The Rushford City Council has voted to approve a recommendation from the Rushford Public Library board to hire Beth Nelson to fill the shoes of current Library Director Susan Hart, who gave notice of her retirement late last year. She has served in the position for 20 years.
Nelson is a local resident currently who had worked as a library aide for Rushford-Peterson School District for more than 10 years. Library Board Member Burt Svendson detailed a search and interview summary for the city council at the Monday, February 25 meeting.
There were 15 applicants for the position from all over the country. Three interviews were conducted, including two long-distance interviews via Skype. Nelson will start in the position, with Hart assisting with the transition, March 4. There is a three-month probationary period with the role.
“We were impressed with her enthusiasm; her energy about taking on a new position,” noted Svendson. “It was very striking.” It was also noted that Nelson has an existing repoire with the community, particularly families and children.
“She was a very good candidate,” added Councilor Jim O’Donnell, who also serves on the Library Board. “There will be an overlap of Susan and Beth working for maybe two weeks. I think it’s going to be a fairly seamless transition.”
In other news, the city has approved preparation of assessments and set a hearing for the assessments in relation to the 2019 Street & Utility Improvement Project. The project will target either street, utility, or both on East Grove Street, Walnut Street, and North Burr Oak Street and Lamplighters Lane.
Bid opening was conducted February 22. There were five bids with Zenke Inc., of La Crescent, as the low bidder. However, the contract has not yet been awarded. Total project cost is $1,359,000 million, which is $150,000 lower than estimated by engineers. $1.9 million was allocated for the project, which will be paid for largely by bond issue. Issuance will not put the city over its self-imposed debt per capita limit.
The $95,000 Lamplighters Lane portion will be paid for by Capital Improvement Funds already in place. The amount is $11,000 more than engineer’s estimate. The city has opted to utilize a 25.8% assessment for the two affected properties, keeping it in line with percentages that will be used for bonded project portion.
Property owners can discuss the estimated assessments at a hearing scheduled for March 25, at 6:30 p.m. The contract will also be awarded the same night. Financial Consultant Mike Bubany will be present to discuss bond recommendation.
The city also approved Part II of the Wellhead Protection Plan, an evolving plan to protect the city’s drinking water. Bolton & Menk Engineer Derek Olinger was present to discuss the plan.
“Part I discusses where drinking water comes from and how it affects the aquifer. Part II is about what’s going on at surface and what we can do to reduce the risk to the aquifer,” said Olinger.
Ongoing inventory of potential contamination sources, including known and unknown wells, as well as understanding other risks in the management area, were detailed. Olinger did note the city is well versed in standard operating procedure in relation to a water supply contingency plan, following the 2007 flood. He added that inclusion of items on the action plan will help determine eligibility for grant funding of related projects. With council approval, next steps include official Minnesota Department of Health plan approval and completion of any action items.
Brain Krenz, Director of Historic Bluff Country (HBC), and Eric Leitzen, HBC Board President, were also on hand to discuss a partnership agreement with the city, as well as organizational activities and plans.
Krenz noted 2018 was an “Interesting year,” and that HBC had been able to bring Fountain and Caledonia back on board. Goals for last year included securing partnerships with 10 municipalities, increasing social media awareness by securing 500 ‘likes,’ and adding more businesses to the partnerships with the regional tourism entity. Krenz noted HBC did make its Facebook goal and added businesses, but that payments by the business partnerships haven’t been completed and that only eight municipalities were secured.
This year, goals include adding municipalities, participating in more regional tourism events, and getting a more cohesive partnership with Root River Trail Towns. “There’s what I call the ‘Mayberry Factor;’ people think a small town has nothing to do,” said Leitzen. “At HBC, we want to collect information from cities, dialogue, and get the information out. I want HBC to be the United Nations of the region, with delegates from cities getting involved and making us stronger.”
Councilors Terri Benson and Sally Ryman asked the duo for further detail on promotion and goals, with both Benson and Ryman disagreeing with some of the notions put forth. “I’m glad to see you’re making progress at goals,” added Ryman.
“Your a long ways from getting money, but to recognize these things is a good first step. I have concerns. What I see isn’t very enticing or inviting. It needs to be more cohesive. Right now, it’s spotty at best,” said Benson. “I challenge you, to get your name out you have to get outside of here [regionally]. When going and talking with cities, have evidence of what you’re doing in front of you; have the proof in your pudding. Tonight is a little lacking,” she added. Benson also suggested HBC share information with its partners quarterly.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
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