By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The New Richland Care Center has officially hired a new administrator, Dave Dunn, who will begin work on July 26. This was announced during the regular meeting of the New Richland City Council on June 28.
NR Care Center
Dunn has worked in a variety of settings in care centers around southern Minnesota and has an impressive work history, including a career in the Air Force.
After reviewing many applications, the Care Center Advisory board felt Dunn was the best choice. “I would describe him as someone who has pragmatic leadership,” said New Richland Councilperson Loren Skelton. “He has sound principles. He’s honest. He’s committed.”
Importantly, Dunn wants this to be his final job. He’s committed to making New Richland his home and plans to move to the area and hopefully, work for the care center and be a part of the community for a long time.
The advisory board worked closely with the Advanced Health Institute in finding the right person. “It was very good working with them (AHI). They are very knowledgeable. This is what they do. Everyone on that team has a lot of experience, 30-40 years. With AHI, the new administrator, and the continued hard work of the staff, the care center will return to the shining star that it was.”
Dunn was not the only new hire at the care center. Lindsey Schlaak will be the new Business Office Manager beginning July 26.
People Service
Michelle Johnson from people service reported 94 manholes in town and said the department is working on getting cameras down to inspect things more closely.
Streets and Water
Erik Hendrickson delivered the Streets and Water Report. The library is getting a new air conditioner from Bohlen Plumbing and Heating at the cost of $2,595. Reported damage on South Dogwood will be paid by the property owner who was parking his semi on the street. Chip sealing and crack filling will be done by Mastic Gap Repair at an estimated cost of $13,350. Pearson Bros. Inc will be doing bituminous seal coating at a cost of $24,723. The water hydrant on 2nd street has also been repaired. The report was accepted.
Miscellaneous
A new EMT and EMR were approved to be hired.
A gun raffle was approved for July 24 for Finley’s Wings at Work street dance.
Henke Floor Care has been hired to seal the floor in the community room at the cost of $2,400.
Kris Pfeffer asked that the Garden Club put up a flagpole in the community garden on Highway 30. Grant money totalling $500 is already available.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
A discussion regarding no fishing signs to be posted in the swimming area at St. Olaf Lake was tabled until a future meeting.