Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
After months of on and off discussion, Rushford Village unanimously approved moving forward with seeking additional seasonal help for its Public Works Department at the March 18 meeting.
Working with Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, the village will seek to fill the position from approximately May through October. By keeping the time frame at less than six months, the village is not required to pay into the Public Employees’ Retirement Association. At a minimum, the position will require a high school diploma or equivalent and a Class D driver’s license. There is no requirement for equipment experience as Chiglo will train the employee on general maintenance items the first week. The biggest need that will be filled is seasonal mowing, but Chiglo noted there are a number of things where having a second worker will be safer and more efficient.
Initially, the personnel committee had recommended 10-12 hours per week for up to six months for budgeting purposes. However, Chiglo indicated 16 hours a week would be preferred.
“10-20 would be even better; it would be substantial,” he stated. “There’s the realization that one week they might just work 40 hours if something needs to be done.”
The council ultimately offered to make the position 15-20 hours per week. It will be advertised in the coming week.
Other agenda items included formal action on the request by Debra Kitchens for a roof-mounted solar array. Prior to the meeting, a public hearing was held on the request. With no public comment on the request and the project meeting guidelines, the council unanimously approved the array.
Kitchens was present at the meeting and expressed regret for confusion regarding the permitting process. “I assumed the contractor had gotten the permit,” she stated. “That’s not how we operate. We go through the proper channels. We tried to do our due diligence.”
Mayor Dennis Overland clarified that no permit could have been granted until a public hearing had been held regarding proposed plans.
“I’m not sure if it’ll help anyone down the road. We knew we needed the permit, but didn’t know we needed a hearing first. That was a shock,” she added. “If I’d have known I would have been down here myself to get it.”
In other news, the council has requested the City Attorney Joe O’Koren draft an Alcohol Ordinance for the village. The mayor did ask whether or not THC beverages would be included in the ordinance, but O’Koren noted those are covered under Fillmore County’s ordinances regarding cannabis. The alcohol ordinance will approve licensing requests at the local level, but applicants will ultimately receive their licensing from a state governing board.
“I’d just as soon get these started,” said Overland. “We need to stay ahead of the game.”
“It’s probably long overdue,” added O’Koren.
The village will need to hold public hearings regarding the ordinance before it can be passed by the council.
Lastly, the council approved the $150 per month cost of two portable restroom units. Estimates were comparable across the board. They will be placed at the Village Hall and at the south Rushford playground from April through October.
As a reminder, prior to the next meeting, there will be two public hearings: one at 6:40 p.m. regarding the collection ordinance and at 6:50 p.m. for the mowing ordinance.
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