The City of Rushford is hoping application to two Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grants will provide funding for two projects long in the works. The items were discussed at the Monday, March 25 council meeting.
The first is a funding from an outdoor recreation grant program. The goal is to construct a paved trail to the Rushford-Peterson Schools site, their athletic complex, the city aquatic center, and the Root River State Trail. This new trail meets the overall plan for the DNR grant program to connect where people live to the parks and amenities within their communities. The Rushford project could be especially lucrative in securing the funding because it connects existing city and state trail systems and both the city and school are on board.
Engineer Derek Olinger, of Bolton & Menk, noted there wasn’t much comment during the preliminary DNR review. “I’m hoping that means its good,” he noted. The city applied several times for a Safe Routes to School Grant to aid in funding the new trail, but was denied each time. Should the city be awarded the funding, the project will need to be complete by June of 2021. The city is expecting to received notification of their grant status by July of this year.
“This had better work this time,” joked Mayor Chris Hallum.
The second grant is also out of the outdoor recreation program. This time, it’s aimed at construction of a new, public canoe launch on the north bank of the Root River, east of the Highway 43 Root River Bridge. As noted by City Clerk Kathy Zacher, the city has previously secured funding for the construction of the access road to the launch area. This new funding would provide directly for launch area, parking, and some area amenities.
Plans for the project include building a cove/beach area at the river’s edge with just enough room to move a canoe to the landing. Building materials would be inexpensive, likely just treated lumber. It was noted by Olinger that the goal isn’t to construct substantial access. “With very large flood events, there might be risk of losing it. It was one of the intentions of keeping this very basic. The primary concern with this site is erosion,” he added.
Olinger noted the launch will have steeper slopes with vegetation armoring the slope. “The primary thing is to keep the flow up,” he noted. The preliminary cost estimate for the launch is $75,000. This particular grant does allow for city staff to do a portion of the project, helping keep costs low. “We’re planning the parking lot and ramp as if a contractor is coming to do it,” explained Olinger. “It’s always easier to scale back.” If awarded, the grant is a 50/50 cost share between the DNR and the city.
Results from the application are expected within the next 30 days. The DNR, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Fillmore County, and the Army Corps of Engineers were all had to be involved in the steps leading up to the project.
In other news, two public hearings were held during the meeting. The first is related to the 2019 Street and Utility Improvement Project on East Grove, Walnut, and North Burr Oak Streets, while the second was for the Lamplighters Lane project. Olinger clarified to those in attendance that the projects were determined utilizing the Capital Improvement Plan. Infrastructure needs of water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer, as well as conditional ratings of streets were all taken into account. Areas were prioritized and feasibility reports conducted.
Eventually, the scope of the projects was adjusted and bids sought. Bids were opened in February and while there is a low bidder, the contracts for the projects have not yet been awarded. Olinger also reviewed preliminary assessments and details of the project areas. Six residents were in attendance to ask questions of the engineer and city.
Project cost summary for the Street and Utility Improvement Plan was $1.8 million, $346,211 of which will be assessed to affected property owners. Lamplighters Lane is estimated to cost $93,575. Of that, $6,757 is assessable to the two adjacent property owners.
Assessment terms on both projects include full prepayment by November 15 with no interest, partial payment by November 15 with the remainder going on the tax rolls for a 10-year term at 3.5% interest, or certifying the total assessed cost to the property taxes.
The larger project is anticipated to last most of the summer with substantial completion due by the middle of September. June 2020 is the official project completion date.
Openings on various city commissions remain and the city is looking for volunteer members to fill the vacancies. Both the Airport Commission and Economic Development Authority are seeking two members, while the Planning Commission and Electric Commission are seeking one member each.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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