By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

All members were present for the July 11 New Richland City Council meeting as Mayor Tom McShane called everyone to order. The evening’s agenda and consent agenda items were approved. Notable in the consent agenda was approval of a contract with Civil Ag Group for the Dogwood Ave. sewer upgrade and the lift station on 3rd St.

The council passed Resolution 11-20 which accepts donations in the amount of $7,750 from the New Richland Area Foundation Fund as follows: $1,000 each to the reserve accounts for the police, fire and ambulance; $1,000 toward a new whirlpool tub at the NR Care Center; $2,000 towards an AED for St. Olaf Park, residual to reserve; $500 to Legion Field; $500 to City Park; $750 to the Historic Preservation Commission for the Odd Fellows Restoration.

New Richland City Council

Ambulance chief Jennie Johnson reported 135 runs for the service so far in 2011. Johnson mentioned an application was received from Beth Hoffman, who is currently a First Responder. Quotes are being obtained for a power cot for the ambulance.

New Richland Care Center Administrator Mikenzi Hebel was present and noted Bonnie Ellickson was hired as the new dietary manager and started training on July 8. The council approved bills incurred and paid for the center. Hebel reported even with the state shutdown, the Governor announced MA payments were “essential services” and would continue. The center had a census of 48-50 residents the entire month of June.

Police chief Scott Eads reported 61 calls for service and an additional 45 contacts for the month of June. No serious crimes were noted. Eads told the council there were no incidents during Farm and City Days. The department was augmented by three reserve officers, all volunteers. Eads and the council briefly discussed the squad car and plans for future replacement.

There was a discussion concerning a proposal from David Flor, but the matter was referred to the EDA with hopes Mr. Flor could be in attendance.