There were a number of donations made to the city that were to be allocated to designated accounts. All three resolutions to accept and designate the funds were approved.
The New Richland Firemen’s Relief Association donated $20,000 to the fire department that will be divided equally among the reserve account for Fire capital needs in the Rural Fire fund and the General Fund of the City.
Monsanto Corporation gifted $2500 that will also be divided equally between the reserve account for Fire capital needs in the Rural Fire fund and the General Fund of the City.
The New Richland Area Historical Society gave $500 to be used for general furnishing of the library.
Radio Link Internet asked the council for approval to house their equipment on the water tower, allowing them to provide service to New Richland area residents. The equipment would not interfere with the frequencies of current equipment used in town. Presently, the company has equipment on water towers in Ellendale, Geneva, Hartland and Waldorf. The installation would make service available to residents within approximately 15 miles of the water tower. The service begins at $10 per month. The council will be contacting the maintenance workers who service the tower before approval can be given, per contract requirements.
The New Richland Police Department recommended hiring Adam McKane as a new part-time officer, with the council approving the proposal. He will begin with entry-level pay. Chief Scott Eads also recommended the city promote current part-time officer Ryan Gehrke to the full-time opening. Eads stated Gehrke’s loyalty and work ethic make him a great candidate for the position, as well as a city policy that states the city will promote from within whenever possible. The council will address this at the next meeting due to another city policy that states the job must be posted for five days before hiring decisions can be made.
The pump that was fixed at Legion Field malfunctioned after five days. The proposal to install new floats with a fail-safe measure was approved. There will be a timer so if the pump shuts off for any reason, it won’t turn on for at least eight minutes.
The council approved an on-call maintenance worker for summer help. The bulk of the work will be lawn mowing, with the availability to fill in should one of the full-time employees be on vacation.
The Odd Fellows building is getting close to ready for the finishing touches. The carpeting will be installed within a couple weeks. The current contractors will be contacted to inform them that the cleaning needs to be done ahead of time in preparation for the carpet. Should this task not be completed, the council voted to approve Servicemaster of Waseca/Mankato taking on the job at a cost of $1600. This money would be taken out of the amount owed to the contractor, though the legal ramifications and rights regarding the contractor’s contract were not discussed.
The council also approved the purchase of furniture for the building at a cost of $12,428.80 from Gaylord Bros. The purchase order can be viewed on line at cityofnewrichlandmn.com.
Peoples Service presented their spring report regarding the city sewer system. Emphasis was placed on legal draining of rainwater. The council was reminded that residents are not allowed to hook sump pumps, footing drains, roof drains, and other personal means of drainage into the city sewer lines. More information should be released on this subject shortly.
The NRHEG senior class of 2013 will cover the cost of a bronze plaque in memory of classmate Russell Witke, to be located near a tree dedicated in his name. This plaque will be placed on the southwest post of the pavilion at Legion Field, with the tree being located just off the southwest corner. After much discussion of the plaque material and time periods during which the senior class can spend their money, the proposal was approved.
The chip sealing bids for the year were reviewed. Pearson Bros., Inc. was awarded the job for the amount of $36,813.42. This will cover 29,217 square yards at the cost of $1.26 per square yard.
The final discussion for the night revolved around park equipment. Councilwoman Amy Ihrke discussed with the rest of the council a piece of play equipment that is on sale locally. It is used equipment, but has never been installed permanently. The gear consists of a dragon climber-like unit, as well as the hardware to permanently install it, for a cost of $550. The council voted to delay any decisions on this particular matter until a later date.
The next city council meeting will be June 10 at 6:30 p.m.
