NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council will consider accepting a donation for an open shelter in North Park from the New Ulm Lion’s Club at Tuesday’s meeting.

The New Ulm Park and Recreation recommended the city allow the Lions to construct an open shelter at the park near the splashpad.

A smaller open shelter already exists at this location. It would be moved to a different location to accommodate this larger shelter donated by the Lion’s Club. The shelter is expected to cost between $35,000 and $40,000. Its dimensions will be 24 feet by 38 feet.

No Lion’s Club shelter currently exists in New Ulm. A survey among New Ulm chapter members indicated it was a top priority. North Park was chosen for the shelter location because of the park’s high usage.

The Park and Recreation Commission recommended acceptance of the shelter.

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The council will consider approving the School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement between the City of New Ulm, acting as the Police Department, and Independent School District 88. The agreement is for three years (2021-2024).

The SRO Program has been in place for several years and has been adjusted to reflect changes that best serve the community that we serve. District 88 and the New Ulm Police Department believe that the SRO Program has been a successful partnership for serving students and members of the public involving District 88.

This contract has been reviewed by the City of New Ulm and School District 88 management staff. The City Attorney has also reviewed the contract and had no legal concerns with the contractual language.

The current assigned SRO is Officer Andrew Achman. The SRO is a City of New Ulm (Police Department) employee that works by and for the New Ulm Police Department. During the school year, the SRO is assigned to District 88 for 40 hours a week. During legal holidays and other times when school is not in session, the SRO returns to the police department and performs patrol work.

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The council will consider seeking a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the removal of ash trees and replanting with different species of trees located in the boulevard. This is in response to emerald ash borer.

According to the community tree survey, there are 2,414 ash trees located in city boulevards accounting for 21.5% of total tree makeup throughout New Ulm. This grant will allow for the removal and replacement of between 250 and 350 trees in the public right of way.

The Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer grant is for up to $100,000. The grant requires a 25% match, which can be an in-kind cash match or both.

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A public hearing will be held on the final plat of Milford Heights Fourth Addition located at 637 and 641 Pfaender Drive.

The area to be platted consists of two existing lots and would reconfigure the two existing lots into two new lots with more equal lot widths. Staff is recommending approval of the final plat.