Council begins to replace Wayne Billing
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
A couple big announcements were made during the New Richland City Council’s first meeting of the month on Monday, July 13. First, the council accepted the resignations of two New Richland Police Officers: Officer Sawyer, whose last shift was July 5, and twelve-year full-time officer Ryan Gehrke, with the latter to remain with the department in a part-time capacity.
Chief of Police Tony Martens read Officer Gehrke’s letter of resignation while presenting the police report, which included a request that the council freeze Gehrke’s full-time pay as he continues as a part-time officer. The council approved the letter and request, along with a request from Martens to post for an open full-time position with the department.
The police report also stated that the NRPD responded to 135 calls in June, bringing the total calls for 2020 to 713. The old squad car, which was originally sold to a buyer that did not pay within the required time period, was re-listed and sold for $3,025. Officer Lee has completed his FTO, allowing him to take shifts on his own, and Officers Gehrke and Huebbe have completed required EVOC training.
Finally, after much consideration, Martens has decided to cancel New Richland’s annual Night to Unite due to the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A plan is being worked on with the Commercial Club to hold an alternative, socially distanced event to take the place of the usual celebration. The police report was approved.
The other important news is that City Clerk Wayne Billing will retire in December of this year, and the search for a replacement Clerk/Treasurer has begun. The council agreed to enlist the help of South Central Service Cooperative in finding a replacement for Billing. The proposed timeline, which is subject to change, is as follows: August 3—post position for at least three weeks and review application packages; August 28—closing date; Sept. 1-15—final review of applications; Sept. 21—SCSC to provide nine applicants to the mayor/council to narrow down to five; week of Sept. 28—schedule candidate interviews; week of Oct. 12—conduct interviews; Dec. 1—chosen candidate to start position after adequate amount of job shadowing with current clerk.
After some discussion, the council approved the agreement with SCSC and agreed to start the process now. Updates will be provided throughout the process, with specifics such as length of job shadow to be determined at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.