Sherriff Theile was next on the agenda to share information with the council. Thiele started by telling about the new Everbridge Communications Steele County residents are now able to receive. Everbrige is a citizen alert notification system that will send a message right to your phone, cell phone or e-mail. Theile explained the sign-up process is very simple and would encourage all Steele county residents to sign up. To sign up, go to www.co.steele.mn.us/, click on the Citizen Alert button on the bottom of the page and fill in the information. You will be able to get weather information, missing person’s alerts and more specific to our part of the county. If you would like more information or have questions you may call 507-451-8232. The Sheriff gave an update on some ongoing investigations in Ellendale.
Otto was next with his maintenance report. Otto told the council the sewer lines in the Country View Estates had been cleaned and televised. The televising however did show some reasons why the sanitary line may have been collecting gravel. They found that some of the dog houses, where the sewer line enters the manhole, were not sealed up when they were installed.
Otto will get some bids on sealing the manholes. Mayor Swearingen interjected that the pumps at the lift station for this area will need to be rebuilt at the cost of $4535. The council asked about the tile line that is to be run in Country View. Otto and Swearingen hope to get the project done soon. Otto requested some items for the maintenance department, two tires for the mower, a measuring wheel and a spray wand. The council approved the expenditures. The council also approved the making of a sand bunker on its property along 8th Ave.
Paulson was next with his report. He passed out his monthly numbers report. Paulson then gave the council an Operations Plan Proposal. Paulson told the council that the purpose of the plan was to have a guideline going into the future. Some of the items listed were, purchase a point-of-sale system, work with city management to better monitor expenses, work with employees and customers to increase business and keep a fresh atmosphere. After going over the plan with Paulson the council felt at this time they would like to purchase some new bar stools. Paulson was urged to stay with the plan.
The council approved the monthly claims list, previous meeting minutes and the Cash Control, Investment Statement and Disbursement Register.
Mayor Swearingen asked the Council to set the hearing for the MLS as is required by law if the MLS shows a loss on the City’s audit. The hearing is set for December 12 at 7 p.m. Swearingen informed the council he will be attending a FEMA meeting in November.
Council members asked about the fixing of the street lights on Main Street. Swearingen said he has been checking on the request.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be September 12 at 7:30 p.m.
