The Rushford Village Hall is closed until January 1, 2021, at which point use of the facility will be reviewed. That was the decision made at the May 5 Village Council meeting following Governor Walz’s extension of COVID-19 preventions.
The decision wasn’t made lightly, but to err on the side of caution, as noted by several on the council. Rentals of the space for May were already canceled, but Clerk Mary Miner brought forth the item up for consideration. “The Department of Health suggests not holding events where more than 50 are gathered,” said Miner. “It’s not going to go away and they’re saying it’s going to come back in the fall.” The schedule for the hall had bookings through the next year.
Reasons for closing the space included an inability to police if gatherings were exceeding 50 persons, should the Village attempt to limit it to gatherings of less than that, as well as the cost to clean the space following gatherings to avoid contaminations, particularly when there are multiple gatherings per weekend. Currently, the Village gets $35 per five-hour rental or $50 per day rental, plus $50 security deposit on each.
“I say we cancel until we get an absolute clear from the governor and then review what we charge,” noted Councilor Bob Hart. “I know we’re losing revenue.” The last time the rate was changed was unclear, but it was thought to be more than 10 years.
Even if limited in size and frequency, the risk proved too much to the council. “It’s all for safety,” added Councilor Roger Knutson. “I’m for whatever is safest.” It was also noted that the next council meeting falls after the current Shelter in Place ends, so the state will have further updates for the council to discuss.
“No matter what the governor says, we’ll still have this,” stated Councilor Mike Ebner. “I hate to be the bad guy on that, but it’s the only thing we can do right now.”
Moving on, it was discovered that the city is on the lookout for a new public works supervisor following the resignation of current Supervisor Travis Scheck, effective June 30. Scheck has served the city in the role since 2015 and is resigning due to an upcoming move out of state.
Discussion from the council centered on driver’s licensing requirements in the job description. While some believed the applicant should already possess a Class A licensure, it was noted that requiring it prior to hiring could limit the pool of qualified applicants. Ebner clarified that if the applicant doesn’t possess it, the city is required to pay for them getting it and that means one month behind the wheel with a certified driver in addition to testing. Scheck indicated rules may allow a Class B endorsement to upgrade to an A without behind the wheel if both the written and driving tests, in the vehicle which will be operated while in the employ of the city, are passed. It was determined further clarification would be needed, especially during this time when classes aren’t running and a backlog of those waiting to test could be building.
Advertisements for applicants will run through May 18 with a deadline of May 22. “Hopefully we can get good candidates and get someone hired sooner than later so they have time to spend with Travis learning the ropes,” clarified Miner following the meeting. “It could be more difficult as far as licensing.” A hiring committee, composed of Councilors Hart and Knutson, will interview the applicants before making a recommendation to the city.
In other public works updates, it was stated that the lift station pump control panel project still needs some detailed comparisons. However, as estimates for time of ordering to the arrival of pumps is currently six to eight weeks. Scheck recommended ordering the pumps and figuring out the panel part later. The estimated cost is $17,865 and it will be funded by the selling of a Sewer Fund Certificate of Deposit.
“It’s key infrastructure that can cause the biggest amount of problems,” stressed Knutson.
“I agree,” added Ebner. “We need to get this going. We already have considerable overtime in this project already just fixing it.”
A new truck for public works is also on the horizon, as the current truck is having problems once again. “It’s the last major piece of equipment that needs replacement since I’ve been on,” said Ebner. “We’ve spent enough money on maintenance we could have made two payments and we’re gonna spend some more now.”
The truck is pricey and takes 12-18 months to build. Several demo models were considered, but didn’t meet the city’s criteria for needs. The council will look at ordering later this summer.
Lastly, the council approved the policy for concerned citizens addressing the council. A similar 2004 policy was found, but approved what was detailed last month. The policy will be posted online and at the Village Hall.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. A road tour, a group tour of all Village roads with council members and city staff, is scheduled prior to the meeting, as is a 6:45 p.m. public hearing for a private solar array.
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