As of February 7, the department has switched over to a new radio system, which is reportedly working very well. The council approved the police report.
The next order of business was the ambulance report. On March 2 at the City Hall, an open house will be held, providing CPR training, basic first aid, and to hopefully help recruit new members. The ambulance has received applications to join as First Responders, and most are awaiting background checks. However, one applicant stirred up quite a bit of discussion at this week’s meeting.
Said applicant, age 17, has requested the opportunity to take the First Responders class, as well as ride along in the ambulance to strictly observe. Normally, the council would pay the cost of the class for existing employees; however, since this person is not yet 18 years old, he will not be reimbursed until one year after he comes of age. Special circumstances caused the council to consider what would otherwise not be, and the issue was postponed to the next meeting.
The ambulance department stated they will need a new license in March, and the council approved the application. The ambulance report was approved.
The fire department was up next, with an initial request to send members to fire school at South Central College in Mankato. The request was approved, with costs not to exceed $1,000. A second request for the purchase and installation of a new light tower motor for a fire truck was approved, with costs not to exceed $700.
Concerning the fire department’s new building, across the street from City Hall, it was mentioned the walls will be sprayed and painted this weekend. Tile purchase and installation, at the cost of not more than $5,000, was approved, as well as up to $4,000 for the purchase of tables and chairs. The fire department report was approved.
With snow in the forecast, the issue of plowing and removal of snow was presented; the council approved a contract pay of $18/hour, as their usual snow remover is on vacation.
Before adjourning the rather brief 50-minute meeting, it was decided that Mayor Christine Gislason and Councilperson Sandy Neumann will attend the next Farm and City Days meeting.