By Patrick Tepoorten

The Rush City Council was reminded why it is looking at building a new municipal liquor building on Monday, as North End Liquor manager Carol Hanson described the current building's shortcomings. Heavy snowfall left eight inches of standing water on the roof, which Hanson had to have removed because of leaks into the structure. She referred to the building as a "rainforest."

Because of leaks there is a large section of finished ceiling in the TV room that is sagging as well. Councilor Nic Malchow volunteered to view the ceiling this week so the council can figure out the best way to address the situation. As it might be some time before a decision is reached regarding the store's future, the council talked about ways to keep the current facility maintained without spending a great deal on the building, which may end up torn down.

It was suggested that the city place a commercial grade sump pump on the roof to remove standing water in the future.

With rough construction costs for a new facility expected by the next meeting, Councilor Mick Louzek asked Hanson to look into plans by the state legislature to allow wine sales in grocery stores, which could affect Rush City's plans.

Hanson also warned the council that the proposed smoking ban could have an impact as well.

Overall, liquor store profits are up significantly from last year at this time.

In other city news:

• Estimates to survey the property sought by the Northern Chisago Historical Society are coming back higher than expected due to the city's legal description of the land. It was estimated by city administrator Amy Mell that it would cost more than $3,000 and possibly as much as $6,000.

Mell was instructed to get maximum "not to exceed" estimates for the survey.

The potential cost of the survey led to questions about the property and the city's intentions. Is the city giving the land away? If so, who would pay the cost of the survey? What is the land worth? Will it be big enough to allow the society to build?

There were few answers Monday night, but the council did approve an appraisal of the property. A conundrum for the city and the society remains. The society will not know if the land suits its needs unless it is surveyed. The city, on the other hand, does not want to pay for a survey if the society does not acquire the land.