At the May 28 meeting, the Rushford council approved the official resolutions of two lot sales in the Himlie Business Park and dispensing with a review of the sale by the Planning Commission. City Clerk Kathy Zacher noted this step is typically done prior, but caused no effects having it done after council approval of the sale and she stressed the importance of it in the official record.
The council approved the sale of Lot 6, Block 2 to Carl and Tiffany Schollmeier in February for $39,482. Schollmeier, the owner of Carl’s Electric, purchased the 1.1 acres at the intersection of Miller Circle and Himlie Drive to construct a 50-foot by 100-foot commercial building within five years.
The council approved the sale of Lot 5, Block 2 to Sean Wittenberg for in April $37,976.The plan for the self-noted first-time developer is storage units at the 1106 Miller Circle location. The total expected project cost is $500,000-600,000.
This leaves Lot 7, which has been notoriously difficult to move, being a pie-shaped 3.5 acres at the base of the hill and subject to a 50-foot right-of-way for a gas line. Mayor Terri Benson informed the council that someone was looking at the lot with realtor Rod Darr, but she wasn’t sure about how serious the party was. She’d discussed the matter with City Administrator Tony Chladek, adding that access to the site is a challenge.
“Because of those reasons, we talked at the EDA [Economic Development Authority] about talking to Rod about the pricing,” said Councilor Sally Ryman. “It’s not as valuable for the space.” Options discussed have included breaking up the parcel and reducing the price.
“It’s a fairly good-sized parcel,” noted Benson.
“It is, you just can’t build anything on it,” added Councilor Jim O’Donnell. “It would be nice to close out the sale of the lots up there and put it on the tax roll.”
“The two that just sold, we talked about chopping those two up and putting them on the other one to give that more value, but that didn’t happen and can’t happen now,” said Zacher.
The council will likely revisit the matter in the future.
During reports and updates, the council learned there was some storm damage that Public Works attended to including down tree limbs and an electrical pole. Zacher said a large amount of debris was added to the city compost pile following the recent storm. Benson expressed gratitude to Jerry Kopperud for his assistance after the storm to help Public Works and make sure everyone was safe.
The new sign at the north entrance to the city on Highway 43 is in and functional. Hardscaping stone is still being added and a tree will be added behind the sign in the fall.
The work at the airport continues to make progress. The new hangar now has sides on the frame.
“It’s coming together nicely,” added Benson.
The Aquatic Center pool is ready to go for the season. Staff will be cleaning the site over the week in preparation for opening. Local Girl Scouts will be added some amenities including clothes hooks and body positivity signage. There has been talk of the Scouts doing some mural painting in the future.
As a reminder, the dedication of the Susan Hart Memorial Gazebo, behind the public library and city hall on Mill Street, will be held June 6 at 5 p.m. Hart served for many years as the library director and was a much-loved member of the community. Her husband Bob will speak at the dedication and daughters Vicki and Erica will be present. The Rushford Lions will have popcorn and other concessions will be available.
The Roots & Rhythm Summer Music Series kicks off immediately after with the Darr Family Band utilizing the new gazebo. Other acts scheduled this summer include the Rutabega Brothers on June 13, TravAce on July 18, and Troubleshooter on July 25, all from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the gazebo.
The August Rushford Music Series will host Spartz Electric August 1 at El Barco Mexican Restaurant, Darr Family Band August 8 at the American Legion, Lost Faculties August 15 at Shawnee’s Bar & Grill, and The Vintage Tones of Spielzeiten Und Pausen August 22 at The Creamery. All are free admission, family-friendly events with food available. Music is from 6-8 p.m.
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