New Richland City Council
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Mayor Gail Schmidt welcomed new City Administrator Michelle Johnson during the New Richland City Council’s regular meeting, April 26. Johnson’s first day was Tuesday, May 4.
Following a discussion regarding city financials, the consent agenda items were approved. The People’s Service report was tabled until the May 10 meeting, when the department plans to announce the new city employee filling the vacancy left by now full-time peace officer, Josh Knutson.
Streets and water report
Maintenance Department Director Ryan Nissen presented the Streets and Water report and asked the council to consider street improvements for 2021.
3rd Street Northwest to be resurfaced
Following a lengthy discussion, council approved resurfacing of 3rd Street Northwest at the cost of $119,000. The other street discussed was Balsam Avenue. Councilperson Jason Casey asked Nissen to do an inventory of and rate the conditions of all the streets in town.
City Well #2 approved for inspection
The City’s wells are inspected and pulled every seven years on a rotating basis. This year well number two is up for inspection. Following questions, the council approved the inspection of well number two at the cost of $3,500 plus the cost of parts.
Chainsaw purchase
Director Nissen said the city is in need of a new chainsaw. The current one is twenty years old. Council approved purchase of a new chainsaw from Budach Implement at the cost of $380.
Part-time summer help
Director Nissen was asked by Mayor Schmidt to put together a list of hours put in by summertime help last year. Last year, “summer time help” mowed for 31 hours at city park, 39.5 hours at St. Olaf Park, 120 hours at Legion Field and 45.7 hours at miscellaneous. The total number of hours spent mowing were 236.25 hours and an additional 28.75 hours for maintenance. A total of $3405 was spent for the mowing.
Mayor Schmidt: “We want your honest opinion on the hours that you guys spend (mowing)?”
Director Nissen: “I was kind of shocked. So that’s a month and a half of just one person mowing… I think it would be tough to get through it without a helper.”
Following more discussion, the Council approved to advertise for a part time maintenance/mower from June 1st until Sept. 1 with the pay rate at minimum wage with the cost not to exceed a maximum of $5,000.
Mulch
Purchase for 36 yards of mulch at the cost of $150 was approved and put in this week.
Swim Area at St. Olaf Lake
Every year the city treats the swim area at St. Olaf Lake for weeds. Last year the city chose not to treat the water in the swim area after purchasing the necessary chemicals. The Council approved the purchase of the necessary permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
City Wide Cleanup
Director Nissen asked council members who would be willing to help volunteer City Wide Cleanup.
Councilperson Chad Neitzel: “It’s really fun.”
Mayor Schmidt: “I will be there.”
Councilperson Neitzel: “No lollygagging this time. We’ve got things to do.”
Other business
Adopt a drain program was discussed. Hydrant flushing is set for May. City street sweeping was completed. Brush and tree clearing on the East side of St. Olaf Lake Park was approved at the cost of up to $1,000. An access permit to the highway at 119 N. Aspen was approved.
The Streets and Water department reports were approved.
Care Center Report
Care Center Administrator Chuck Ness presented the Care Center report and expressed multiple areas of concern, including their financial situation as well as a fine of $13,000. The possibility of cutting staff was also discussed.
Grant opportunities
The Care Center applied for several grants, including one from the New Richland area foundation in the amount of $2,500 for a new flag pole. Other grants sought are for a new security system, as well as $6,200 for a cycling without age state grant.
Administrator Ness: “If we get the grant, then hopefully, we can be cruising around New Richland.”
Following the lengthy report, the council accepted the Care Center Report.
Unfinished Business
Lease agreements during summer 2021
A lease agreement between Red Leaf Cafe and the City of New Richland for use of the concession stand at St. Olaf Lake Park was approved.
The agreement between Quad Cities Baseball Association and the City of New Richland for the use of the concession stand at Legion Field was approved.
A contract between NRHEG School and the City of New Richland for the use of Legion Field by the baseball and softball teams was approved.
City Administrator agreement
The employment agreement between the City of New Richland and the new City Administrator, Michelle Johnson, was approved.
“Welcome aboard, Michelle,” said Councilperson Wynnemmer.
“We’re excited to have you. Now get it in there and get to work,” joked Mayor Schmidt. “And don’t come out until you're done.”
On a more serious note, Mayor Schmidt stated, “I think we’re in good hands.”
Other business
An invoice bond interest payment to Northland Trust Services at the cost of $15,097 was approved. Employment of Delane Nelson Electric at the cost of $535.50 was approved for the repair of the “ball field” lights at Legion Field.
Compensation question
Councilperson Skelton raised a question, “Gail has been doing a lot of work. Saturdays. Nights. Whenever. While we're in this transition period. How many hours do you think you (Gail) have worked? Which I believe is above and beyond your duties and requirements of the mayor.”
Councilperson Skelton continued, “You have to do what you have to do, but normally we would not be in this position. So what I’m leading up to is some type of compensation for this time you have spent doing payroll and other kinds of things that you would normally not have to do.”
Mayor Schmidt: “I’m not sure how I feel about that. Obviously, I know I have a huge responsibility.”
Councilperson Skelton: “I think one of the benefits is that you have worked up here. We’re benefiting from that. The city and residents are benefiting from that. Experience and expertise are worth something that we should think of. It’s fortunate for the residents of New Richland.”
Councilperson Wynnemmer: “I agree with you Loren. I don’t see any conflict of interest either as far as if we did put some kind of monetary stipend.”
Councilperson Casey: “I would say table it and let her make the decision.”
Mayor Schmidt: “I guess I would like to check and make sure that I’m not overstepping anything with my duties.”
Mayor Schmidt went on to thank SaraJo for the extra hours she has put into working for the city this year.
The council adjourned at roughly 8:05 p.m.