By Kirsten Zoellner
So what’s in a name, or in a brand for that matter? One can hardly think of a city other than New York when you see a big red heart preceded by the letter “I.” What about our small towns? Can they build a lasting public im
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"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"
Online Edition
Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Volume ∞ Issue ∞
- 8:58:04, Jun 18th 2013 - cabraden1 - I salute you Colonel Overland. Your were my c.o. at Rockville Naval Air ... [Read More]
- 7:10:46, Jun 13th 2013 - chipperlee - Seems to be a well written article, except maybe Silica Sand is used in ... [Read More]
- 12:02:15, Jun 9th 2013 - getthefacts - The problem here lies in the fact that girls were repeatedly told "if y ... [Read More]
- 10:45:32, Jun 7th 2013 - Jo mom for 6yrs - Mr. Ehler hit the nail on the head. I agree with the religious con ... [Read More]
- 2:47:58, Jun 7th 2013 - hello - Hello, it's time you wake up. There isn't a community nearby that doesn't offe ... [Read More]
- 9:06:21, Jun 6th 2013 - hello - Hello, it's time you wake up. There isn't a community nearby that doesn't offe ... [Read More]
- 2:05:29, Jun 6th 2013 - Kim Wentworth - The number one rule in a debate: 1) if the person from the opposite si ... [Read More]
- 12:42:18, Jun 4th 2013 - EW - For someone that is always spouting religious rhetoric, you try to come off as a ... [Read More]
- 11:32:18, May 31st 2013 - JO PLAYER - This is unfair to us girls. Morrie Miller is not getting canceled but J ... [Read More]
- 8:25:34, May 29th 2013 - RP - Why is Mr. Ehler involving himself with non-school activities? Is he going after ... [Read More]
Rushford seeks land values on properties
Fri, Jun 14th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
Comments
By Kirsten Zoellner
The city is seeking professional appraisals on two of its properties; the lot immediately west of the fire hall and the community center and lot in the Himlie Business Park. With parties interested in both locations, City Administrator Steve Sarvi urged the council to approve the appraisal process.
“We have no good idea what they’re worth,” he noted. We’re getting close to needing those numbers. As the economy picks up, appraisers get busy. We’re told lead time is 4-6 weeks.”
The city does have the option of doing a market analysis, which is less costly and done more quickly, but as Sarvi pointed out, it has little validity with banks and other lenders. Sarvi has acquired verbal estimates of less than $1,000 to conduct each appraisal.
“I think we need a real time appraisal, so we at least have a starting point,” added Councilor Mark Honsey.
“It’s money well spent,” echoed Councilor Roger Colbenson.
The community center began in November 2009, but was never completed. The lot on which it sits had initial land and infrastructure costs of over $192,000. To date, the city has put $400,000 into the building which sits on the lot.
The lot west of the fire hall is currently undergoing soil analysis to see if it is suitable for construction. John and Eileen Loken, of Houston, are looking to purchase the lot as the site for a motel.
The city is also looking ahead to preliminary budget planning for 2014. Prior to setting the 2013 last year, an interest in beginning the planning process earlier each year was expressed by at least two councilors. The city now intends to form a subcommittee of two council representatives and city staff to start crunching the numbers for budgets as early as July. Typically, budget work has been set aside for the fall with the city certifying its levy to the county no later than five working days before December 20.
“I think it’ll be helpful to know what intentions are,” noted Sarvi in reference to planning earlier.
The city will appoint council representatives at the June 24 meeting. The subcommittee will discuss goals and objectives, and report back to the council.
At least one item can be removed from the remainder of 2013 budget; the former municipal liquor store. The council voted in April to reject USDA funding that would have seen .....
[Read the Rest]
The city is seeking professional appraisals on two of its properties; the lot immediately west of the fire hall and the community center and lot in the Himlie Business Park. With parties interested in both locations, City Administrator Steve Sarvi urged the council to approve the appraisal process.
“We have no good idea what they’re worth,” he noted. We’re getting close to needing those numbers. As the economy picks up, appraisers get busy. We’re told lead time is 4-6 weeks.”
The city does have the option of doing a market analysis, which is less costly and done more quickly, but as Sarvi pointed out, it has little validity with banks and other lenders. Sarvi has acquired verbal estimates of less than $1,000 to conduct each appraisal.
“I think we need a real time appraisal, so we at least have a starting point,” added Councilor Mark Honsey.
“It’s money well spent,” echoed Councilor Roger Colbenson.
The community center began in November 2009, but was never completed. The lot on which it sits had initial land and infrastructure costs of over $192,000. To date, the city has put $400,000 into the building which sits on the lot.
The lot west of the fire hall is currently undergoing soil analysis to see if it is suitable for construction. John and Eileen Loken, of Houston, are looking to purchase the lot as the site for a motel.
The city is also looking ahead to preliminary budget planning for 2014. Prior to setting the 2013 last year, an interest in beginning the planning process earlier each year was expressed by at least two councilors. The city now intends to form a subcommittee of two council representatives and city staff to start crunching the numbers for budgets as early as July. Typically, budget work has been set aside for the fall with the city certifying its levy to the county no later than five working days before December 20.
“I think it’ll be helpful to know what intentions are,” noted Sarvi in reference to planning earlier.
The city will appoint council representatives at the June 24 meeting. The subcommittee will discuss goals and objectives, and report back to the council.
At least one item can be removed from the remainder of 2013 budget; the former municipal liquor store. The council voted in April to reject USDA funding that would have seen .....
[Read the Rest]
Rushford aims to reduce comprehensive plan
Fri, May 17th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
By Kirsten Zoellner
The city has entered into an agreement with Yaggy Colby Associates for professional planning services in an effort to update the city’s comprehensive plan. The plan was last updated in 2008 and so after the flood, changes were
.....
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Rushford cancels City Hall project, for now
Fri, Apr 12th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
By Kirsten Zoellner
At least for the time being, Rushford’s city hall will remain at its present location. Plans to convert the former municipal liquor store into new city hall have stalled more than once due to cost and funding. The council vote
.....
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Rushford Community Foundation seeking proposals for grants
Fri, Apr 5th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
The Rushford Community Foundation is seeking proposals for projects or programs that fit the foundation’s grantmaking priorities. The foundation supports new and innovative projects or programs that improve the quality of life and build on existi
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Rushford reverses decision due to grievance
Fri, Mar 15th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
The on-going debate over staffing needs within Rushford’s Public Works department is on again. Public Works had long lobbied for staff member Curt Courrier’s 36-hour per week position to be transitioned to full-time, based on increasing workload
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Rushford puts halt to contract mowing for 2013
Fri, Mar 1st, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
After a lengthy process to determine potential cost savings of contracted versus public works mowing of the city’s 135 acres of land, the city will sit on the idea of contract mowing for this season. The idea, led by Councilor Roger Colbenson, cou
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Rushford looks at ambulance service needs
Fri, Feb 15th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
While Rushford has a strong, viable ambulance service, other communities are not as fortunate and their need may prompt changes to the service’s coverage area. The state sets the coverage boundaries for municipal services and a lack of rural servi
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Rushford opens up discussion on Highway 43 project
Fri, Feb 8th, 2013
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
The state has slated 2014 for a major overhaul of Highway 43 running through the heart of Rushford. According to WHKS project engineer Tim Hruska, the cooperative effort between the city and MNDoT must be done due to rapidly aging water and utility
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