Council finds no CERT certified residents, officials

During the year’s first meeting of the Ellendale city council on Thursday, Jan. 8., Jerry Ibberson spoke of emergency management and the city blizzard shelter; he requested new containers for storing emergency blankets. The council approved $281.48 for new totes. It was also announced that Steele County is holding free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes from Feb. 24 to March 7 at the Owatonna Fire Department building, 107 W. Main. Classes will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings or from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. As of 2026, there are no CERT certified residents in Ellendale.

 

The first walk-through of the city’s new fire building took place recently, so that fire department members could give input; about 20 different elements were discovered which need to be fixed before the fire department can occupy and use the building. Despite the number, it’s possible the fixes could be taken care of and the fire department might be able to move in around Jan. 10. During the conversation, the council approved the purchase of new lockers for up to $10,000; lockers from the former site cannot be transferred to the new one. The old lockers will be put up for sale.

 

The fire department also requested $300 for a carbon dioxide monitor and calibrator. A box of furnace filters was also requested. The department also requested permission to sell a side-by-side 4-wheeler, once provided by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is kept in the department’s building, but is no longer being used. Before the sale can occur, the fire board must also grant its permission.

 

Mayor Scott Groth expressed gratitude to everyone who helped out during the December snow emergency: “Jerry, fire department and ambulance, and to community members that helped out, just a big thank you for that.” There will also be a community meeting for all the businesses at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 2 at the community hall.

 

City attorney Mark Rahrick reported he had filed a complaint with the property owners for an address on Eighth Avenue. He also said a court date of Jan. 7 had been set regarding a codification violation at an address on Seventh Avenue.

 

The clerk’s office project is currently waiting on the electrician, who should begin on the east side by next week.

 

Since it was the first meeting of the year, legally required appointments were made. For 2026, the city’s official depository is Keen Bank. The official newspaper is the NRHEG Star Eagle. Acting mayor will be Scott Swanson. Membership for various committees was also assigned. Fire department commissioners will be Jon Asplund and Charlie Berg; All city council members will serve as commissioners regarding water and sewer. Street commissioners are Jon Asplund and Joel Meyer. Maintenance, Jon Asplund and Scott Swanson; Building and grounds, Scott Groth and Joel Meyer; Economic Development Authority (EDA Board), Scott Groth and Scott Swanson; joint powers ambulance board member is Scott Groth. The city’s Clerk Treasurer is  Steve Engel. Data practice compliance officer is Steve Engel. Deputy Clerk Treasurer is Kim Zimprich. The city attorney will be Mark Rahrick. The animal officer will be Josh Otto. The city’s emergency management official is Jerry Ibberson. The fire chief is Logan Busho; Fire Relief Association Trustees are Scott Groth and Jon Asplund. The weed inspector is Josh Otto. Serving as the city parks and trails committee are Joel Meyer and Charlie Berg.

 

A resolution authorizing donation of money from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association was passed, as was a resolution accepting a donation of money from Badger, Inc.