New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
While not all members were in the same building, all members were present for the New Richland City Council’s first meeting of the month—and first ever video/phone meeting due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic—on Monday, April 13.
After the agenda and consent agenda items were approved, the council approved two resolutions: Resolution 20-05, extending the period of a mayor-declared local emergency to April 27, and Resolution 20-06, accepting and designation of a bequest of $42,496.52 for the fire department from the estate of Sandra J. Thomas, both approved.
Tony Martens then presented the police report, which stated that the NRPD responded to 115 calls in March, bringing the total calls for 2020 to 354. This is up slightly from last year’s calls, which were at 304 from January-March of 2019. A request to re-appoint Officer Sheila Jewison, who served on the NRPD from May 2017-September 2018, was approved.
It was noted that this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and tornado drills are scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 16 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. in Waseca County.
After some discussion on the COVID-19 situation and replacing the emergency siren at the bowling alley in town, the police report was approved.
Chris Schlaak presented the ambulance report, stating that the ambulance had 21 runs in March and has had five so far in April, bringing the total runs for the year to 56. Mayor Mike Shurson asked what precautions the crew members are taking to keep themselves and patients safe from COVID-19. Schlaak said the crew is using cloves, N-95 masks, and only having one member go into a home instead of the whole crew. Updated information is being received, and education for members is being done via online classes for the time being.
Discussions on how to further prevent exposure to the ambulance crew and city employees followed, though no action was taken at the time. The report was approved.
Two bids were received for the city’s 2012 Impala, which was previously used as a squad car, both declined after it was agreed the value of the vehicle is likely significantly more than both bids received. The two interested parties will be notified that they can make another bid on the vehicle if they choose.
A discussion on what will be done regarding St. Olaf Lake activities this summer was had, as no swimming program classes will be offered for a few months. Theresa Grubstad, co-owner of the Red Leaf Café and Red Leaf at the Lake, was present to discuss options for the café’s lakeside location this season. The topic was tabled until the next meeting.
New Richland’s citywide spring cleanup, which was previously scheduled for May 2, has been moved to September 26. Street work, including crack repair on Northwest 7th St., North Cedar, North Elm Ave., Northwest 2nd St. and Northwest First St. at a cost of $12,000 to be done by Bargen, Inc. was approved.
The possibility of a graduation reception in the form of a graduate parade in order to maintain distance was discussed, though any such event would require permission from the county. Due to the prohibition of non-essential gatherings in the state, the topic could only be discussed, and it was decided to table the discussion until the next meeting.
Mayor Shurson thanked all in attendance of the meeting, which went smoothly, before adjournment at 7:49 p.m.