By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
The Ellendale City Council, with members Steph Kibler and Duane Goebel absent, approved a public meeting on the new fire building on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held to obtain public input and discuss the environmental impact of the project.
“It would be helpful if somebody shows up that knows more about what the land [for the building] was used for decades ago,” said Assistant City Clerk Steve Engel.
Present for the public input portion of the meeting were two local residents with a delinquent water bill. The residents reached a payment agreement with the council after some discussion, and the council thanked them for showing up and explaining their situation. It was also noted that utility assistance for local residents is available, and more information can be found on the city website.
Josh Otto was present for the maintenance report, during which the SCADA system and building for the lift station were discussed. Options for the building and panel for the SCADA system were outlined by Otto, though the matter was once again tabled until detailed costs for each option available can be obtained.
“I’m working on how to get it done right,” Otto said.
It was noted that the new street sign for Council Court has been hung, and the process of naming Lagoon Road – a gravel road used to reach the compost site – was discussed. Finally, the topic of snow removal was brought up, along with the eventual upgrade of the city snowplow. A quote for a new light for the plow will be obtained by Otto in the meantime.
In the absence of Codification Committee member Kibler, a brief update on the committee was given, with one administrative fine for a property that was in violation but has since complied with city ordinance cancelled by the council. Five properties are currently in review, two have been sent notices of violations, one is being considered for a warning for administrative citation, and two properties need clarification before administrative fines are issued.
In the Clerk’s report, delinquent utilities and fire invoices were discussed, and it was noted that there are $1,000 in outstanding fire bills and $38,000 in unpaid utility fees that must be certified by Nov. 18. A motion to enter a 2022 CEDA contract agreement was approved, along with a motion to approve Resolution 2021-27, an amended resolution for redevelopment grant.
In unfinished business, the council approved the constant sewer rate change for properties using more than 10,000 gallons of water per month in a 12-month period to $65/month effective January 1, 2022. The commercial sewer rate remains unchanged at $23/month.
A $0.75 increase to the garbage rate in town was approved by the council, bringing the total monthly charge from $11.50/month to $12.25/month effective Jan. 1. The council also approved a motion to consider changing the town snow emergency ordinance, as the current ordinance contains wording that is confusing.
With more miscommunication regarding the new apartment project in town, the possibility of holding a town hall in December on the matter was discussed, with further details to come. A Truth in Taxation public hearing will be held Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.