The Tuesday, April 17 meeting of the Rushford Village council was focused almost exclusively on public works issues. The most prominent issue was continuing discussion on the Benson Lane Project. Engineer Derek Olinger, of Bolton & Menk, was on hand at the meeting to review recent survey results and to detail the next steps in the project.
It was noted at the March meeting that the low usage road serves just two residences. The minimal, non-bridge crossing is being undermined by water flow, is overtopped during significant rain events, and will need replacement. Hindering the project has been the level to which the crossing will need replacement and whether specific permitting would be needed.
The city is not considering a bridge replacement, but is weighing the options of a 12-foot by eight-foot box culvert, a 16-foot by eight-foot box culvert, or an aluminum culvert. To date, it appears no Department of Natural Resources permitting will be needed, but Bolton & Menk had previously indicated that placement of a box culvert would likely meet with DNR approval. Early engineering cost estimates ranged from $141,700-178,500.
Bolton & Menk has concluded a survey of the area. The next step will be a preliminary grading plan and some legal work for a Prescriptive Right of Way Easement. After some searching, it was discovered that neither the county nor the city has a recorded description of the right of way. By utilizing a Prescriptive Easement, the city will have the ability to declare ditches and the road itself as city ownership and will be free to make improvements upon it.
City Attorney Tom Manion noted Chapter 160 of state statutes detailing acquisition by use. Manion indicated that it specifies a road used continuously by a municipality, for more than six years, may be deemed a city street. Mayor Gordon Johnson noted the road has been maintained by the city for several years, beyond that threshold. Manion suggested the city discuss the issue with the adjacent landowners of Benson Lane to establish an agreement and move forward with descriptive definition of the eastment and record it formally with the county.
Also identified was the location of a one-inch natural gas service line in the middle of the crossing. According to Olinger, the line will need relocation and contact was made with the gas company, notifying them of the project. His concern was verifying that the gas company will not back charge the customer who it services.
Olinger indicated that once an easement agreement is in place, the line is relocated, and the rough grading plan is reviewed with full understanding from the DNR, the project will move quickly. “After these, it’s not really going to take long at all,” he noted.
The project is expected to fix a number of other minor issues as well. A slight bend ahead of the crossing will be lessened by addition of the culvert placement and erosion control measures will be heightened by an estimated 50-foot length of riprap on both sides of the waterway.
“I don’t think we have too many other options other than to move forward,” said Mayor Gordon Johnson. “We need to be proactive rather than reactive.” The timeline for the project would likely see contractor bidding ending in late June. The construction process could begin in August or September. Olinger is expected to present further information at the next city council meeting.
In other news, the council has approved the purchase of a road rock reclaimer in the amount of $3,500. Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck has previously discussed the possibility of renting or purchasing a reclaimer unit to help salvage crushed rock from city roads that finds its way into the ditches and cut down on the need to purchase additional rock to replace it.
“This wasn’t something we were looking for,” noted Johnson. “I don’t think we can afford not to spend $3,500 when $16,500 was the number we were looking at.”
The council has also acted on proceeding with replacement of fluorescent lights in both the city shop and the Village Hall after a favorable quote for the replacement and upgrade of lights to LED was received. Originally, the city had been looking at the shop only, but Councilor Chad Rasmussen suggested if the contractor can extend the same costs to the Village Hall, he would highly recommend upgrading lights in both buildings.
“It’s amazing the difference it makes. With the money you’ll save, it’s the way to go,” said Rasmussen. The council agreed unanimously.
Lastly, the council approved a motion to support a Fillmore County Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) housing study. City Clerk Mary Miner indicated after speaking with CEDA, the City of Rushford Village will definitely benefit from the study. The council approved up to $500.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, May 1, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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