Rushford Gears Up for 250

The June 8 Rushford Council meeting was brief, but several items of note were discussed.

The city will ring in the nation’s 250th anniversary of adoption of the Declaration of Independence by kicking off events on July 3. Live music, historical speakers, historical movies, food, and vendors will be part of the celebrations. Donations are being sought to fund 250 American flags and a “Kick Off the Fourth” fireworks show. Individuals and groups can contribute by sponsoring one or more flags at a cost of $25 each. The flags will be displayed at the event.

To donate, visit godonate.akoyago.com/smiffoundation/fund/rushford-general-fund. Checks payable to the Rushford Community Foundation can be mailed to: Rushford Community Foundation, PO Box 671, Rushford, MN 55971. Please list “Celebrate 250” in the memo.

During reports, City Administrator Hayden Stensgard referred to a letter from the Minnesota State Demographic Center. In it, the state demographer provided information regarding annual population and household estimates as of April 1, 2024, for review and comment. As noted in the letter, the figures represent estimated populaton and household changes since the 2020 census. However, households directly correspond to the number of occupied housing units, so occasional errors in estimates may occur due to changes unseen by the state, including the addition or removal of residences. Determining as accurate a number as possible is crucial as it corresponds to factors in the distribution of state aid to cities.

Rushford’s estimated population if 1,876 and the estimated number of households is 743. The numbers are subject to change until final approved and submittal to the Department of Revenue in July.

Stensgard also provided the council with an update to the lot line adjustment made for the parcel of the former Farmers Win Coop office building. The council previously approved the adjustment and survey resolution. Fillmore County has now also approved them. It will not require additional work to renumber the parcel within the county’s system and will not delay the closing. The sale of the building should be final by the second week of June.

In regards to the fuel system repair at the municipal airport, Stensgard noting he is submitting additional documentation to the state. The hope is that additional grant funding can be utilized to update the fuel system. Currently, Stensgard noted it’s “quite a process” anytime fuel is delivered. Should the city receive funds, the city portion is 5%, which is typical with state and Federal Aviation Administration contributions. He estimates the cost to be between $1,500-2,500, but it is dependent on total project cost. The funding would come out of existing Airport Fund dollars.

During regular business, the council approved an Interim Use Permit request for home occupation for Teisha Escobar and 204 E. Rushford Avenue. Escobar intends to have a baked goods stand/shed at the residence and occasional drink stand pop-up. In the application, Escobar noted she’s in the process of being licensed for a mobile drink stand that will move around to different businesses. She already has a Cottage Food licensure from the state. The application was reviewed by the Zoning Board and recommended for approval. The permit would have a deadline of March 31, 2027, which is consistent with the renewal of the Cottage Foods license.

In discussions before the meeting, City Administrator Hayden Stensgard asked Escobar whether or not she’d looked into opportunities to operate within existing business space downtown. He also offered opportunities or the Economic Development Authority to assist with establishing a brick and mortar location in lieu of a home-based business. Escbobar and her family did operate Escobar Kitchen in 2024, but she noted it was difficult to maintain with rising costs and rent/utilities. She noted in discussions with that she’s unopposed to opportunities, but that the numbers would have to make sense.

“Basically, I think she’s trying different things. She’s been downtown. She’s going to try this,” said Councilor Jim O’Donnell.