Waterbill billing service replaced

New Richland Care Center Administrator Bob Johannsen reported during the New Richland City Council’s second meeting of the month on Monday, May 28, that the center’s average census continues to rise. April’s average census was at 39.2, up from 36 in March and 33 in February. April financials for the center were also positive despite continued agency staffing, which is expected to be reduced from June to Aug. due to college and high school staff returning to work.

 

A DHS grant totaling $200,000 received by the center last August was discussed, and it was noted that so far funds have been used to replace PTAC units in resident rooms and air handler units in hallways. Upcoming projects funded by the grant include new sidewalks, a patio on the north side of the building, an air conditioning unit in the kitchen, a walk-in cooler, sewer line upgrades and windows in the sunroom.

 

The NRCC still has staff openings for full and part-time CNAs and LPNs for days, evenings, overnights, and every other weekend. The report was approved.

 

Shell Johnson presented the PeopleService report, stating that a gas leak on April 11 was inspected and repaired by MN energy. Lift pump issues at the wastewater treatment plant resulted in a call to MN Pump Works, and it was noted that inflow and infiltration problems are getting worse with each rainfall. Residents and businesses are reminded that sump pumps and roof drain downspouts cannot be hooked to the city sanitary sewer, as it is illegal. Sanitary sewer valves on private services can be installed to stop the backflow of sewer water into homes and businesses. The report was approved.

 

The maintenance and utilities report stated that 30 blue cards were issued in April, resulting in two shutoffs due to lack of payment. A water main break on May 9 has been addressed, hydrants were flushed on April 25, and a new flow meter was put in on April 29. A total of 65 people participated in the citywide cleanup on May 18, and a water blowout on the west side of the school has been repaired.

 

The following purchases were approved: seal coating on South Balsam, South Cedar, First St. NW, Second St. NW, North Cedar, North Ash, Third St. NW, and North ash at a cost of $33,995.43; GIS system at a cost of $1,247; rollover curb replacement on Cedar Pointe and 6th at a cost of $1,585. The report was approved.

 

In unfinished business, the final presentation of the Classification and Compensation Study was presented, and the plan was approved. In new business, the council approved lifeguard wages for three guards, with the head lifeguard receiving a pay increase of $0.25 to total $15.25/hour and two second-year lifeguards approved at $12.25/hour.

 

Ordinance 205.01, which will refine language regarding the city clerk and city administrator, was discussed, and the council approved a first reading of the ordinance during the next regular meeting on June 10 followed by a public hearing on June 24. Liquor license renewals for The Willows and New Richland Liquor Co. were approved, along with a new computer and docking station for an NRPD squad car at a cost of up to $5,000 and a $25 rent increase at Cedar Pointe, which was approved by the EDA prior to the meeting. Resolution 24-12, ordering preparation of a feasibility report, was approved.

 

The administrator’s report stated that the city’s former utility payment company, PSN, has been replaced by PAYA effective May 12. A solar refund from Xcel Energy of just over $20,000 was received, and a Hydrology Study Meeting has been scheduled for May 29. The report was approved, and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.