Michelle Marotzke, Preston/Lanesboro EDA director, introduced herself to the Preston City Council at the July 7 meeting. Marotzke has been on the job since May 26. She has a master’s degree in business administration and EDA municipal utility experience. Her previous employer was Kandiyohi County. Marotzke said she has lived most of her life in west central Minnesota, so the southeast is a new adventure.
She plans to look into federal economic development grants, increase the use of the revolving loan fund to help businesses, continue to work with SMIF, continue the Trout Route project, and establish a business education program for the community. Marotzke submitted two grant applications shortly after being hired. She has met with both school district superintendents.
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said she has been an asset to the office. Council members extended her an official welcome.
Other Business in Brief
• Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrman’s request for a lot split on a vacant parcel they own was approved. Each lot will have a 30-foot access on Oak Dr. NW. The lot split is allowed, according to city code, with the filing of a certificate of survey. One lot will be 1.06 acres and the other will be 1.09 acres. There already is sewer and water to these lots.
• Approval was granted as recommended to sell the surplus 1991 Ford Dump Truck with plow and sander at auction or to a local municipality. The truck has been used to haul dirt and brush, but in the future the city’s 2004 Sterling will be used for these needs and as a backup plow truck. The 1991 truck and equipment will be sold in “as-is” condition.
• Throckmorton provided a draft version of a possible City Code of Conduct. He said there is no requirement to adopt a Code of Conduct. The code would cover the city council and also apply to boards and commissions. Mayor Kurt Reicks wanted to know how it would be enforced. It was noted that any member of these entities could raise a concern. Councilman Steve Hall said he wanted time to study the draft provided and also rules referenced by the League of Minnesota Cities. Throckmorton noted a lot of cities have a code of some kind. Discussion of a possible Code of Conduct will be brought back and continued at a future meeting.