Preston city attorney, Dwight Luhmann led a discussion on a draft of the proposed Special Use Vehicle Ordinance at the city council’s April 1 meeting.
The ordinance will be designed to regulate the use of UTVs (utility terrain vehicles), ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), golf carts, and mini trucks on city streets (not federal highways). A permit will be needed and will be displayed on the back of the vehicle.
The operation of these vehicles is subject to state statutes. A driver’s license will be required for special use vehicles with the exception of ATVs. Proof of insurance will be required. Times and rules of operation will also be detailed in the ordinance.
Councilman Steve Hall asked how the ordinance can be enforced. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted enforcement is a concern with ordinances in general.
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said putting the ordinance into effect will first require a final review and public comment period which will occur at the April 15 meeting. After the public comment period, the city council will need to approve a resolution adopting the ordinance.
A permit fee will need to be determined and a resolution will need to be approved amending the fee schedule. The last resolution to be considered will allow for specific trail use. This process will hopefully be completed by early summer.
2023 Audit
Kali Lentz, Smith Schafer and Associates, presented the city’s 2023 financial summary. Smith Schafer issued an unmodified “clean” opinion on the 2023 financial statements.
The general tax levy revenues represented 44% of the total governmental revenues in 2023. Tax increment revenues totaled $67,355. Local Government Aid provided 20% of the city’s governmental revenues.
General fund unassigned reserves equal 56% of annual general fund expenditures (the state auditor recommends 35% to 50%). A total of $523,658 is available to finance future capital improvement needs. All debt service funds are adequately funded. All outstanding bonds are being paid on a timely basis.
Electric, water, and sewer funds are supported by rate payers and are generating sufficient cash to meet annual debt service on outstanding debt and to provide reserves for future capital improvements.
Throckmorton noted the tax base has shifted with the increased valuations of residential properties. Commercial valuations are about the same.
The 2023 audit was approved as presented.
Other Business in Brief
- The elected and appointed officials travel expense policy was adopted in 2003. The current policy was discussed. A draft to update the policy will be reviewed at a future meeting.
- Approval was granted for Steve Hall to attend a League of Minnesota Cities conference in Rochester on June 26-28. The cost for registration and travel totals $425.
- Approval was granted for Ryan Throckmorton to attend Minnesota Municipal Clerks training in St. Cloud (University) on May 6-10. The registration cost was reduced through a grant from the Minnesota Clerks and Finance Officers Association. The total estimated cost for registration, lodging, and travel totals $1,210. It is a three-year program with classes held for one week each of the three years.
- Rock and Bituminous bids for 2024 were approved. Rock costs have increased 4.4% for pick up, 3.5% for delivered compared to 2023. Bituminous is down 7.75% on average from 2023.
- Friday, April 26 is Arbor Day. Preston has been designated a Tree City for the last 40 years. The Arbor Day Proclamation will be signed by Mayor Reicks. There will be a tree planting ceremony on Arbor Day on Friday April 26 at Trailhead Park at 10 a.m.
- Approval was granted to again hire Rick Grooters as the summer helper and Mary Reisner and Peggy Bjortomt as seasonal part-time visitor center attendants.
- The city council will meet next on April 15, which will include a meeting of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.