Ertel tree to go; preliminary levy up 8.49%

The Ellendale City Council unanimously approved a preliminary tax increase of 8.49% during their regular meeting September 12, 2024.

 

The largest reasons for the increase from last year’s budget are the purchase agreement for a new side-by-side and a new floor cleaner. A truth in taxation meeting will be held in December. Before that time, the council will have the option of lowering the tax levy.

 

Approved by 3-2 vote was the removal of the large tree planted in Doc Ertel’s honor which lies in front of the new Ellendale Mural.

 

Mayor Matthew Bartsch told the council the Ellendale Mural Committee was owed an answer. Ultimately the decision came down to him as he cast the deciding vote with councilors split 2-2.

 

In order to move forward with phase two of their plan, the committee needed to know if the tree was staying or going.

 

Both Jon Asplund and Jaclyn Froman believed the historical significance of the tree being planted in Doc. Ertel’s honor, along with the problem of the roots of the very tall pine tree, were reason enough the tree should stay.

 

Councilor Scott Groth said he could go either way, but ultimately sided with the mural committee.

 

Councilor Dereck Bartness stated the committee seemed pretty adamant. “They seem to have a plan.”

 

After a little hesitation Bartsch sided with the Mural Committee. Near the conclusion of the meeting, Groth suggested a new tree be planted in memory of Doc Ertel. The idea was met with agreement.

 

Upon approval of the tree removal, Bartsch reminded the committee the council needs to see a budget, a timeline and a layout for the use of the space. “Once we see those, then it is prudent to remove the tree,” Bartsch said.

 

Following the statement, Barbara Mrotz of the Ellendale Heritage Society spoke.

She first introduced Dan Nelson as the new president of the EHS.

 

“On behalf of the Ellendale Heritage Society and the mural committee, we would like to present to Ellendale the Mural that is now complete,” Mrotz stated. “With reservation that there be a formal presentation during the 125th anniversary celebration… We thank you for your decision.”

 

“Thank you to the committee for all of your work,” Bartsch responded. “It does look great. I look forward to seeing how it changes over the year.”

 

Prior to the regular meeting of the council, a public hearing in regards to a $50 fine imposed on Daniel Petsinger for a camera mounted to a tall structure on top of a trailer located at his property was held.

 

Petsinger loudly argued the ordinance does not apply to his structure because the camera is on top of a structure which sits on a trailer. The council and the city’s attorney agree the zoning ordinance states an accessory used on the property must first be permitted.

 

“Anything you decide from here on will have ramifications,” Petsinger told the council.

 

‘Is that a threat?” Mayor Bartsch asked.

 

“No, it’s not,” Petsinger answered. “I will take it on to the next (legal) level.”

 

After the hearing concluded, the council decided to move ahead with the fine of $50 along with ordering a court abatement to ensure Petsinger takes down the camera.

 

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Petsinger, Keith Haskell and Sue Asplund spoke.

 

“Thank you for all being on the city council,” Sue Asplund said. “I know it’s a horrendous job. It’s hard. Especially now. I don’t think someone should be able to come before you and bully you and threaten you. I think each person who comes up and says there’s gonna be repercussions or you’re going to pay, they should say what those repercussions are. Thank you.”

 

Petsinger registered a formal complaint against Councilor Bartness and asked the city to “censure” him for leaving a “1-star” business review at Petsinger’s Radio Link Internet business despite never having been a customer.

 

The council took no action regarding the complaint.  

 

The regular meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.