City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton guided the city council through 11 proposed ordinance modifications at its May 19 meeting.
Modifications were made to Ordinances 304 through 314. These changes are available for review on the city’s website at prestonmn.gov/proposed-ordinances/.
Ordinance 304: City Code Chapter 112 Tobacco Regulation was repealed as it was outdated and not consistent with state statute.
Ordinance 305: Ordinance 180 Boards and Commission Economic Development language was amended from “Commission” to “Authority.” EDA members must be a resident or representative of a business within the city. The EDA reviewed and approved the language changes.
Ordinance 306: Ordinance 127 Boards and Commission Public Utilities was amended to include appointment of members to three-year terms. The city shall continue to own and operate the city’s municipal utilities unless and until, two-thirds of voters approve an ordinance or resolution passed by the city council.
Ordinance 307: Ordinance 236 Boards and Commission Park Board was amended to remove requirement of appointed secretary and add language that allows the board to fill officer positions as deemed appropriate.
Note: The next three Ordinances 308, 309, and 310 formally establish boards that are already in existence.
Ordinance 308: City Code Chapter 32 Boards and Commission Establishment was amended to establish a Tree Board consisting of three members by ordinance. Board members oversee planting, care, and disposal of trees in public areas. The Tree Board approved the amendment.
Ordinance 309: City Code Chapter 32 Boards and Commission Establishment was amended to establish a Library Board consisting of seven members by ordinance. The board in accordance with Minnesota Statute and city ordinance oversees operation and maintenance of the public library. The Library Board approved the amendment.
Ordinance 310: City Code Chapter 32 Boards and Commission Establishment was amended to establish a Tourism Board consisting of five members. This board advertises and assists the city council on the promotion of Preston as a tourism destination.
Note: The next four Ordinances: 311, 312, 313, and 314 are modifications approved by the Planning Commission.
Ordinance 311: Planning Commission language is amended to state members are to be residents. Undue hardship language is changed to practical difficulties.
Ordinance 312: Appeal for Variance reflects approved amended language change to practical difficulties.
Ordinance 313: Variance of Subdivision reflects approved amended language change to practical difficulties.
Ordinance 314: Regulations for Institute Office Resident District (IOR) was amended to include a height of three stories and 35 feet, minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet, maximum lot coverage of 60%, setbacks: front 20 feet, sides and rear 15 feet, corner 20 feet and 50 feet low density residential boundaries.
A summary of all the above ordinance modifications was approved for publication in the newspaper.
Other Business in Brief
- Emily Herold, MSA project planner, kicked off the Comprehensive Plan project with her presentation to the Planning Commission and to the city council. She explained the Comprehensive Plan is a 10-to-20-year vision for the community to provide for future growth and stability. Land use, housing, economic development, transportation, utilities, and community facilities will be looked into. The city’s strengths and weaknesses will be analyzed and identified. During the process of building the document the community will be asked to engage and to provide input.
- The notice to exercise the option agreement for 119 Mill St. SW (POP site) was discussed. The option agreement ends at the end of this year. City Attorney Joe O’Koren had requested a search of the title which is clear. The property is considered clean now. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is okay with the transfer. Next, the city will provide notice to Fillmore County with its intent to exercise the purchase option agreement.
- City staff continues to work with engineers on wastewater treatment facility plans. They have met with Minnesota agencies to discuss possible locations, which unfortunately includes the unlikelihood that the facility can be expanded at the current site.