Local repairs ordered, spring cleanup day set

It was announced during the Ellendale City Council’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 14 that this year’s Spring Cleanup Day is scheduled for May 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the maintenance shop building in Ellendale. The city’s water shutoff policy was also discussed, which is planned to be enforced beginning in May. A reminder letter will be mailed with March utility bills to property owners and renters who are three months in arrears for water bills.

 

In the fire department report, purchase requests for a fridge and freezer at a cost of $1,058, a leaf blower at a cost of $300, and a replacement pump and hydraulic fluid for the ladder truck at a cost of up to $1,125 were approved.

 

In maintenance, repairs to the north door at the community center and two doors at the maintenance building were approved at a total cost of $7,850. Also approved were a lease purchase agreement for a snowplow from the City of Owatonna with a down payment of $30,000 and annual lease payments of $17,467.31 for a term of five years; overlays on three areas along 3rd Ave. as well as patching on Rose Drive at a cost of up to $60,000; repair on the backhoe at a cost of $2,082.03; valve exercise at a cost of up to $1,160; and the purchase of a generator at a cost of $650.

 

In the clerk’s report, repairs to the exterior of the clerk’s office at a cost of $36,000 were approved, along with having David Drown and Associates Shannon Sweeney to initiate the long-term bond process and begin certification of the TIF district with the county for 2025. The council also approved payment for the DJ for this year’s Ellendale Days Youth Dance at a cost of $450.

 

In unfinished business, a quote from the Community Foundation to remodel the large meeting room at the community center was approved, with the city to pay $9,778 of the $16,670 total. Painting of the exterior of the community center was approved at a cost of $4,450. It was noted that a County EMS Tabletop Meeting is scheduled for April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community center.

 

In new business, it was noted that the 2024 Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 from 1-3 p.m. at the council chambers in Blooming Prairie. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.