Ellendale City Council

Mayor Swearingen took over the meeting and presented the council with his list of appointments for the 2013 year. The list includes Official Depository, First National Bank Waseca Ellendale Branch, Official Newspaper, NRHEG StarEagle, Acting Mayor, Scott Groth, Liquor Commissioners, Swearingen and Groth, Water and Sewer, Council, Streets, Goebel, Buildings and Grounds, Dean Reiter and Lassahn, EDA, Swearingen and Groth, Joint Powers Ambulance Board, Lassahn, Clerk/Treasurer, Louks, Data Practice Compliance Officer, Louks, Deputy Clerk, LeeAnn Hojberg, City Attorney, Phil Kohl, Health Committee, Ben and Erin Schlaak, Animal Control, Swearingen, Emergency Management, Swearingen, Fire Chief, Jeremy Reese, Weed Inspector, Swearingen. The council moved to approve the appointments for 2013.

The council next discussed applications for the City maintenance position. Louks told the Council there were nine applicants. Mayor Swearingen suggested that a committee be formed to review the applicants and bring back to the council some names for interviews. Swearingen and Councilmen Lassahn and Groth will make up the committee. They will meet next Tuesday to review the candidates.

The next item on the agenda was to approve a resolution that would allow Swearingen to perform maintenance duties while being the Mayor. The council approved the resolution that would have Swearingen working 20 hours a week to plow snow, salt sidewalks and perform other safety issues within the City. This resolution would also carry over into the training of a new maintenance person.

Paulson was next on the agenda with his report for the month. Paulson told the council that the year-end inventory has been completed. Paulson passed out his report for the month and year-end. Paulson felt the MLS has been doing well. Paulson noted that with the addition of Sunday liquor, 2013 should be even better. Paulson informed the council he has been in contact with a couple of different companies about outdoor signage. Paulson said the new CO2 and nitrogen will be installed next week.

The claims for the evening were approved as presented.

The minutes for the December 27 and January 4 meetings were approved.

Louks was next with his report. He started by having the council approve a new signature card with Mayor Swearingen on it. The council approved the action. Next Louks suggested the council review the pay equity report and be ready to change or approve the report at the council’s next meeting. 

Swearingen was next on the agenda with items he may have. Swearingen told the council he did not have anything for this meeting, but will bring some items for the next meeting.

Council members were next with their items. It was noted that one of the light poles on Main Street looked to be cracked at the base of the pole. Swearingen told the council he would work with Nelson Electric to take the pole down and have the base fixed. 

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