New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Editorial Assistant
The first city council meeting of December commenced at 6:30 on the 10th, with all members present. The meeting was also the last one for current members who have not been reelected to another term.
The police report was presented first. The New Richland Police Department reported 57 calls and 39 other contacts/activities for December. There were no serious or felonious crimes reported. It was a slower month, and the department believes it has to do with the cold weather settling people down and keeping them indoors.
The front brakes on one of the squad cars need to be replaced, and despite the best efforts of the officers, the dealership doesn’t look like it’s going to cover the cost. The topic is to be discussed at the next meeting.
One big topic was the stop signs at the railroad crossings in town. Citizens have complained, and many of them don’t stop at them as it is. The questions was whether or not to remove them, and if the city had the power to determine whether or not they remain.The council agreed that because the railroad is still active and the county has control over signs at railroads, the signs will remain, and drivers are still required to stop at them.
“A stop sign is a stop sign,” said council member Amy Ihrke. “No matter if you think you need to stop or not, you do. It’s the law.”
If drivers do not stop at the signs, they may be stopped and cited. Eads added that if anyone has any specific complaints, they can be filed. The police report was approved.
Brian Svboda was substituting for Jennie Johnson for the ambulance report this month. The only item on their agenda was a purchase of $598.98, which was approved.
Next, the Care Center presented its report. They are looking into getting new signs, as six of them need to be replaced due to wear over the years. The council agreed to further look into the project next month. A $599 purchase (plus tax and shipping) for a new enclosed dinner cart for the kitchen was also approved.
City Treasurer Wayne Billing looked into getting different lights for Broadway, as the current ones are old and no longer effective. Albert Lea is also replacing their street lights on Broadway, and there may be a way to work out a deal with them for the cost of the lights. The lights they’re looking at are 260-watt LED. There would be two globes on the sides as to make it more decorative. The total number would be anywhere from 20-40, and there is currently no price for them. Billing will pursue the project in order to figure out investment/savings/aesthetic aspects.
Legion Field requested a wording change in a contract, which was approved by the council.
The following total is to be collected with 2013 taxes for property charges: $3980.44.
There were no representatives to present the Fire Department or City Maintenance reports. However, the Fire Department report was sent to Tony Martens. The only item approved was a $22,500 loan, and it was stated that the keys to the new building were now in the possession of the Fire Department. The report was approved.
The first meeting of January will be held on the 14th. At 7:40, the meeting concluded.