A committee has been formed to determine next steps for the community’s 70-year-old swimming pool. At the June 1 meeting of the city council, members ratified the Park Board’s approval of committee members. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent.
Burbach Aquatics assessed the pool and has estimated that rehabilitation of the pool could cost $3.6 million and construction of a new pool could cost at least $4.7 million. The council had agreed at an earlier meeting this year that it will be a new pool or nothing.
Members of the pool committee include Jonathan Wood representing the city council, Robert Hanson of the Utility Commission, Erlyn Marzolf of Planning & Zoning, Riley Buley of the Park Board, Alison Leathers representing the Community Foundation, and community representatives including Andy Bunge, Dwight Luhmann, Jessica Bradt and Caitlyn Duxbury. City Administrator Michelle Marotzke and the Preston Public Utility (PPU) General Manager will also be involved with the committee.
Other Business in Brief
•City Hall is in need of more repairs. Priorities include the replacement of exterior doors and improvement of building security, EFIS around the exterior of the building, and some new carpet throughout the office area. By consensus the city council agreed to have Marotzke move forward and confirm previously submitted bids. Final bids will be considered at the June 15 meeting.
•There was a consensus to continue to review the Security Camera Policy. Councilman Steve Hall volunteered to review the policy with Marotzke.
•Marotzke said the city attorney suggested they should move forward with the creation of a Personnel Committee. This would be an advisory body for all matters relating to personnel. Woods said this committee would be beneficial. Marotzke said it needs to be fair for all employees, noting the League of Minnesota Cities will be the best resource. The creation of this committee will continue to be investigated.
•Councilmen Hall and Dean Aug volunteered and were appointed to serve on the Negotiating Committee. The Preston Public Employee Association negotiations are due for six of the city’s employees. Negotiations occur every three years. Other members of this committee will include a member of the PPU, Marotzke, and the PPU General Manager/Public Works Director.
•Council members have been getting some questions about the city’s potholes. The next bonded street project is planned for 2030. Hall said there are a lot of potholes that need attention. Deputy Clerk Sheila Marzolf noted Jim Bakken does have a priority list; she will check with him.
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