Ellendale council election filing opens soon

The City of Ellendale held its monthly city council meeting the evening of Thursday, June 11. Council members were reminded that filing for election to the city council is open from July 14 to 18. Any members of the public who wish to run for office, and any leaders whose terms expire in 2026, must file during that window to be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot.  

 

Filing takes place in the city clerk’s office. The terms of Mayor Scott Groth and council members Charles Berg and Jon Asplund end on Dec. 31.

 

There will be a public hearing for rezoning of R-2 lots to R-1 in Crown Ridge at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

The National Night Out this year will be Tuesday, August 4. The “Night Out” is a nationwide movement to schedule events which allow children to interact with law enforcement, emergency medical staff, and firefighters.

 

The city’s contract with Empire Pipe Services of Mankato has been renewed. Council members were informed the five-year, nearly $66,000 arrangement is very similar to the one which just expired. Empire Pipe Services uses cameras and specialized equipment to inspect and clean city water pipes.

 

Michelle Quandt, executive director of Camp Companion, gave a presentation on what her organization can do for feral cats in the Ellendale area. The company traps, neuters, microchips and returns the cats, preventing another generation from being born and becoming a nuisance. Quandt said her company covers half the cost of managing the cats. The council took this under consideration.

 

Logan Busho from the fire department requested an enclosed trailer for $12,500 for fire equipment. He also reported that about $4,500 of new equipment will be needed to be sure two new firefighters have safety gear. The gambling fund for May covered $4,000 towards the trailer.

 

Josh Otto from maintenance said the area around the northwest side of the new firehall needs landscaping, which includes a retaining wall. The council suggested Otto himself try to do the landscaping for $4,200.

 

There were codification violation notices for Eighth Ave East, Fourth Ave West and Sixth Ave East.

 

There was a resolution accepting a $5,000 appropriation from the Steele County economic development authority (EDA) to be used in supporting the city ambulance. The council also accepted a donation from the Ellendale Lions Club for replacing trash bins in the city and city parks. It also accepted a $3,000 donation from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association. 

 

Mayor Groth suggested three portable toilets should be made available for the upcoming Fourth of July Celebration– two regular and one accessible.