NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council rushed through a crowded agenda Tuesday, which included the appointment of a new police chief and of a temporary city manager, to meet the 6 p.m. deadline dictated by the election night requirements.

David Borchert was appointed New Ulm’s new police chief. The Police Commission recommended Borchert’s appointment, which was unanimously approved by the council. Borchert served as the interim chief since former police chief Myron Wieland retired on Oct. 31. In addition to welcoming Borchert, the council thanked Wieland for his years of service.

Borchert’s appointment becomes effective Nov. 7 along with a three-month probationary period and compensation of $101,441.60.

This was the last meeting for City Manager Brian Gramentz, who is leaving the position as of Nov. 15. Gramentz has served as city manager for 17 years. He was also thanked for his years of service.

The city charter requires New Ulm have a city manager in place. Based on the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, Assistant City Manager Chris Dalton was appointed to the position effective Nov. 16 and will remain in this position until a permanent city manager is hired.

Dalton was hired in April.

The proposed changes to the city charter were tabled and sent back to the Charter Commission for further review.

The Charter Commission met April 24 through August 22 to consider amendments to the New Ulm Home Rule Charter.

During the public hearing Tom Romaine asked the council to reconsider a change regarding the appointment of fire department officials under the fire chief.

The changes to the charter allow the fire chief to be appointed by the city manager subject to city council approval instead of being elected by the Fire Department. The changes call for the council to also appoint assistant fire chiefs. Romaine objected to the council appointing the assistant fire chiefs, as the department’s bylaws left that responsibility to the fire chief.

The Council decided Romaine’s objections warranted further discussion. It decided to table the matter and let the Charter Commission further review the language involving the Fire Department.

Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz informed the council that private donors are threatening to withdraw donations and pledges for the German Park Amphitheater if the amphitheater is not constructed in 2019.

This includes a donation of $25,000 cash from 2015 and a $100,000 pledge from 2016.

Schmitz was requesting the council authorize soliciting proposals for the creation of construction documents and cost estimates for the amphitheater replacement.

This project has been discussed for a decade. The earthen and grass seating terraces have slumped and degraded making them unusable for lawn chairs. In addition, the terraces are inaccessible to the mobility impaired. The amphitheater hosts numerous concerts annually.

The council was willing to move forward with construction documents, but the project was looking at a significant shortfall. There was approximately $60,000 still needed for the first phase.

Councilor David Christian said there was also the question of how much this project would cost in 2019 as it was originally bid in 2013 dollars.

The council requested Schmitz bring the motion back at the next meeting with an update to numbers.

A professional services contract for the Hermann Heights Park local sales tax project was awarded. In October a committee recommended awarding the design, bidding, construction staking and observation phases for Hermann Heights Park to Bolton and Menk, Inc., for up to $69,785. The project includes the creation of a new Hermann Heights Park entrance and parking area.