The Tuesday, August 16 Rushford Village meeting was a brisk 32 minutes and was continued, rather than adjourned, to the next meeting. At that time, the council will host a public broadband informational meeting at the request of AcenTek, as well as a hearing for the ordinance related to Tiny House family healthcare dwellings.
Mayor Gordon Johnson indicated that AcenTek is seeking two $5 million grants, including one that will benefit the City of Rushford Village. The purpose of the grant is to improve broadband service and capabilities in greater Minnesota areas. Johnson acknowledged that the Village is currently underserved in that area.
He recently attended a meeting put on jointly by Fillmore County Economic Development Authority and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) regarding the issue. According to Johnson, the county is willing to put an additional $150,000 of incubator money into the project. It was explained that the grant application are scored on a point system and money invested by other entities accumulate more points towards funding approval. Johnson suggested that if the Village have flood monies remaining, it could add it to project commitment for additional points. “Does this council support the opportunity?” he asked. The informational meeting is slated for August 23, from 6-7 p.m., at the Village Hall.
After the informational meeting, the council will hold a public hearing regarding the Tiny House ordinance. They have until September 1 to either approve utilizing the state ordinance on the issue or approve their own ordinance.
A property on Ridgeview Road is under scrutiny from the council after the city has received comments regarding substantial work on the property. According to Zoning Director Jon Pettit, he has attempted to make contact with the owner on several occasions, but has been unable to do so. There has been no application for permitting of the work put forth by the property owner or approved by the city. Work without permit brings a late fee of $250 plus double the original cost of the permit.
Mayor Johnson asked whether follow up need to take place before a letter be mailed. “We don’t need to. That’s our policy,” stated Councilor Dennis Overand.
“Mr. Pettit has made plenty of attempts to contact him,” added Councilor Rich Smith. The council agreed and will send a letter to the property owner acknowledging the fee and permitting cost.
Further problems with work related to the city’s Street Improvement Project persist. “There’s a fair amount of them. Some have been addressed,” stated Mayor Johnson. He further noted that an email chain of comments between the engineering firm and those with questions or problems is being monitored and Engineer Josh Pope, of Bolton & Menk, is keeping in contact with residents.
A culvert was discovered during shouldering work on Ridgeview Road near St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The 12-inch culvert will need replacement. “Better safe than sorry,” noted Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Travis Scheck. Scheck also indicated that the state approved widening of Whitmore Street to Highway 43 with the city supplying an 18-inch culvert there.
Watershed problems over the end of Nordic Court, following repaving and paving of the formerly grass inside of the cul-de-sac, have also cropped up. Water between the properties owned by Casey Ingvalson and Mary Anne Overland needs adjustment, but the answer to the problem is unclear. “It’s most certainly not done correctly,” stated Mayor Johnson. “I’m not sure what they’re going to do.”
There currently exists a 4% grade swale, but the area will be addressed further by Bolton & Menk and contractors. Johnson noted he’s received no negative comments about the project work as a whole.
The council approved the $3,745 purchase of a sprayer system for maintenance of the city’s roadway ditches. The price includes a 150-foot hose, reel, boom arm, and gas motor. Money was set aside for management of the roadsides, according to Clerk Mary Miner.
“We’re going to save money in the long run,” noted Councilor Chad Rasmussen. The council approved the motion unanimously.
Five persons have filed for positions on the city council in the upcoming election. Councilor Rich Smith, who was appointed following a vacancy in 2015, will seek reelection, as will Councilor Dennis Overland. Mike Ebner has also filed for a position on the council. Councilor Todd Baker will challenge incumbent Mayor Gordon Johnson to fill the mayor’s seat.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, September 6, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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