Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
The February 10 Rushford Council encompassed a short agenda in general, but several topics were discussed, particularly updates to several grant programs.
During reports, the council learned the city is a finalist for the University of Minnesota (UMN) Empowering Small Communities grant program. The final award amount could be $20,000-50,000 and would help guide the focus on the event space at the former Farmer’s Win Cooperative site should feasibility studies and the city select that as the best route forward. Assistance will also include establishing a governing body, conducting market analysis, and developing marketing and sustainability strategies, according to the agenda report. The city wouldn’t qualify for the loan should housing be selected as the best option for the site.
“There were 30 applicants and we’re one of the few,” said City Administrator Tony Chladek.
There’s been little updates about the site, as noted by the council.
“It’s been quiet.” acknowledged Chladek. “One of the hardest parts to doing an assessment of feasibility and market analysis and the economic impact analysis is housing is pretty easy to do analysis on; event space, there’s not as many comparables out there. So, they had a little bit of a hard time deciding how they’d approach,” said Chladek.
Another hiccup is recent federal lockdowns. “Of course now, a lot of this funding is federally applied. Now, they’re going through lockdown. So, we might be crawling a little bit,” cautioned Chladek. “In fact, one of the components, the UMN Extension, is helping with the economic impact piece and they’re going through a similar lockdown. As soon as that ball starts rolling again, we’re talking again 10 weeks out.”
“By lockdown, you mean the uncertainty of federal funding that’s being held up?” asked Councilor Jim O’Donnell.
“Yeah, yeah,” responded Chladek.
“If they don’t get additional funding, will they share what they’ve done so far?” asked Councillor Sally Ryman.
“As far as the studies, they don’t have anything yet,” noted Chladek. “Yeah, it took them that long putting together how they were going to analyze it. They do have a plan. They think they can make that move a little bit forward, but again, now they’re in that lockdown.”
Consultant Kristin Prososki will provide an update on the UMN grant program at the upcoming Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting. By that time, they will know where the federal review status is sitting.
Chladek also noted the Southeastern Minnesota League of Municipalities SELMC, Coalition for Greater Minnesota Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities are testifying in the legislature regarding assistance programs.
“There’s some kind of upheaval with regards to our Small Cities Assistance Program,” according to Chladek. “One of the ones leading the way is our representative and I’m going to be meeting with him and talk to him about it. The league testified today while he was there about how important it is to all these cities.”
Ahead of the state figuring out how to consistently fund the program, what was available was sporadic at best. However, the new revenue for regular funding isn’t coming in as fast as they thought, so more work is needed.
Chladek also noted an intent to apply for Local Housing Trust Fund dollars. The city has $150,000 set aside and is going for a $150,000 match for a housing program. Volkman and Chladek are working together to put together the application and the EDA will review it prior to submission by March 19.
Chladek also sat down recently with Semcac staff to discuss the Home Renovation Loan Program, particularly where state and federal programs are at. Semcac provided some insights which will be brought back to the EDA for consideration. Adjustments may be made, but the goal is to “knock it out” to ramp up for promotions this spring.
There’s also been interest in the recent EDA Micro-Grant Program put in place. The matching program for businesses provides up to $2,500 in funding for things like signage, lighting, internal improvements, and more. Chladek emphasized the program does include home-based businesses and non-employer businesses that currently have a conditional use permit. The fund usage must be for something that will contribute to the community and growth.
All five of the new airport hangars are rented out and two are awaiting airplanes. One unit in the original hangar is available for rent.
“That’s a great, great feeling,” noted Mayor Terri Benson. The city is required to have a specific number of hangars rented out to continue receiving Federal Aviation Administration funding.
In a brief follow-up about the former Rushford-Peterson School site, Chladek stated Bluff Country Christian Community has filed their 501 (c) (3) paperwork, granting them tax exempt status on the parcel. The city received an email from the county assessor affirming the filing.
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