For more than a year, the Rushford Village council has debated how to proceed with a remodeling addition to the Public Works maintenance shop. There is no water or heating access at the largely unfinished shop, leaving the department no way to clean equipment. The village has several new pieces of large equipment, including a custom truck, so the council has planned improvements.
In September, the council approved a $6,625 estimate from STS Plumbing and Heating to install a water line to the maintenance shed using directional drilling. The total project estimate, including concreting the back half of the shop, adding an equipment wash bay, and putting in heating to the building, was estimated at $36,000.
“What is the goal? What are we waiting for?” asked Councilor Roger Knutson.
Peliminary budget planning included the project, but the final budget for 2023 is unknown.
“There was money in the budget to get water into the building. If the council wants to move ahead with the plans, we can get the plans made. There’s a cost associated with that,” said Councilor Mike Ebner. “Personally think it would be nice to get to the first of the year and get things going.”
Early notice shows the cost of concrete is going up by $15 per yard on the first of the year. “With a signed quote before the first of this year, they’ll give you this year’s cost. It would save a big chunk of change,” said Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo. “That’s a really big increase.”
The council approved two motions: having plans drawn up for the work and extending water from the new service to the existing building.
The council also discussed Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) needs for 2023. City Clerk Mary Miner presented information regarding the current step structure for city employees and the effects of either a 2% or 3% COLA increase, whether employees remained at their current step level or moved up.
“If I understand correctly, everyone was moved into these positions this summer. So it’s not even been a year you’ve been in these positions. Right off, I would say they should stay in the same step for this year,” noted Knutson. “They say you should never base raises off of inflation. I know that seems stupid or counterintuitive, but that’s what they say,” he continued. “I know that comes up. Even though inflation goes up, you should not base it on that. I’ve heard that routinely.”
Comparisons with other municipalities show a 2 1/2-3% increase for most, while some have gone over three percent. “In business, it’s all over the place,” added Overland.
“I think on this one we should finish it up at the next meeting, but table it for a couple of weeks to take a better look at this,” said Ebner.
Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Jen Hengel spoke to the council regarding a self-guided tour/open house of business opportunities within the City of Rushford. Open Doors: A Tour of Business Opportunities is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, from 5:30-8 p.m., and will allow the viewing of businesses and buildings for sale and spaces available for lease.
Realtors, business owners, and others available to provide property details and answer questions will be present, as will information on financing programs from local lenders and the Rushford Economic Development Authority. The tour includes 12 properties in prime downtown locations.
“The message we’re giving is: these properties are not available because business is bad. It’s not that these businesses have gone out of business. These are successful businesses,” explained Hengel. The properties are primarily available due to owner retirement, expansion, or consolidation.
“It’s an essential business district, so that’s the message we’re getting out there. It’s about possibility. It’s about positivity,” continued Hengel. “A lot of the owners of these businesses made their livelihood from these businesses. They don’t necessarily live in the city of Rushford, but we are a community. Because of what they’ve been able to do in their business, they’re able to have that livelihood here in our area.” The council was encouraged to attend the event if possible.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, November 15, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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