Snow plows and snow ordinances

Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele was present for the Ellendale City Council’s first meeting of the year on Thursday, Jan. 11 to suggest that vehicles in violation of the snow emergency ordinance be given a warning before being towed. Thiele also noted that the sheriff deputies are available to help hand out warnings and assist in setting up towing services if needed.

 

In the fire department report, $3,000 for additional drawings for the fire hall requested by the USDA was approved. Also approved were an extra $895.61 for an extra valve that was installed during a recent vacuum test for a total of $5,895.61, $900 for a grain tube, $500 for aluminum materials for truck shelving, and $300 for clevises for one of the department’s trucks. Fire contracts with townships were discussed, and it was proposed that going forward the full contract amount be paid to the city, and the city will place half of the funds in a Fire Department Equipment CD and the other half will go toward fire department expenses. The council agreed to change one contract this year and the rest in 2025.

 

In maintenance, the purchase of a 2017 snow plow from Owatonna at a cost of $100,000 was approved, with a loan to be taken out from Keen Bank in that amount for the purchase. The council also approved the reclassification of maintenance employee Jeffery Shultz’s job position from summer seasonal maintenance to part-time maintenance, not to exceed 520 hours of work annually, at a rate of $19.48/hour. The purchase of a pallet of sidewalk salt at a cost of $525 was approved, along with the purchase of sand/salt at a cost of $3,000.

In the Community Gathering Place Mural Project Committee update, Resolution 2024-7, authorizing donation of money from the Ellendale Heritage Society to be utilized for mural expenses, and Resolution 2024-8, authorizing payment to Chandler Anderson, the artist painting the city mural, were approved.

 

In the clerk’s report, it was noted that the city received $29,538 through the state for public safety, and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Steve Engel will look at what expenses can be used with the funds.

 

In unfinished business, the council approved transferring $20,000 from the general fund to a 10-month business CD. In new business, the following resolutions were approved: 2024-1, Ellendale City Appointments; 2024-2, authorizing the city clerk/treasurer or deputy clerk/treasurer to pay certain vendors prior to submitting the bills to council; 2024-3, approving the master fee schedule for 2024; 2024-4, allowing wire/automated bank payments; 2024-5, adopting the master fine schedule for 2024. Also approved was Hills, Benda, Skov & Bernau, P.A., to perform the 2023 City of Ellendale Audit. The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.