The Monday, October 24 Rushford Council meeting was the shortest in recent memory, taking just over 20 minutes, start to finish. The agenda contained a visibly reduced consent agenda and just four items of council business. Council attendance was also reduced with Councilors Terri Benson and Vern Bunke, along with Mayor Chris Hallum present. City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Zacher and City Administrator Tony Chladek were also in attendance.
First up on the agenda was consideration for approval the appointment of three new Rushford Fire Department members. The action comes after the retirement of department members earlier this year. Three applications were received and accepted; Royal Anderson, Christopher Boyum, and Nicholas Corcoran. All have successfully completed the review and hiring process, including a written test and oral interview conducted by Fire Chief Paul Corcoran, 1st Assistant Chief Chad Rasmussen, and 2nd Assistant Chief James Dailey. Additionally, Training Officers Dennis Overland and Rich Smith conducted physical agility testing for the applicants.
The council approved the appointment, effective November 1. According to a letter from Fire Chief Corcoran, approval is pending a physical exam and criminal history background and driving status check. The applicants are expected to begin the training course, attend training sessions and meetings of the department during their probationary first year. They must also secure Firefighter One & Two, Emergency Medical Responder, and Hazardous Materials Training within two years of service.
The council also reviewed a report from Trees, Trails, and Park Commission Chair Beth Stanford. The commission has prepared a draft work plan for trees within the city. Notably included is Emerald Ash Borer Prevention by Public Works, city staff, and the commission. The draft plan calls for removal of identified infected trees. More importantly, it calls for communication with the public regarding the disease. A plan for replacement of infected trees will be compiled and a tree census will confirm the number of non-infected trees within the city.
The tree census is key to the commission’s work. The current census is several years old, according to the report. The draft plan looks to organize a format and process for the census, electronically. The commission will be reaching out to service organizations for assistance and the census will be conducted in phases including boulevards, parks, and trails. Information regarding the census will be posted on the website in the future.
The draft plan contains several additional targeted items including bluff land restoration, review of the urban deer population, and landscape projects, using grant funds whenever possible. Areas could include downtown and the Highway entrances to the city. In regards to trails, the commission is looking specifically at the hiking/biking trails on Magelssen Bluff and the bike trail area between the depot and Rushford Foods.
Park plans include continued maintenance and upgrade punch list items for the Brooklyn Park, North End Park, Magelssen Bluff Park, as well as continued work on a new Root River Canoe Launch, northeast of the Root River crossing. Two items of particular interest are geared towards further development of Creekside Park. This includes planting materials for the new Veteran’s Memorial Park and the potential design and planning of a skateboard park. The commissions would be seeking community input on both items.
The council approved donations in the amount of $3,645 from various business and individual sponsors for the Rushford Airport SpectaculAir. “It was very instrumental in the success of our event,” noted the council resolution. “We have heard many positive remarks regarding the event; those who enjoyed their flights, and those who enjoyed the other activities and fun atmosphere. The event was held September 25 and is among a growing group of events being held and put on either annually or biannually by the Rushford Airport Commission.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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