Photo by Wanda Hanson
Retiring Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen and the new fire chief, Nick Smith addressed the Rushford City Council at their January 27 regular council meeting. Rasmussen gave a summary of 2024 at the fire department and presented items for approval of the council. He detailed the list of officers, the relief association board, and meetings and trainings planned for 2025. RFD currently has 28 firemen.
The final performance of Trouble Shooter “generated considerable funds” which will be donated to the fire department for equipment purchases. Last year, the relief association donated $10,080 for air packs, $2,616 for uniforms and $15,000 to purchase radios, two thermal imaging cameras and a skid unit for the ranger.
Future needs include adding an accessibility ramp to the fire hall and turnout gear will need to be replaced in less than five years. The gear costs around $3,500 per set and 30 sets will be needed. Helmets are on the same rotation.
RFD will be hosting a gun raffle fundraiser at Nordic Lanes February 8.
PWD Presentation
Public Works Director Roger Knutson presented a recap of potential 2025 projects. The department will be busy this year as they attempt to check off a multitude of projects including fixing the retaining walls of the levee at High Street, moving the fence at the airport, removing stumps and planting trees on Hwy. 30, working on the bank/clinic alley and repairing other alleys, stormwater repairs, working with teacher Jacob Kramer to plant a pollinator plot on the west side of Brooklyn Park, repairing tower roofs at Creekside Park and improving the city’s campground. Knutson reported that some weekends there were too many people camping at the park (as many as 100-plus) on some specific weekends. The plan is to limit the number of cars and tents. Four tent spots will be created and there will be seven RV sites.
Dave Lombard spoke to the council about replacing the 2005 Ford F-750 that has been used for most of the snowplowing in the city. He asked to replace the 20-year-old truck with a 2026 InternationalMV607 with additional warranties at a cost of $249,240. There are sufficient funds to cover the expense; the final expense for the truck will not be for two years. The old truck has only 32,000 miles on it and will be sold at Darr Auction. After discussion on the pros and cons of diesel versus gas engines, the council approved the purchase. Lombard shared that the International has a sloped front that allows the driver to see obstacles better and will have a hydraulic wing push bar to lower the right side blade below the passenger side window.
The 2007 white city truck will soon need replacing as well. Knutson noted that they are “keeping their eyes open” for a used replacement. The city has been trying to upgrade the bucket truck for several years. MiEnergy will be rotating a couple bucket trucks out of their fleet and placing them up for auction at Darr’s soon. Knutson asked the council for permission to bid on one. The council gave him permission based on the conversation they had had about it.
Flower Baskets
The council accepted a quote for 48 self-watering flower baskets with a lifetime warranty. With the large self-watering baskets, watering will only need to be done twice a week in the spring and three times a week during the summer. This will make it easier to keep them watered and actually save on water and fertilizer. The city is still looking for volunteers to take on some of the duties. Last year the Lions and the Rushford Lutheran men’s group helped with the watering. It’s projected the baskets will pay for themselves in four years.
Revolving Loan for Norsland Lefse
Leigh Volkman shared the interview held with Lori MacDonald and Zach Lind regarding an application for an EDA commercial revolving loan. Volkman felt Norsland had a good plan; the outdated rolling machines which had been custom made are no longer repairable. Norsland has grown its online sales and has new wholesale accounts; it needs to scale up production to meet existing and future needs. Norsland asked for and received a $49,900 commercial revolving loan which is not eligible for forgiveness and has an interest rate of 2.5% over 10 years.
Rushford Micro-Grant Program
The council also approved a revised micro-grant program. The matching grant is designed to support small businesses in Rushford and is available to freelancers, sole proprietors and home businesses as well. Applications can be made every other year.
The grant limit was raised to a $2,500 maximum and can be used for training, equipment, website and marketing and advertising. The applicant will need to pay taxes on this. Forms are available at city hall.
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