At the May 21 Preston City Council meeting, City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported the state legislature passed the 2018 public works construction/bonding bill which includes $10.2 million for a veterans home in Preston.
The $825 million bonding bill passed the Senate with a 42 to 25 vote and the House with a 113 to 13 vote in the last half hour of the 2018 session Sunday night. The bill included $32 million for new veterans homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo. The governor has 14 days to sign the bill. He also has line item veto authority.
Hoffman gave credit to Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller for their efforts to get funding for the veterans home and other projects in the region included in the bonding bill.
Other business in brief
• Hoffman said getting adequate staffing for the swimming pool this year has been a real challenge. The Park Board approved a starting pay of $9.55/hour to attract more people. Councilman Charles Sparks, who serves on the Park Board, stated that after this wage increase was offered, we did get some more people. The Park Board has worked with volunteers and local groups to raise $6,000 to add basketball hoops to the tennis courts. The basketball court will run the opposite direction of the tennis courts and will be 20 feet longer than a regulation court. The Community Foundation approved $3,000 toward the basketball court.
Sparks said tennis will be the priority. If only one tennis court is in use, basketball can be played on a half court.
• A lot split requested by Bob Doherty was approved. The .89 acre parcel lies between his current and former house. The property is zoned R-2 and the lot will be in compliance with the zoning ordinance. Hoffman said the road, driveway, and utilities already exist so the normal platting procedure is not necessary.
• A letter of support to add a loop including Fountain and Wykoff to the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway (HBC) which currently follows Highway 16 from La Crescent to Dexter was approved. The additional loop will include a longer stretch of US Highway 52 and add MN Trunk Highway 80 to the official route. The Preston Tourism Committee had approved the letter.
• Councilman Robert Maust complemented Hoffman and Gabby Kinneberg on the success of Trout Days, especially the firework display.
• The council will meet next on June 4.
Leave a Reply