The council welcomed a proposal request from Rushford Police Chief Adam Eide at their January 26 meeting. Every three years, the department undergoes an audit of its internet security system by the BCA. Specific rules are in place for the Criminal Justice Information System, which Eide called “a direct line to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
The first quote from the department’s current provider, Marco, of St. Cloud, Minn., includes a full installation. However, at $8,208, Eide deemed it expensive. A second quote, $6,904, is feasible, but according to Eide, some modifications are needed. Still, it would make the department compliant. The department is working with Acentek on email integration in particular.
Mayor Leigh Volkman indicated there have been some security issues with city hall previously and expressed a need for sufficient security. He also stressed that email integrations make a lot of sense for security, access, and transitions of power. Councilor Judi Pronk suggested a thorough review of emails and the accounts should be done.
The council unanimously approved the second quote. This action will secure the compliance that is required.
In other news, the city unanimously approved a new garbage contract with Harter’s Quick Clean Up Service, La Crosse, Wis. The changes are minimal and include increased red bag fees. The company indicated it takes far longer for workers to get out of the trucks to collect the bags and would prefer to go strictly to carts. An estimated 15% of the city properties utilize bags, according to the company. Eventually, they hope they are phased out entirely.
During the appearance of interested persons, the council welcomed Mariann McRorie and Rushford-Peterson Schools Superintendent Ben Bernard. McRorie proposed a disc golf course for the city including parcel portions of the school district and Creekside Parks. McRorie indicated she’s new to the area and an avid fan of the sport. She noted a lack of courses in a 30-minute area around the city, given the number of people that play in the southeast Minnesota region. McRorie is planning to pursue grants as a partial source of funding, as well as local fundraising. She estimates that an 18-hole course could be attained for less than $10,000.
Councilor Jim O’Donnell indicated the Rushford Lions Club has looked into a course before and he would be all for it. His concerns included maintenance, particularly around the baskets, and safety of others in the area. McRorie brought in a Rochester source to view the area and confirmed a clean line of sight for all baskets. Some of the most interestingly proposed features would be play over the water and the Rush Creek Bridge, taking advantage of the area’s topography and landscape. It was stressed that the Army Corps of Engineers controls allowed usage of the land around the waterway and levee. City Clerk Tiffany Jacobson notified McRorie that Public Works wants to participate in planning. Another area scouted as a possible location was the Root River canoe launch. Unfortunately, this, too, is limited due to Corps permissions.
Bernard stated the district is interested in assisting and pointed to past cooperative projects between the city and school district.
During reports, Volkman notified the council that one city administrator candidate will be interviewed by the council on February 9. He stated two applicants were not qualified for the position and another requested not to move forward with the application/interview process due to the amount of budgetary work involved in the position. Rushford’s administrator position is unique in that the position description does require creating the budget.
Volkman asked the council to submit at least one question to ask, which will first be reviewed by the city attorney. Following that interview, the personnel committee would enter into negotiations for a contract.
O’Donnell noted the candidate looks exciting.
“We’re looking for something pretty specific and I think this candidate does match that,” said Volkman.
Jacobson also provided a brief update on work at city hall when asked. End-of-year work is underway, in addition to ongoing transition work. Consultant Jerome Illg continues to work with city staff on various items, including legally required tax documents. City staff appreciates having one day per week closed to the public, which limits the number of disruptions as they work through items and with consultants.
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