After approving the amended agenda for the evening, Johnson from the fire department was present to give the department’s monthly report. Johnson told the council there was some repair work being done on one of the trucks. Johnson presented the financial report with $1766.97 as the amount to be approved for payments. The council approved the payment and the report.
Dailey was present to review some of his options for the property he owns (the old Truckers Inn). Dailey asked the council questions regarding setbacks, fencing, variances and conditional use permit. Dailey said he may be just running a used car lot for now and wondered if that fell under the commercial zoning. Engel explained if that was all he was doing, just selling used cars, that would fall under the commercial zoning. Dailey explained he will get everything put together for the council to review at an upcoming meeting. Engel said the council will check with legal counsel on some of his questions.
The next item for the council’s review was the upcoming 2012 budget. The county needs preliminary numbers by September 15, 2011. The council members went over the interim financial report. The council decided, after some discussion, that they would go with the same percentage rate raise as they did last year. Engel reminded the council the LGA could be reduced next year, and that the city could lose the homestead credit dollars. The council was also reminded they have ability to ratify a lower tax rate in December, but cannot raise the amount.
The council approved the minutes from the August 11, 2011 meeting.
The council approved the claims for the evening totaling $30,576.20.
The council approved the Financial, Investment and Disbursement Statements.
Clerk Louks was next with his report. Louks told the council the city has received $10,000 from the county. The ambulance service will receive $5,000 and the EDA will also receive $5,000. Louks added that the city also contributes around $2,500 to the EDA. Engel told the council the money transfers should be done by resolution. Louks will have the resolutions ready for the next meeting. Louks told the council that a CD in the amount of $10,000 for the Municipal Liquor Store will need to be cashed in. The council asked the clerk to use some of the monies from the capital-restricted fund to pay for updates in the liquor store. Louks said he had been in contact with the party about their water bill.
During open discussion for council members, maintenance superintendent Swearingen had asked a couple council members to approve of getting some sand for the upcoming season, not to be mentioned. Swearingen had also requested getting some gravel to have on hand. The council hoped he could do this hauling at the end of September.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be September 8 at 7:30 p.m.
