By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
Ordinance violations were once again a topic of discussion during the Ellendale City Council’s second meeting of the month on Thursday, Aug. 26. Two unnamed residents were very angry about receiving letters regarding ordinance violations, and it was noted that the city is required by law to send a letter notifying property owners of ordinance violations. Currently, Ellendale has a four-person commission that looks at ordinance violations, which are then brought to the council for review before a notification of violation letter is sent.
While there have been some issues with residents complying with city ordinances, others have responded and taken care of the violations. It was agreed to discuss the matter further at the Codification Committee meeting on Aug. 30. City Clerk Kim Zimprich also noted that due to the clerk’s office hours being inconvenient for some, residents are welcome to call city hall and make an appointment after hours if it is necessary to visit the clerk’s office for pet licensing or other matters.
Present to discuss the possibility of rezoning a lot in town after purchase was Nolan McGowan, who introduced the idea during the previous council meeting. The plan for the property, once purchased and rezoned, is to operate a child center that is expected to have up to 50 children and five staff members. Because of this, the council agreed that rezoning the property from its current residential status to commercial would be in the best interest of the city.
Kristin Sailer was in attendance to present an emergency management report and review information, resources, and plans for emergency management and operations in Ellendale and Steele County. The council approved the adoption of the Steele County Emergency Operations plan with a motion.
An update was given regarding the damaged playground equipment received last month by the city. Mayor Matt Bartsch contacted a certified playground inspector who stated she was not comfortable authorizing repairs to the equipment given the fact that welds are broken and metal on the equipment is twisted. The seller of the equipment will be notified of the situation, though there is little hope of a refund due to the fact that the equipment was purchased over a year ago.
In the clerk’s report, a discussion was had on the possibility of requiring a permit for insurance and liability reasons for events that require the use of city streets or alleys, roadblocks, etc. Mayor Bartsch agreed to contact risk management with the League of Minnesota Cities to determine how to move forward. A training seminar for Clerk Zimprich at a cost of $249 was approved.
Before adjourning, the state of some sidewalks on Main Street after work was done by the state on Highway 30 was discussed, as many are not happy with the work that was done. Mayor Bartsch will draft a letter expressing these concerns, and a long-term plan for work in the future will be inquired about, as well. The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.