At the February 2 meeting of the city council, the assessment of the 70-year-old swimming pool was reviewed.
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported first on the good news regarding the pool. At this point the intent is for the pool to be open in the 2026 season, but not the baby pool.
Burbach Aquatics has provided a final report which includes a structural assessment of the concrete completed by Albertson Engineering. It was determined there was significant cracking. Using ground penetrating radar they found several potential voids under the concrete. Needed repairs of the existing pool vessel would be expensive and complex. It was recommended to abandon the existing pool vessel and construct a new pool. Burbach Aquatics estimated a rehab of the existing pool would cost $3.6 million and the construction of a new pool would cost $4.7 million. These are just engineer estimates and not actual costs which could be significantly higher.
The next step would be a design and cost estimate phase if the city decides to go forward on the recommendation. The city will also need to consider the need for other bonding projects including street projects and electrical upgrades.
Annual Department Reports
- Police Chief Blaise Sass said the department will finally get a new vehicle that was supposed to be delivered last fall. A second vehicle will be replaced with a 2026 Dodge Durango, after a current vehicle was totaled due to a collision with a deer. The department has three full-time officers including the chief. Currently, there is only one part-time officer. The department serves Preston, Lanesboro and Fountain. Sass said they have had an increase in fraud and theft calls.
- Samantha Buley reported on public library activities over the last year. In 2025 the library got a new software system. There were 21,000 checkouts and 11,000 visits over the year. She reviewed the many programs and events hosted by the library. All new windows were installed at the library last year. In 2026 Buley wants to update the look of the junior and young adult section and the bathrooms.
- Chief Ramon Hernandez reported on the Preston Fire Department. The department has 23 members; it covers several townships. Hernandez said members are your neighbors and they are committed to our community. There were 32 calls and 30 controlled grass burns in 2025. Several events were held with a focus on fire safety. The old grass rig was sold and replaced with a 2025 truck to help with grass burns. Goals for 2026 include safety, more hands on training, recruitment, and the potential replacement of 1994 tanker.
- Jim Bakken provided the annual report for Public Utilities. It was a busy year; three phase underground projects were finished solving some voltage issues. There are plans for major electrical projects in 2027 and 2028 which will require bonding. Bakken listed several water utility rehabs/upgrades. All electrical water meters were replaced so they can be read at city hall. The need to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment facility is being studied.
Other Business in Brief
- Fire Department write-offs for 2025 in the total amount of $600 were approved. This does not mean the debts are forgiven.
- Ambulance write-offs for 2024 ($33,954) and 2025 ($204,213) were noted. This is largely due to the gap between billable rates and the amount allowed to be collected by insurance. Write-offs for 2024 totaling $40,446 are due to uncollected accounts; write-offs of these accounts does not forgive the debt; the city will continue to pursue collection. Write-offs for 2024 and 2025 were approved as presented.
- The current city attorney contract with Joe O’Koren was extended through December 31, 2027. Mayor Kurt Reicks and Police Chief Sass said he has been very good to work with.
- Proposed changes to the city’s fee schedule were reviewed. A public hearing will be held at the February 17 meeting on the fee schedule before final adoption.
- The appointment of Preston Fire Department Officers for 2026 was ratified.
- Approval was given for Karen Miller to have a seat on the Public Library board.
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