Rushford is in a unique position when it comes to downtown beautification and must abide by often binding restrictions on a tree-lined downtown, added plantscapes, and business signage. “Rushford is different than other towns. Their main street isn’t a state highway and their second main street isn’t a state highway…” said Mayor Chris Hallum at the August 12 council meeting.
“And their third main street isn’t a highway,” added Councilor Sally Ryman. Rushford sits at a convenient intersection of Highways 43, 30, and 16. While great for centering the town amid travel through the area, it comes at the expense of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) limitations for what goes alongside the highways. Working cooperatively, the state, city and local business owner Amy Feller, proprietor of Jessie Street Java have found a happy medium that will boost the ambiance and usability of the business’ outdoor space and that of the downtown as a whole.
The state is in the process of approving paperwork for Minnesota’s first parklet. By MnDOT definition, a parklet is a streetscape enhancement where people can gather, which can also provide additional outdoor seating by transforming one or two on-street parking stalls into public spaces.
Feller is working with two contractors for the project and has just kicked off a fundraising campaign. She’s secured a Limited Use Permit for installation, which was approved by the council at the meeting. The parklet is seasonal only and will require reapplication each year.
“We’re still in the early stages of it, but it’s pretty exciting,” said an enthusiastic Feller. Should the process go well, Feller is tentatively working with Connoughty Industries on a bike rack with the city’s tagline, “Take Root,” to potentially be placed in front of neighboring business Grace Place, who is on board with the project, according to Feller. “The state was excited about it, now we have to get the public excited about it,” she added.
“It’s an attraction for her business, but for the whole downtown,” noted Councilor Terri Benson.
“It might draw more people off the trail,” added Councilor Sally Ryman.
“It will be attractive and a delight to go have a cup of coffee and enjoy the space,” said City Administrator Tony Chladek. “It’s one of those public/private projects; between us it’ll be a good project.”
In other news, the city has approved a recommendation from Police Chief Adam Eide for the hiring of Darin Deveau for the open full-time position. Deveau, who hails from Duluth, is currently a part-time officer for the city. Two part-time officers expressed interest for the position. Having met the required criteria, oral interviews were held with both candidates. Deveau’s role is effective August 26.
“I’m excited to be here and excited to join the team,” said Daveau, alongside his wife and young son.
“He’s got the right energy, he’s got the right experience, and he’s a good addition,” noted Benson, whose comments were echoed by Mayor Chris Hallum.
“We’re excited to have him be a part of our team,” added Eide.
A public hearing held during the meeting, for the purpose of adoption of an ordinance for granting of a franchise to AcenTek, received no public comment. The issue has been discussed for some time. The first ordinance agreement had expired and needed to be renegotiated with new terms. A franchise fee of 2.5% of revenues, and an additional .75% Public, Education, and Governmental (PEG) fee, were recommended. The PEG fee will generate approximately $4,000 to help fund equipment maintenance and programming for the local community channel. The fees can be altered in the future, up to the 5% allowed by law, should the need arise. The ordinance and related fees were approved by the council unanimously. With this in place, the city will pursue updating other franchise agreements to a similar standard.
Several recently discussed Airport Commission items were also unanimously approved by the council. Among them, the council approved the relinquishing of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) role by Mike Thern, who’s served the airport for 19 years. Thern plans on continuing to be at the airport, a definite value to the city, but just not in a formal role. The FBO position was advertised, but no proposals were received. The city will operate the airport, including maintaining protocols and running the avgas portion, much of which can be done remotely.
“It’s probably better for the city to run it a while and figure out how to package it for seeking future proposals,” said Chladek. “The biggest focus is making sure we have zero errors. There are some things we have to work on so we reliably won’t have to call someone to address issues.”
Also approved was lease abatement for two hangers used by Thern. The units, which are part of 12 units on-site, will be leased at the rate of one unit. Thern is seeking to have a two-year abatement on the hangars. There was concern that the city may need a unit for a future FBO, if it’s part of the proposal package, so the city is retaining the ability to renegotiate the two hangar units should it become an issue.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, August 26, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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