Rushford Village will not be opening its community center until at least July 31. The unanimous city council decision came at the March 2 meeting following a discussion on the topic.
The Village Hall first closed May 5, 2020, nearly two months into pandemic shutdowns issued by Governor Tim Walz. At the time, the Minnesota Department of Health recommended events no larger than 50 people. The most recent orders from the governor put restrictions within the same parameters. The council closed the hall through December 31, 2020. At the December 15 meeting, they voted to extend the closure through March 31, 2021.
Reasons for continuing the closure now remain much as they were then: inability to police if gatherings exceed 50 people and the cost and lack of time to sanitize to avoid contaminations, especially when there are multiple gatherings per weekend. Hall rates are $35 per five-hour rental or $50 per day rental, plus a $50 security deposit on each. There were currently 13 tentative reservations, bringing in potential revenue of $455-650.
“As much as I’d like to see it open, I’m just not sure,” said Mayor Dennis Overland.
“They’re telling people, ‘Don’t open up too soon,’” added City Clerk Mary Miner. Even if the city were to allow outside-only venues, the city would be required to provide portable restrooms and clean between events, while running water would be limited to the outside of the building. The site also has a playground. Per the state, limits on these sites are no more than three households, 15 people max, maintaining six feet of space. Per the state, despite orders not closing playgrounds, they may be closed by local authorities.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think we should keep it closed until August,” said Councilor Mike Ebner.
“I hate to say no to killing it for the whole year. Hopefully, things are more fluid than that,” added Overland.
“I think it’s best to err on the side of caution,” noted Councilor Bob Hart. The council will revisit the topic in June to determine the remainder of the year.
In other news, the Village is reviewing priority lists for gravel road improvements ahead of receiving rock bids for 2021. These roads encompass more than 30 miles and are subject to both traffic and weather-related impacts. Ebner noted some roads identified on the list hadn’t received new crushed rock in years.
Part-time Public Works/Maintenance Supervisor Trenten Chiglo noted the need estimation is 3,800 tons, or 2,714 cubic yards, to achieve the goals for the year. Bid requests will be published twice with bid opening slated for April 6. In addition, letters will be sent to potential providers. It’s expected that the council will make a decision at the April 6 meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, March 16, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. It is open to the public.
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