By ELI LUTGENS

Publisher/Editor

Chad Neitzel, newly elected New Richland mayor, was sworn in by Gail Schmidt, her last official act as mayor, during the regular meeting of the city council Monday, January 9, 2023.

Loren Skelton and Jason Casey were next to take their oaths of office.

A relatively quick meeting included approving basic organization details and procedures for the 2023 calendar year. The most controversial item discussed was the possibility of towing cars which were not moved after a snowfall requiring snow removal. Police Chief Tanyce Bruegger said she and the department are working hard to enforce the “parking after snowfall ordinance.” Through the end of November the department issued 20 citations. Nine remain unpaid. Those residents have been sent follow-up letters stating they must pay or the ticket becomes a state citation. The department is working with the county attorney on a possible ordinance change that would allow for a vehicle to be towed after a ticket remains unpaid for 10 days.

Council members shared many observations and thoughts, not reaching any definitive conclusion or action. A public hearing would be required before any new ordinance could be put in place.

Councilman Jody Wynnemer asked about repeat offenders, leading Bruegger to respond that most were repeat offenders. Officer Ryan Gehkre was present and shared that he makes every attempt to speak with folks before citing them with a ticket. “But some people don’t listen anyways.”

Councilman Casey asked about public parking and everyone was in agreement to provide more information to the public that the Wagner parking lot is considered public parking and, after it is plowed, can be used to park a vehicle during regular plowing to avoid a ticket.

In the end, this discussion was purely educational and informative, and was the most lengthy conversation of the short meeting.

The consent agenda was approved and included minutes from the Dec. 12 and the January 3 “emergency” meetings. Debit card and bank authorizations were approved prior to the announcement of Mayoral appointments, which follow:

Appointments for 2023 include: Newspaper, NRHEG Star Eagle;Bank Depository, State Bank of New Richland; Attorney, Jason L.

lytic converters, and participated in seminars regarding self defense and investigations following deaths.

One squad vehicle received an oil change and maintenance on its front tires. The other had a Verizon Internet pack replaced after the previous one “exploded.”

The council approved a timeline to fill the now vacant council seat previously held by Mayor Neitzel.

January 9, 2023: city council directs staff to initiate an application process to appoint an individual to the city council

January 19: application deadline

January 23: city council reviews applications and makes appointment

February 13: appointed individual takes oath of office and joins the city council for the remaining term

Interested persons can acquire an application from city hall.

In the City Administrator report, Anthony Martens shared numerous tasks he’s worked on, mainly centered around putting the 2022 year to bed and preparing for ‘23. On a lighter note, the following employees are celebrated for their years of service:

Jan. 10, Jeff Johnson, ambulance 12 years; Jan. 14 Kari Gehring, police department 3 years; Jan. 14 Colleen Howard police department, 3 years.

Sarah Sundve and Shanon Young celebrated birthdays on Jan. 11 and 12, respectively.

The council approved a letter of engagement for the financial service company ABDO, for the 2022 audit process.

Just before adjournment, a couple questions were answered.

Advance Waseca County, formerly known as BEST of Waseca, is in a transitional phase, but there are exciting opportunities coming for New Richland.

A spending bill approved at the federal level could mean dollars for New Richland sewer and water improvements.

“Can we try to get some of that money?” Councilman Wynnemer asked. “I’m sure we have some worthwhile projects.”

“I made a note of it,” Martens said.

“Great minds think alike,” Wynnemer chimed.

Councilmen Skelton asked if the city could purchase the car wash from the Bohlens, and was quickly told it wasn’t for sale, but Martens said he would “put some feelers out anyway.”

The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.

The next meeting of the New Richland City Council will be January 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.