By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer

In response to a letter to the editor printed in last week’s issue of the Star Eagle regarding an ongoing apartment building project, the Ellendale City Council agreed to distribute more detailed information about the project during its second meeting of the month on Thursday, July 22. The letter, while successful in prompting the council to take further action, did not contain completely accurate information. The issues addressed in the letter have been discussed at previous council meetings as well as a public hearing earlier this month.

“We need to step up communication,” said Mayor Matt Bartsch, who will reach out to the EDA – who originally recommended the project to the council – as well as other official parties involved with the project to gather information to be released to the public.

Councilperson Steph Kibler pointed out that information regarding the project is available to the public in the form of council meetings, meeting minutes, which are posted on the city website, and the ability to contact city hall during business hours with questions or concerns.

One point made in the letter regarding the possibility of low-income housing was also addressed by Bartsch, who stated that low-income individuals and families exist in most communities, and Ellendale should provide housing opportunities to all citizens regardless of wealth or income.

Fire Department

Several individuals with the Ellendale Fire Department were present to provide updates on another ongoing project in town: a new fire hall for the department. Total costs for the project are estimated at about $507,000, though the department is eligible for a grant of up to $450,000. A request by the department for the city to agree to provide the remaining roughly $60,000 for the project was approved by the council, to the relief and appreciation of the department. 

The next step in the project will be to submit the grant application and interview the two companies that submitted nearly identical bids to determine the best option for the construction phase of the project. The department is looking at an official groundbreaking for the project next spring, estimating that, once the funds are secured, the project should be completed within three years.

“This has been a five-year conversation,” said Councilperson Kibler, “but this is really nice. Nice job.”

Six-month numbers reported by the fire department were very similar to last year’s, showing that the department is averaging about 160 calls per year – a number much higher than most local fire departments.

Playground equipment

Used playground equipment that was purchased last year at a cost of $5,000 has been delivered to the city. Upon inspection, the equipment appears to have been damaged extensively during the removal process, rendering it unsafe and possibly unusable. City Clerk Kim Zimprich informed the council of a no-cost inspection service provided by the League of Minnesota Cities in which a risk management individual will visit the city and provide recommendations for repairs or replacement. The council agreed to look into scheduling an appointment with the League before seeking a refund and/or purchasing new equipment.

Maintenance discussions included the sale of chain-link fencing that has been in storage since being torn down several years ago for $65/ton, which was approved, and a $3,500 bid from James Brothers Construction to dig and reconnect a sewer line on School Street, also approved. The possibility of purchasing an additional catch basin for School Street was also discussed, though no action was taken at the time of the meeting.

An ordinance finalizing the street name change from Klemmensen Court to Council Court was approved by the council. Vendor purchasing procedures and guidelines for the city were reviewed and agreed upon by the council. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.