“It’s hard to get our arms around this thing.” It’s a sentiment Rushford Village Mayor Gordon Johnson has stated several times in relation to a road project on Benson Lane that was estimated to cost upwards of $150,000. The road currently has what Johnson’s described as a “Missouri crossing,” which overtops after significant rainfall. The current culvert is failing, being undermined by the water flow, and erosion around the area continues. However, the road services just a handful of properties and the city council is weighing the benefits against the risk and cost.
Bolton & Menk Engineer Derek Olinger was present a summary of his recent discussion with the city’s financial consultant, Mike Bubany, of David Drown & Associates. “It’s really just coming down to one option for this, paying for this out of taxes,” said Olinger. Because the project cost was not figured into the last budget, the council would have to proceed with a public hearing to adjust the budget and tax levy. The bond would be secured via a micro-loan from Minnesota Rural Water. Olinger cautioned that there is a higher interest rate and issuance costs, but it’s the only bond option. The overall effect would be equivalent to the last 5-7% levy increase.
The city received a proposal from Generation X Construction, which was resubmitted on July 13. It calls for 48” culverts, 40’ long, with 6” thick surface area, and includes removal and installation, in addition to 300 yards or more of riprap to address erosion. The proposal cost was just $42,500.
Olinger’s only concerns with the proposal was whether or not it was a total project cost, including price for additional aggregate to get people back and forth during construction, additional fill for below the culvert, and other project needs. “What he’s talking about doing is very similar. The biggest difference is capacity. If he’s still willing to do it at those prices, you’d be getting a really good deal. I’d just be surprised,” added Olinger. “With the frequency of water overtopping, it’s going to be better than the current 30” culvert), but wouldn’t meet five or 10-year event standards. It sounds like he’s on par with what we were originally thinking.”
The council directed Olinger to meet with Generation X Construction to go over proposal details before the council makes a decision. Bolton & Menk will be involved in the project, regardless of which way the council decides to go, if they want the company’s assistance. “This project is small enough. If it’s below the $100,000 threshold, you don’t need a signed engineering plan,” said OIinger.
The council did approve a street maintenance/crack filling quote from Asphalt Armor Sealcoating & Paving, LLC. in the amount of $10,081. An additional quote, from the same company, in the amount of $1,670, was approved for the Village Hall parking lot. Engineers noted no red flags, but weren’t immediately familiar with the product being used to crack seal. Funds for the work were already received for city street maintenance.
While looking at the work, the city has directed Clerk Mary Miner to contact a local contractor to address a water diversion at a south Rushford residence, via a concrete curb area. The issue was looked at and discussed during the most recent road tour.
The council also approved a contract with Norway Township for tractor rental at a rate of $40/hour. Typically, the Village charges $100/hour for “man and machine,” but it was noted this agreement is for the tractor only.
A decision on whether or not to proceed with three noise ordinance signs at the highway entrances to the city was tabled for more discussion and research. Minnesota Department of Transportation would install the signs at designated locations at a cost of $965 per sign. Clerk Mary Miner stated the state needed to send out a field team to verify the locations and to provide and install the signs, hence the high cost.
The council will discuss the cost with the citizens who requested the signs before deciding how to proceed. Councilor Chad Rasmussen questioned how the city could enforce it, noting that drivers could claim it was a safety issue, as engine braking is a safety-option for malfunctioning brakes.
“It’s more of a warning. You expect that it’s going to get some compliance. You have to look at the cost and the benefit. It’s not going to eliminate it entirely,” said City Attorney Tom Manion. The matter will likely be discussed at the next council meeting.
The timeframe to file to candidacy for Rushford Village Mayor and expiring council seats starts July 31 and ends August 14, at 5 p.m. Councilor Rich Smith has already noted he intends to run for re-election.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, August 7, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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