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Well #2 pump failure, equipment repairs and safety fixes flagged at Rushford Village maintenance update
Summary
Public Works Supervisor Darrin Dessner reported a pump failure on Well #2; McCarthy Well retrieved the pump for diagnostics. The council was briefed on truck and skid-steer issues, a $3,381.51 catalyst cleaning, and recommended safety fixes after an MMUA walkthrough.
Rushford Village's public works supervisor told council members on Jan. 20 that the village's Well #2 experienced a pump failure and crews are pursuing repairs while running Well #1 temporarily under state guidance.
Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Darrin Dessner said McCarthy Well pulled the pump from Well #2 and took it for inspection to determine the cause of the failure; the pump is about 13 years old and McCarthy provided a price estimate to disassemble and repair it. Dessner said Minnesota Department of Health staff advised that Well #1 can be run for a short period (up to one month) for distribution while repairs proceed; running Well #1 longer would require public notification.
Dessner also briefed the council on equipment: a Freightliner truck is back in service but he has concerns about its all-wheel-drive performance and will seek estimates from local vendors; a skid steer required catalyst cleaning at a cost of $3,381.51, which was significantly cheaper than total part replacement, and the supervisor recommended considering replacing the current unit with a model that does not use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) given low annual usage and recurring maintenance constraints.
A Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) safety walkthrough flagged missing garage door sensors and an unbolted air compressor in the maintenance shed. Options to relocate and secure the compressor in a loft area and to install door sensors were discussed; La Crosse Door was cited as a vendor to provide estimates.
Dessner said he plans to travel the week of Feb. 9'13 to take a Class A CDL test and that routine road repairs (rocking) and tree trimming are underway.
Next steps: McCarthy Well to provide a repair estimate and timeline; staff to obtain vendor estimates for overhead door sensors and to consider equipment replacement options; monitor any need to notify residents if Well #1 must be used beyond the short-term allowance.
