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Newell council approves consent agenda, hires firefighter and OKs seasonal help
Summary
At its April 6 meeting the Newell City Council approved a multi-item consent agenda including financial reports, accepted $3,900 in auction proceeds, approved a new firefighter hire and authorized two primary summer help positions with a backup third if needed.
Newell — The Newell City Council on April 6 approved its agenda and a consent package that included minutes, claims and a March treasurer’s report showing revenues of $75,811.54 and month-to-date expenses of $82,408.26.
On a motion by Council member Steve Taylor, seconded by Bill Henrich, the council approved the consent agenda by a 4–1 vote, with Council member Larry Nielsen recorded as the lone dissenting vote. The consent agenda included routine items and a list of nuisance properties; Mayor Justin Lyman said staff identified 23 nuisance properties and that seven had already made improvements or fully resolved their issues.
The council unanimously approved the hiring of a new firefighter after Fire Chief Erie requested the appointment. Public Works Director Doug Lange explained recent water-main repairs on Madison Street, saying the higher costs reflected the severity of the break and work required to abandon an old service at the main.
Mayor Lyman summarized the sheriff’s written report, noting the department spent approximately 197 hours in town and that traffic enforcement rose from four stops last month to 17 this month. The city also received $3,900 from a firearms/weapons auction. Clerk Heather Copp reported a vendor error on the musical-playground contract that resulted in a $4,554 credit for the city and said the state-processed fuel rebate had been deposited.
On personnel, the council authorized two primary seasonal student workers for mowing and maintenance and approved a backup third worker to be used only if needed; the motion was made by Taylor and seconded by Henrich and passed unanimously.
The mayor addressed recent press coverage about the ambulance/EMS interim director’s resignation, and said Degner’s resignation was voluntary. “I will release an official statement on the city’s Facebook page to correct the record,” Mayor Justin Lyman said.
The council set meeting and hearing dates including a budget adoption hearing on April 22 and scheduled the next regular meeting for May 4. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
