The Preston City Council met electronically April 6 via “Go to Meeting.”
City staff recommended the Trout Days celebration scheduled for May 16 should be canceled for 2020. It would not be feasible to schedule it later in the summer. City Administrator Joe Hoffman recognized that it will affect businesses and organizations within the community. But, there really is no way around it.
City Attorney Dwight Luhmann asked about the fireworks contract. Hoffman said the fireworks have been paid for and will be stored in the bunker. Councilman Robert Maust conceded they have no choice, but to cancel the celebration. Tourism Director Gabby Kinneberg suggested some of the kids events, like the bounce house, which has been booked and paid for, maybe could occur in the fall. We will just have to see how things go. The council voted unanimously to cancel Trout Days for 2020.
Hoffman pointed out that Pop-up Markets scheduled to begin in May will likely be canceled as well.
Hoffman updated the council on the city’s response to COVID-19. As of March 19 all city facilities have been closed to the public. All staff is practicing social distancing. Employees in non-critical positions work from home when directed to do so. Employees in critical positions report to work, but are encouraged to take leave time when possible. Hoffman said they are following COVID-19 information daily both state and nationally.
Mayor Kurt Reicks declared a Local Emergency in the city of Preston at the beginning of the meeting. The council voted unanimously later in the meeting with a roll call vote to extend the declaration of a local emergency indefinitely. This allows the city council and other boards to meet entirely by remote telephone or electronically, as it is not feasible to meet in person at the regular meeting location. It also gives authority to the mayor, administrator, and staff to take necessary actions to ensure that public services are not interrupted. The last local emergency was declared in June 2008 due to the flood.
Ambulance Director Ryan Throckmorton reported that they have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE). The number of crew members are limited on a call and they use masks. No friends or family are allowed in the ambulance in most cases. The call volume has dropped off drastically, due to stay-at-home orders. There still is 24/7 service.
Other business in brief
•Karen and Richard Winter (Overlook Dr.) have requested the consolidation of two lots that they own in Golfview Estates. They want to build a house across the property line of the two parcels. Hoffman explained a street light wire will have to be relocated at the property owners’ expense. With the original plat the public utilities were granted a blanket easement across these lots. The request to merge the two lots was approved.
•Jeff Dyerson has asked if the city would like to purchase the lots that were owned by his father Roger, who is deceased. The house and land are along the in-town trail on River St. (west of Houston St.). The property is in the flood plain, which greatly limits reinvestment in the property, especially any improvements. Hoffman noted that in the past the city has used state and federal funding to help purchase properties in the flood plain. FEMA does want to limit development in the flood plain. If state and federal funding were available the city would need to pay about 12.5% of the purchase price and then demolish the structures and maintain the property. Mayor Reicks said if Dyerson could sell the property privately it would remain on the city’s tax roll. Council members seemed to be in agreement that they were not interested in buying the property and that it should be put back on the market.
•Cathy Enerson, EDA, explained the EDA has developed two programs to help affected businesses during the pandemic. The council approved the EDA recommendation to offer a three month deferment on existing revolving loans. The deferred payments will be tacked on at the end of loan payment plan.
The creation of an EDA Emergency Revolving Loan Program was approved as recommended by the EDA. The program is intended to assist businesses with utility and property tax payments. A total of $30,000 will be set aside for the program. It will be on a first come, first serve basis. The maximum loan will be $3,000 per business. Applicants will have to submit bills monthly. The number of applicants is not limited. The amount of funds available for the program will be the limiting factor. Repayments on the loans will begin January 1, 2021.
•The vacant property on Cottage Grove Ave. was discussed. A resident has expressed concern about the property that has scaffolding against the house which is only partially sided. There is a hole into the basement which has allowed critters to take up residence. The city has sent numerous letters to the property owner, which have not motivated a response. The property is not and has not been in compliance with city ordinances, which have led to safety concerns. Luhmann said he will talk to Hoffman and the police chief to determine the options they have moving forward. Reicks said they have been dealing with this property owner for over two years.
•The county ambulance subsidy agreement (an annual contract) between the city and the county was approved. The county subsidy provided is $4,500.
•Ian Shupe was hired as the city’s summer helper for 2020.
•Rock and bituminous bids were accepted.
•The next council meeting will be held electronically on April 20. The Local Board of Appeal and Equalization will be part of that meeting.
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