New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Editorial Assistant
The New Richland City Council held its first meeting of October on Monday, the 8th. The two-hour meeting consisted of a lot of discussion about cutting spending for the budget levy and the current insurance policy, as well as reports. All members were present.
The first order of business was the ambulance report, which requested the approval of six new members. The new members will either take classes or join the first response team. The request and ambulance report were approved.
The New Richland Police Department reported 74 calls and 56 other contacts/activities for the month of September. The previously mentioned juvenile nuisance complaints have improved since school has been in session, as expected. The department is also looking into the purchase of a new camera and snow tires for the new squad car, and their request to purchase ammunition for the department was approved, costing $579. The police report was approved.
The city maintenance report motioned to replace and/or repair street signs in town by 2016, starting with the stop signs. It was agreed to further discuss the topic at the next meeting. The purchase of a new street sweeper was also discussed. The owner gave a quote of $25,000; the council agreed to offer $23,000 (the amount in the budget) and the town’s current sweeper. The motion was approved, along with the city maintenance report.
A representative of the NR Fire Department appeared at the meeting with information on the purchase of a new building, which was discussed last month. They made an offer of $40,000 for the building; however, the owner is asking for $45,000. After some debate, the council motioned to offer $42,500 for the building, and the motion was approved along with the fire department report.
There was much discussion about possible budget reductions, the insurance policy for employees, and franchise fees. However, nothing was officially decided or approved and will continue to be discussed at the next meeting, which will be held on October 22 and will include a public hearing as well. The meeting adjourned at 8:35.
