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Residents press city on tree removal and deteriorating school property; council approves flags, baskets and other routine business
Summary
Public commenters asked the city to expedite removal of a storm-damaged tree at 502 E. North St. and raised concerns about a deteriorating old school property; council approved a fundraising plan for 250 flags to mark a July 3 kickoff, purchased 50 flower baskets, and noted a state trail closure and EDA materials.
Several residents used the meeting's public-comment period to raise neighborhood maintenance and community-event items.
Wanda Hanson, a local resident and Fillmore County Journal reporter, reported that a tree damaged last fall in Dale Brand's yard at 502 E. North St. remains after repeated promised removal by Norby's. Mayor Leigh Volkman said he would contact Norby's and, if necessary, explore other tree-removal options.
Mike Miller told the council that the old school property is deteriorating, that additional junk and vehicles are being parked on the former playground, and that taxes are not being paid. He suggested the council consider a public nuisance ordinance, obtain a building assessment and a property valuation, and noted that a previously interested developer might still be interested. Mayor Volkman said the new city administrator will meet with the property owner to try to reach an agreement.
Nancy Benson described plans for a Rushford '250th Anniversary of the United States' kickoff on July 3 at Creekside Park, including 250 flags placed around the football field and a sponsorship option of $25 per flag; she said proceeds will stay in the city and called the event a "kick off" to the Fourth of July. The council separately approved purchasing 50 self-watering flower baskets from Roger Colbenson at a cost of $4,000, noting the larger size of the new baskets and higher fertilizer costs.
In notices, the council recorded that the Root River State Trail segment between Rushford and Houston will be closed through August 2026 and provided printed EDA grant and loan materials. The consent agenda — including approval of 2026 subsidy contracts, an invoice from Jerome Illg for consultation services, continued closure of City Hall to the public on Fridays through 2026, and funds summary/payments for Feb. 12–18 — was approved by motion.
