Lindsey Reding was hired as the new EDA/Tourism/Chamber director at the Preston city council’s July 3 meeting as recommended by the interview panel, effective July 24. Councilman Dean Aug was absent.
Councilman Steve Hall noted that Reding was one of two excellent candidates that applied for the position.
Reding currently is working for the state of Minnesota. She has a BS in Recreation and Tourism Studies. For 10 years she was with client relations focused on Tourism/EDA in Thailand and for two years she was a community-based development volunteer in the Peace Corps in Thailand.
Other business in brief
•Final approval was granted for the purchase of a fire truck. In September 2021 the contract for the purchase was approved with an estimate of $600,000 for the truck plus equipment. The base cost of the pumper truck is $550,000. City administrator Ryan Throckmorton noted it could cost as much as $800,000 for that truck today. An additional $50,000 was budgeted for equipment (radios, ladders, hoses, and more); that equipment will likely cost considerably more than that today. The city’s 33-year-old pumper truck will be traded in valued at $5,000.
•Due to the resignation of a full-time police officer, the city council approved overtime compensation of up to 20 hours per pay period for the chief of police and an additional $10 per hour stipend for current licensed part-time officers. This additional compensation was approved for a limited period of up to eight to 12 weeks. This temporary solution will allow the department to continue to maintain good coverage and stay in compliance with Lanesboro and Fountain contracts.
•The purchase of insurance for property, liability, and workers compensation through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) was renewed. The city does not waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability.
•A grant contract agreement between the Department of Natural Resources and the city was approved. The grant agreement regarding emerald ash borer destruction of trees on city property ends in June 2025.
•The hire of two part-time police officers was approved pending approved background checks, as recommended by Police Chief Blaise Sass.
•The city council will next meet on July 17.
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