Gehrke sworn in at regular meeting

Ryan Gehkre was sworn in as the New Richland City Council’s newest council member during the council’s second meeting of the month on Monday, April 22. Also introduced to the council was the city’s new Assistant City Clerk, Heather Christensen, who replaced former Assistant City Clerk Sara Jo Vulcan.

 

Bob Johannsen presented the care center report, noting that the center’s census was up significantly in March compared to the month prior, with the average being 36.97 compared to 33.9 in February. It was noted that thanks to recent training with nursing staff, the center should be able to accept more referrals in the future that were previously denied due to lack of ability to provide specialized services. Of the 38 referrals the center received in March, 19 were accepted.

 

Agency staffing continues to be a significant financial impact for the center, but Johannsen noted that nursing staff have helped cover hours to offset some of that cost. An MBS nurse has been hired, but openings for roughly 20 CNAs remain, along with openings for nurse aides, RNs and LPNs. The care center report was approved.

 

Shell Johnson presented the PeopleService report, which stated that a water main break on Division St. in late March showed a leak in a building that has been present for many years. It was suggested that the city may need to hire a service to find the source of the leak in order to repair it.

 

It was noted that the City of New Richland received a Certificate of Commendation, Operational award, which recognizes exceptional compliance with the MN Pollution Control Agency for the 2023 review period. The report was approved.

 

Eric Hendrickson presented the Maintenance and Utilities report, which included purchase requests for the following: up to four tons of cold mix at a cost of $180/ton, street repairs/patching through Uland Brothers at a cost of $60,218.25, three gate valves at an undetermined cost, and a computer for the street department at a cost of $549.69, all of which were approved along with the report.

 

In new business, the council approved the purchase of a new paper folder for utility bills at a cost of $1,391, along with a landscape maintenance agreement with the New Richland Town and Country Garden Club to “maintain and continue to promote civic beautification through their adoption of the New Richland Highway Garden along Highway 30 and the New Richland City Hall Garden.” The city will compensate the club $1,000 in 2024 for services provided that are outlined in the agreement.

 

Also approved was a total of $1,675.33 worth of ammunition along with $100/month for body cameras for the NRPD. The council discussed removing trees and brush from the retention pond in the Homestake Subdivision, approving six loads of material to be hauled to the dump.

Finally, a right-of-way permit for All Saints Church to adjust a concrete curb to adhere to ADA compliance was approved.

 

Tony Martens presented the City Administrator’s report, which stated that the city’s new utility payment vendor will be utilized next month. Work continues on a CEDA grant with the state on behalf of the EDA, along with the Service Line program and final details on this year’s spring cleanup. The report was approved, and the meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.