Ordinance violations plentiful

The New Richland City Council approved Resolution 24-03 in opposition to redesigning the state flag and seal during its first meeting of the month on Monday, Feb. 12. The resolution was drafted following a conversation at a January meeting regarding the newly designed state flag, when a council member requested the resolution be written. 

 

Also approved was a banking resolution with Keen Bank before the council heard from a local resident regarding his living situation. The individual currently resides in a motor home on private property, which is against city ordinance. No fines or violations have been issued to the individual, and according to City Administrator Tony Martens, city staff has been working with the chief of police, city attorney, and county attorney on the matter. An update will be provided at the next meeting.

 

The ambulance report, submitted in writing, stated that the New Richland ambulance has had nine runs so far this year. The fire department report was also submitted in writing, stating that the NRFD responded to one mutual aid call in January. A purchase request for new badges and name plates for new members at a cost of $840 was approved, and both the ambulance and fire department reports were approved. Martens was also recognized for 20 years of service on the fire department.

 

The police report, presented by Chief Tanyce Bruegger, stated that the NRPD had 228 calls for service in January. It was noted that over ten parking violations were issued during the last snow emergency, and the department has been seeing an issue with residents not renewing tabs on their vehicles recently. The report was approved.

 

A discussion was had regarding issues with the city’s Well #1, and Martens explained a plan to swap pumps in two of the city’s three wells, among other work, in order to resolve the problem and keep the wells functional in the future. The council approved the project at a cost of up to $33,837.

 

Pam Goehring addressed the council regarding a project the Historical Preservation Society is looking at for 2027 regarding repairs and other work to be done on the “cannon” in the city park. The council approved the society moving forward with the plan.

 

Also approved was a HomeServe program which will provide service line warranty programs to local residents, providing coverage for water, sewer line, and indoor plumbing. The council agreed to adopt the plan and let citizens decide whether they would like to participate.

The administrator’s report was read and approved, and the meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.