Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
At the January 21 meeting, the Rushford Village Council poured through a lengthy list of annual items including goals, designations, and appointments for 2025. Updates and adjustments to goals included continuing work on village roads, culverts, signage, and the village hall playground. Equipment needs are laid out, as are several other ongoing needs.
Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo and Clerk Mary Miner updated the council on the status of several goals carried over annually. Chiglo noted very little action this year on upkeep of winter roads, but other items, such as tree trimming, have been able to continue with the unseasonable weather.
Regarding annual designations and appointments, the vast majority remain the same as last year. The village did alter some zoning items including fees. Several contracts were reapproved, updated if needed, but largely also remained the same for the year.
Zoning and Permit fees were also kept the same, following a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board and a recommendation to the council. The only exception was an increase in the man/machine compensation to $175/hour. The village approved several permits in 2024: four business, 10 farm, and 52 residential. There were 35 no-charge permits. There was one public hearing. The total generated from the permits was $3,420. Zoning expenses were just over $7,000 as there were added legal fees last year. All members on the board agreed to continue to serve.
Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Eggert was present at the meeting to discuss plans for 2025. This includes marketing for the cities of Rushford Village, Rushford and Peterson. The council did question whether efforts were underway to focus on village businesses and offerings.
“Do people know that the Village has programs as well?” asked Mayor Dennis Overland.
“That’s my question. Do you approach the businesses in the village?” asked Councilor Mike Ebner.
Eggert indicated she does attempt to approach all village businesses, but doesn’t always hear back. She suggested the village contact her directly any time to highlight events, programs, or other information, but did acknowledge that it can be a struggle to narrow the focus of things people see to the right city and avoiding things that are offered in one city when all are being marketed. She further requested the village submit a descriptive write-up highlighting the village to include in marketing.
“It’s a pretty good bang for the buck overall,” noted Overland.
“We’ve got to support the tri-city deal, but…” added Ebner.
“We just don’t have that much to offer,” added Councilor Bob Hart. “It would be nice to have something to say Rushford Village on it. Rushford Peterson is nice, but…”
“We are unique,” stated Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit.
Eggert also noted that membership was down last year. The Chamber will be pushing advertising this year and the public submitted roughly 30 photos for consideration in various marketing publications.
The council also approved other agenda items including a letter to Senator Jeremy Miller similar to one sent to Representative Greg Davids regarding land sales to the state, a review of the Minnesota Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction Program, and review of Pay Equity.
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