City brings in streets specialist

Much of the discussion during the New Richland City Council’s most recent meeting on Monday, Feb. 10 revolved around the 2025 street project - specifically, the topic of assessments that the project will require. Present to explain further details and help the council decide whether to certify assessments prior to or following construction for the project was Shannon Sweeney from David Drown and Associates.

“We’re leaning towards [certifying assessments] prior to construction,” explained City Administrator Tony Martens. Sweeney said that the benefit to certifying the assessments prior to construction would allow the council to gauge potential appeals to the assessments that would impact the financial plan for the project, which was budgeted for last year.

Before the final assessments are adopted, two public hearings during which time the public will have the opportunity to express concerns and ask questions are required. The council approved Resolution 25-06 Modifying the City of New Richland’s Assessment Policy for the 2025 Street Improvement Project, which reduces the percentage from 30% to 20% for street, water, and sanitary sewer improvements. The council also approved an open house at city hall on Feb. 27 from 5-7 p.m. to provide information and answer questions on the 2025 street improvement project.

The ambulance report, presented by Ambulance Director Sarah Sundve, included a purchase request for reimbursement for refreshers at costs of $168 and $325, which the council approved. It was also noted that the ambulance is currently seeking EMTs to cover daytime hours, and anyone 18 years of age or older is encouraged to apply. The report was approved.

In the fire department report, which stated that the NRFD responded to one fire call in January, a $224,600 bid for a new truck was approved by the council. The report was approved.

The police report was presented by Police Chief Tanyce Bruegger, who stated that Officer Kade Madden submitted his resignation from the department effective Jan. 31. A purchase request for $1,000 for uniforms was approved along with the report.

Bob Johannsen presented the care center report, which included a warning to potential visitors that at the time of the meeting, Covid and Influenza A were present in the building.

“If you’re going to visit the nursing home, use good judgement,” Johannsen said. 

The center is still looking for CNAs, both full and part-time for evenings and every other weekend, an RN and LPN for evenings and every other weekend, along with a laundry worker and housekeeper.

Plans for the center’s 50th anniversary celebration are still in the works, and it was noted that efforts to encourage residents to get out of their rooms for meals and to participate in activities continue to show positive results. The report was approved.

The PeopleService report, which was submitted in writing, was approved before Eric Hendrickson presented the Maintenance & Utility report. In January, 11 blue cards were issued resulting in zero shutoffs due to nonpayment. Purchase requests for a cabinet at a cost of $1,160.88, a new computer at a cost of $675, and a new window for the crow’s nest at Legion Field at a cost of $750 were approved. 

Hendrickson noted that a recent meeting at the school regarding the 2025 street improvement project, which involved the transportation director, superintendent, buildings and grounds director, and engineers of the project, among others, went well. The addition of three crosswalks, along with no parking and pickup/dropoff-only zones during school hours were among the topics discussed, and another meeting to discuss details of the project is planned for the near future. The report was approved.

In unfinished business, the council approved changing the current three-year garbage/recycling contract with Thompson Sanitation to a five-year contract. In new business, an upgraded server rack for the lock and video system at city hall was approved at a cost of up to $800. Resolution 25-05 cancelling the second regular city council meeting of each month was approved along with the administrator’s report, and the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.