Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
The June 12 Rushford Council meeting primarily discussed notices and miscellaneous reports. Still, two items of general business did garner some comment.
First up, new Rushford Ambulance Director Joey Busse was present, along with retiring director Lynn Humble, to meet the council. Humble’s time with the service ends this month after 39 years with the crew and 13 years in the lead role. Busse officially begins June 28.
“I look forward to taking on the challenge,” said Busse. “I plan on working on recruitment and retainment, fostering a positive outlook for the city, and doing my part to make the department shine.”
Busse has served in healthcare since 1995 and has extensive training. “Emergency medicine has always been my love. I’m looking forward to it,” he continued. “Once I get my feet more established, I’ll come back to the table, and we’ll talk about that assistant position.”
The council also discussed a cooperative landscape agreement between the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city. The agreement provides up to $8,000 for landscaping following the Highway 30 street and utility improvement project. The agreement is the same as previously approved for other MnDOT project areas in the city.
Public Works plans to plant perennials in the 13 sidewalk cutouts in the downtown area. Funding not used in those areas can be used to replant trees in the boulevard in front of businesses and residences.
During Notices, City Clerk Kathy Zacher informed the council that one of the future renters at the new municipal airport hangars is looking to catch the momentum of activity at the airport.
“They’re considering doing a fly-in,” said Zacher. “There’s quite a bit of activity up there. He’d like to get a flying club going again like we used to have.”
If organizers can make plans in the nearly four weeks before Rushford Days, a pancake breakfast and plane rides may happen. Years ago, the breakfast and large gatherings at the airport for flights were a community hit. They’ll share information through Rushford Days organizers, the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the city if it comes to fruition. While not city-sponsored, it poses definite benefits for the city.
During Reports/Updates/Miscellaneous, Zacher also apprised the council of language changes in the cooperative construction agreement between the city and Rushford Peterson School District. The trail extension project is underway. Public Works plans to begin the city’s sidewalk portion soon.
“They don’t want to be surprised, but they also don’t want to have to look at every tiny little change,” clarified Zacher regarding change orders. “They’ll make some decisions on the fly and will let the school district know if there is any difference from the plan.”
The city received notification regarding liability litigation regarding Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While the city has no issues with PFAS, it receives updates regarding settlements and other changes as part of a Cost Recovery Program recommended by the National Rural Water Association and Minnesota Rural Water Association.
“If something comes up and we need to do remediation or testing, we are in that pool of funds that’ll help us,” explained Zacher.
Last month, the council approved ordering the new Rushford sign from La Crosse Sign Company. Pending permitting from Northern Natural Gas for placement, with a 30-foot setback from their line, the sign will soon be installed west of Highway 43 at the northern entrance to the city.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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