New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
There was a relatively short agenda for the New Richland City Council as it gathered Monday night for the second meeting of June 2012.
All members were present and approved the agenda and consent agenda items, which included appointing election judges Peggy Borchard and Laina Rajala.
The council gave the go ahead for the DNR to have right-of-entry access for watercraft inspections. This program is designed to prevent invasive species such as Zebra mussels and milfoil from being transported from lake to lake.
The council also granted a temporary liquor license to the New Richland Fire Relief Association on August 11 for their annual street dance. Broadway Avenue in front of City Hall will also be closed to traffic during the evening dance.
New Richland Care Center Administrator Mikenzi Hebel provided an update to operations at the facility. The council gave its approval to the accounts payable for June as well as the Profit and Loss statement for May. Net income after expenses for the center during May was $53,911.20. Current census is at 50 residents. Hebel noted she is still investigating assisted living and other options and will provide more information at a later date.PeopleService representative Brad Field reported normal operations at the Waste Water Treatment Facility for the month of May. Upgrade construction has slowed as of late, according to Field. He expects the contractor to return after the 4th of July. Hauling and application of spring bio-solids is complete and equipment functioned normally.
Ambulance Chief Jennie Johnson announced the service has performed 78 runs so far in 2012, compared to 245 for all of 2011. The Zoll monitor in the ambulance has not been functioning properly. This piece of equipment is used to monitor a patient’s blood pressure and other vital signs. Other area ambulance services have also been experiencing problems with their similar units. A service technician will be in town to resolve the problem.
The council gave approval to have the Girls Scouts paint the restroom interiors at City Park. The city will purchase the paint for the project.
The council also approved the purchase of an AED (emergency defibulator) for use at St. Olaf Park at a cost not to exceed $2,000.
Discussion was held on recreational vehicles being used as residences within the city limits. It was decided to refer the issue to planning and zoning, which will have to hold a public hearing for any proposed changes to the city’s ordinances.
The last item of business regarded input on the upcoming 2013 city budget. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The next meeting of the NR City Council will be Monday, July 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m.