Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, February 13 with Mayor Swearingen and all councilmen present. Also attending were city employees Lee Ann Hojberg, Clerk; Josh Otto, Maintenance; and Pete Paulson, Municipal Liquor Store. Visitors included Senator Vicki Jensen, Jeff Howe, Chris Peterson, City Engineer Erik Hefner and Patty Carlson.
During the Municipal Liquor Store report, Paulson suggested dates for the 2014 city celebration. He felt that to be consistent with last year, the dates should be June 26- 29. This would be the last weekend in June and run Thursday through Sunday. The council felt the dates were appropriate and asked Paulson to move forward with plans for the celebration. He also reported the office construction is nearly done. Paulson passed out his monthly numbers report and informed the council that for the first six of the fiscal year, the MLS is ahead of last year.
Hefner, engineer with Bolten & Menk, passed out the prelimary engineering report for 2014 infrastructure improvements. Hefner began by informing the council what the first few pages of the report contained, and went on to explain the process to be followed. Hefner gave the estimated cost of the proposed project, $989,300. He also gave the council some figures as to what the proposed tax impact might be on properties to be improved. Hefner explained to the council that should be a good time to call for bids.The council listened to Hefner explain some details on the projects and then asked what the next steps were. The council will need to post notice in the newspaper about the proposed improvement hearing. The council will also need to mail to all affected property owners a notice about the project and the scope of said project. Hefner will be back at the next meeting with some different options on assessing. The council moved to set the date of the improvement hearing for March 13, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Senator Jensen was present to discuss the upcoming Legislature session for the State of Minnesota. Jensen passed out a copy of some of the issues in which she has been active. Jensen told the council she would be authoring a bill that would give $25 million in bonding money to help Greater Minnesota municipalities improve infrastructure to attract and help businesses grow. Jensen went on to explain some of the policies of the Senate and took a couple of questions from the council. The council thanked Senator Jensen for coming to the meeting and invited her back anytime she is in the area.
The council recognized visitors for the evening and tried to answer questions and concerns.
Mrs. Carlson asked about the Economic Development Authority in Ellendale and also had some concerns about the activities for all ages within the city.
Mr. Howe had questions concerning the Maintenance department. Mr. Peterson was present to ask the council about the utility bill for his property.
The council approved to have Larry Otto assist with snow removal when needed for the remainder of the 2014 snow season.
Hojberg started her report by informing the council the city Web site is again operational. It is the hope to keep the site up to date and informational. The site can be seen at EllendaleMN.com. Hojberg went on to say that Radio Link will be in the office on Tuesday to go over some of the tech issues the city has been experiencing. Hojberg said she had to pick up a new printer, for $100, as the old one gave out. The council approved the reimbursement.
The council approved the claims as presented for the evening.
The council approved the minutes as amended.
Josh Otto was next with his report. Otto said he had been working with Rural Water Association to help locate a frozen water service on 5th Ave. The affected business has a temporary hook-up for now. Otto explained to the council that the pick-up had a bad power steering hose that had to be replaced. Otto asked the council for approval to purchase 50 more feet of air hose for the maintenance building.
Mayor Swearingen told the council he had only one item. Swearingen asked the council to review Ordinance 78, which pertains to snow removal. Swearingen thought there needed to be some additional items added to the ordinance.
Councilman Groth had the only other item when called upon by the Mayor. Groth stated he had been in contact with Fire Chief Lee, who could not make it to the meeting. Lee wanted the council to be informed about the purchase of gloves and hoods for the department. Lee also said the department had three new firemen added to the roster. The fire department is also looking at purchasing a new thermal imaging camera, as their old one needs new batteries, which they no longer make.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.