The Continuation Hearing on the street projects was held at 7 p.m. prior to the regular meeting. The hearing was opened by Mayor Engel, with a brief overview of what was discussed at the previous hearing. Concerned property owners voiced their opinions about the project. One owner stated he was not in favor of the curb and gutter and he was also worried about the survival of his trees. Another owner asked the council why start now with curb? Why wasn’t the curb done during the water project?
Mayor Engel responded that the loan for the water project would not allow for curb and gutter.
A question was raised that if there is curb, would that not make for more of an issue on 8th Ave. for run-off water?
Engel stated the street was designed to handle future storm water, such as tying in another street.
The council asked the question to Wes Brown, City Engineer, what if the city put off the project for a year?
Brown stated a lot of the preliminary work has been done and piggy-backed with the County project on 8th Ave. Brown stated the projects could be delayed, but there is no guarantee they will come in at a lower price. Legal counsel noted that in fact the price could go up depending upon the borrowing rate. Kohl also explained that this is a very unique way of funding a project like this. One of the property owners suggested the city put together a plan for doing streets, water mains and sewer lines. He felt the city was not consistent in their actions.
The regular meeting opened at 7:30 pm. with the approval of the amended agenda.
The council was asked by Mayor Engel for input on the improvement projects.
The reaction, at first, was that maybe the council should wait to do the projects. Sweeny told everyone that if the county goes ahead with 8th Ave., the city may not be able to structure the debt like it is this time. After lengthy discussion, Mayor Engel asked for a motion for or against the projects. A motion was made to move ahead with the projects. The motion carried on a vote of 4-1.
Clerk Louks presented the council with the fire department’s report for the month. The department had six expenditures totaling $2,766.27. The council moved to accept the report.
Roger Swearingen informed the council he had been contact with a representative from the DNR about the matching fund grant. Swearingen said the 2nd Street project was still being reviewed. Swearingen will be in contact with DNR next week to try and get things finalized.
The council moved to approve the minutes from the meetings on February 10 and 15. Motion carried.
The council next went over the claims for the evening. The report had seven claims for a total of $5,682.08. The claims were approved as presented.
Clerk Louks went over the financial reports with the council. The reports were approved as presented.
Councilman Goebel updated the council on the Municipal Liquor Store remodeling.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City council will be Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
