While the Monday, July 22 Rushford Council meeting had a smaller agenda than normal, discussion of topics was robust and included plenty of items to take notice of.
Garnering the largest conversation during the meeting was the setting of a public hearing for the purpose of approving an update to an ordinance granting a franchise to Ave Telephone Association DBA/Acentek. This includes the maintenance of a cable television system within the city and setting forth conditions accompanying the granting of the franchise. The hearing was set for Monday, August 12. Should the public hearing provide no concerns and the council opts to pass the ordinance, the update will repeal both the 1996 and 2003 franchise ordinances.
Councilor Jim O’Donnell questioned the purpose of the ordinance and the benefit to the city. City Administrator Tony Chladek noted the purpose was to provide and opportunity for cities to obtain compensation from companies for right-of-way provision. Not uncommon, these ordinances are designated for many types of service, not only cable and broadband.
The non-exclusive franchise is for a term of ten years. City Clerk Kathy Zacher indicated that, by law, the city can be provided up to 5% of gross revenues as a franchise fee. Upon negotiation, the city and Acentek have tentatively agreed to 2.5% for the first two years, paid quarterly. After that time, the city may adjust the fee percentage, with required notice, accordingly. Should the last be adjusted to a lower threshold, the city is required to reduce the fee.
One percent of gross revenue is also included for the Public Education and Government (PEG) Channel. “This fee is a totally different thing,” noted Chaldek. “It’s used to enhance programming and pay for equipment.”
Councilor Sally Ryman noted the city is spending more money than ever on the upkeep of equipment for the PEG Channel. This also includes increasing costs related to the recording and broadcast of community events. “So it’s a revenue generator, but with specific intentions about where the funds go,” declared O’Donnell.
“There are a lot of things going on at the federal level… a lot of things going on at the state level,” added Chladek. “Should council adopt this, we’d be on fair ground.”
Zacher suggested the city seek information from Acentek regarding what it would mean to the average phone, cable, and/or internet customer. Ryman, basing the percentages off her own costs as a customer, noted the change could equate to between $.80 and $1.70 for customers. A decision on the ordinance will be made following the August 12 public hearing.
In other news, the city has found itself once again searching for a full-time police officer. Rushford Police Department Officer Kaylee Inglett submitted a letter of resignation July 8, having taken a position of employment with the La Crescent Police Department.
Inglett served as a part-time police officer, beginning in January of this year, before accepting a full-time position with Rushford in mid-March. Her resignation was effective July 22.
“It’s good you authorized additional part-timers,” noted Zacher, who confirmed the city has seen this type of turn around for years. There are two part-time officers currently employed by Rushford. It’s unclear at this time whether either is interested in the full-time role. The position will be posted internally for five days, allowing any qualified individuals already employed by the city first crack at the job. Should neither be interested, the city will open advertisement of the position up externally.
“It’s a real compliment to our chief and working standards,” noted Councilor Terri Benson, noting the draw from the Rushford Department.
The city is also seeking individuals for upcoming city council vacancies and is accepting affidavits of candidacy effective July 30, beginning at 8 a.m. and closing August 13, at 5 p.m. There are three positions which will be on the November 5 ballot for the City of Rushford; Mayor, a two-year term, and two council seats, each of a four-year term. Jim O’Donnell and Terri Benson currently occupy the council seats. Mayor Chris Hallum publicly announced at the meeting that he would not be seeking another term as mayor, having served in the role since 2009. Filing forms are available at city hall.
As a reminder, there are also a number of vacancies on various city commissions. This includes one seat on Planning & Zoning, two on the Airport Commission, two on the Economic Development Authority, and one on the Rushford Electric Commission. Interested persons should contact city hall for more information.
A Bicycle Safety Clinic for area youth, sponsored by the Rushford Police Department and Rushford Ambulance Clinic, is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, at the old R-P School Playground. The clinics are to be held at 8:30, 10:30, and 2 p.m. Registration is requested by July 23.
Also upcoming is the Root River Jams live music event on Saturday, August 10. From 3-6 p.m. Mr. Blink will be performing outside Shawnee’s Bar & Restaurant. Then, from 7-10 p.m., popular band The Jimmys at the Norsquare Plaza in the heart of downtown.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, August 12, at 6:30 p.m.. at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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