Regarding the old library building on S. Broadway, City Clerk Wayne Billing reported it will not be used as a Veteran’s Administration satellite clinic.
“They would have notified us by now,” said Billing. “It’s up to the council to determine what to do with that building.”
“Sell it,” said Councilman John Hullopeter.
At a previous council meeting, many community members showed up in hopes the city would donate the building to the New Richland Area Food Shelf. Hullopeter expects the next meeting may bring the same, but the council voted 3-1 to accept offers on the building. Confidential bids should be dropped off at NR City Hall or mailed to P.O. Box 57, New Richland. Anyone with questions should call City Hall at 463-3514.
The offers, if any, will be discussed at the next council meeting, and the council may sell the building at any time. There’s no deadline for submitting an offer.
“The next meeting will give people an opportunity to say what they want to say,” said Hullopeter.
“It would be nice to have it wrapped up by the end of the year,” said Councilperson Amy Ihrke.
Sandy Neumann cast the dissenting vote, saying, “I think (the old library building) should remain a community building.”
Police Chief Scott Eads presented his report for August, when there were 108 calls for service and 68 additional contacts, including one felonious burglary/theft in which the suspect was apprehended within 24 hours of the incident. Another felony theft is under investigation, as are several minor theft reports.
Eads reported a greater number of suspicious circumstance/person/vehicle calls, many later in the month after the Star Eagle’s last city council report.
“We greatly appreciate this response from the community,” said Eads. “Keep the calls coming if something seems out of place or inappropriate so we can check it out.”
Eads also said he’s noticed more preventive measures by residents, like locking their homes or garages or keeping areas lit.
“We appreciate community members taking our advice to secure their property,” said Eads.
Eads said that in the past he’s refrained from using the patrol car spotlight on private property but, in light of recent incidents, he’s been doing it in the public’s best interest.
“If you notice bright lights passing by your windows, it could be the police department checking the darker areas of the property,” said Eads.
Finally, Eads said — without giving too much away — the department has been using some unorthodox patrol methods and has manipulated the schedule.
New Richland Librarian Linda Lynne had a couple items for the council, a thank you for all things done for the library so far and a list of construction items not net completed.
“I’ll give you a couple months and I’ll be back,” said Lynne.
The council approved a couple pay requests, $250 for tree removal near Trinity Lutheran Church, and $1,250 for roof repairs at City Hall — which are guaranteed for five years.
The council also approved the removal of several trees and stumps to make more room for boat trailer parking at St. Olaf Lake. The trees will be given to whoever wants them, according to Ryan Nissen of the Maintenance Department, leaving the city liable only for cost of removing the stumps.
The council decided to submit bids for stump removal. Anyone interested in taking down the trees for free wood can contact City Hall. It’s hoped the trees will be removed this fall and the project will be finished by spring.
The meeting adjourned after approximately two hours. The council’s next meeting is Monday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
