New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council had to make a few adjustments for its second meeting of the month on Monday, March 23. The meeting was conducted in the main gathering room at city hall in order to follow the CDC guideline of keeping six feet of space between individuals in order to help prevent the spread of covid-19. Discussion revolved mainly around the virus throughout the meeting, and an official proclamation was made by Mayor Mike Shurson declaring a local emergency.
Resolution 19-17, extending the period of the local emergency until April 13, was also approved. The council agreed to purchase equipment at a cost of up to $2,000 for upgrades to the council chambers. The upgrades would allow video or phone conferencing of council meetings if a situation such as the current one was to happen again.
Chuck Ness presented the care center report, noting that no cases of covid-19 have been diagnosed at the center, which is taking extensive efforts to prevent the disease from affecting residents. The census for February was down, and the center saw a $28,695 loss for the month, due in large part to a high amount of bonuses and overtime pay to employees as well as the cost of an interim Director of Nursing.
Ness also pointed out that while the center’s doors are locked, employees can still be reached by using the doorbell or call button. Currently only health care providers are being allowed in the building.
“We’re following all the rules and guidelines,” said Ness, “and continue to provide the best care possible for our residents.”
The council approved the care center report, which was followed by a presentation of the center’s recent audit. The audit was accepted by the council.
The PeopleService report was reviewed and approved by the council, along with the maintenance report. In order to reduce the number of people gathered at once, Brad Field and Ryan Nissen were instructed to stay home. A purchase request for crushed gravel at a cost of up to $1,200 was approved for the maintenance department, and the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.