New Richland City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
Ambulance director Chris Schlaak gave a much longer report than usual at Monday’s meeting of the New Richland City Council.
The most interesting part came toward the end.
“I’ve been hearing from people that there are members of the fire department who would like to take us down, to take over the ambulance,” said Schlaak.
“I’ve been with the fire department for 30 years, and I’ve never heard anything,” said mayor Mike Shurson.
Schlaak’s next point dealt with the ambulance service’s value to the community.
“I’ve been told by two auditors that the ambulance benefits this town,” she said. “But I’m constantly hearing we’re losing money. It just doesn’t make sense.”
“So this is hearsay?” said the mayor. “I wonder where these stories are coming from.”
“Me too,” said Schlaak.
Her other question dealt with the budget.
Schlaak noted that at the budget meeting, there was $12,000 earmarked for an ambulance director.
“I only get $4,000,” said Schlaak. “Why is there an $8,000 difference? It just doesn’t make sense.”
The next issue was something Schlaak said she “had to talk about.”
“Again, community members have told me,” said Schlaak. “Members of the fire and rescue crew have been yelling at my crew.”
In one case, said Schlaak, the yelling delayed the response time of a member of her crew.
“That didn’t need to happen,” she said.
Schlaak said she’s also heard reports of the fire and rescue crew calling to find out who’s on duty for the ambulance before deciding whether or not to take a call.
“I want this behavior to stop,” said Schlaak.
The mayor and council had no questions for Schlaak, who earlier reported her crew made 18 runs in September and three so far for October, bringing the yearly total to 195. The council approved a new crew member who will be on a 90-day probationary period.
Chief Tony Martens wasn’t there to present the police report, but he did have two requests for money, $970.24 for new brakes and up to $1,500 for a new water pump on the department’s SUV. Both were approved.
Lynn Stoltzman was on the agenda but had to work. Shurson and city clerk Wayne Billing said she was requesting free rental of city hall for an Oct. 25 Halloween event for children. It was approved.
The council heard from Rodney Hullopeter, who would like to see “No Jake Braking” signs on Hwy. 13. He also said he’d like to see police coverage after 2 a.m. instead of every afternoon.
Chris Pugh gave a long, detailed, often too detailed presentation on laying fiber optic cable in the city and the benefits it could offer. He didn’t say how much it would cost the city, but did say his company is still in the fundraising stage and needs to raise about $100 million. Pugh said he’d send Billing an e-mail with more details.
Billing talked about the budget and things that needed to be done for next year. Councilman Jason Casey asked why there was $66,019 earmarked for fire department equipment. Billing said the money can be spent elsewhere. It’s up to the council.
The council approved a new Data Practice Policy manual.
The council discussed a request from the Census Bureau to create a Complete Census Committee. It was decided that council members should talk about it in their “circles,” and bring their findings to the next meeting.