At the January 21 meeting of the city council, some projects listed on the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan were discussed.
Driveways at the Crown Hill Cemetery need improvements. Options discussed included paving of only the entrance estimated to cost $45,000, paving of all paved driveways estimated to cost $115,000, converting to gravel surface costing over $8,000 for the entrance only and over $18,000 for all driveways, and finally the use of compact bit millings, for which the cost was not estimated.
Councilman Steve Hall insisted something needs to be done. Mayor Kurt Reicks said he was not opposed to the use of gravel with dust control.
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported that about $60,000 is in the cemetery fund. It was noted that gravel will not work well in the steeper areas as it would likely wash in a rain event. More information will be gathered before a decision is made.
The Golfview addition, Golfview Drive, was built without curb and gutter in 2001. Maintenance was suspended in 2023 due to its condition. Last year a mill/overlay was estimated to cost $300,000. Reicks said he would like to put off the improvement of Golfview Dr. for another year. Many residents use the road to the veterans home as an alternative. There is also the possibility of additional lots along Golfview which do not have utilities at this point.
City hall window replacements or repairs are needed. Funding could come out of the Contingency Fund.
Funds have been budgeted for replacement of a police vehicle, expected to be discussed at the next city council meeting.
Funds have been budgeted for an updated Comprehensive Plan. The plan was last updated in 2014; it is recommended to update the plan every 10 years. The plan is a blueprint to the city’s growth and an evaluation of the community. It will be on the EDA’s agenda to consider cost sharing for an update of the plan. An update of the plan is estimated to cost $20,000 to $40,000.
A new plow truck is expected to be delivered in the spring.
No action was taken on the above items this day.
Annual Department Reports
Several reports were given on this day, and more will be given at the February 3 meeting.
EMS Director Deb Ristau said there was an increase in calls in 2024. In 2023 there were 353 calls and in 2024 there were 472 calls. Sixty-one calls were from the veterans home in 2024. There are 23 EMTs and 17 first responders.
In 2024 there were 24,854 volunteer hours provided. The per capita cost for this service without volunteers is estimated to be $167.
Approximately $98,000 in Emergency Ambulance Aid was received in December and will go toward the purchase of a replacement ambulance.
Jim Bakken reported on the many projects completed by Preston Public Utilities. Several electric projects were completed including, but not limited to, upgrades for the Fillmore County Jail, the conversion of the office building to apartments, the new Maple Leaf Service building, and the installation of a solar array at Preston Dairy & Farm.
The project to install water meters so they can be read at city hall is over 90% complete. This has been an ongoing project for several years.
Video inspection was completed for 6,500 feet of sewer lines; a portion of the city is completed each year. An application has been submitted for funding for the Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrade. Work will continue with Stantec Engineering to plan for the upgrade.
Bakken said rates will increase: 3% for electric, 2% for water, and 10% for sewer. Rates need to support daily projects and future bond payments. He said “the utilities are for the most part in great shape; we have very good employees.”
Throckmorton noted there is the possibility of a 2027 bond for the electrical utility. The utility has to support its bond payments.
Throckmorton gave the annual update for the Planning Commission. Twenty-nine permits were issued; 25 of those were building permits, three were new home permits, and one was a demolition permit. Three conditional use permits (two short term rentals and one for a solar array) were approved.
There were two rezonings; one for single family home construction and the other for the Preston Preston Historical Society Museum site.
Throckmorton reported on 2024 Park Board highlights. The Library Story Walk for 2025 was approved. All 12 garden plots were used. EDA received a grant to improve downtown parks.
Swimming pool passes were again provided as an EDA housing incentive. The pool manager returned and there was also a total of 15 lifeguards. In 2024 there were 4,328 pool patrons. A PACF grant was received for water aerobics equipment. Burbach Aquatics entered into a contract with the city to study and evaluate the pool.
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