Preston council roundup: consent approvals, street-plan amendments, loan closing date, turbine funding and employee merits

The Preston City Council handled a mix of routine and substantive items at its July 14 meeting, approving the consent calendar, setting a USDA loan closing date, moving forward with Major Street Plan amendments, and acting on several development and budget items.

Consent and finance: the council approved the June 23 minutes (one abstention by Councilmember Brent Dodge) and unanimously approved the remainder of the consent calendar, which included bills through July 14, the Treasurer's Monthly/Quarterly Report dated June 30, 2025, a one-year warranty improvement bond refund to Terry Madsen for $11,897.50, and swale bond refunds to Cory Nielsen ($1,250) and Daniel Higley ($1,250 twice).

USDA loan: Colter Hollingshead of Keller Associates said USDA will transfer funds to pay off a DEQ loan for the wastewater treatment plant; the council set the closing date for the USDA interim loan on August 18, 2025 and authorized the mayor to sign necessary documents (unanimous).

Major Street Plan: after reviewing Planning & Zoning recommendations, the council approved several amendments to the Major Street Plan by majority vote; they also approved, unanimously and contingent on a recorded permanent easement, an amendment removing portions of 8th South and 7th West for Boyd and Betty Weeks.

Open space proposals: the council discussed an Enclave East proposal offering a $55,000 cash buyout in lieu of 1.869 acres of green space (two payments of $27,500). After debate about fair market value and payment structure the motion to accept the two-payment buyout failed when Mayor Dan Keller cast a deciding Nay following a tie among councilmembers. The Denton Acres open-space proposal was tabled for further negotiation after the developer requested trading the value of 0.34 acres (he estimated $115,000) for hook-up fees or required improvements.

Parking and public comments: resident Robert Kooren requested removal of a stop sign at 8th South and 2nd West, No Parking signage along the east of 4th South, and lowering the speed limit on State Street; council took no immediate action but directed Councilmember Chris Larsen to lead work on a proposed ordinance to restrict prolonged parking along parade routes.

Capital and personnel: Public Works Director John Balls requested at least $240,000 to rebuild a hydro turbine; Mayor Keller recommended adding $150,000 for contingencies and the council approved the funds with the additional contingency. The council also approved merit payments for fiscal year 2025 of $463 for full-time employees and $230 for a part-time employee, with pro-rated amounts for recent hires.

Reports and adjournment: councilmembers and department heads provided assignment reports and Mayor Keller adjourned the meeting at 7:59 P.M.

Votes at a glance (selected): - Consent calendar remainder approved: unanimous. - USDA interim loan closing date (Aug. 18, 2025): unanimous. - Major Street Plan amendments: passed by majority (3–1 recorded for one motion). - Weeks Major Street amendment (contingent on permanent easement): unanimous approval. - Enclave East open-space buyout ($55,000, two payments): motion failed after tie and mayoral Nay. - Denton Acres open-space proposal: tabled to continue negotiations (unanimous). - Hydro turbine rebuild funds plus $150,000 contingency: approved (unanimous). - Merit payments for employees: approved (unanimous).

The council did not adopt new ordinances at the meeting; several items were tabled to future meetings for further negotiation or information.