Wes Brown updated the Council on the 8th Ave. project. Brown said the bids for the project had been let and the county had awarded the work to Ulland Bros. Construction. Brown told the council the bids came in slightly lower than expected, which is good. The council then passed resolution 04-14-11-01. Brown and Swearingen have also been working on the DNR flood mitigation projects for the city. Brown told the council that he had been in contact with the DNR and was working on the estimates.

Roger Swearingen was next with his monthly report. Swearingen started by telling the council the civil defense siren had quit working. The siren was working during the mock tornado drill after lunch and by evening the siren had quit working. Swearingen also reported that muskrats are moving back into the sewage ponds. Swearingen reported he had three quotes on sweeping the streets. The council elected to go with the City of Owatonna, as they will be doing 8th Ave. for the county. Swearingen said Ellendale could piggy back on to the same day. Swearingen said that the work was likely to be done on April 28. The council approved five hours of sweeping at $85 an hour. Swearingen asked if the city will be providing a dumpster for the annual clean-up day in May. Clean-up day is May 14th. Swearingen told the council he needed to get some good clean black dirt to fill in some areas that were left from last fall. Swearingen noted that the Red Cross has dropped off some supplies for disaster relief and is in need of some more shelving in the near future. Swearingen said the tires on the backhoe will need to replaced soon. Swearingen asked the council to approve the purchase of some bags of patch for the streets. The council approved the purchase of 12 bags.

The claims for the evening were approved for $ 5,919.87

Mayor’s issues were addressed by Acting Mayor Groth. Groth reminded the council of the Board of Review meeting on Monday April 18, 2011.

Louks told the council he was informed the cost to fix the pump for the lift station on 8th Ave. would run around $3000. The city is currently using a loaner. The council asked Louks to see if the city could purchase the loaner and trade in the old one or rebuild the old one for backup. Louks also reminded the council of the Board of Review on Monday evening and that Councilman Helland is currently the only one who has taken the training for the process. Louks asked the council to approve the portable toilet for the park; motion carried.

During the council’s open discussion time, Councilman Helland said he was informed by a property owner that they had not received utility bills. The council asked Clerk Louks to look into the matter. Councilman Goebel gave an update on the work being done at the Municipal Liquor Store.

The next regular meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be May 14th, 2011 at 7:30 pm.