By Steve Morris

The Rush City Council was busy on Monday, Aug. 14, dealing with a diverse group of issues during what turned out to be a two-hour meeting at city hall.

A skateboard park was among the issues discussed.

The council approved a motion to form a five-member park board to research the possibility of bringing a skate park to the city. The idea for a park board was discussed in the past but little action was taken.

The preliminary cost of constructing a skateboard park was estimated at $24,570. The size would be 65 by 100 feet ñ the same size as Pine Cityís skateboard park. Speaking about the potential of a skate park, Mayor Mike Skalsky said, ìIt should keep them [area juveniles] off the streets.î

TrueRide, of Duluth, was the company who offered the initial quote. It includes a rail fun box, two grind rails, a street pipe, to list a few.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Carmen Anderson of Rush City spoke to the council about a problem she has with the FEMA Flood Hazard Boundary Map. The map, which is from 1976, is difficult to read and decipher. According to the map, Andersonís house is on a flood plane. However, her house sits on top of a hill. Anderson said she was trying to close on the sale of her house but is unable to because the mortgage company wonít give a loan to a potential buyer because her house is situated in a flood plane. The council advised Anderson to check with the Department of Natural Resources or try a different mortgage company. The council also said they would look into getting a new and improved map.

ìWe need to work at getting a clearer map,î said interim City Administrator Amy Mell.

In other business:

ï The city will close 3rd and 4th streets on Dana Avenue for two days to accommodate the Annual Rush City Music Festival. They will also close additional parts of 4th and 5th streets for the event.

ï The city approved 15 pages of city bills and claims.

ï Georgia Goustad, Angie Booth, Lorraine Olson, Bernie Lou Winter and Dorthy Siljendahl were appointed election judges for 2006.

ï The council gave their recommendations on the concept plan for a development of 205 new lots. Among the recommendations were more emergency exits, a baseball field and a playground.

ï The council discussed finishing the developerís agreement for the Rush Creek Estates.