By JESSICA LUTGENS
Editorial Assistant
The New Richland City Council held its second meeting of August at 6:30 Monday evening. Everyone was present with the exception of Council Member Amy Ihrke. Also present to discuss topics were Brad Field and Denise Becker, representing the New Richland Water Treatment Plant and Care Center, respectively.
The first issue discussed was the cleaning of sewer mains throughout town. It was approved that beginning in the early part of September, the following streets will be televised: Aspen, North Broadway, and Highway 13 from One Stop to the Willows.
Then Denise Becker, Interim Administrator, came to discuss changes to come to the Care Center. The purchase of a $499.99 iPad and $39.99 protective case was approved, along with a $100 training course to those interested who will instruct users how to operate an iPad. The purchase and installation of a new walk-in cooler was also approved, totaling $5,000. New board member Michelle Muff was also welcomed.
The city approved 20% for improvements to be made to the softball fields at Legion Field. They also received $1,000 from the By the Grace of God Fund for Legion Field. The following changes were approved: a new 20-foot backstop, new eight-foot fences for the dugouts, and a new six-foot fence for the sidelines. The estimated total for this project is $13,044, which the council approved. The outfield fence will cost an additional $6,000, for which the school will be holding a fundraising event. The building of the outfield fence was approved only if the school can raise the money to pay for it.
City Clerk Wayne Billing then went on to announce that Gerald Hullopeter has shown interest in resigning as the attendant at the twice-per-month recycle drop off. He has expressed complaints regarding issues with unacceptable items being put into recycling, such as grocery bags, plastic pop caps, etc. He has agreed to continue working until a replacement is found. The new employee must over the age of 18, and the job schedule is from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. twice a month.
Before the meeting was adjourned, the council members discussed the garbage complaints from a house on Broadway. They received a warning letter already instructing them to clean up the trash, but it was only moved, not gotten rid of. Another warning will be given to the members of the house this week. Billing also pointed out that this is one of the top trouble areas in town. The members then agreed to adjourn the meeting.