New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
There were just enough New Richland City Council members present for a quorum Monday evening, November 28 at NR City Hall. Council members Amy Ihrke and Christine Gislason were both absent as Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the night’s short agenda was approved. There were no public hearings, petitions, resolutions, or people wishing to be heard.
Cody Dobberstein, representing City Maintenance, noted significant progress has been made in regards to the rain garden project at St. Olaf Lake Park. He reported the city had issued 27 delinquent utility bills resulting in no shut offs. Dobberstein presented the report for water use at the public hydrant on the corner of Ash Ave. and S. W. 1st St. He mentioned the snowshoes used for winter meter reading are broken and need replacing. The council approved up to $250 for the purchase.
Ryan Baum, a Water System Consultant with Utility Service Co. gave a brief presentation to council members about the present condition of the city water tower and possible maintenance options. Erected in 1994, New Richland’s 250,000-gallon pedisphere tower is starting to show the effects of moisture on the exterior, especially at the bottom of the tank. Baum went over photos taken from an inspection conducted this past August and outlined the benefits to the city of a full service maintenance program. The council did not take any action but further discussion will take place when all members are present.
PeopleService Representative Brad Field said the work on the 3rd Street lift station is not yet completed. Field said 100,000 gallons of bio-solids had been spread in October over the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approved ground. Field repaired a manhole cover casting on SW 6th St. There was no upgrade activity at the Waste Water Treatment Facility during the month of October.
City Clerk Billing presented a memo from the accounting firm of Abdo, Eick & Meyers, which trimmed $1,000 off the cost of an annual audit.
Billing introduced a draft of a fund balance policy for informational purposes only.
The New Richland Fire Department presented a purchase order request in the amount of $3,073.73 for four radios, which was approved.
Mayor McShane relayed some concerns from citizens about a mobile home at the mobile home park. Clerk Billing will contact the property owners concerned.
Residents are encouraged to visit the city’s Web site at cityofnewrichland.com for an explanation on 2012 property taxes. Additionally, there is a request for families interested in a Habitat for Humanity house currently being renovated on NW 4th Street in New Richland.
The next and final meeting for 2011 of the New Richland City Council will take place on Monday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will include a public hearing for the 2012 tax levy. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.
