Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
At the March 9 meeting, the Rushford Council zipped through the agenda, which included upcoming asbestos testing, the attempted sale of the former ambulance rig, and a permit for The Mill on Rush Creek (the former Hoiland Mill). Added to the agenda was approval of a lease agreement for the historic depot building.
First up, the council unanimously approved a proposal for the former Himlie warehouse at 206 Industrial Drive. The proposal from Braun Intertec, of Bloomington, Minn., is estimated at $3,150 for a pre-demolition hazardous materials survey of the building. According to the proposal, “the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Health require building owners to identify all regulated or hazardous materials prior to structural demolition.”
The HazMat survey will identify asbestos-containing materials and other potentially hazardous materials at the site via visual examination and collection and analysis of samples. Braun Intertex will document findings, including quantities, and prepare a report. The survey is expected to take two days. Additional fees may accumulate if conditions require added work. The expected lab time on sampling is 3-5 days and the written report from Braun Intertec is expected to reach the city within ten days following.
Mayor Leigh Volkman indicated they thought the side was all wood at first, but is something on the floor. Councilor Jim O’Donnell added there may be something on the walls as well.
“It isn’t too terribly cheap, but we all know there’s no other solution to that,” said Volkman.
In the agenda statement, it was stated that Public Works Director Roger Knutston has talked with adjacent land owner Keith Poetz.
In regards to the ambulance department, Rushford Ambulance Director Joey Busse has been in contact with Ryan Buchholz, of Fire Safety USA, Inc., Rochester, Minn., regarding the sale status of the rig. The fire equipment company received only one bid for the rig in the amount of $2,500. Due to the lack of quality bids, the council opted to bring the rig back to the city and attempt to sell it locally through Darr Auction or other means.
The council also unanimously approved a lease agreement between the city and the Rushford Area Historical Society (RAHS). Added to the agreement responsibilities was wording for the city to pay the water, electric, and sewer services. RAHS will be responsible for all other maintenance or utility costs. This may include items such as phone, internet, and alarm system services.
The consumption and display permit for Jeff and Carrie Bruder at The Mill on Rush Creek was approved unanimously.
In reports, the council learned that Tonka Water has completed repairs and training at the water plant. According to the agenda, they will work with Knutson to review updates on the water plant which is nearly 20 years old.
“He did say some of that stuff was getting relatively old, so the guy was going to go back and see what it would cost to replace those items,” noted Volkman.
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