Council looks at internet issues, water supply

During the New Richland city council meeting the evening of Feb. 9, Nick Sorenson, energy manager for Fidium Fiber Internet (formerly Consolidated) requested permission to complete the installation process in New Richland to provide fiber internet. Said Sorenson, “All underground, nothing aerial. We’ll be replacing the plastic but everything else should be the same. Should take about a year.”

 

RadioLink internet has asked to negotiate a continuing arrangement to keep company equipment on the city water tower. The previous contract expired and the equipment has been there rent free for almost five years. A water tower inspection last summer found a violation with improper wiring and improper grounding regarding the RadioLink equipment. The council took the contract into consideration.  

 

The city has arranged for J&R Water Utility Service to “exercise” valves and place GPS marking on main shut-offs. The price for the service, which is expected to require about 3 days, will be  $150 an hour or $1200 a day.

 

The city will be spending nearly $1,000 to purchase paint for restriping on some city streets–the cost for 25 gallons of white paint is $650; 15 gallons of yellow paint will be $345.

 

The Steeple event center applied for a license to serve alcohol during events on its property. The owner of 213 N Broadway requested that the lot, as well as the city-owned property behind it, be rezoned. The owner’s goal is to be able to build a fence at the property line to maximize storage space available for an HVAC business.

 

Ambulance staff reported having completed a Feb. 21 training session for the agency’s new monitor. The fire department reported its members had completed a required safety training; the department responded to one medical call for the month.  

 

Bob Johannsen, Care Center Administrator, informed council members new carpet will soon be installed in the facility’s common area, entryway and chapel. The staff break room will also be remodeled. Johannsen stated, “Our new team is really working out well, I’m feeling good about who we’re hiring.”

 

Regarding the city water supply, Shell Johnson reported chloride numbers are temporarily elevated because of salt entering the water system from roadways. She mentioned repairs to the electrical and heating systems at the water treatment plant are proceeding well.