A quick October 4 Rushford Village Council meeting highlighted a report from Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, read by Mayor Dennis Overland.
Work on the Public Works’ maintenance shed continues. After a discussion with concrete contractor Robin Rislov of R&R Construction, Rushford, Chiglo determined the village could postpone constructing an apron outside the shed until spring 2024. The savings to the village by delaying the work is $6,400. Coupled with the remaining funds set aside for the shed project, $8,200 remains for the project this year.
The council voted unanimously to postpone the apron work. All the material for the concrete work is already on site for next spring. Chiglo noted at an earlier meeting that the village could only get an inspection by having a complete restroom. So, the village will utilize the funds to complete work inside the shed, including the restroom.
Chiglo’s report also discussed his recent suggestion of using a lift to trim trees on the village’s road right-of-ways. Further research determined the lift is not suitable for the rolling hills of the village’s rural roads. Chiglo will contact other arborist companies to determine the cost.
Councilor Mike Ebner questioned whether or not an unmanned tree lift, capable of reaching up to saw overhanging branches, would work. He did note they are expensive to rent. Ultimately, he suggested Chiglo look into any companies operating in the area to see if the village could seek their service with the flexibility in their availability as cost savings. With the existing workload, the council determined there isn’t time this fall to trim trees. The village will look into it further in the spring.
Ebner noted he did ask Chiglo about netting material on County Line Road. According to Overland, Chiglo reported he didn’t feel it would be necessary. There was no further report on the ongoing issues with the road.
At the last meeting, the council approved Chiglo to purchase the replacement/repair parts for the water tower, if under $500, following the recent inspection. The inspection firm detailed two deficiencies, but Chiglo provided no further details in his report regarding the final cost of the parts or if they exceeded the monetary limit. According to Ebner, an overflow into the storm sewer failed to meet Department of Health standards. Chiglo will investigate this further and provide details at the next meeting.
Following the Public Works report, the council unanimously approved the only other agenda item of business, the summary for publication of Ordinance #14. According to the summary, the ordinance grants Minnesota Energy Resources, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, a natural gas franchise and the authority to construct, operate, maintain, and extend a natural gas distribution plant and system. It also grants the right to use the streets and other public places within the village limits. There was no discussion before the vote.
Councilor Travis Link notified the council he would be getting a chance to listen to Representative Davids next week and hopes to get a few minutes to introduce himself and discuss. He hopes to talk to Davids about the percentage of the village occupied by state-owned land. State land reaps no property tax payments for the village. Until recently, the village received payment in lieu of taxes from the state. Because of a definition in which cities do not receive the compensation. The village hopes to regain the payment or a portion of it.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the village hall.
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