By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The City of New Richland accepted its preliminary tax budget calling for a 10.9% tax levy increase during its regular council meeting, Monday, Sept. 27.
In the 3-1 decision, Council Person Jason Casey cast the first no vote of any council member, on any decision, all year.
“I would like to see if each department could provide us with a budget including a 5% cut and a budget with a 10% cut,” Councilperson Casey stated. “We will have another meeting to discuss changing it before the December meeting.”
Mayor Gail Schmidt agreed and said, following meetings with the heads of various departments, they would return to the budget proposal in November. A work session was scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
The final budget meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2021, where residents of New Richland can voice their opinions/concerns.
Streets and water
Eric Hendrickson delivered the streets and water report, saying it’s been a busy month. A waterline break occurred in the water plant, which Hendrickson and Bohlens Plumbing and Heating were able to repair.
The council approved the purchase and installation of a hanging heater at a cost of $2,350 to prevent a pipe from freezing in the cold storage area of the water plant.
A total of 28 blue cards were issued, and two shut offs occured due to lack of payment.
A new steel roof for the leaking, “rotten” roof on Well House number two at a cost of $1,700 was approved.
The purchase of a Ferguson Mobile Data Collector and software upgrade at a cost of $7,500 was approved. It is the hope of the council that this project, along with the steel roof and other infrastructure projects will be able to be paid for with American Rescue Funds, which will soon become available to the city.
The council accepted the Streets and Water report.
People Service
*Editorial Note - The Star Eagle has been incorrectly referring to the People Service manager since being hired earlier this year. She goes by Shell Johnson and will be referred to this way going forward. The Star Eagle apologizes for its mistake.
People Service manager Shell Johnson delivered the Wastewater Operating and Maintenance report, reporting that the annual MN pump inspection was completed and showed the plant is in good shape.
The damage from a previous motor vehicle accident at the plant appears to have been entirely repaired. A new door was installed, and the fence was repaired. Looking ahead, Shell Johnson said the plant is seeking bids for a sanitary cleaning plan prior to the March 21, 2022 deadline. The plan will provide required mapping of the city’s waste water lines over the course of four to five years, the normal length of time required to do so.
An acreage violation from last year was discussed and resolved. No fines were assessed regarding missing paperwork that has since been submitted.
The council accepted the People Service report.
Miscellaneous
At the beginning of the meeting, the previous meeting’s council minutes were approved, as well as the Aug. financial reports.
Lynn Stoltzman was present to request use of the community room for a holiday Halloween party. Following a discussion, the council approved the use of the room, after Councilperson Jody Wynnemmer said he would be willing to pay for the cost. The Halloween party is scheduled for Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Events may include a duck pond fishing game, ring toss, cake walk, a “corn prize” game, and lots and lots of candy.
A work session was scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the enterprise funds (utilities) budget as well as further discussion regarding the tax levy and budget.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.