The Preston Planning Commission had recommended approval of amendments to Ordinance No. 221 after review and public hearings, which were held just before the city council met for their January 16 meeting.
A resolution was approved by the city council to amend the ordinance to allow a business an advertising sign within 100 feet of a residential district if it complies with sign regulations for both business and residential areas. Language that didn’t allow rotating and/or flashing signs was removed. The latter was to bring the ordinance up to date since these signs have been allowed since 2014 (illuminated only, not flashing, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.).
The council then approved a resolution to add boarding and lodging houses to permitted conditional uses in the R-2 district, when granted a conditional use permit.
Annual Department Reports
Annual reports outlining 2023 highlights were given for the EDA, tourism, planning & zoning, and the park board.
Lindsey Reding reported on the EDA highlighting progress with additional housing. There is a third home under construction at Blue Jay Ridge, two units completed at Trailside, water and sewer installed at the Golfview Doherty Addition, and the option agreement was transferred to Bunge Construction on the Park Lane Development.
Some businesses have expanded or changed ownership.
Residents began moving into the State Veterans Home on January 3.
Reding then reported on the various guides, print ads, billboards and digital advertising used to promote tourism. A 3% lodging tax is designated to fund tourism in Preston. The city’s biggest event is Trout Days. Fifty-seven bikes were checked out in 2023 in the Bike Share Program.
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported on the Park Board, which held eight meetings in 2023. Highlights include a new lawn mower, new restroom doors at the Trailhead, roofing of the ballpark storage shed, painting of the park bathrooms, the removal of 27 ash trees and replacements for those lost trees, the installation of a third 9-hole disc course, and a new pool pump and sand filter at the Preston swimming pool.
Throckmorton reported the planning commission had seven meetings and held eight public hearings. There were three rezoning requests, five variance requests, and 44 permits which included 38 building permits, two demo permits, five variances, and two rezonings.
Other Business in Brief
•Current EDA/Tourism Director Lindsey Reding has submitted her resignation effective January 19.
Throckmorton presented seven options for replacement of the EDA/Tourism/Chamber director. Dwight Luhmann explained the EDA discussed the options and favors a blended position with 32 hours focused on tourism and the Chamber, plus coupling with CEDA for EDA. CEDA could promote housing and the industrial park and provide grant writing.
Mayor Kurt Reicks liked the idea of having CEDA involved; Councilman Dean Aug concurred.
The council voted to post for a 32-hour position split between tourism and the Chamber, plus contract with CEDA for 16 hours. This will cost about $20,000 more than the current arrangement. The extra funds will likely be reallocated from the Development Fund.
•Reicks had requested a discussion regarding the new Minnesota flag. Councilwoman Flossie Schultz described the old flag as descriptive and unique. Reicks said, “To me, the new flag doesn’t represent the state.” No action was taken.
•City Attorney Luhmann presented a summary of the city administrator annual performance review that was discussed at the last meeting. The summary was approved as presented.
•The city council meets next on February 5.
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