NEW ULM — Operation of the compost and tree burning site is expected to return to the city by August of this year.

The City Council will consider whether to take over operation of the site or look at different options during tonight’s city council meeting.

Public Work Superintendent Curt Curry has recommended the city take over compost and tree burning operations as of Aug. 1, 2018.

Since Aug. 1, 2014, the city compost and tree burning site has been operated by M.R. Paving and Excavation paying the city $1 per year. The lease was originally $5,835 per year, but the agreement was modified in September 2015 on a request from MR Paving. Operational costs exceeded the company’s benefits, and the council agreed to adjust the lease to avoid the compost site becoming another city responsibility.

This lease is coming to an end July 31. M.R. Paving has offered a two-year lease renewal, but would now charge the city an annual fee of $42,000 to operate the compost and tree burning operation.

Curry believes the city could operate the site without an attendant at the cost of $22,500 per year. Existing staff could perform the compost and tree burning duties.

In other news, the council will consider awarding a contract to perform a condition assessment of the Hermann Monument base. The proposal comes from MacDonald & Mack Architects for the base cost of $55,000 with additional services between $3,000 and $4,000 if needed.

Last September, the city applied for a $60,000 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society for a condition assessment of the Hermann Monument base, which was received in January.

Staff has been working on a moisture issues with the Hermann Monument base. The study is to review the structural stability of the base as the statue had to be closed last year due to falling debris.

MacDonald & Mack’s approach to the assessment is to be observation only and non-destructive. Other firms planned to dig holes and expose the foundation of the monument.

The council will receive a report on 2017’s Special Archery Hunt Deer Control Program and vote to re-authorize the program for 2018.

The 2017 archery hunt was the 26th consecutive hunt of this kind in New Ulm and one of the higher deer harvests. A total of 61 deer were harvested by 56 hunters. The annual program is designed to curb the deer population in wooded area within the city limits.