NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council approved transferring funds from the Recreation Center boiler replacement to the Glockenspiel figurines and control system replacement project.

The boiler replacement project was budgeted at nearly $1 million, but the low bid came in at $609,360, leaving a balance of $385,640. The figurine replacement project is $45,000 over budget. The control system replacement project was budgeted at $35,000, but the low quote came in at $26,890. The combined Glockenspiel project is $36,890 over budget.

Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz said normally four figurines are replaced each year. Of the seven remaining figurines, most are from the Nativity Scene and two are relatively small.

The new figurines are expected to have a longer life expectancy than the original. The new figurines are made of epoxy and fiberglass.

“They will outlast all of us,” Schmitz said.

Councilor David Christian said he was hesitant to use maintenance funds to replace figurines but agreed to move forward with authorization.

Councilor Les Schultz made the motion to approve. He said the Glockenspiel is one of New Ulm’s main tourist destinations and it was nice to have the figurines looking appropriate.

Council President Charlie Schmitz supported the replacement because it needed to be done, but warned against digging into funds for non-budgeted items.

Tom Schmitz said the city would likely save money by repairing this year rather than budgeting next year.

The final Glockenspiel replacement was unanimously approved. The city still has $348,750 unspent dollars in the 2019 Capital Improvement Fund.

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An interim use permit (IUP) for Harold Enamorado was approved to allow the operation of a woodworking business in his residence and detached garage at 718 N. Broadway.

This was the first IUP to come before the council. City Planner John Knisely said the intent of an IUP is to allow land use for a limited period of time. It gives the city a reasonable degree of discretion in allowing different uses, not typically specified in an area. The property is located in a single and two-family zoned residential area.

The New Ulm Planning Commission previously recommended approval of the permit under the condition Enamorado only operate the business inside the residence and garage for a limited duration. In addition, dust control measures must be installed.

Knisely said an IUP is different from a conditional use permit (CUP) in that a CUP has no end date. This IUP approval is for three years.

Schultz asked about times of operation. The city code allows operation between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Schultz asked about the noise created by the business.

Enamorado said he does not run a heavy-duty operation and will limit cutting to the daytime. He has twin children, whom he does not want to disturb after 7 p.m.

Enamorado constructs wood and metal furniture that is sold online. He brought examples of his tables to the meeting.

Councilor Larry Mack made a motion to approve the permit. The IUP was unanimously approved.

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The council unanimously passed a resolution in support of a federal grant to expand Highway 14. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has selected US Highway 14 four-lane expansion as one of the three projects to submit for the U.S. Department of Transportation for federal grant money.

The $25 million federal grant would help fund the estimated $85 million project to expand Highway 14 to four lanes from New Ulm to Nicollet. As part of the application process, MnDOT is requesting a resolution and letter of support from the city.

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The council received an update on the city’s Blight Ordinance from City Manager Chris Dalton and Police Chief Dave Borchert.

Dalton said in the year since the blight committee began meeting, it was decided to move to active enforcement in addition to responding to complaints. Moving forward the city is looking at options for enhancing the penalty for repeat offenders and clearing up the language in the code.

Borchert said 117 blight enforcement actions were sent out and 82 are now compliant. Twelve of the 117 received citations and 23 are still pending. The 23 pending are the result of extensions.

Borchert said this is ongoing enforcement, but the response has been positive.

The most common blight enforcement is debris piles. Borchert said everyone’s definition of junk is different, which is why each case is different.

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A low bid for repairs to the Public Library roof was approved. Bid replacements for the rubber roofing at the library came before the council and the bid from SR Systems was accepted. The low bid is $36,400.

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The council approved a pension benefit level change for the active members of the New Ulm Fire Department Relief Association. The request raised the pension amount from $4,500 to $5,000 per year of service.

Fire Chief Paul Macho said Fire Department has 39 members but wants 42 members. The Fire Department typically starts recruitment efforts in August.

“This is certainly one of the tools we use for recruitment,” Macho said.

The council unanimously approved the change. The pension will only affect active duty firefighters.

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A public hearing was set for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, for a request for noise variance permit. The New Ulm Small Business Group is requesting the permit for a street dance on Saturday, July 27, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

City Manager Dalton said a band will play at the dance. Alcohol will not be allowed on the street for this event.