Ellendale council presented with lawsuit; new members sworn in, Berg appointed open seat

By ELI LUTGENS

Publisher/Editor

Members of the Ellendale City Council were sworn in during their first meeting of the year, January 9, 2025.

New members include recently elected Scott Swanson, and newly appointed Charlie Berg. Joel Meyer and mayor Scott Groth were also sworn in.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, the council was presented with a lawsuit from Keith Haskell alleging open meeting law violations, civil rights violations, human rights violations and constitutional violations.

Rural Ellendale resident Daniel Petsinger presented city clerk Steve Engel with the paperwork, telling him, “You’ve been served.”

Before that, however, Petsinger addressed the council stating proposed changes to the codification manual have not been thoroughly researched, nor has there been sufficient public comment. Petsinger would like the city not to terminate contracts with his company, Radio Link Internet for use of the water tower. He said he feels the action is retaliatory and states this will lead to a loss of income from the contract.

In the fire department report, chief Logan Busho said drawings for the plumbing on the new fire hall have been received and are under review. It will be about three weeks before the project is rebid.

The council approved purchase of a new commercial fridge at a cost of $2,500 for the department, along with $2,500 for new fitting and flanges for a new valve on a tanker.

The council approved a $50 fine be sent to a property owner for a violation on Radel Court.

A fire department CD reached maturity and the council approved to re-invest $10,000 at a 4.35% interest rate in a 7-month CD.

All three new council members agreed to attend new council member training sessions at a cost of $350 per person offered by the League of Minnesota Cities.

The city tabled the Bolton and Menk Engineering estimate cost for upcoming road construction. The projected cost was more than $100,000, but the city only budgeted $75,000.

The city also approved an extension of its tax abatement program for three months to allow a new home owner the potential to qualify.

Regular commissions and city appointments were approved.

The council approved resolutions accepting donations of money from the Ellendale Ambulance Department in the amount of $74,238.75 and $2,500 from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association.

In the maintenance department, the council approved $1,035 for ESRI GIS Application software which will help to map where water services boxes and storm sewer lines are located.

The city council tabled a discussion on approving policy procedure rules for council members in order for members to read the proposed policy. Previously, no such policy existed.

A draft of a new codification draft revision for Telecommunication Towers and Antenna was approved. At a future meeting the council will vote to approve or disapprove the change.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Groth said he intends to draft a letter to the railroad asking them to fix the tracks on Main Street. He reminded everyone that this year will be the 125th birthday of Ellendale. The celebration is set for the last weekend in June. Finally, he asked council members to come up with one goal, before the next meeting, they’d like the city to work on in 2025.

The new members were welcomed to the council.

“It’s kind of an honor to be a part of this,” councilman Swanson said. “I take it very seriously, our actions and what we do. First thing I think about is the safety and well being of the public. Staying in tune with the people of Ellendale and what they want. Those are my top priorities.”

The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. The next meeting of the council will be Thursday, February 13, at 7 p.m.