Preston Fills Council Vacancy

At the October 20 city council meeting, unanimous approval was given for Jonathan Wood to fill the recent council vacancy, due to the resignation of Flossie Schultz. The term will expire December 31, 2026. It was noted that two people filled out forms expressing their interest in the position.

Wood attended the city council meeting and later spoke before the council. He explained he had served on the Faribault City Council for four years. In a letter expressing his interest in the council position, he referred to Preston as his “forever community.” He said he understands the importance of teamwork and the equal application of ordinances. He owns a small business (Jonathan Wood Construction Co.), and he and his wife have become members of Christ Lutheran. He believes community involvement is essential. 

Joint Meeting

Before the regular council meeting there was a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Emily Herold, MSA project manager, presented a future land use map to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. The review and updating of the city’s Comprehensive Plan have been in progress since May 19. Herold said it could be a planning document for the city for up to 20 years. The land use plan is a guiding document for zoning. The biggest proposed changes in the land use map are on the outskirts of town. The city needs more area for future housing and commercial/industrial. Preston needs different types of housing. Topography can limit areas that are appropriate for building.

A meeting that will be open to the public to review documents and to provide feedback is planned for November 6 from 5-7p.m. 

Other Business in Brief

• Variance requests submitted by Preston Protein Products (the former Foremost Farms) were approved as recommended by the Planning Commission. Three existing storage tanks are to be removed along the north side of the property and replaced with two large stainless-steel tanks. A variance was requested to maintain existing lot coverage at 82%. Industrial District limits are for lot coverage of 50%. It was also requested that a 0-foot side setback from the property line be maintained. Industrial District requires a 20-foot side setback. The use of the property will be unchanged.
• Stantec Engineering has provided an interim assessment and the final design for replacement of Rotating Biological Contactors (RBC) at the existing wastewater treatment facility. Jim Bakken explained the need for replacement of RBCs. RBC provides a secondary biological treatment process. There are two RBCs and one had failed and the repair was unsuccessful. Bakken explained they have been able to meet required limits with only one functioning. Due to the fact the city needs a new wastewater plant it was decided to hold off with the replacement of one of the RBCs, but the second one is now in bad shape. Bakken said a new plant is 5-10 years away. If the second RBC fails, the plant will lose the ability to treat wastewater and meet required regulations. The city will face fines if the facility can’t meet required water treatment standards.

Stantec Engineering estimates the needed repair can be accomplished for $500,000, which the utility commission believes can be funded using capital (sewer and water fund) reserves. Both the utility commission and the city council have now approved specifications and going out for bids on October 27. If the bid does not substantially exceed the estimate the project could be awarded at the first meeting in December. It is expected to take about nine months to complete the project. If the bid comes in substantially higher than expected, the city will potentially need to bond for the project.  

• Minnesota Paid Leave starts January 1, 2026. Approval was granted to use an alternate private plan through Hartford. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained the private plan can be more beneficial to staff and employees. An existing life insurance policy will be transferred providing a 15% savings. Approval was also granted to pay a one-time state application fee in the amount of $500 for the alternate plan.
• The acquisition of 308 Pleasant St. SE was discussed. City Attorney Joe O’Koren said there is a possible encroachment of the garage into the south property line. It is not known who owns the property to the south; the county recorder has not been able to trace ownership of that land to the south. Currently, they are waiting for more information from the seller and the county.

The city council has agreed to the purchase agreement. Throckmorton said they are hoping to get DNR matching funds for the purchase. The EDA has authorized up to $78,450 for the purchase and demolition. Additional funding options include general fund reserves or additional EDA Developmental Reserve Funds. No action was taken this day.

• An addendum to the lease with the Preston Historical Society for rental of the Depot was approved. Short term rentals not to exceed five days per function will be authorized. The addendum includes insurance and licensing requirements.