Fire Chief Jeremy Parpart presented a request for two members of the department to attend First Responder training at a cost of $910. Parpart announced receipt of a grant in the amount of $2,546 from the Minnesota Fire Fighting Training Program.
The grant is in the form of training reimbursement for approved training program costs. The council approved the amount of $215 to fix a door in the fire station.
The council next discussed two items which were pulled from the consent agenda. The first was the possibility of changing companies for credit card payment processing. The city could save money in fees charged for online utility payments. Also, the new vendor would allow a one-year contract instead of a three-year obligation. The second item was removal of an ash tree at Legion Field. The tree has to be removed due to its roots repeatedly plugging a drain tile causing large amounts of water to accumulate. Several trees will be planted as replacements. Both items were approved by the council.
The purchase of a new tractor and sludge wagon was discussed. The purchase could be coupled with the wastewater treatment facility upgrade. The total price is about $149,000. The present tractor, loader and blower would be sold. The council decided to go ahead with the purchase.
Waseca County was well represented as part of their semi-annual visit to county communities. Present were board chair Mike Hintz, Richard Androli, Jim Peterson, Blair Nelson and Dan Kuhns. Also in attendence were Sheriff Brad Milbrath, Highway Engineer Nathan Richman, Planning and Zoning Administrator Mark Leiferman and Interim County Administrator Laura Elvebak.
“Our preliminary budget was set at 14 percent,” said Hintz. “This was due to state cuts, the need for new law enforcement vehicles, and road repairs.”
“We will have flood repair projects going on in 71 different spots between now and mid-July 2012,” said Richman. “Residents can expect to see some one or two-day road closures due to culvert replacements.”
“Most of our squads have over 100,000 miles on them,” said Milbrath. “Radios and pagers need to be updated as well.”
Mayor McShane and the council thanked the group for their presence and information.
Lastly, the council discussed the purchase of a storage shed at Legion Field. Several options were discussed. More information and prices will be obtained.
The next meeting of the New Richland City Council will be held on Monday, September 26, starting at 6:30 p.m.
