Maintenance supervisor Ryan Nissen requested to purchase 40 gallons of oil for the fire department and city maintenance vehicles at a cost of $8.25 per gallon. The council gave the go-ahead due to the constant rise in oil prices as of late. Nissen and the council discussed frost boils, notably on 3rd and 6th Streets NW. It appears the street will have to be dug out prior to patching. Quotes on a new snowblower unit were presented, but no action was taken.

Tom Olinger from the firm of Abdo Eick & Myers was present to review the 2010 city audit. Olinger pointed out several areas to the council but noted no major discrepancies were found. The council voted to accept the audit.

The council listened as Hugh Valiant from Waseca County Soil and Water Conservation presented a plan for a rain garden at St. Olaf Lake Park. The purpose of a rain garden is to capture runoff, letting it settle before it empties into the watershed or a lake. Rain gardens are typically planted with native shrubs and wildflowers.

The New Richland Sportsmen’s Club has shown an interest in taking the lead on this project, which is an estimated 1,000 square feet on the east side of the park. Grant money is available and Valiant estimated a cost of $3,800 for the rain garden. A proposal for a similar rain garden along the ditch in Central Park was given consideration. Since the ditch is controlled by the county, their permission would have to be obtained. 

The council had received a letter from the county concerning a representative from New Richland for a county-wide Economic Development Authority. Council member Anthony Martens will be the city’s representative.

City clerk Wayne Billing went over a draft of some proposed changes to the city’s nuisance ordinance. There have been several complaints as of late of residents storing trash outside of their homes. The council will act on the changes to the ordinance once they are made final.

Pam Goehring and council member Jody Wynnemer were named to the committee which will recommend the disbursement of flood relief funds to affected businesses. However, the MN DEED has the final say in the disbursement.

Council member Amy Ihrke presented price quotes for new playground equipment for St. Olaf Lake Park. The total price for everything was estimated at around $22,000. The council has been given a $5,000 donation to purchase new equipment. Several funding options are being explored, but intentions are to have something in place by this summer.

The next meeting of the NR Council will be held on Monday, May 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m.