At the February 20 meeting, the Rushford Village Council learned from Public Works Supervisor that upgrades for the maintenance shed are nearing completion. The budget for 2024 includes $20,000 for it and projected work includes blown-in insulation, steel and equipment rental for the insulation. Estimates included for insulation and accessories were $8,532, while steel walls and ceiling were $6,391.
The council expected rentals to bring the total cost to $15,000-16,000, making the $13,000 for electrical unlikely this year. However, the council expected some savings in dropping material costs since the time the bids were initially provided. Chiglo said the shed is insulated to the top and expects the walls and ceiling ready for steel soon. He was not immediately aware if costs had fallen below bid pricing.
An eye wash and shower station will be put in the maintenance shed utilizing $1,500 in American Rescue Plan funds. The eye wash cost is high due to a special valve which prevents water from backwashing into the system. The shower is not a conventional shower, but an overhead valve which allows workers to quickly rinse contaminants off the body if needed.
In other news, the council learned earlier in the month that the village would receive funding through the Minnesota Department of Transportation recent Safe Routes to School program. Community and Economic Development Associates’ Community and Business Development Specialist Rebecca Charles presented the information. The grant will connect existing trail routes and four sites are being considered. At the time, Charles estimated that the funding to be $25,000.
City Clerk Mary Miner provided an email update from Charles at the meeting. Charles has determined the value of the grant since the last meeting noting Minnesota Department of Transportation estimates it at $45,000 with design and engineering fees. Miner was quick to note that is not the amount the village will receive, but the value of the work.
RP Valley annual chamber meeting will be held February 21. There are no planned attendees from the Village.
Please note the meeting the first Tuesday of the month, March 5, will not be held due the Primary Election that evening. The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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