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Public works flags PFAS testing, airport fuel-tank work and upcoming water-plant upgrades
Summary
Public Works Director Roger Knutson told the council the city has begun PFAS testing and found high levels in wastewater, is planning airport fuel-tank conversion (about $37,000) and expects water-plant upgrades within five years; City Administrator Hayden Stensgard reported efforts on Coop-site access, ambulance billing and lifeguard wages.
Public Works Director Roger Knutson told the Rushford City Council on April 13 that the city has begun testing for PFAS in its water system and that results show elevated levels in the wastewater; he said remediation work is being established but gave no timetable or numeric levels.
Knutson reviewed several anticipated public-works projects for 2026: replacement of faded street signs, boulevard-tree coordination with MnDOT, safety inspections at parks, demolition of the Himlie warehouse, and equipment changes including a new payloader (the old payloader will be sold). He also said the city is considering converting a jet-fuel tank at the airport to hold aviation fuel because there is no demand for jet fuel; he estimated conversion would cost approximately $37,000 and said he and City Administrator Hayden Stensgard will meet with Scott Wagner to discuss airport matters.
Knutson said Tonka had been at the water plant and that upgrades will be required within the next five years. He also identified a culvert leak creating a hole near a private residence (Ruth Peterson). City Administrator Hayden Stensgard, who joined the city on April 1, said he has requested a survey quote from Johnson and Schofield to address access issues at the former Jondahl Machining site, is working to reactivate the city's Medicare and Medicaid numbers to improve ambulance run reimbursement, is pursuing grant funding for the former Coop site and is reviewing lifeguard wages against regional comparators and prior pool budgets.
Councilors did not take formal action on these items at the April 13 meeting; they were presented as informational reports for follow-up and scheduling by staff.
