Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
At the last meeting for 2022, held on December 27, the Rushford Council unanimously approved a draft plan from the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The methods for economic development strategies include a fresh take on ways to drum up opportunities, particularly in the downtown area.
In a different format from previous years, the plan does repeat some successful past strategies but also builds on and enhances them, according to City Administrator Tony Chladek. First up is a Downtown Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program to support prospective business owners in acquiring vacancies or buildings for sale. The EDA already has a revolving loan fund that functions as a gap financing, but the downtown program would serve as a gap funding on the front end of new businesses.
“Unlike our current RLF program, this program could be preapproved, leveraging private, non-profit, and government lender support in a difficult commercial lending environment,” explained the EDA statement.
“It might incentivize people to start a business in available downtown properties,” noted Chaldek. “It may also incentivize local lenders to provide loans.” A loan helps the city get money funded back and reduces the scale and competition in grant programs, unlike the grant funding used previously.
The dollar amount ceiling is undetermined but would likely fall in the $25,000-50,000 range. “It might be something to use as a downpayment,” said Councilor Sally Ryman. “The EDA is adamant that this should be a huge priority.”
The new plan also takes a look at exploring zoning alternatives to increase downtown uses and value. “We’re looking at alternatives for zoning for commercial and residential. We could talk to some planners and see what we’ve got,” said Chladek. “We’re pretty much built out. We can look internally to see if there are things we can do.”
Ryman noted that more prominent cities, including Minneapolis, are finding luck with accessory dwellings for housing. However, building codes make accessory dwellings less effective in suburban areas. There are also possibilities for homeowners to create owner-occupied rental units within their properties.
“It starts out with ‘explore,’” added Cladek. “We need to take a look at opportunities.”
“We need to show support for people willing to take the risk. There’s a whole generation of people who need to do that,” said Councilor Leigh Volkman.
“We have entrepreneurs in our community and beyond. I am hopeful that 2023 will be productive in filling those buildings,” added Mayor Terri Benson.
The plan also lists additional housing strategies. They include promoting the Rushford Housing Renovation Program, exploring Well House Ministry plans to determine if housing development opportunities exist, and continuing relations with owners of the West Area General Development Plan area.
The meeting discussion also covered a recent conversation with city staff and R-P School Board Superintendent Ben Bernard. As a result, City Engineer Derek Olinger of Bolton & Menk will meet with the school board in January. The intention is to hash out proposed plans to link existing sidewalks and trails in the city and the school district’s parking lot with a trail behind existing homes on the west side of Eiken Drive.
The city and school district attempted to secure grant funding through Safe Routes to School but were unsuccessful. Now, the two are looking at cost-sharing and utilizing Public Works to create the trail. With that option, a few stipulations, studies, and guidelines must be adhered to, unlike with state and federal funding. In addition, the financial share, maintenance duties, and lighting still need to be hammered out.
The trail would be available for both students and the public. “It would be a great enhancement for the community and the kids themselves,” said Benson. “I’m anxious to see how they’re going to respond to it.”
“As 2022 winds down here, 2023 is going to have some activity,” pointed out Councilor Jim O’Donnell. The city’s water tower will undergo improvements, a new ambulance is on order, and the city will build a replacement airport hangar. Other projects like the trail extension and the start of the Susan Hart Memorial Gazebo Project are joining the list.
“This is going to be a slower year. It’s going to be easy peasy,” said City Clerk Kathy Zacher. “Highway 30 was a killer, and they [Public Works] still got all this stuff done.”
“It should be an exciting year,” echoed O’Donnell.
“It should be a productive year,” added Benson.
In other news, the council approved a 3% Cost of Living increase and an $85 cafeteria (employee benefit plan) increase for 2023 for full-time, non-union city employees. These are the same rate as those provided to full-time union employees. Specific positions include Administrator Chladek and Library Director Beth Nelson.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting and the annual organizational meeting is Monday, January 9, at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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