Rushford Village projects, road tour on hold

With restrictions in place due to Governor Walz’s Shelter in Place order and several businesses deemed non-essential and closed temporarily, the City of Rushford Village is seeing a number of plans on hold until likely early June or later.
At the Tuesday, April 21 council meeting the board was apprised that the One Energy Renewables solar array project is on hold until this fall. An email from Eric Udelhofen, Director of Project Development for One Energy, to City Clerk Mary Miner indicated the company won’t be able to start the project, which is partially on a city land lease, until October 1. This opens the door for the city to rent to a 3.5 acre parcel to Featherstone Farms, who had utilized the land in the past, as long as crops are out by September 30.
City Attorney Joe O’Koren indicated the letter is sufficient documentation from the company to allow usage of the land and stated a subordinate agreement could be sought, but isn’t necessary. “It’s within the city’s right to do so,” said O’Koren.
The council agreed to rent the acreage to Jack Heddin, owner/operator of Featherstone Farms for $100 per acre, half of what they previously got for rent. While Heddin had previously paid half in the spring and half in the fall, the council decided payment must be made by April 30. “Featherstone tilled it up today,” said Councilor Mike Ebner. “They already plowed it up so the sooner the better.”
Also partially on hold are plans for public works to install a pump alternating system for the groundwater lift station control panel on Goodrich Street in South Rushford. At the time, everything is still working as it should and the replacement pump has been ordered. A bid to install the alternating switch was provided by Norman’s Electric Service (NES) for the amount of $1,218. Installing the alternating system will extend the life of the pump, giving each of the two pumps equal runtime during the year. The city would like to potentially put an hourly meter on the system to determine which is running at any given time. With costs unknown for the meter, the item was tabled until the May 5 meeting.
Station pump panel bids were received by NES, in the amount of $24,000, and from Minnesota Pump Works, in the amount of $15,800. The council sought clarification on the material discrepancies, as well as cost discrepancies. “A $10,000 difference seems like a lot. Something is out of whack,” said Ebner. “There’s some glaring difference here someplace.”
Councilor Roger Knutson and Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck will work together on the project and will notify both companies to discuss the differences in bids. “I do like having NES involved because they’re closer geographically, while Minnesota Pump Works is two hours away. The item will be discussed further at the next meeting.
The annual Village road tour, to inspect and prioritize maintenance on all Village roads, was also put on hold due to COVID-19. Typically, the council and city staff ride together in one large vehicle. The tour has now been tentatively scheduled for June 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The citywide cleanup, however, is on hold until further notice.
Lastly, a policy for concerned citizens addressing the council at meetings has been drafted and is under review. Currently, it highlights five particular areas, including when citizens can speak and for how long, who will be allowed to speak, what will happen after, how concerns will be addressed, and consequences for not following the policy.
Proposed language states the special section of the agenda for “Citizens,” will be limited to 15 minutes for citizen input, during which each speaker is given three minutes unless the presiding officer grants further time. Those speaking must also be granted permission by the presiding officer to speak and all comments will be directed to the council as a whole and not individuals, staff members, or others in attendance. After three minutes have lapsed, the council may ask relevant questions about the concern. Following the meeting, the council will, “engage in a factual investigation regarding the concern” and will “confer to determine what course of action is best appropriate to remedy the citizen’s concern.” 4. After the three (3) minute time period has lapsed, the city council may ask relevant questions to the citizen about their concern. The final point notes, “citizens shall be respectful and considerate of both the council and other members present at the meeting.” Those unable to adhere to the guidelines will be asked to leave the meeting.
If formally approved at the next meeting, the policy will be posted at the meeting sign in and on the city website.
Upcoming meetings include the regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. At this time, the council meeting will be held at the Village Hall. However, should state guidelines for COVID-19 change, the meeting will likely happen on a Zoom format again. For final clarification, contact the Village Hall.
A public hearing is slated for Tuesday, May 19, at 5:45 p.m. to review a permit for a solar array for Jim Norstad’s property. The application for the permit was approved at the council meeting.