Rescue vehicle discussed by Rice council

by Dave DeMars

news@thenewsleaders.com

Fire Chief Scott Janski made his case at the Rice City Council meeting on Nov. 7 for the need for, and the type of, rescue truck the fire department would like to purchase, one with a four-wheel drive.

“The next step is to get you guys (the council) saying, OK,” Janski said. “Let’s start going down that road, and we’ll start soliciting donations to get a portion of that paid for.”

Council members asked if the new vehicle would include painting. Janski said the truck decals are usually properly placed and all that would be needed is to put the “Rice Fire Department” name on it.

Janski said, depending upon where the truck is located, it might be possible to simply drive it back rather than transport it.

In response to a question on mileage, Janski estimated it had about 40,000 to 50,000 miles. More exact data will be obtained in the future.

Janski said the present rescue vehicle, which was donated to the department by Gold Cross Ambulance Service, is the property of the fire department and might be put up for bid, or perhaps traded in for getting detailing on the new rescue vehicle.

However, some council members expressed concern and hoped Gold Cross would not take offense and would understand the need for a different vehicle. Janski assured the council he would approach Gold Cross and explain the situation.

Mayor Dale Rogholt suggested the council might want to designate a dollar amount the department should not exceed, but other members said that should be set at another meeting. With that, Janski was given permission to proceed further on his search for a different rescue vehicle.

Real estate

The council took up two matters dealing with real estate. The first concerned property along the east side of Deason Properties, represented by Mark Williams, in the Rice Industrial Park. The problem is there is not a right-of-way granted to Deason to cross that property, approximately a 40-foot strip. With no easement across the city’s property, Deason does not have the legal right to do so. Deason is now in the process of selling that property and would like to resolve the right-of-way issue.

A second issue was the City of Rice also owns the westerly half of Gateway Drive, but another party, Aschenbrenner’s, owns the eastern half of Gateway Drive. The city has used and maintained the roadway for at least six years and under state law can claim ownership under what is called “statutory dedication.” Both problems were apparently created when the plat was created and the properties initially sold. The council directed the city attorney meet with Deason Properties’ lawyer and take whatever steps are legally necessary to resolve the matter.

In another property issue involving the combining of lots around the Old Creamery, the council moved to extend the deadline for filing proper paperwork to Nov. 14.

Park plan

Ken Nodo, who works with the Rice Park Board, briefed the council on requests for proposal for a park plan. Nodo said they are hopeful to have the proposal ready soon. Money for the proposal would come from the city, $10,000 and $5,000 from SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Program).

Nodo said the arrangement would require the city to enter into a contract with the county since it’s a reimbursement. The plan would also include trails with reference to the Safe Route to Schools tied into the plan.

Council member Brian Skroch said after Jan. 1, there would be more money available to help offset the cost of the plan, so that’s why there is some urgency to get the first proposal finished.

Other business

• A council discussion of the scheduling of employee reviews. The council should receive personnel reviews from department heads in packets prior to the Nov. 21 council meeting. The council scheduled department-head reviews for 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28.

• Discussion and approval of liquor-license renewal for Shady’s Railside pending updating of the application.

• Discussion and approval of liquor-license renewal for American Legion pending updating of the application.

Under the consent agenda, the council took the following actions:

● Approved liquor-license renewal for O’Brien’s Pub.

● Approved liquor-license renewal for Westside Liquor.

● Approved summary of October building permits.

● Received and approved minutes from the planning commission, park board, the economic development committee, and the Oct. 17 city-council meeting and a special council meeting Oct. 24.