NR city council receives updates

Among the business transacted at the June 26 New Richland City Council meeting was the approval of closing North Cedar between Third and Fourth Streets on July 22 from 5-10 p.m. Also approved was a single capital charge for a property at 219 2nd St. NW due to the property no longer functioning as a duplex.

Bob Johannsen presented the Care Center report, stating that the Center had an average census of 34 for May. It was noted that referrals continue to come in, but the Center is limiting admissions to local people. Financially, the Center “did okay in May” according to Johannsen, who said that a small profit was made during the month. This is due to a small amount of Medicare dollars coming in and a larger-than-average number of Medicaid residents. The cost of staffing the agency also continues to detract from profit margins.

“We need qualified staff to work all shifts and every other weekend,” Johannsen noted in the report, adding that flexibility with scheduling from part-time to full-time work is available, and positions receive competitive compensation as well as excellent benefits.

Specifically, the Center is looking for an activity director, bus driver, and CNAs and nurses.

This summer, the Center plans to have the parking lot resurfaced and lines painted, with work tentatively scheduled for August. The council approved two new advisory board members along with the Care Center report.

The PeopleService report was presented by Shell Johnson, who stated that Empire jetted out manholes along Highway 13 in May due to heavy grease buildup. Three manholes were jetted, grease was extracted and all lines were degreased. The main lift station at the wastewater treatment plant was also vacuumed and cleared of grease and debris. It was noted that smoke testing of sewers at Highway 30 and Broadway by the Minnesota Rural Water Association was scheduled for July 10.

Snails that have caused problems at the plant were discussed, and Johnson said she is looking for a way to catch them before they reach the plant. The report was approved.

In the Water and Street report, it was noted that bathrooms at St. Olaf Lake were vandalized on June 2. At the time of the meeting, it was not known who the culprits were, though the footage had not been analyzed yet. A standing water problem at Royal Villa was discussed, and it was noted that the location of documentation for a tile connected to Legion Field was still trying to be obtained. The report was approved.

In new business, city employee health insurance was discussed, as City Administrator Tony Martens was informed of an opportunity to reduce the rate from $1,200/month to $700 or $800/month. The council approved moving forward with looking into the opportunity. An EDA grant for a fence in the back of Bohlen’s at a total of $1,175 was approved.

The administrator’s report noted that Martens participated in interviews for police officers with NRPD Chief Bruegger and began conversations with Houston Engineering regarding the hydraulic study discussed at previous meetings. Tuck pointing at the city library was approved at a cost of up to $6,000. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.