The first meeting of the year, January 11, brought both annual housekeeping and several updates. Up first, the council received a review from Rushford Police Department Chief Adam Eide regarding the proposed purchase of a new vehicle and equipment. The purchases were planned and budgeted for five years prior. Plans include trading the current 2015 Chevy Tahoe for a 2021 edition. Eide called the vehicle an “exceptional emergency vehicle” and touted its greater flexibility with department needs.
The new squad vehicle will be used primarily for day shifts in effort to retain low mileage on the department’s 2019 Tahoe. The unit package is designed specifically for use by police and includes several additional features. Much of the equipment from the current unit will be transferred over to the new one. However, the “counsel, cage, and prisoner partition” will be new, as will a new security camera which is expected not-to-exceed $5,000. The trade-in and new vehicle will be done through Lewiston Auto through a state bid pricing program. The total cost of the Tahoe and changeover is $37,050 after application of two additional discounts.
Eide also answered council questions related to the annual summary of police reports. It was noted that categories for Careless/Reckless Driving, Speeding, and Traffic Violations, as well as Theft Investigations are down from the last few years. This is likely due to a lower volume of vehicles and persons away from their homes. However, the category of Trespassing/Suspicious was way up, from eight in 2019 to 40 in 2020. It was explained that some things that don’t have a definite category may have been included in some of the other higher categories, skewing numbers a bit. Repeat checks on the same or previous issues may also be altering numbers.
The department currently has two full-time and four part-time police officers. “It’s rare, but things are really changing.” In the past, hires have gone on to bigger departments after a stint with the Rushford department or may have left the department in preference for another part-time or full-time position. In 2021, Eide estimated that the department could potentially be losing two part-time officers and he’s working to ensure the most coverage time possible is planned.
In other news, City Clerk Kathy Zacher made the council aware of the standing of the Letter of Map Revision and draft flood map. This satisfies the last Federal Emergency Management Agency requirement of the ongoing floodplain modeling review. Affected property owners have been notified of the progress. According to Zacher, notice of intent is scheduled for January 28. If no further issues are raised, the mapping will be final.
Review of easement acquisition paperwork for the upcoming Highway 30 Reconstruction project, scheduled for 2022, was also discussed. According to Zacher, all required notifications and documents have been sent to property owners with affected easements. While some are merely temporary, others will be permanent in order to achieve needed right-of-way.
Henning Professional Services will be contacting property owners regarding easements. The city has received no calls from property owners regarding the easements.
The council also received a summary of employee review for City Administrator Tony Chladek, gathered from formal reviews by all members of the council. Mayor Terri Benson noted she’d also reached out to all city department heads prior to finalizing the summary.
Chladek largely fared well in the review, receiving average or above average marks in several areas. Remarks included a “positive attitude composure,” “sought out ways to use EDA funds,” and “always follows up.” Areas for suggestion included policy execution, citizen relations, and staffing. Remarks included “a little more one-on-one contact” and “reach out to business owners showing support,” in citizen relations and encouragement to “connect with department heads” for better coaching in the staffing area.
“I appreciate everyone’s feedback,” said Chaldek. “There are opportunities for myself and the city for improvement. Thank you for providing responses.” The position is reviewed annually.
The council also conducted all annual paperwork during the meeting, including meeting times, designations, and appointments. The council will continue to meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of the first meeting in October, which will be moved to October 12 to observe the Columbus Day holiday. The council will continue to meet virtually, via Zoom, throughout January and possibly into February. Benson noted meeting decisions will likely go week to week until it’s clearly safer to meet in person.
Councilor Jim O’Donnell was again appointed Acting Mayor, in the instance that Benson is unavailable. The majority of Board and Commission appointments will also remain the same with some minor changes. Benson will switch to serving on the Economic Development Authority and Safety Committee, as well as remaining a part of Labor/Management. Councilor Andrew Linder will remain on the Airport Commission and Trees, Trails, and Parks. Councilor Jim O’Donnell will continue to serve on the Planning Commission, Library Board, and Labor/Management. Councilor Sally Ryman will switch to Community Education, having been on the EDA for quite a while, first serving as a citizen. Councilor Leigh Volkman had expressed some interest in the Airport Commission, but will continue with the Electric Commission instead.
“There’s some good in staying on commission for at least a year or two, but it’s good to move around, too,” noted Ryman.
“We will shake up the boat next year,” added Benson. At the conclusion of the meeting, she thanked fellow council members and city staff for their work this past year, despite the many challenges.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m., to be held virtually. It is open to the public. Those wanting to attend can contact city hall.
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