City of Hardwick, Denver Township work together on joint building project

The Hardwick city office and fire hall need structural improvements, and Denver Township has money to build one structure that could meet the needs of both entities.
Denver Township and Hardwick City Council members met in special session Aug. 11 to consider building design and potential locations.
“A multipurpose, energy-efficient building would benefit all of us,” said Hardwick City Clerk Tammy Johnson.
Currently both government entities conduct their monthly meetings in the Hardwick City Offices.
A Sioux Valley Energy audit of the city building revealed extensive insulation measures are needed, and the existing oil furnace needs to be replaced.
The same energy efficiency improvements were recommended for the Hardwick fire hall, prompting officials to consider a new, shared structure.
“We can put a lot of money in these old buildings and, in the end, we still have old buildings,” Johnson said.
Both city and township officials have talked individually about needs.
The Aug. 11 meeting is the first time the two entities officially met publically, and they agreed to meet again in September.
They consulted Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre and county commissioner Gary Overgaard about operation and financial options.
Both attended the Aug. 11 meeting.
“From an outsider’s standpoint, it would be great if you guys can work together,” Oldre said. “I want to applaud you two for wanting to work together.”
Locally, government entities have worked together before, Oldre said, pointing to the county’s previous joint efforts with the city of Luverne in operating the swimming pool and Rock County Library.
Oldre suggested the budget-conscious city may want to look at a lease agreement with the township, which is looking at investing wind production tax money into its own building and maintenance equipment.
“We are looking — nothing is in stone,” said township supervisor Kyle Hemme.
 
Denver Township has wind money to share
Since 2012 Denver Township has received an average of $76,000 per year the past eight years in production tax from the Prairie Rose Wind Farm.
After expenses, the majority of production tax money has not been used.
“You don’t get much interest while it is in the bank,” Hemme said.
As a start, Oldre suggested looking at the Martin Township maintenance building and lay down yard near Hills as a possible footprint for Denver Township’s portion of the joint facility.
Both council members and township representatives agreed the joint facility should be located within the city limits of Hardwick, primarily out of concern for a good water source for the fire department and partly out of pride.
“We are vested in this town,” Hemme said. “We don’t have to live within the city limits.”
No formal action was taken at the Aug. 11 meeting, but a general consensus emerged.
“It would be nice to have everything in one location,” added township supervisor Tony Roos.