Task force studying senior housing issues in Rush City

Posted 4/25/01

Task force studying senior housing issues in Rush City

By MaryHelen Swanson

A task force is busy in Rush City studying options for potential new senior housing.

City Administrator Daniel Hoffman apprised the council Monday night, April 23, that the task force is working with Steve Mork who has been assigned the duty of assisting Chisago County cities in developing senior housing opportunities as part of his charge from the county board.

Right now, Hoffman said, the task force is looking at what will work in Rush City, with an assisted living facility a goal.

The next step, he went on, is to hire a consultant to do a market survey to find out what Rush City area seniors want and need in housing. This may be done through a focus group with representatives of the senior community.

There will be some cost to the city, around $5,000-$8,000, for this consultant work. Hoffman said there is money in a housing budget to cover it.
The council also discussed application for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which comes out of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

According to Hoffman, FEMA has $90 million for this program, 60 percent going to volunteer fire departments and 40 percent to staffed departments.
In discussing a wish list, Hoffman noted it includes a snorkel truck pumper, a cascade system for the van and upgrades for the breathing apparatus that would provide a 45,000 pound rating, and would increase capacity from 20-25 minutes air to one hour.

Hoffman speculated on how the money would be broken down and figures the amount per state would not be that much. The pumper truck, for instance, would cost $400,000 and that might be a significant portion of the stateís allocation.

For that reason, after the council approved applying for a grant, Hoffman said he probably would ask for funding for the smaller items.
On Monday, the council also paid bills in the amount of $35,237.21 and hired Joshua Allen as part-time bartender at the liquor store.

They also discussed a request from Chisago County Health and Human Services to use the pool table at the Rush City Community Center for a game room as part of the Youth-at-Risk programs. These game rooms are being established in the Chisago Lakes School Districts.

Since the council could not come to a consensus on whether to let the pool table go, it was decided to seek public input on this issue. Anyone with an opinion either way should contact City Hall.
The council also heard a presentation from Lee Rood on the upcoming activities at the aquatic center, and received the proposed budget for 2001 with expenditures at $117,250, almost the same as 2000. When asked why the pool closes so early in the evening in the summer, Rood said it was because there are no lights, either in the pool or around it, both required if it is to be open in the evening.

Finally, the council heard from Mitch Haugrud about Dennis Kirk Customer Appreciation Day, June 16 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Jeff Haugrud, representing the Rock Creek Lions, was on hand also to ask for a one-day license to sell beer at the event. He noted that all money raised would be going to scholarships for local students.

Activities planned for the day include a swap meet, motorcycle rodeo/games, bike show, clowns, displays, selling parts and food concessions, including Chisago County 4-H.

Several thousand people are expected to come to town on that day. There will be no bike ride (for a charitable cause) associated with the event this year.

Mitch Haugrud was also asking the city for some help with traffic control, particularly providing signs for no parking on 361. He noted that at least one church across from the fairground (where part of the event will be held) is willing to open its lot for (paid) parking. Some parking will also be available on the fairgrounds.

The council unanimously approved the establishment of a one-day license fee at $15. The actual license will be approved later.