The Tuesday, April 16 Rushford Village Council meeting was a repeat of recent conversation with the bulk of discussion centering around a potential study by City Engineer Bolton & Menk. The goal of the study is to determine options to address water issues in south Rushford. Winter melt and runoff led to a recent community effort to drain culverts and divert water, but some flooding damage was reported.
Mayor Gordon Johnson noted engineer Derek Olinger had conducted a walk-through of the area and intends to have a recommendation for the study at the May 7 council meeting. Olinger will also be present for the citywide road tour the council and Public Works have scheduled prior to that meeting.
South Rushford resident Douglas Fowler, who was present at the April 2 meeting to voice his concerns over water issues, recommended residents be provided an opportunity to communicate with Bolton & Menk engineers. “We need to have input so we can take action,” he said. It was also clarified by Fowler that flooding occured in his garage and 30% of his home’s living space.
Johnson indicated that at some point, there will be opportunity for community input. “The council will review the proposal and make decision on how to proceed,” said Johnson. “Had actions not been taken, it would have been worse. The dollar signs will dictate a lot of what we can do. Your point is well taken and doesn’t fall on dead ears.”
The question of who pays for what was raised in regards to flooding mitigation. Johnson indicated that there are districts for various projects, but that cost breakdowns wouldn’t be determined until options were decided. “It’ll be a decision based on facts,” said Johnson. “Is it the responsibility of maybe the whole city? To some part, yes. We all have responsibility to certain areas. There will be plenty of opportunity for those questions to be asked and answered.”
Community Economic Development Associates will be available to assist in possible grant writing. “There are things we have available as a tool in the toolbox,” added Johnson.
Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck noted areas in South Rushford, particularly on Plummer Street, that are seeing water wash over the roadway to lower lying areas. Some curbing was added to portions of the road previously, but it was suggested by Councilor Chad Rasmussen that perhaps the curb could be further extended. “It’s the small stuff that’ll make a big difference,” said Rasmussen.
Johnson noted that the Darr subdivision, when constructed, did not have a ponding area, but that water was not to be an issue. The area will be reviewed during the road tour and with Bolton & Menk and Public Works input.
In other news, Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit noted a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation for the council to adopt a new Floodplain Management Plan. A floodplain management ordinance is required to maintain compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The city ordinance has been sent to the Department of Natural Resources. If things are favorable, a public hearing will be held on the ordinance.
Should the city not adopt the new ordinance, the city would be out of compliance and properties within that area would not be able to qualify for FEMA flood insurance. New floodplain maps are now out and are tentative until August 15, after which time they become the official flood maps.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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