Hagens talk potential plans for church

During their July 22 meeting, New Richland city council members heard from area residents Ethan and Angel Hagen regarding the former First Congregational Church of New Richland, which was recently vacated by its congregation. The Hagens are considering acquiring the building and renovating it to become an event center. They asked council members for guidance and assistance in finding funding, including grants and other concessions. Said Hagen, “Our main focus is to keep the life of this church going. Using the church as an event center will help keep business in town.” Among possible events, Hagen listed live bands, funerals, weddings, and dances. The first step, Hagen said, is to bring the building up to code, including the kitchen, which is currently ineligible to prepare food for the general public; until the facility is renovated, all food would have to be brought in from elsewhere. 

 

The assessed value of the First Congregational Church is $563,000; property taxes are about $10,000 per year. Council members told the Hagens they support the idea of repurposing the building, and suggested they might acquire useful information by meeting with the planning and zoning committee, which might be able to offer suggestions regarding grants and other forms of assistance. 

 

New Richland Care Center administrator Bob Johannsen reported the center currently has 40 residents, with the expectation of three more arriving in the near future. The facility continues to advertise in an effort to recruit new staff, but new applications have been limited. Johannson said he is in the process of drafting a recruitment and retention plan. The center has a family picnic planned for Friday, Aug 2. Music will begin at 3 p.m.; a 5 p.m. meal will be provided by the Red Leaf Café.

 

The waste treatment plan reported some of the complications caused by June’s heavy rains. Because of inflow to the wastewater treatment system. Over the month, more than 17 million gallons of water came through the processing plant; roughly half that amount was processed while about the same amount was “released” into the storm water system when the plant’s capacity was exceeded.  The releases conform to allowed practices; samples were taken to determine levels of bacteria in the storm sewer system after releases. Council members approved a $1,500 request from wastewater plant manager Shell Johnson to purchase a new washer and dryer for use at the plant. 

 

Street maintenance supervisor Eric Hendrickson submitted a written report listing recently completed tasks. These included regular maintenance of Legion field, City Park, City Hall, City Shop, Library, Water Plant, and St. Olaf Lake park. Preparations were performed for Farm and City days. Volunteers Chloe Stork, Faith Phillips, Wyatt Hendrickson, and Eli Hendrickson assisted with painting bleachers at Legion Field.

 

Council members were informed the pavilion at Legion Field Pavilion needs maintenance and a new roof. Council members requested estimates for various roofing options before proceeding. An area organization has offered to pay half the cost of improvements up to $10,000.

 

Council members were advised the county has scheduled a meeting of area township boards and city councils to discuss issues developing around the regulation of cannabis businesses. The meeting will be the evening of Monday, Aug. 19.