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City OKs survey

NEW ULM — The City Council Tuesday  directed staff to proceed with an annual citizen satisfaction survey of city and public utility operations.

New Ulm has conducted this survey every year for the past five years. The survey is sent to 75 people in each ward for a total of 300 surveys. Each survey allows residents to rate services they receive and provide any comments they deem appropriate. Over the last five years, New Ulm has received a relatively high return rate on the surveys.

The council believes the survey provides valuable information. In addition, the cost of the survey is offset by a $1,800 reimbursement from the state of Minnesota.

City Manager Brian Gramentz said the survey is used as an input tool when the city plans next year’s budget.

Mayor Robert Beussman said by submitting the survey every year, new residents have a chance to comment on civic services.

The survey is expected to be mailed out in the next few months. The results will be available in June.

Security renovations approved

The council approved a professional design services proposal from architecture firm ISG for security renovations to the Finance Department, Engineering Department and Council Chambers.

The design also requires an approval for 1st Choice Security to install a card access system at various city buildings.

These improvements were approved for safety purposes. The council wants to take a proactive approach at protecting city staff.

Council member Les Schultz said in the event an employee was let go by the city, the card access system would allow immediate termination of their access to the city building. The card access could also be used to verify when and where an employee has been.

The estimated cost of ISG’s proposal is $98,059.35. The card access system is estimated to cost $65,715. The city has budgeted for both projects.

Fire Department

requests

The council approved a request from the Fire Department to order bids and quotes for a replacement of Engine 60 with a wildland firefighting slide-in unit.

Fire Chief Paul Macho said the three-quarter ton pickup truck currently used by the department is scheduled for replacement. The wildland firefighting unit is used for fighting grass, wood and field fires.

The anticipated cost for the vehicle is $64,000. This request is included in the 2017 budget with adequate funding.

The current wildland truck will be reassigned as a travel vehicle.

The council also approved a requested replacement of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment. In 2005, the Fire Department received a grant through FEMA to purchase SCBA equipment. The grant requires the equipment be replaced after 10 years. The Fire Department was able to stretch out the life of this equipment a few more years.

Macho said the current standards for the SCBAs changed in 2013. This upgrade will bring the equipment up to National Fire Protection Association standards.

In other news:

• The council approved a request from Herbergers to place a dumpster in a public parking lot stall for two weeks starting Jan. 17.

The department store will place the dumpster in a stall to aid in the disposal of old fixtures. The dumpster will be located behind Herbergers in the lot at the corner of German and South 2nd Street.

• BoCo Real Estate, owned by Eric Bode, is remodeling the building at 518 Center Street and requested a public right-of-way license for construction from Jan.18 to May 15. The council approved the request, which will allow a dumpster to be placed on Center Street in two parking spots for the removal of debris.

Bode said the sidewalk will be kept clear during the evening. The right of way would only be used during hours of construction.

• A grant application was approved to assist with the update of the New Ulm Downtown Preservation Guidelines.

The city needs matching funding of at least 40 percent for the $9,750 project. The grant, if approved, would cover $5,850 of the cost, leaving the city to fund the remaining $3,900. The Heritage Preservation Commission has sufficient funds to cover the match.

• Green Mill and Best Western Plus received an extension of their liquor license to the parking lot for a Bock Fest After Party outside event to be held on Saturday, March 4. A public hearing for a noise variance to allow live bands to perform is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7.

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