Skelton, Gehrke sworn in

Two major changes were made to the New Richland City Council during its first meeting of the month on Monday, April 8. Loren Skelton was sworn in as mayor following the resignation of Chad Neitzel from the position last month, and the council approved the appointment of local resident Ryan Gehrke to the open council seat left by Skelton’s appointment as mayor. Gehrke was approved via a 2-1 vote, with Councilperson Jason Casey voting against due to the lack of communication with other individuals who submitted letters of interest for the position.

 

The ambulance report, submitted in writing, stated that the New Richland ambulance has had 29 runs for the year as of April 4. Two applications for new members were received as a result of flyers going out with resident water bills last month, and the council approved the applications along with the report.

 

The fire department report stated that the NRFD responded to two medical calls in March. The purchase of new helmets for members at a total cost of $2,242.40, to be paid out of the equipment fund, was approved. The council also approved the raising of annual retirement pay, which is accrued over 10-20 years, to $1,500 per year of service. The report was approved.

 

The police report, presented by Chief Tanyce Bruegger, stated that the NRPD had 297 calls for service in March, bringing the total for the year to 816. It was noted that the department’s LEXIPOL subscription was renewed at a cost of $3,173.07 as well as the South Central Drug Investigation Unit Membership at a cost of $3,750. Squad maintenance was also performed at a cost of $1,277.30. The report was approved.

 

In new business, a purchase request for media for a water filter was approved at a cost of $2,020. Resolutions 22-06 and 22-07, accepting donations of $1,000 to St. Olaf Lake’s lifeguard and swimming lesson program and the fire and ambulance departments. 

 

The administrator’s report stated that the city’s new utility payment vendor went live last week, and information about this year’s citywide cleanup day will be included in water bills this month. The meeting then went into closed session before adjourning at 7:38 p.m.