At the October 15 Preston City Council meeting, City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported on an October 2 meeting of architects, engineers, and local leaders concerning a veterans home in Preston.
A schedule of the process includes predesign by January 2019, schematic design in March, the deadline of April 15 to apply for the Federal Veterans Administration grant, design development in June, an application deadline of August 1, and submission of construction documents later in August. If all clicks into place, there is the potential to break ground for the veterans home as early as late fall 2019.
Each individual unit is expected to be 350 to 400 square feet. A total of about 1,000 square foot per resident includes the individual unit per resident plus common areas. Design and decorations are expected to reflect the community, for example agriculture and fishing. The dining area may be situated to look out over the golf course. Two streets are to be constructed to provide access to the veterans home.
The next small group planners meeting will be on November 8. A larger community meeting will be held in December to allow those interested to see plans and ask questions. Funds continue to be raised that will be eligible for the 2:1 Veterans Administration federal match.
Mayor Kurt Reicks commented, “It is looking very positive.”
Other business in brief
• Due to the fact that the city’s employee group had significantly fewer health insurance claims this last year, the Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) is rewarding the city with a $16,929.50 claims margin refund. The funds will be split between the city ($7,480.46), Preston Utility ($6,909.68), and employees ($2,539.36). The split is based on how the premium is paid (85% employers and 15% employees). Employees with a family plan will get about $220 and employees with a single plan will get about $100.
• Approval was given for the Preston Fire Department to apply for the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). If awarded, the grant could be about $100,000 and would be used to replace turnout gear and air packs. A 10% match will be required, which would come from the fire department budget.
• A resolution was adopted as recommended by the Preston Library Board requesting Fillmore County to increase its funding for library services to 40% by 2024. This resolution has been approved by several cities in the county requesting the county to increase its funding due to the fact that usage/circulation of the library system is 60% city and 40% township or rural residents. Current funding is provided 70% by cities with libraries and 30% by the county.
• Chris Syverson has requested approval for a driveway access to Brownsville St. NW. He intends to build an attached garage on the west side of his house at 413 St. Anthony Street N. Approval was given to build a 24-foot driveway access to Brownsville St. NW as recommended by staff.
The next city council meeting will be on November 5. It may be the only meeting in November.
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