Plans presented for Trucker’s Inn site
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, February 27. Mayor Swearingen and all council members were present. Clerk LeeAnn Hojberg, Deputy Clerk Kim Zimprich, Josh Otto, Pete Paulson, Eric Hefner, Randy Bradt and Brian DePrez were also in attendance.
DePrez, Store Development Associate with Casey’s General Stores, was called upon by Mayor Swearingen. DePrez introduced himself stating he was in store development for Casey’s in Minnesota, Dakotas and part of Wisconsin. Deprez had copies of a drawing showing where Casey’s would like to erect a new store — the parcel where the former Trucker’s Inn sits just east of Ellendale along Interstate I-35.
DePrez said Casey’s has been “looking to have a presence on I-35.” When asked about an opening date, DePrez told the council Casey’s was still in the planning stages. However, he added, a store generally will go up in about 4-5 months once all the hurdles have been jumped. The plan showed gas islands to the front of the building and diesel pumps on the south side of the building. The building would sit a little farther west than current one. DePrez told the council he would be back for permits and to keep the council updated on what is happening.Bradt, who works for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as an Area Hydrologist, was next. He was at the meeting to see if the city would be interested in participating in a study on groundwater-related issues. Bradt said that cities under the population of 1,000 do not have to provide the state with reports on groundwater contamination prevention plans. Bradt told the council he would work with someone to take samples of the wells periodically. Bradt said that “most of the time” the DNR would pay for any equipment needed to draw or make taking the water samples easy. Bradt is currently working with the cities of Brownsdale and Lyle. The council moved to have the city work with the DNR and Mr. Bradt to develop a water supply plan.
Hefner, engineer with Bolten & Menk, presented a revised preliminary engineering report. The new report includes a section of 7th Ave. where the city experienced a recent water main break. The council approved the report and set March 13 at 7 p.m. for the Improvement Hearing. The council will also meet March 11 to examine the bonding process and options. Hefner also suggested the city televise sewer lines prior to any major work being done.
Hojberg informed the council the TIF payment would be going out next week. She had a couple of questions concerning the Community Building and different uses and procedures. Hojberg explained that Radio Link was in last week to address some of the issues the city has been experiencing. Hojberg explained the city needed a new router, which the council approved to purchase. Radio Link will be back to provide more updates.
Otto reported that two of the three water main breaks have been fixed. He explained one would have to wait until the frost is out. Otto told the council the city will need to put some salt on Janzen Pl. to try and break up the ice on the road. Otto said some streets are getting hard to plow when residents don’t get vehicles out of the way. The council approved purchasing some needed tools for the maintenance department.
Paulson, manager at the Municipal Liquor Store, said that February is looking to be the best month in the last 12. New stools and chairs have been ordered and anyone wanting any of the old ones should at in the MLS and talk to Paulson.
The next regular meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be March 13. That night the improvement hearing will be held at 6:30 and the regular meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.