New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
Recently appointed New Richland City Council member Jenna Pederson took her oath of office during the second council meeting of the month on Monday, July 22, with all members present. The agenda and consent agenda items were approved.
Brad Field presented the PeopleService report, noting that the city’s Wisconsin pump is at a repair shop in Wells where it will be evaluated before a decision can be made to repair or replace it. A call was recently made to Field regarding an odor coming from floor drains at the school and Morgan’s Meat Market. Upon inspection of manholes in the area, the source of the odor could not be determined, and Field recommended that someone at both buildings check the floor traps.
Smoke testing is scheduled for the month of August. The report was approved.
Ryan Nissen presented the maintenance report, stating that 22 delinquent bills/disconnect notices were delivered in June resulting in two shut-offs. Requests to trim overgrown trees on Broadway at a cost of $20/tree, as well as the removal of a large tree on Birch at a cost of up to $750, were approved. Concrete work at three locations in town was also approved at a cost of $2,240 to be done by Brad Root Construction.
Both Nissen and councilperson Sarah Sundve noted that this year’s Farm and City Days celebration went well, with this year being one of the smoothest runs and fastest cleanups yet. The report was approved.
Chuck Ness presented the care center report, noting continued difficulties in obtaining a permanent director of nursing due to a lack of candidates with sufficient experience in skilled nursing facilities. The current interim DON, Ginger Mountin, was interviewed for the position on Wednesday.
The census is down a bit, but last month’s high census numbers have brought the year-to-date financials to a better position. Ness plans to equip the facility to accept residents who smoke, and apply for a Humana contract, with each measure expected to bring in two or three residents. Marketing and aide recruitment were done in the Farm and City Days parade and at the Waseca County Fair recently, which Ness hopes will yield results.
Finally, the owner of the lot adjacent to the center with a house and garage that is used to store the center’s van are is reportedly looking to sell the property. Ness suggested the city look into purchasing the property for the possibility of expanding the center in the future. The council suggested Ness look into the matter further. Adjusted financials for May, along with June’s financials and accounts payable, were approved, along with the report.
A representative from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation was present to explain the various training programs, grants, and aids the foundation provides to 20 counties in Southern Minnesota. A motion was passed for city clerk Wayne Billing to look into design and feasibility for improvements at City Park, with the goal of upgrading the building and playground equipment.
Five applications were received for the open library cleaning position. After conducting interviews on two of the five candidates, a recommendation was made to hire Susan Abbot at $15.69/hour for two hours/week unless special circumstances arise, and prior approval is received from the city clerk. The council approved the hiring with a motion.
The council agreed to pay $2,346.49 to repair damage to a fire truck door rather than submit an insurance claim, which has a $2,500 deductible. A request from St. Olaf Lake lifeguards to spend up to $100 for their end of summer Lake Fun Day was approved. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.