Engel accepts position of City Clerk/Treasurer

Following the short public hearing and many comments regarding the properties owned by Daniel Petsinger, the regular meeting of the Ellendale City Council got underway Thursday, August 8, 2024.

 

Steve Engel has accepted the position of head City Clerk/Treasurer beginning August. 26, 2024. By all accounts, it appears Kim Zimprich will remain on as assistant clerk/treasurer. The two have swapped positions. The council will approve her position change at a future meeting.

 

The fire department is waiting for HVAC drawings on the fire hall project. Repairs for the side-by-side were approved.

 

A grant from Steele-Waseca-Cooperative-Electric was received for $2,000 for the fire department. They instructed the city to use it for something to better the department.  

 

Two new firefighters were approved to have background checks run.

 

The annual auction and pork supper fundraiser for the department is set for Aug. 23, with dinner at 5 p.m. and the auction at 6:30 p.m.

 

In the maintenance report, Josh Otto reported on a partial collapsed line on 6th street. The broken pipe, in the alley south of the Ellendale Cafe, was caused by Empire Pipe. They offered to pay for half of the repairs, which are scheduled for spring of 2025. Otto assured everything is still flowing fine for now.

 

Water main valves were leaking on two properties, one on Simplicity and another between 4th and 5th avenue. Olson excavating is helping with the repairs. The city approved purchase of a new six-inch valve for $2,823.

 

In the parks and trail committee, a potential bike trail project, more than 10 years away, connecting New Richland to Ellendale, Beaver Lake and Blooming Prairie, was discussed. A meeting to discuss wish list items was talked about.

 

Regarding the Ellendale mural project, the committee requested the city put removal of the big tree on next month's agenda. They need the tree removed in order to move forward with their landscaping plans. They also announced lights will be going atop the mural to make it visible at night.

 

The Steele Heights apartment project is rumored to be receiving grant funds in September, more than two months delayed.

 

Numerous updates regarding codification rules at various properties were provided and one fine approved at 217 8th Ave. East for an inoperable motor vehicle.

 

A certificate of compliance was issued for the property of 802 Rose Drive, located on Crown Ridge, for a potential new home expected in September or October of this year.

 

A budget workshop was scheduled for August 15 at 7 p.m.

 

Fall cleanup is set for September 7 from 9 a.m. until noon.

 

Accounting software updates from Banyon were approved at a cost of $2,530.

 

Nite to unite was a success, reported Mayor Matthew Bartsch. More than 110 cups of Rootbeer floats were served.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.