At the July 28 city council meeting, Councilor Sally Ryman provided an update regarding the 11th annual Bluff Land Triathlon on August 18. The event is a fundraising event for the Foundation for R-P Schools and takes advantage of the natural beauty of the valley and bluffs. The triathlon includes a 15.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile run, and a 2.1 mile hike. Participants can enter individually or as a relay with a three-member team each doing one third of the event. Registration for this year, dubbed “From the Creek to the Peak,” opened in May. The number of participants was increased to 150 this year and registration is currently 80% full. Registration will close at 150 entries and previous years have closed early. Registration can be found online at: foundationforr-pschools.org/bluff-land-tri.
The council also discussed approving the sale of forfeited property at 408 South Maple Street. The property owners have passed away with no next of kin. Fillmore County requested the city either state their desire to acquire the property for the public purpose or approve the sale of the parcel. The city has no desire to own the property and would rather see someone residing in the home, approving the sale unanimously.
According to City Clerk Kathy Zacher, the outstanding taxes due are $11,136, which is the minimum someone must bid for the property. There has been no one in the home for some time, but there was a caretaker and according to Councilor Jim O’Donnell, it was noted as one of the better properties in the area and is well taken care of. Notice of the property will be published multiple times before auction details are made public.
During reports, the council also learned that the cross-section work has been completed on Rushford Creek. Repairs to the north levee wall will be done largely by the public works department, but a contractor will need to do certain sections.
The feasibility study results regarding the former Farmers Win Coop site are going to be presented and discussed at a public event August 27 at the R-P Schools auditorium/theatre. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. with a short presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Several other items related to the school were also noted in reports. Mayor Terri Benson indicated that Lakyn Rasmussen is taking over as Community Education director and is looking to grow the program. Benson noted creative ideas are welcome.
Benson also noted the possibility for flight training for interested high school students and those in the community. Still at a very preliminary, discussion-only stage, Benson noted that R-P Superintendent Bernard met with one of the renters of a hangar at the municipal airport about the possibility of these opportunities.
Benson also noted she’d been approached by a citizen wanting to create a disc golf course in the city as an opportunity for outreach and fun. The individual suggested the area near the new canoe launch along the Root River. The mayor considered the possibility of Magelsson Bluff was noted, which Councilor Sally Ryman noted was underused. O’Donnell added the Lions Club had considered Creekside Park at one point. Benson suggested the individual talk with the school as well.
Both Benson and Ryman also noted the ongoing request for donations to the Historical Society’s renovation of the historical depot on the Root River State Trail. Everything is going well and the changes are positive, but things have “popped up,” during the process. The depot currently serves as the city’s tourism center and the home of the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the project, visit rushfordhistory.com
Lastly, council elections are coming this November. Neither Mayor Benson and Councilor Ryman are seeking re-election.
“I think it’s good to have turnover and new ideas,” said Ryman. “I’ll serve in other ways.”
“Same for me,” said Benson. “I spent four on council and six as mayor. I can go on and feel good about what I’ve done.”
Those interested in being on the ballot can submit an affidavit for candidacy at city hall. Affidavits are accepted during business hours, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., until August 12. The mayoral seat is a two-year term. There are also two, four-year term council seats available.