Rushford’s reconstruction project of Highway 30 isn’t slated to begin until 2022, but preliminary plans for the project are underway. The Minnesota Department of Transportation-led project is in its initial layout phase and includes West Jessie Street and West Stevens Avenue portions of Highway 30. Once layout alternatives are reviewed, preliminary design will commence.
City Engineer Derek Olinger, of Bolton & Menk, was present at the August 24 council meeting to discuss a change in scope of plans after safety and right-of-way encroachment issues were discovered with the property at 604 West Stevens Avenue. “No final decisions have been made regarding the improvement; however, this letter is intended to inform the city of the change and gather feedback,” read Olinger’s letter to the city.
According to department findings, the north wall of the home encroaches into MnDOT right-of-way. Additionally, an old retaining wall holds back the steep slope just south of the current highway and a portion of the area is marked and divided from the highway by a cable barrier. “The existing conditions are not in compliance with current roadway design standards,” continued the letter.
While Olinger noted he had not been privy to internal MnDOT discussions regarding the issues, the department had provided him with two options to discuss with the city. Option one is the construction of a new retaining wall, measuring 140 feet long and extending roughly 10 feet in height and installation of a guardrail behind the curb. The option is estimated at $200,000-250,000.
The second option, preferred by MnDOT, is the partial acquisition of the property and demolition and removal of the existing retaining wall and house. Furthermore, restructuring of the slopes to a 1:3 grade maximum would provide the property with improved conditions. No guardrail would be needed with option two, which is estimated at $200,000-225,000. “It comes back to long term maintenance, with the removal of the wall, and safety perspective, with a vehicle that leaves the roadway,” stated Olinger.
The home in question is a rental property that sits on a ¾-acre lot. Utilities, including water and sanitary sewer are currently provided. Olinger estimated that if the property is acquired, utilities could likely be provided from the south, with access to the property from either the north or the south, making the lot both buildable and saleable.
“It’s hazardous, but it’s been there for years with no issues,” said Mayor Terri Benson. “I don’t like taking anyone’s home from them.” It was noted that the current resident had not yet been contacted, at the time of the meeting, but that all discussion was preliminary as MnDOT attempted to determine options.
Moving the highway north was also questioned, but Olinger acknowledged it’s not feasible. “There’s not much room with existing grades. The west end of this property is where we have to tie into the highway.”
“In a buyout, you’re going to get paid well by MnDOT, but we should at least know there’s going to be access to the south side or options there so they have an idea what’s going on,” added Councilor Leigh Volkman.
“Any time you’re acquiring property, there has to be fair compensation,” noted Olinger. “There’s a federally-approved process.” Olinger will report the council’s preferences to MnDOT. The formal approval process will likely occur in the next few months as part of the geometric layout.
In other news, the council voted 4:1 to approve participation and contracting with the University of Minnesota for an economic impact analysis program, at a cost of $1,000. The city is in the process of establishing goals and priorities for economic development and this program will assist the Economic Development Authority (EDA) in evaluating the potential economic return of various strategies. In particular, the EDA aims to determine the potential economic value of new housing.
“This new housing analysis is based on general income per person in Rushford,” clarified City Administrator Tony Chladek. “We want to identify what our return on investment is. Each strategy is going to have a various return on investment and we want to compare all the strategies and their returns. It will also measure the difference of how much is spent on local economy and how much is spent elsewhere with an opportunity to capture the gap and its value to the community.”
“The value of information will allow us to strategize,” added Chladek. “Down the road, we might want to look at it again to see if projects are worth looking at.”
Volkman expressed concern in spending taxpayer dollars for a study with data based on potentials. “It’s generic information that gets pumped out all the time. How much X fake person will spend in X fake instance; I don’t like to spend $1,000 of someone’s money to find out how money is spent,” he stressed.
Chladek indicated he had some of the same concerns, but that for the cost and quick turn around yet this year, it’s worth it. “There’s got to be something to show it’s the right direction to take. It’s a backup to where our strategies are leading us.”
“I’m very data driven. In corporate America, if you want to make money, you follow the data,” stated Councilor Sally Ryman. “If we have the data, it helps solidify the direction we’re going and there’s not as much guessing.”
“We have several strategies and having numbers will help us categorize which direction is best,” agreed Benson. “We want to make sure all the rates of return are evaluated and that we’re getting the best project out of it.”
Applications for businesses and non-profits to access some of the $133,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding provided to the city were also approved by the council. Drafted by City Clerk Kathy Zacher, the applications will require evidence of needs, but were described as simple and straightforward by the council.
“People need that help right now and don’t need extra paperwork,” said Ryman. “This doesn’t make it onerous.”
“Keep everything simple,” added Volkman. “It’s pretty obvious you couldn’t have been impacted. You’re lucky if you have any financial stability right now.”
The council set no dollar amount limit for applications, but did note that applications do not need to be approved or can be in part. They might include reimbursement for costs or estimates for impending, recurring costs, but must be pandemic-related expenses. The first deadline for applications is September 21. Volkman and Ryman, along with Chladek and Zacher, will serve as a committee to review applications. Applicants must be located within the City of Rushford. The information regarding the application will be put on the city’s website and will also be distributed through the Chamber and City Hall.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are currently held virtually. For more information, contact city hall.
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