (PPU) and PHS. The agreement also includes the Historic Milwaukee Road Elevator and railroad display. The lease commences on June 11.
The terms include two phases where the PHS will be raising money for the project. The PHS will have 12 months to raise $200,000 for the project, which is to be used for exterior building construction, like raising the floor and weatherizing the building.
Once the initial funding is secured and terms are met, the lease will be extended for another 48 months to allow the PHS to raise another $200,000 to complete interior renovation as detailed in plans and drawings.
The city can terminate or renegotiate the lease at the city’s discretion if the goals are not met. If construction is substantially complete by the end of a four-year term, the lease will be extended for 20 years.
This is a “no rent” agreement. The PPU will contribute up to $250 per month as a utility bill credit. Plans are for the building to be used as a public museum and an activity and meeting center.
PHS is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the facility. The city will provide fire and casualty insurance on the premises. PHS will insure its own personnel property and carry business liability insurance.
Mayor Kurt Reicks made it clear the city will have no financial obligation for the project beyond the $3,000 that the city has annually levied for the PHS.
Councilman Steve Hall said the facility will be Preston’s museum when it is completed.
The lease and management agreement as presented was approved unanimously.
Other Business in Brief
• City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained the preliminary plat for the Doherty Addition was approved on May 3, 2022, and the final plat was approved on May 16, 2022. In November, Bob Doherty presented a request to divert some street improvements. The city shall assess street improvements through the end of 2029. The city will waive any street improvement special assessments for Block 1 lots 1-7 and Block 2 lot 1 of Outlot B. The city will defer any street improvement special assessments for Outlot A. Throckmorton said they want this agreement in place before they accept infrastructure that he has put in. A resolution was unanimously approved to enter into a development agreement for the Golfview Doherty First Addition Subdivision.
• Throckmorton referred to a site plan for the proposed drive-through exit onto Preston St. for F & M Community Bank. To get proper grade, steps would need to be installed on the sidewalk on the south side of the street. City staff recommended removing the sidewalk on the south side of the street to the property owners, since there is a street level sidewalk on the other side of Preston Street. Property owners agreed. Elimination of the south sidewalk along Preston St. from St. Anthony to Pleasant St. was approved. Councilman Dean Aug abstained.
• Smith Schaffer and Associates provided the only audit proposal for 2024 ($22,000, or a 10% increase over 2023) and for 2025 ($23,000). The proposal was approved as recommended by staff.
• The hire of April Prinzing and Samuel Springer as EMTs was approved.
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