After discussions during the last several meetings, the Rushford City Council has formally approved a new parking ordinance, which goes into effect immediately. The decision was reached at the April 12 meeting, following citizen input at a public hearing last month.
Several modifications were made to the original draft. They include the addition of all terrain vehicles and utility task vehicles within the definition of “vehicles’’ (section 15.01B), parrallel parking exception for motorcycles (15.05), the parking of trucks which are personal or work vehicles in front of the property owners home (15.09B), and the advertising of vehicles for sale (15.12). The modifications also struck portions of the draft which included the number of licensed/registered/operable vehicles allowed (15.14C) and curb to curb plowing in the section related to Winter Parking Provisions (15.15).
No further public comments were noted after last month’s public hearing. It was noted that the city won’t be handing out citations right off the bat. “We need to advocate first and get people in the mindset of being respectful,” said Mayor Terri Benson.
“This isn’t written in stone,” added Councilor Sally Ryman. “We can always go back and make adjustments. It’s going to be on you, Tony [City Administrator Tony Chladek], to make sure it’s enforced.”
The council also approved certifying past due utility bills to Fillmore County for addition to the tax rolls. “Several homeowners were sent certified letters. All responded, except one. This particular one has done this before,” noted City Clerk Kathy Zacher. Shutoffs also typically help, but restrictions put in place for cold months and the pandemic, prohibit cities and utility companies from doing so during those times.
Zacher noted that previous pandemic funding assistance helped residents stay in their home and apartments. Now, new legislation is helping landlords that saw tenants who don’t pay their bills. The landlord is ultimately responsible for the payment of past due utility bills once they are certified to the county. Zacher expressed frustration with those who continually seem to struggle with paying on time.
“They need to help themselves once in a while,” she said, detailing a number of programs that are offered for assistance, which they are made aware of, but often don’t apply for. “I don’t know why they don’t. It gets to the point where you have tried to help them, but they don’t do it.”
In other news, Library Director Beth Nelson was present at the meeting to provide the details of the library’s annual report to the state. “Obviously, it’s been a slower year with the pandemic,” she began. “But, our numbers are starting to come back up.”
While everything for the library went virtual or contactless, pick-ups at the door, by appointment, are increasing steadily. The library is now averaging 150 per month. “It’s more busy than you would think,” added Nelson. “We had not one complaint. Everyone has been thoughtful and grateful. It’s nice to see the people start coming back.”
The Rushford Municipal Airport is continuing its search for renters for a hangar yet to be constructed. The city lost a hangar to fire in October 2019. City staff has worked with Matt Wagner, at Mead & Hunt, to develop a brochure to promote the space. The city plans to build a waiting list and has been working on a contact list. A logbook in the AD building at the airport will also be used to add to that contact list as they attempt to generate interest in the hangar.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The meeting is open to the public.
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