Police Chief Scott Eads noted his department had 101 calls for service with an additional 40 contacts for the month of May.
“We are still dealing with juvenile nuisance issues (mostly curfew,)” said Eads. “However, there has not been the damage to property reports like in the month of April. Just in the last week a great deal of progress has been made in this area.”
Eads told the council he has been in touch with some of the parents of juveniles pertaining to the curfew matters, and he has received support from the parents.
Maintenance supervisor Ryan Nissen presented a quote for a concrete path at the city garden on Highway 30. The council decided to put the matter on hold until after Farm and City Days. Nissen went over several items of interest which have been completed or in progress. He asked about new Christmas lights as the present ones have served their purpose. Council members agreed the city needs new lights but current budget constraints may curtail the immediate purchase of replacement decorations. Nissen announced spraying for mosquitoes would probably start toward the end of the week.
New Richland Fire Department Chief Jeremy Parpart provided a quote for new extrication equipment to be used to free victims in vehicle accidents. The cost of the apparatus is $26,095. The department’s present unit could be sold to recoup some of the expense.
“The metals they are using in the newer vehicles can’t be cut by our present equipment,” said Parpart.
The council gave the go ahead for the purchase.
The next item on the agenda was the crosswalk near the school on Highway 30. Price quotes have been received in the neighborhood of $13,000-15,000 for solar powered flashing lights. The city is still waiting approval from MNDot to establish a 20-mph school zone along the stretch of highway. Additional signage will be required warning motorists of the reduced speed limit when lights are flashing. The council agreed to spend $7,500, which is approximately 50 percent of the cost.
The last item on the agenda was the softball field at Legion Field. Intentions are to modify the north field to varsity softball standards. The costs for the modification exceed $33,000 which includes new fences and relocating the infield portion of the field. This project is proposed to be a joint city and school board endeavor and is expected to be ready for the 2013 season. After discussion, the council voted to pledge 20 percent cost support at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. The next meeting of the NR council will be Monday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
