Brandy Jacobson joins New Richland Council

Beginning with the August 19 regular meeting of the New Richland city council, city resident Brandy Jacobson is temporarily occupying the open position previously held by Janda Ferguson. Her term will end December 31. 

 

Council members tabled their decision regarding an updated council pay policy for 2025. They voted to purchase six new chairs for council chambers at a total cost of about $375.

 

Following advice from the Edina-based consulting firm ABDO, council members altered the fees residents will pay for water and sewer services. ABDO had determined the water delivery side of the system is overfunded, while the sewer disposal side is underfunded. The “base” and “usage” rates for water will be lowered by a dollar each; the “base connection” and “usage” rates for sewer will be increased by $1.50 each, leading to an overall increase of 50 cents. 

 

Work performed on the city’s water delivery and removal systems over the past couple of months has included testing for mercury, as required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Cameras were also sent down a number of city water lines, including those on First Street east of Division. That process revealed the location of an outdated sewer line which may be allowing undesired inflow; a process called “smoke testing” is under consideration to learn more. The city is awaiting input from Paul Plaetz of the Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) about how to proceed. City water staff suggested plugging the manhole along Aspen Avenue near Boot Creek. It was reported that “snail catchers” in the wastewater treatment lines are working well; staff suggests an air conditioner and a dehumidifier located in the water treatment plant will require replacement in the fairly near future. 

 

Bolton and Menk, an engineering company located in Mankato, worked in New Richland in mid-August to install GPS locatable water valves, known as “curb stops,” which allow control of water flowing from main lines into individual homes or businesses. 

 

City staff reported the safety lights on the Highway 30 crosswalk leading to the secondary school have been repaired. Crushed asphalt was spread in some city alleyways. Weekly maintenance tasks were completed at Legion Field, City Hall,  the city shop, library, water plant, and the city and St. Olaf Lake parks. A routine burn took place at the city dump on August 14. 

 

City administrator Anthony Martens reported he has met with Kurt Meister of Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) regarding a grant being sought by the city economic development authority. According to the CEDA website, the association provides assistance preparing and submitting grant applications. It was reported that the city’s USDA grant request documents would be complete by August 27.

 

The New Richland Care Center reported it had received 43 referrals in July; 23 were declined, 20 were accepted, leading to the admission of six new patients. At the same time, enrollment of current patients decreased by six due to discharges, deaths and transfers. 

 

Care Center staff said the summer family picnic had strong attendance. Gratitude was expressed to caterers and vendors Red Leaf Café, Nancy Jane’s Bakery, and Judy Hendrickson. Local musician Todd Uptadel put on a great concert thoroughly enjoyed by all. A silent auction held during the event raised $800, which will be used toward landscaping around the facility’s north patio. 

 

The Center also expressed gratitude to the New Richland and Waseca American Legion halls for the donation of a flagpole kit. John Hullopeter will install the flagpole when he does some upcoming work on facility sidewalks. 

 

Center leadership also mentioned that the addition of “Juneteenth,” which brings the total number up to 11 federally mandated holidays, will create some complications when it comes to staffing. 

 

Council members extended birthday wishes to city employee Karen Cully, whose birthday was August 8.