New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Council members Amy Ihrke and Anthony Martens were absent as Mayor Tom McShane convened the second regular council meeting of April at New Richland City Hall Monday, April 23.
Mayor McShane signed a proclamation designating the month of May as Poppy Month and making Friday, May 11 the official Poppy Day for New Richland.
Maintenance supervisor Ryan Nissen noted there were 21 delinquent water bills in March. Nissen requested the council hire Grant Berg again for the part-time summer employee. It was approved.
The city had received three bids for seal coating of streets. The low bid was Pearson Construction at $1.28 per square yard, which was accepted. It was determined North Birch, 2nd and 4th St. would be done this year. Nissen announced city well #3 is scheduled for preventative maintenance. Cost estimates are $2,600-2900 plus materials.Nissen and the council briefly discussed options for comp time. The issue was tabled until further information could be obtained and the entire council would be present to discuss the matter.
Mikenzi Hebel told the council the NR Care Center Board had approved changing their monthly meeting date to the fourth Monday of each month. Their by-laws will be amended to reflect this change.
Hebel expressed a need for magnetic locks on two exit doors for resident safety. The cost of the locks is $4,991.68 with funds coming from the general fund. The council gave its approval to the request. Hebel announced the results of a recent state survey.
“The survey went extremely well,” said Hebel. “We had zero nursing and zero dietary deficiencies. We had only two minor deficiencies unrelated to patient care.”
Ambulance Chief Jennie Johnson reported 58 runs so far in 2012. Johnson requested a GPS unit. One was approved at a cost no more than $300.
Fire Chief Jeremy Parpart requested $390 for a set of fire fighter boots. Parpart said 11 firefighters are in need of their Hepatitis-B immunizations. The shots are $372 per person for the series. Total cost is $4,092, which was approved.
Parpart presented a plan for major equipment replacements projected to 2021. Items included turn out gear, thermal camera and updated radios.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The next NR council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m.