The council was updated on DNR funding for flood mitigation projects. Swearingen informed the council the DNR has approved all three projects that were submitted. This means the DNR will provide funds for half of the three projects, with the balance to be paid by the city. Swearingen noted that it may be possible for the city to be eligible for additional funding. He will be contacting the source and bring back the information to the council. Asked if the extra funding would lessen the amount of funds the DNR would be providing, Swearingen said it would not affect the DNR’s amount.

Swearingen gave his monthly report to the council. Swearingen started by asking the approval of two fittings for the water pumps. This would allow all pumps that the city uses to have the same type of couplings. The two fittings cost $40 each. The purchase was approved. Swearingen inquired if anyone on the council has heard from the garage door repair company. No one had any contact with them, and Swearingen replied that he would call them again.

Swearingen told the council he will set up a sandbagging station on 8th Ave. by the railroad. There will be a barrel outside with grey plastic bags in them. Swearingen said he has been checking the tile lines in the city and all seem to be open and running. Swearingen commented that he will be monitoring the manholes within the city next week. Swearingen’s final comment was that he had been in contact with personnel in the NRHEG Ellendale site. He was told that the school may be purchasing a different lawn mower. Swearingen will contact the school to see if they would be willing to sell the old mower.

The council approved the minutes from the February 24, 2011 meeting as presented.

The claims for the evening were approved as presented. The total for the evening was $20,212.04.

Clerk Louks gave his report for the evening. Louks started by updating the council on the property on 8th Ave. Louks reminded the council that the board of review will be on April 18th. Louks asked the council for a motion to approve partial payment on the Municipal Liquor Store flooring.

During open discussion, council members were updated on the Municipal Liquor Store. The health department had been to the store on Tuesday to look at the kitchen. There were a few items the department wanted to see changed and addressed before going any further. The council discussed what approach to take. The council felt they should wait until a full council is gathered before making any decisions.

Seal coating some of the city’s streets was discussed. The council felt they should put a together a plan of how much to do each year. Councilman Groth asked if any employee reviews had been done or scheduled. Clerk Louks replied that no reviews have been done yet. A question was raised about some abandoned cars on properties.

The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be March 24, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.