PeopleService representative Brad Field was on hand to inform the council the plans for the Waste Water Treatment Facility update project are nearing completion and should be submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for their approval in late April. Field, along with City Maintenance Supervisor Ryan Nissen, discussed price estimates for a new tractor and sludge wagon, which would be part of the WWTF upgrade. No decision was reached as to make or type of tractor.
Field mentioned if the city moves ahead with the Dogwood sewer upgrade, many trees would have to be removed.
“There are probably 10-12 trees per block,” said Field.
Currently, the section of Dogwood Avenue under consideration is a undeveloped street and the trees are on city property.
Field wanted to stress the importance of residents’ sump pumps. He asks that if possible, residents should have their pumps set up to pump outside their homes and not down the city sanitary sewer system.
The council discussed with Nissen the need for summer help. It was decided to advertise for the position with the emphasis on hours for the temporary employee be devoted to mowing.
The council also approved the purchase of four tons of cold patch for cracks and potholes not to exceed $145 per ton.
A brief discussion was held about the Fire Protection System at the Odd Fellows building. Sprinklers have been installed, which are required by code. It was decided to not activate the system until the building becomes occupied.
The final topic was playground equipment for St. Olaf Lake Park. Council member Ihrke has researched information about new equipment. Funding options for the equipment purchase were discussed.
The next meeting of the New Richland City Council will take place at 6:15 p.m. on April 11 at Wallace’s Laundromat. Following, the council will re-assemble in their chambers for the rest of their agenda.
