Grant awarded for laundromat

Two EDA grant payments along with one EDA Homestake building extension were among the consent agenda items approved during the New Richland City Council’s second meeting of the month on Monday, Jan. 22. One grant totaling $5,000 was given to Bruce Meyer for the local laundromat, and the second totaling $952.54 went to Bohlen Plumbing for a fence.

 

The care center report, presented by Bob Johannsen, stated that the center had an average census of 33 for the month of December. Of the 36 referrals the center received last month, seven admissions were made. Financially, the center saw a loss of $68,000 in December, due in part to having three payrolls during the month as well as an annual PTO buyout.

As for staffing, the center continues to use agency staff, though it was noted that more applications have been received in December and January.

 

“Our college and high school students came back to help us [in December and January],” Johannsen said, “which reduced the amount of agency staff that we had in the building at the time and saved us a lot of money. They did wonderful work.”

 

Johannsen expects the center to see new staff members this summer, including local students that will be completing the CNA program in the late spring as well as potentially three nurses through the international nursing program. Currently, the center is still looking for nurses, nurse aides, and people interested in working in the community. The report was approved.

 

The PeopleService report was presented by Shell Johnson, who noted that cleaning and televising of troublesome areas in town was completed in December. Also completed last month was the installation of new lights, a new transducer was installed in the lift station, and a preliminary exhaust fan was repaired. The report was approved.

 

Eric Hendrickson presented the streets and water report, which stated that 34 blue cards were issued in December resulting in one shutoff due to lack of payment. Purchase requests for trailer water setup at a cost of up to $1,400, a new pump at a cost of $8,970.64, and a test kit were approved, along with the report.

 

In new business, the consolidated garbage contract with Waste Management and Thompson Sanitation, which expires in March of 2025, was discussed. The council agreed to change to a single hauler after the contract expires and accept bids for the service. 

 

Councilperson Jason Casey requested a discussion on the possibility of a city-run municipal dispensary in the future, and while City Administrator Tony Martens expressed caution due to potential liability issues and noted that both the city and county attorney are against the idea, it could potentially be a significant revenue source for the city. Councilperson Loren Skelton suggested asking the citizens of New Richland for input, and Martens agreed to put a poll on the next water bill as a first step in gathering information on the idea.

 

The council also agreed to have Martens draft a resolution for the next meeting regarding keeping the state flag as is, and the purchase of a new computer for the assistant city clerk was approved along with turnout gear for the fire department at a cost of $16,064. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.