Rushford Public Works reviews 2025 projects, equipment purchases

Public Works Director Roger Knutson told the Rushford City Council on Feb. 9 that the department completed multiple infrastructure projects in 2025 and purchased several pieces of major equipment.

Knuston said crews removed trees near the airport approach after a 50/10 inspection and carried out extensive playground repairs at Creekside Park, replacing rotting wood and roofs and repainting equipment. Staff reworked an alley adjacent to Rushford State Bank, Sterling Pharmacy and Semcac, keeping access to the bank drive‑thru open while working around utilities. The department also installed new valves at the wastewater plant, added hookups for new construction, and located curb stops to upload to the city's GIS system.

At the municipal pool, Public Works installed new mirrors and sinks and painted walls; campground layout changes were made to reduce overcrowding. The department repaired buckling curb and sidewalk by Rushford Dental and made a new Christmas star with LED lights for the bluff. Knutson said crews assisted with solar installations at Horihan Properties and at the car wash and installed a new manhole at Maple and Park Streets.

Major 2025 equipment purchases included a new generator, a new plow truck, a bucket truck purchased from Mi Energy, a cab for a new snow dump truck and a new tractor with a cab. The department sold an old sludge truck at Darr's Auction.

The minutes record these items as a departmental recap; no formal council action on the projects or equipment purchases was recorded in the Feb. 9 meeting minutes.