Preston Historical Society Updates City Council on DMRC Fundraising

At the September 16 meeting of the city council, Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society (PHS), reviewed fundraising numbers to date for the Depot-Museum & Riverfront Center (DMRC).

In early June a lease/management agreement was approved by the city council for the planned conversion/improvement of the Dairy & Farm building to the DMRC. The DMRC will be the property of the city. PHS was asked to give a progress report on fundraising in three months. Craig was very pleased to let them know that $201,504.58 has been raised at this point.

The Christianson Family Fund had pledged to match 50 cents on the dollar up to $50,000 with the second $100,000 raised. This will bring the total to over $250,000. The Christianson Family Fund has pledged to contribute another $50,000 with the completion of the third $100,000 raised. 

Craig explained, now that over $200,000 has been raised, PHS is beginning a brick paver campaign for the porch and portico. Bricks will be two different sizes with the smaller engraved bricks selling for $100 and the larger engraved bricks selling for $200. PHS can now apply for a building permit.

Councilman Charles Sparks said community support has been great. Local television stations have interviewed PHS members promoting the project.

Several grants have been applied for, which have not yet been received at this point.

Craig said the tractor ride over the last weekend was very successful with the participation of 91 tractors.

Other Business in Brief

• An appointment to the EDA board will be postponed until after the next meeting of the EDA board. The EDA will make a recommendation for a candidate to Mayor Kurt Reicks. The appointment will be considered at the next city council meeting.
• Sidewalk repairs have recently been made leading to the library stairs. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton presented a quote from The Treehouse in the amount of $4,747.85 to relandscape the area in front of the library. The city council approved the payment of up to 50% of the total cost to relandscape this area. The library will cover the balance of the cost.
• Enforcement of city code 92 Public Nuisance was discussed. When complaints are received there is an initial investigation. All complaints must be signed and are kept confidential according to state statute. Complaints are reviewed by Police Chief Blaise Sass and Throckmorton. If warranted a certified letter is sent to the property owner who the complaint was made against. When a property owner doesn’t rectify the violation the city council can take action through the abatement process.

Not all complaints result in a certified letter, if they are deemed to not be a violation under the ordinance. Councilman Steve Hall, who felt a discussion about this process would be beneficial, said constituents need to know these things are being handled. Throckmorton noted the process takes time. Councilman Dean Aug maintained that not everyone has the same standards. Mayor Reicks suggested an individual having a complaint should first talk to the neighbor; “communication is the best option.”

• One of the October council meetings will be a joint meeting with Preston Public Utilities.