The next phase of the community hall update was discussed, and a lot more, during the Ellendale City Council’s first meeting of the month, Thursday, June 10.
Community Hall
Visitor Pete Paulson spoke to the council about the next phase of the Community Hall updating, seeking approval for the Ellendale Community Foundation to remove and replace a ceiling tile, paint and wallpaper and make other improvements to the building.
The original estimate was $12,500-$13,000. Paulson asked for the council to approve an approximate 50/50 split on the cost. If the costs go higher than $13,000, he asked for the city to pay the overruns, as the city had pledged $12,000 per year for the three-year project. The ECF can volunteer the labor as needed.
Paulson added that $13,000 was a generous estimate.
Councilman Scott Groth inquired about the timeframe to complete the project. Paulson estimated about two weeks for demo work and about 30 days to finish before doing the carpet. The project would start after Ellendale Days. The ECF will complete the grant and present it at a later meeting for approval by the city.
The council agreed to Paulson's terms for the project.
New Business
The revised Developer’s agreement between the city council and Darrin Stadheim & Stadheim Properties was approved.
Resolution 2021-18, approving tax abatement for certain properties, and Resolution 2021-19, providing issuance of bond and sale of $240,000 were approved.
Flowers
Mayor Bartsch updated the council on the events of the flower purchase miscommunication. It was expressed by the council that in the past the city had been paying for the flowers on Main Street. The most recent flowers purchased were made by a citizen who is not a city employee and who was not authorized to charge on the city account. This is against city policy and state statutes governing purchasing guidelines for cities.
Bartsch had a conversation with the parties involved. It was asked if the city would purchase the flowers going forward. Bartsch said the city should put this cost into next year’s budget if the council intends to pay for the flowers. The council approved a motion by mayor Bartsch to pay for the flowers at a cost of approximately $220.
Spraying for mosquitos on June 21 was approved at the cost of $600.
The council voted to close the fire department safe deposit box.
Parks and Trails
Keith Langlie reported on the Ellendale Parks and Trails Committee and said he and maintenance man Josh Otto will install playground equipment at Crown Ridge Park after inspecting the current playground equipment and getting a quote.
Ordinances and properties
Kibler presented an updated Codification complaint form to the council. This is for residents to complete and be presented to the council for action and approval. It was determined that the council would file each complaint by the address and date.
Kibler presented the city zoning map and asked if a fourth committee member had been found. Council member Derek Bartness said the person he contacted about filling the position was not interested. The current committee will try to meet next week to discuss what to do next.
Kibler commented on habitual lawn violations and wanted to know if lawn-length violations could be served a notice without going through the committee. She said that since the committee only meets every two months, violations like this could be an automatic violation that could be discussed by the council, rather than waiting for the committee to meet and then brought forward.
After discussion of several properties in violation of the 6-inch length, council approved sending eight letters of non-compliance.
Streets and water
The water tier rates will be implemented by August 21. Mayor Bartsch reiterated that the majority of water users in town will not see a change in their water bills. High users, industrial and commercial properties will see the bulk of the increase, with the purpose to make Ellendale more competitive in the industrial and commercial markets, per Bartsch.
A discussion on sewer rates was tabled. Deputy Clerk Engel advised the council not to go with sewer tier rates because it would require the purchase of more meters.
The city hopes to install engine-braking signs. Engel said he's waiting for MNDot's response on sign requirements and purchasing options. Per Engel, signs must be purchased from MNDot and must say, "Vehicle Noise Laws Enforced.” The cost is $965 each on separate posts. The cost will be cheaper if the signs can be installed on the current “Ellendale” signs. Engel will contact the MNDot District 6 contact to get more accurate costs before proceeding.
Council Court Street
The Clerk’s office is working with the Steele County Auditor and Assessor Offices to rename Klemmensen Court to Council Court. The council may address the ordinance approval at the July 22 meeting. Deputy Clerk Engel will notify the effected property owners of the intended name change. They can address any concerns at any council meeting through July 22. No public hearing is required for street name change.
Seasonal Maintenance positions
The city is hiring for two seasonal maintenance positions and approved hiring Keith Langlie as the seasonal utility-maintenance worker.
Mayor/Council Updates
Councilperson Goebel said he has concerns on speeding vehicles and excessive vehicle noise. Sheriff Lon Thiele was contacted to make his department aware of the complaints.
Kibler asked for the parking space lines to be painted. Councilperson Goebel will discuss it with maintenance man Otto.
Councilperson Groth commented that the curbs painted so far look impressive. Groth also said that the apartment project should be promoted by the council as “betterment” for the city, and not running down a neighborhood.
Kibler reminded Langlie to be aware of possible conflict of interests on the Park Committee and because he is a city employee now. There could be concerns with the difference between volunteer services and city employee responsibilities.
A Budget Meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
The meeting adjourned after about two hours.