The PeopleService report was next; quotes for the replacement of 200 feet of sewer main on 3rd Street were presented. Due to the high cost, and the fact the new pipe may potentially have the same problems in the future, the council discussed cost-saving options. It was agreed that the sooner the problem is fixed, the better, but the topic was tabled, requesting another quote and agreeing to further investigate the issue before the May 12 meeting. The report was approved.
The maintenance report was next, with an initial request for the purchase of oil, which was approved at the cost of $1,290. The public restrooms in the New Richland City Park were discussed, as the building needs maintenance. A major issue with the building, besides the many necessary repairs, is the possibility of vandalism — a recurring problem that severely limits options for maintenance. Options for new walls, floor and lighting were discussed, as well as the ventilation/moisture problem in the building. The council agreed to look into more options and tabled the discussion to the next meeting. Items approved included: repairs to the City Hall women’s restroom from Bohlen’s, $420; ambulance garage roof repair, $496; delivery cost of mulch to school playground. The report was approved.
The council approved costs up to $400 from Dad’s Good Stuff in New Richland for the painting of the community room, pending Lions Club approval. It was decided that Wayne Billing will attend the “B.E.S.T. Waseca County” meeting on Monday, May 5th, as they requested a representative from the city. A request was made by the New Richland Public Library for the use of City Hall’s projector for a presentation on May 17th, which was approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.