New Richland City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
It was an eventful meeting for the New Richland City Council Monday, Oct. 28.
Most of those events occurred behind closed doors.
After meeting for a long time in closed session, the council suspended assistant ambulance director Monica Schutrop for 30 days, also stripping her of her title.
It was, according to mayor Mike Shurson, “For not complying with a previous order and violation of the city’s harassment policy.”
When asked to elaborate, Shurson declined.
Schutrop, who had the option of attending, said she wasn’t there because she was led to believe through an e-mail that the meeting was Nov. 18, not Oct. 28.
City clerk Wayne Billing, who sent the e-mail, said a typographical error was made stating the meeting was on 10-18, but that he verbally told Schutrop it would be on Monday. He also said the council’s action would stand regardless if Schutrop was there. The vote was 3-0, with ambulance crew members Chad Neitzel and Sarah Sundve abstaining.
At the start of the meeting, Shurson addressed repeated rumors that the ambulance service and director will be replaced.
“I’ve talked to many people,” said Shurson. “No one has heard any allegations of any sort based on this. I consider this matter closed.”
The council again discussed the 2020 budget, looking at a chart provided by Billing showing how reducing the proposed tax levy would affect certain departments.
The council tossed around figures by which it could reduce the proposed tax levy increase. Billing said he thought 7.96 percent is the least it can be raised.
“If we go below 7.96, there’s a lot of work that can’t be done,” said Billing.
“Where would we take it off of?” asked Sundve.
Councilman Jason Casey argued in favor of lowering the levy and asked how that could be done.
Billing reminded the council that they are in charge of setting the budget, and it can be adjusted as they see fit.
“It can be whatever you guys like,” said Billing, who reminded the council that a final 2020 budget proposal is needed by December, but that he’d like it by the next meeting.
The current proposed tax levy increase, which can be lowered but not raised, is set at 14.17 percent. This follows increases each of the last several years.
“Starting next year, we won’t need these huge increases,” said Shurson.
Billing, at the request of a committee that included Shurson and Casey, sent the following memo to city department heads:
“1) What is your largest line item in the budget? 2) What item/service would you cut if you were forced to actually make a budget reduction of 2% or a 5% reduction? 3) What is something major you will need in the next 5 years? 4) Have you explored: a) Grants b) Funds that do not need to be paid back c) Donations? 5) Can you put on a fundraiser? 6) Could you stagger people going to training on different years? Does everyone need to go at the same time? 7) Create a list of items needed right now and a list for items that will be needed within a 5 year time period. a) Prioritize them. 8) Can you collaborate with other entities/towns in buying items needed on a recurring basis so all can get a reduced rate for buying in bulk? a) A list? b) Estimated cost savings? 9) What is holding you back budget-wise? If we gave you a blank check for your department, what would you do with the funds? Be reasonable.”
Billing is not optimistic all will participate.
“I think you’ll get some push-back on it,” he said. “It means trying to get answers before the next (council) meeting.”
Shurson said the council would not at this time approve a new employee codebook for the city ambulance, saying its language is not in line with the city manual.
“I would like a re-write,” said Shurson. “Send it back to the ambulance for a re-do.”
The council approved the action.
Brad Field presented the PeopleService report, saying that while there’s been a lot of rain this fall, fortunately it has not all been at one time. His report was approved.
Fire chief Josh Moen was there to request approval for the department to purchase the building to the south of the current fire hall, but it sounds like the process has already started. Billing said he received a purchase agreement from the owner’s attorney. The council voted to move forward with the sale.
Ryan Gehrke gave the police report in chief Tony Martens’ absence, stating the department had 174 calls in September, bringing the yearly total to 1,166. The council approved having up to five officers attend a conference in January.
Martens reported he attended an Association of MN Emergency Managers conference, which he said, “Was good and provided some good information to take back to the city of New Richland.”
Chuck Ness gave the New Richland Care Center report, stating census is up after a record low in August and September. He’s optimistic that some of the recent changes and proposed changes will attract even more residents.
“What we’re trying to do is become the nursing home of choice in the area,” said Ness, who also questioned the necessity of a market study regarding assisted living, something for which $10,000 was budgeted.
“More information is always good,” said Billing.
Ness said he’d check into whether or not a market study is required.
After the closed session, the council announced its decision on Schutrop and the meeting adjourned at 8:31.