Police dept. hires three new officers

Present during the New Richland City Council’s first meeting of the month on Monday, July 10, to discuss concerns over an individual living out of their car in New Richland was Debra Loverink. 

“[I have] concerns about their well-being and safety, and how we as a community are meeting their needs,” Loverink said, adding that if the matter goes unaddressed, there could be potential for other issues in the future. 

Loverink asked if there was anything the city and/or community could do to help the situation. She did state that she has talked to both the New Richland Chief of Police and city administrator regarding the matter, adding that the county is involved, as well.

Councilperson Jody Wynnemer asked about vagrancy laws as a way to resolve the matter.

“It is not a crime to be homeless in the state of Minnesota,” said administrator Tony Martens. Martens said he has talked to the city attorney about the issue and is awaiting a response on the matter. Ultimately, however, it appears as if there is nothing the city can do to force the individual to stop living out of their vehicle.

The ambulance report, submitted in writing, stated that the New Richland ambulance has had 96 runs for the year so far. A request for training to become an instructor for teaching EMR and EMT classes for director Sara Sundve and member Sara Jo Vulcan was approved at a total cost of up to $5,000. 

“We feel in the long run it will save the city money and we can open a class up for surrounding communities to join,” Sundve wrote in the report. “I am working to make sure we keep this ambulance and keep people interested. We need to keep looking into what the future holds.”

The ambulance report was approved.

The fire department report, submitted in writing, stated that the NRFD responded to four calls in June: one motor vehicle accident, one fire call, and two medical calls. The report was approved.

Chief of police Tanyce Bruegger presented the police report, stating that the NRPD responded to 61 calls for service in June, bringing the total number of calls for the year to 548. This is down from last year due to an increased number of responses from the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office. Bruegger noted that communication with the sheriff’s office continues regarding coverage, community concerns, directed patrols, special events, etc. 

The council approved a request to hire one full-time and two part-time officers pending medical and psychological evaluations. This year’s Farm and City Days celebration went well according to Bruegger, who said there were no major incidents, and this year’s Night to Unite is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 8. The report was approved.

In the administrator’s report, it was noted that the flooding on May 11 has been recognized by the state for disaster assistance, which will help with funding for damaged property due to the flood. Meetings with an engineer regarding 2024 street improvements and Houston Engineering regarding the hydraulic study are planned for this week. Smoke testing was also discussed, and the report was approved.

In the consent agenda items, a street closure on Broadway Ave. near the liquor store for a street dance fundraiser by Finley’s Wings at Work was approved for Saturday, July 29 from approximately 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. The purchase of a tabbing machine for water/sewer bills at a cost of $1,581.49 was approved, along with a down payment for fencing replacement at Legion Field at a cost of $28.362.50. The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.