Ryan Gehrke resigns, moves to Steele County

The New Richland City Council approved the resignation of police officer Ryan Gehrke during its first meeting of the month on Monday, June 12. Gehrke, having accepted a position with the Steele County Sheriff’s Office, had his last shift with the New Richland Police Department (NRPD) on May 29.

“After 15 and a half years of dedicated service to the city and its citizens, I am transitioning into my new position as a Deputy Sheriff for the Steele County Sheriff’s Office,” Gehrke’s letter of resignation read. “I appreciate the experience and knowledge gained that will directly help me serve the citizens of Steele County. I am positive the NRPD will continue to work towards the betterment and protection of our community.”

The police report also noted that Officer Brandon Herrmann’s resignation was effective as of June 9; he is now working with the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office. Chief of Police Tanyce Bruegger is cooperating with the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office to find coverage for New Richland while new full- and part-time officers are being searched for. The open positions within the department have been posted online.

“The Sheriff’s Office has said that they are more than willing to help us [with coverage],” noted Assistant City Clerk Sara Jo Vulcan.

The police report, which stated that the NRPD responded to 119 calls for service in May, was approved.

The council also approved a flood mitigation study by Houston Engineering to determine circumstances surrounding waterflow in and through the city.  The study will also provide options the city and/or county have to help mitigate some effects of flooding. The study is needed, among other things, to continue the process of requesting funds for mitigation measures from the state legislature. The study was approved at a cost of $45,700, to be paid for with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; the city has $115,000 available through ARPA.

The council learned that the New Richland ambulance had gone on 81 runs this year as of June 8. One new ambulance member was approved, as was the agency’s report.

The fire department report stated that the NRFD responded to one fire call and one medical call in May. It also noted that a pancake breakfast will be held on July 8 during this year’s Farm and City Days celebration from 7 to 10 a.m. The report was approved.

An LMCIT insurance claim for damage at Legion Field, the city park, and the wastewater treatment plan was approved, along with a bid of $1,900 (with option of upgrade) from Schwickert’s for inspections and a detailed repair/replacement schedule for city-owned buildings. The installation of catch basins near the New Richland Care Center and New Richland HUD housing was approved at a cost of up to $3,000.

The administrator’s report was approved, and the council went into closed session at 7:15 p.m. before adjourning.