A number of positive details were shared with the Rushford City Council via an annual water report at the February 24 meeting. City Clerk Kathy Zacher noted the city continues to tighten up unaccounted water usage, meeting the Department of Natural Resources goal of 10% or less. In 2018 and 2019, the city had 9.1% and 9.5% of all water unaccounted.
Water that is not metered is tracked through other methods. “We may be short on some estimates, but we’re right on with metering,” said Zacher. “There’s the oddball non-metered.” These include entities pumping water directly from city hydrants for various purposes, fire department training, backwashing of the municipal swimming pool, flooding of the skating rink, and hydrant flushing. “They’re not lost gallons, because we do account for them. There’s a big difference once we start keeping track of the things we normally do in the year,” added Zacher.
While the city is showing conservation evidence, Zacher also noted the city’s per capita demand is good, also meeting goals for reduction. The city is also much more on top of leakage issues. Good monitoring of usage alerts the city and issues are getting fixed before people incur wasted water and higher bills. “The more infrastructure repairs we make, the less leaks,” said Zacher.
Overall, commercial usage is up, but residential usage is down.
In other news, the council has unanimously approved a resolution of intent to purchase a private airport hangar that sits on city land. Rather than simply approve the purchase, the city opted to indicate intent as it waits for approval of a possible grant. If secured, the grant would fund half of the $55,000 cost.
Councilor Andrew Linder expressed some concern over a private building on city land. It was noted by several on the council that similar land lease situations are common. While the building is currently privately owned, it may not sell to any party without city approval.
Hangar owner Daryl Thompson offered to sell the hangar to the city and the city countered with a request for appraisal. The cost detailed stems from that appraisal. Further discussion noted the condition and amenities of the hangar make it particularly lucrative, based on what it would cost to build a similar structure in today’s market.
With the city having lost a six-unit hangar last October to a fire, the timing of the sale presents opportunities for airport growth. The city is looking at building a replacement hangar at the airport, but this hangar could be a particular draw.
“I look at what it costs to build. It would be astronomical to build. It’s crazy money,” stated Councilor Leigh Volkman. “Granted, he’s in a position where he has no choice.”
“All the hangars are full now. If someone comes along, we don’t have space for them right now,” added Zacher. “There’s potential for another use for this building, other than just renting.”
A brief update on the hangar that was destroyed indicated that the site has been reviewed by Krause Anderson to determine the cost to rebuild what was there. Code has changed since it was constructed and an adjustment for a change from asphalt to a concrete floor is being included, as the new site must be to code. While there will be a replacement value, Clerk Zacher submitted an application for an emergency grant from the state to potentially provide for any costs not covered by insurance.
The council also approved some changes to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) Micro Grant Program. Specifically clarified was that eligible applicants include businesses, organizations, or individuals. However, individuals may only apply if the funds are being used to benefit the entire community. Ineligible events were also clarified to include content that may be offensive.
The next Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) downtown focus group discussion for the Highway 30 project will be Wednesday, March 26 from 1-3 p.m. At the meeting, estimates of costs and assessments for each option will be detailed. City Engineer Derek Olinger hand-delivered invitations to businesses affected. While the project isn’t slated until 2022, MnDOT is hoping to get some decisions made for plans and specs and the timeline is ticking down. Those persons interested should attend the meeting.
The city continues to have openings on various boards and commissions. They include (3) on the Airport, Commission, (2) on the Planning Commission, (2) on the EDA, and (1) on the Electric Commission. Interested persons should contact city hall.
Lastly, during updates, Linder expressed concern over the recent Zoning Board vote to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Well House Ministry. The ministry sought the permit for the redevelopment of the former Rushford-Peterson Elementary and High School facilities. The permit was granted with particular caveats including a two-year time limit to be up and running or the permit is voided.
At the last council meeting, City Attorney Mike Flaherty discussed the procedure by which the permits are granted and the legal standards applicable to them. “Zoning makes decision-based on facts in the ordinance and what is permitted,” explained Zacher. She also noted Flaherty stated the Zoning Board went through all the steps they were supposed to do.
“What they were asking for isn’t outside the realm of our policy and our codes,” added Mayor Terri Benson.
“Part of the problem, as the lawyer said, was to be prepared before the permit is brought in. Once it gets to someone accepting the application, then all you can do is look at the facts of the presentation and follow zoning laws,” noted Volkman.
“There are five questions that have to be answered. If it’s done right, there’s nothing we could do,” added Councilor Jim O’Donnell. “There’s a two-year statute of limitations.”
“Putting restrictions in there is good. Two years to raise $38 million… that doesn’t just go by overnight. That’s where that project will die,” said Volkman, noting there will be other permitting that needs to take place. “When there’s no perfect answer, it’s hard to make a decision that’ll make everyone happy. As a group, you should still openly talk to her about her plans.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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