By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The New Richland City council approved presentation of the job of Care Center administrator to an individual during its regular meeting on Monday, June 14.
New Richland Care Center
After reviewing more than a half dozen applications for the care center administrator position, Councilperson Loren Skelton, acting as a liaison for the Care Center, said he believes they have found the person most qualified to fill the position.
“No one else has the qualifications,” Councilperson Skelton said. “With some of the other positions [the care center] has hired someone who isn't qualified and hoped they would get their qualifications. This guy has a lot of experience… This is who I recommend.”
The council approved the motion and Mayor Schmidt said she hopes to announce a new administrator soon.
Workforce session
Ordinance questions and concerns were raised and a workforce session was scheduled for June 24 to go over rental, animal, liquor, and public nuisance ordinances, which haven’t really been looked at closely in close to a decade.
Survey Results
The results of a survey conducted by the City of New Richland were discussed after 105 residents responded. The number one concern according to New Richland residents are taxes, followed by the streets and water, police, and fire departments.
A majority of respondents said the quality of services provided by the city of New Richland is “good” and said they felt their problems were heard when brought forward to the city.
BEST Presentation
Board member Jim Boerboom from the nonprofit group, B.E.S.T. of Waseca, delivered a presentation about a town tour taking place on July 14 in New Richland. B.E.S.T. members plan to have conversations with different organizations in town, including the F.F.A. about possible improvement projects. Some examples given by Boerboom of projects the organization has funded include the Pink School House project and the rebuilding of the Waseca baseball field, which had been lost to a fire in 2016.
Police Department Report
Police Chief Anthony Martens said the department responded to 157 calls for service during the month of May, bringing the year's total calls for service to 649.
Five ordinance violations have been resolved, with one outstanding. Chief Martens told the council it needs to decide how to address ongoing ordinance violation regarding trash behind the Laundromat.
Mayor Gail Schmidt said the council needs to step in because, “How many letters are they going to get?”
The department received a total of $1,250 from the New Richland Area Foundation and the Grace of God fund for the purchase of sensors for a Scout Alarm System, which council approved. Chief Martens thanked both organizations for their support because; “We could not normally have this equipment available to us through normal funding mechanisms.”
Office McKane finished firearms instructor school and is now a certified firearms instructor. Post mandated EVOC training for Officer Lee was approved at a cost of $445.
Officers Jewison and Busho turned in resignations and Officer Bruegger withdrew her resignation and will continue with the department.
Chief Martens told the council that the vandalism and garbage problem at St. Olaf Lake park has gotten a little out of hand and suggested he look into purchasing a camera surveillance system in a cost range of $200 to $400 with the purpose of curbing the problem.
The police report was accepted.
Ambulance Department Report
Director Sarah Sundve presented the ambulance department report and said EMS week went well. The department will have trauma training in August with South Central EMS.
Sundve expressed interest in the department participating in a mock drowning training with the fire department in September followed by a group grill out.
The council approved two EMT applications pending background checks.
The council discussed the reimbursement of certain expenses for an EMT going through her training courses and approved the use of the city car and agreed to reimburse the cost of meals. It was also suggested that the council revisit what reimbursements are acceptable during the upcoming work session June 24.
The council approved the ambulance department report.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Josh Moen was absent and did not deliver a report.
Misc.
The sign at Cedar Point apartments is deteriorating and the council approved the purchase of a new sign, with a lockbox, at the cost of $355. Also discussed was the possibility of rent increase for tenants. Residents will be notified by letter of any changes.
A discussion regarding sidewalk repairs in front of Bonnerup funeral home in New Richland took place. “There’s no doubt in my mind that it should be replaced,” said Councilperson Chad Neitzel. The question is whose responsibility it is to repair the sidewalk. Bonnerup agreed to pay for the repairs excluding the 45 feet of sidewalk east of their driveway.
The painting of street lines was put on hold because the county was “chip sealing.” Also discussed were the streetlights in need of repair, which the council determined was the responsibility of Xcel energy to repair, but are slow to do so. Councilperson Jason Casey asked about the crosswalk on Highway 13 and suggested the city repair the crosswalk so it blinks at the appropriate times.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.