New Richland City Council

By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer

Due to the increased wages of nearly all city employees included in the proposed 2018 budget, the New Richland Ambulance requested an hourly rate increase for its members during the first city council meeting of the month on Monday, Nov. 13. Ambulance members are currently paid $1.50/hour on weekdays and $2/hour on weekends and holidays. The request is for $3/hour on weekdays, $4/hour weekends, and continuance of $20 per run. The council agreed to table the issue for further consideration before making a decision.

The ambulance report also stated that there were 18 runs in October and have been seven so far this month, bringing the total number of runs for the year to 168. Another item was reported missing from the rig, as well. The ambulance report was approved.

The police report stated that the NRPD responded to 127 calls in October. Six interviews were conducted for an open part-time officer position, followed by two interviews with the highest scoring applicants. Background checks are being done on the two individuals.

Purchase requests for two winter tires for the squad car at a cost of up to $500 and three new tasers at a cost of $4.592.51 were approved. The report was approved.

Consent agenda items were all approved and included a payment to the county for radios used by the fire, police and ambulance departments at a cost of $5,428.84, purchase of a new water fountain at city hall to be installed by Bohlen’s at a cost of $1,400, and a request by the New Richland Care Center to conduct a mock survey with Pathways at a cost of $5,000.

The mock survey for the care center will ensure new changes are in place and meet requirements with the goal of raising the facility from its current three star rating to a four star rating. 

Finally, Resolution 17-16 certifying delinquent property charges to be collected with 2018 taxes at a total cost of $841.02, was approved, and the meeting adjourned.