The Rushford City Council opted to interview its city administrator candidate in an open setting at the February 9 meeting. Rushford native Hayden Stensgard sat in the hot seat while Mayor Leigh Volkman asked a series of questions submitted by the council and reviewed for legality by the city attorney.
Having grown up in the community, graduating from Rushford-Peterson Schools in 2017, Stensgard clearly indicated he views himself in five years living and serving the community. Stensgard is currently working in city planning, as the senior planner for the city of Dayton, Minn. He offers five years of experience working with their public sector. Through a series of questions, Stensagard spoke to such items as communication and positivity in team efforts, capacity for administrative tasks, including zoning, reporting, and work related to community projects, and developing and implementing a budget while working with various departments. Other topics included supporting boards while respecting independent governance, communication and support of emergency services, maintaining long-term continuity with staff retention and turnover, including cross-training of staff, and resolving civil conflicts.
Volkman indicated the strength of Stensgard’s background in the fields related to the position. Councilors Andrew Linder and Nick Smith both expressed a favorable impression of the candidate. Councilor Judi Pronk thought Stensgard came across as relaxed and genuine and could easily see him working with team relationships. Linder added the importance of Stensgard’s roots being in the community and wanting to live within the community he serves. Councilor Jim O’Donnell added that he gave the impression of someone who if not already knowing the answer, would find it out. Volkmann stated that some of the questions were difficult to answer to the point of almost not having an answer, and yet Stensgard was able to speak to the questions.
The Personnel Committee of Volkman and Pronk will work together to determine the employment details and terms. Volkman stressed that the city attorney would like a severance package in place prior to hiring someone for the position, having set the precedent with the leaving of the last administrator. He will look at it further with the city attorney.
The council unanimously approved offering the position to Stensgard. If he accepts, the terms of the position will be approved at the next council meeting.
In other news, Knutson presented his annual report to the council. His presentation included work done in 2025 and a list of goals for this year, in addition to regular maintenance items.
Work included significant tree removal and trimming of an estimated 1,000 trees at the municipal airport, repair and updating of the 18-year old Creekside Park playground structure, utility and road work done in-house, and utility work within water, sewer, and electrical services.
One sad event last summer was the downing of the city’s historic Burr Oak tree on Maglessen Bluff. The massive tree cleanup joined several other areas following a storm. Public Works is considering options for something special with the lumber from the remains of the tree.
As for 2026 goals, Knutson indicated the majority of things will relate to the former Farmers Win Cooperative site.
In other agenda items, the council approved the final codification of ordinances. The process has been in process since early 2025. All city ordinances will now be searchable online.
A request from Roger Colbenson for flowers in the downtown district was reviewed. The quote is for 42 baskets and eight planters for $4,500. Colbenson is seeking $1,250 more than last year. Public Works Director Roger Knutson requested the council limit it to a 50 basket limit, due to near water shortages in 2025.The quote includes a one-time $350 cost for fast-clips to make the hanging and removal process more efficient.
Knutson, during his earlier report, had indicated that baskets placed in the downtown district were up for 130 days last year, but improvements to water retention saw them watered by the department or volunteers only 39 times. Addressing the supply request, Volkman wished to dig into the issue further to determine what is driving the cost increase and perhaps consider seeking additional quotes. The council opted to table the decision until the next meeting.
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