While it’s been a fair fall and the snow has been minimal, this is Minnesota and the snow will come. The City of Rushford Village is still scrambling to find someone to fill immediate needs in their Public Works Department before the streets need plowing.
Previous Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck is still working on a contracted basis with the city to maintain all water and wastewater reporting through his licensure. Scheck was in the position until June 30 of this year, following his resignation. Kyle Chiglo was approved to replace him a few weeks prior on June 16. In a surprise to the council, Chiglo then resigned his position October 6, having found a position with the county department which offered benefits. While he offered to help as much as his new job allowed, Chiglo’s employment with the Village ended November 21. Since then, the council has been seeking candidates for his replacement.
For the last month, while vague when discussed by the council, it appeared a candidate was in sight. The council had also discussed various options for acquiring the option of a benefit package for the full-time position and appeared to have narrowed the options to two that wouldn’t break the bank, settling working with the Public Employees Insurance Program. At the December 21 meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland broke the news that the candidate had withdrawn their application. “You’ve all heard the news,” he sighed, opening the meeting.
“We tried,” added Councilor Roger Knutson. “I think we’re going down the right road discussing wages and benefits. It’s the right road, but it’s still just going to be difficult to find someone.”
“I think what we’re going to have to do is put it back in the paper again and stress that we do have benefit package; a full-time position with benefits,” suggested Councilor Mike Ebner.
“It’s really a great opportunity for someone who wants to work locally and it’s flexible. It’s a great opportunity here,” added Knutson. The city will relist the position in the paper, on the local television broadcasting through Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce, and through the League of Minnesota Cities and Minnesota Rural Water. The initial deadline for applications will be January 8 with any interviews to take place prior to the next special meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, January 13. If no candidate comes forward, the Village will run post the vacancy through January 29.
“The next question is, what are we going to do in the interim, ‘cause it’s gonna snow one of these days,” noted Ebner. There are several parties being contacted for emergency plowing needs. Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit and part-time Public Works employee Trenton Chiglo may be able to assist on an emergency basis, but can only operate the truck which clears the paved roads of South Rushford. There is currently no one on staff or contracted who is able to utilize the large plow truck which handles the expansive miles of gravel roads in the Village.
“I know we’re in a jam here… at least keep things open. They don’t have to be perfect,” stated Overland.
“I think the wastewater thing scares people even though it isn’t that big of deal,” said Knutson, who works full-time as the Public Works Director for the City of Rushford. He clarified that the Village does not have a wastewater plant and that the job only requires collections and servicing lift stations and eventually obtaining water and wastewater licensure through the state if the candidate doesn’t already possess them. The option of bringing on a contracted company to monitor and conduct testing and reports is also being considered, as the city has until June 2021 to utilize Scheck’s licensure.
“Most of the job is roads,” stressed Overland.
“This might be the cart before the horse, but what if we list for a part-time position at the same time? It doubles our chances,” suggested Knutson. “Maybe we hire someone who doesn’t mind driving, but doesn’t want to do that other stuff. It’s a start.”
“I’m open to anything,” stated Enbner. “Say 25 hours a week? Snow plowing and road maintenance and all other duties assigned.”
“How’s this all going to fit in the budget?” questioned Councilor Rick Ruberg. While the Village has budgeted for the full-time position, there is also money, including reserves, that may be utilized for unforeseen needs.
“The first year will tell,” said Overland, concluding the meeting.
Rather than adjourning, the meeting will be continued to January 13, at 7 p.m., for the purpose of making a decision on any candidates which come forth. The next normally scheduled meeting is slated for January 19, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. It is open to the public.
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