At the August 4 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton gave an update on the planners conducting the community group plan which is still on track. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent.
Due to weather, the recent Rhythm on the River event was held indoors and was well attended. Online surveys ended on August 4; there were a good number of participants providing good feedback. There are a few more stakeholder meetings to go. Throckmorton said the planners will be looking for goals from the Planning & Zoning Commission in two weeks. In October the city council and the commission will meet together to form an action plan.
Other Business in Brief
- Ambulance Director Debra Ristau requested approval to post for EMT position/positions. She explained that the current full-time EMT has submitted a letter of resignation, effective September 5. She presented two options for his replacement. Ristau recommended posting the position as two part-time positions, 30 hours per week with a single benefit, or one full-time position with full benefits. She noted the service has been extremely busy. It was acknowledged that the two part-time positions will be more costly than the one full-time position. However, either will fit into her budget. Approval was granted to post for both the replacement/replacements as recommended.
- A resolution was adopted allowing for the sale of a tax forfeiture property (single family home) within Preston city limits. Approval of the sale by the governing body is required by Minnesota law.
- The storm that came through late July 28 caused property damage throughout the community. Throckmorton commended the local utility for their hard work.
- Throckmorton said there have been many challenges this year with the city’s swimming pool. A main circulation pipe broke and now there have been issues with appropriate chlorination levels. Burbach Aquatics, Inc. has been conducting a study; the results of that study are expected early this fall. Throckmorton said the study of the pool will help them to make decisions going forward.
Councilor Steve Hall said there will be several tough decisions that will need to be made. Costly projects facing the city include the swimming pool, wastewater treatment upgrade, and street construction/maintenance.
- Throckmorton reported the city has struggled to get volunteers to help with the watering of the flower baskets. The flower fund has been dwindling down. He questioned whether they will need to reduce the number of baskets next year or maybe there will not be any flower baskets next year.
- Budget numbers for 2026 will be introduced at the August 18 meeting.