At the November 18 meeting of the Preston City Council, the recent increase of the speed limit to 60 mph north and south of Preston was discussed. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent.
City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted MnDOT had conducted a speed study in 2010. MnDOT sets speed limits according to what drivers are actually driving. It is the free flow speed that drivers feel safe driving through an area.
Councilman David Collett said he had no problem with the 60 mph speed limit, but was concerned that the 40 mph speed wasn’t in effect at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 52 near POET. Hoffman explained POET has reached out to MnDOT about the speed increase.
Councilman Robert Maust insisted we know what is a safe speed; there is no need for a speed study and the expense of a study. Someone getting killed at that intersection is a concern. He suggested a lower speed limit was more important for southbound traffic in this area.
Mayor Kurt Reicks maintained we need to express our concerns to MnDOT. Hoffman suggested MnDOT is heading in the wrong direction with their speed limit adjustments. Hoffman was authorized to reach out to MnDOT with the council’s concerns.
Other business in brief
•Trout City Brewing is applying for a Brew Pub Off Sale liquor license. This license will allow them to bottle and sell the beer they make; this will just be for their growlers (one-half gallon sealed bottles). Deputy Clerk Sheila Marzolf explained once the off sale license is approved at the city level, they will have to apply to the state. Approval is required at both the city and state levels. The city’s approval was granted at a fee not to exceed $113.
•A Housing Incentive was approved as recommended by the EDA. Julie Sogla’s (Northfield) housing incentive program application is for the construction of a stick-built spec home at 108 Cottage Grove Ave. SW. The incentives will go to the home owner/buyer. Incentives include a family pool pass, one year golf membership, and energy rebates.
•Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) requested an annual appropriation from the city. Hoffman said for many years the city’s contribution was $500, for the last three years it has been $750, and the current request is for $1,000. “We have benefited many times over.” The $1,000 appropriation for 2020 was approved.
•The first meeting in January will be held on January 13. Hoffman is president of the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) board and has been invited to attend the national Utility conference on January 6 and 7.