The May 26 Rushford council meeting lacked a lot of regular agenda business, but what was discussed heavily during reports was the Business Growth Support Plan. The program is offered through the Rushford Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Community Economic Development Associates.
The city has changed how it worked with CEDA in the past and is instead now utilizing them on a not-to-exceed hourly basis to give a leg up to new and existing business owners. The city could see as many as three business owners going through the program and its new, which bodes well for potential success as it helps them navigate business processes.
“It’s a good start to the program,” said City Administrator Tony Chladek. “It’s unique to Rushford right now.”
According to Chladek, the city will receive a status update regarding the program at the next Rushford Economic Development Authority meeting. There are four different stages business owners can go through, depending on the type of business, and there’s a specific allocation of maximum hours for each type.
Councilor Sally Ryman requested further program feedback to ensure business owners were doing their part. Chladek noted there is a layout…, but Ryman countered that layout does not equal implementation.
Mayor Terri Benson added a desire to ensure that business owners are getting the support they need and asked Chladek to check in with them to confirm that.
“It’s such a new program. I want it to succeed as well,” said Benson. “The CEDA programs in the past were a set amount of labor for set services. This is the EDA saying what if we help them get started without grant money, using tools instead. We’re trying to plant a better seed.”
Previous programs used broad strokes to aid business growth and this program is very specific without being locked in to a long-term contract with CEDA.
“What a great tool for someone starting a business or looking to improve a business or for anyone along that range,” added Benson.
Other report updates included a notification that the city will receive $150,000 from the Housing Trust Fund. This will match the $150,000 the city is investing to look at housing needs in the city.
When discussing the upcoming June council work session, Chladek spoke about the former Farmers Win Co-op site. Grants are in place to support the feasibility and economic impact reports that are underway. The reports are due June 11. He noted the analysis from each will provide guidance as the city determines how best to use the property.Eventually, the EDA will make limited recommendations to the council regarding the options and the council will ultimately need to determine the path forward. Public input will be important on how the city proceeds, but plans for in-person public comment are still developing.
Bill Spitzer, director of transportation for Rolling Hills Transit, recently contacted Chladek about the formation of a transportation advisory committee and is seeking volunteer members for it. While neither the council or the EDA will be putting names forward for who could potentially serve, it was suggested that someone at R-P Schools, a daycare service provider, or bus rider or parent of a rider may be an option.
There was one item of regular business for the meeting. The city received an application from Davin Thompson to serve on the Rushford Electrical Commission. This does pose something of a conflict of interest as Thompson works for MiEnergy, but it was noted that nearly all past and present members of the commission have some sort of conflict, but abstain from voting when they arise. Thompson noted this conflict in his application. Ryman noted Public Works Director Roger Knutson indicated that Thompson has been helpful in the past. The council approved the appointment unanimously. Councilor Leigh Volkman was absent from the meeting.
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