Fiebiger, the gambling manager, told the council he feels the association runs a “tight ship” and there should be no reason both the city and the association couldn’t profit. Fiebiger stated that the association would pay the city the maximum rent, which is 20 percent of gross sales for the month.
Fiebiger also told the council his group would set aside time for training the workers to use the association procedures. Nelson thought they would like to start out with three or four boxes of pull tabs.
Paulson told the council he has had quite a few inquiries as to when pull tabs might be back. The council passed a resolution stating the Trail Association would be a new provider of pull tabs in the MLS.
Haefner, from Bolten & Menk engineers, was present to go over the Street Improvement Plan. Haefner reviewed the plan with the council, which consisted of three different kinds of repair. There is seal coat and repair, mill and overlay, and pavement reconstruction.
Haefner explained to the council that in his opinion, it would be in the city’s best interest to adopt a plan for the future. Haefner went on to explain that if the city has a plan in place, it will be easier for the city to get bonding if needed.
He also noted that this is just a plan and nothing is set in stone, as to the when everything would happen. Haefner said a public hearing is mandated if the city were to adopt the SIP.
The council moved to go forward with the SIP.
Haefner next told the council that the seal coating in the Crown Ridge addition will begin around August 21. The work on 3rd Street, a FEMA project, should begin in about three weeks.
Haefner told the council they will need to hire one person for about a week or so to help out. The council moved to put the ad in the paper and give the proper notices needed to hire someone. Haefner gave the council an update on the road in Country View Estates.
Swearingen was next with his monthly report. He started by requesting 12-14 loads of sand. The council moved to get the sand.
He then told the council the work on the main sewer lift station will begin the week after Labor Day. The state will start the reconstruction of the handicap sidewalk entrances the week of August 20.
Swearingen capped both the water and sewer on the fire house on 4th Ave. He also informed the council that the house has been knocked down and cleaned up. Swearingen last request involved ten more cement dividers at $45 each. The council approved the purchase.
Paulson was next with his report on the MLS. Paulson passed out reports to the council showing monthly and yearly totals. Paulson told the council he felt the MLS is on the right path. Paulson recommended the council hire Donna Knudson at the MLS. Motion was made and passed for the hire. Paulson noted that the addition of pull tabs again will be a plus.
The claims for the evening were approved at $190,728.16. Louks noted the total was noticeably higher because of a loan payment to the MN PFA of $147,780.13.
Louks went over his items for the evening. He read off the names of the election judges that will be used by the city and Berlin Township. The two will be sharing to allow for breaks. The judges and the pay amount for the day were both approved. Louks next inquired about the council’s decision to either keep or return the DNR water pumps. The council moved to return them.
During open discussion some council members have been told about truck parking in residential areas. The city does have an ordinance that allows for truck parking up to four hours in residential areas.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be August 23 at 7:30 p.m.
