Reese, fire chief, was recognized for the monthly report from the department. Reese told the council things were going well in the Department. The request for $429.70 to pay the monthly bills was approved. The council thanked Reese for his report.
The council next heard from Wes Brown from Bolten and Menk. Brown told the council they had the numbers for the final assessment roll. Brown told the council they will need to hold a public hearing, which is scheduled for October 27 at 7 p.m. Brown told the council that there are approximately 22 properties affected with assessments.
The city clerk will be mailing out to all affected properties the amount for each property and the time of the hearing. After a few questions about the project, the council moved to approve Resolution 09-22-11-01, declaring costs to be assessed, ordering of proposed assessments and setting the date and time of the public hearing. Brown told the council the projects seem to be coming in on track. Eric, also from
Bolten and Menk, reported the projects were moving right along. First St. will probably be done next week and the 5th St. project is waiting for the curb company to come in. Swearingen injected the water shut-off at 5th Ave. and 1st St. will need to be changed as it is leaking. Brown presented the council with a partial pay estimate, which is the first, totaling $77,741.00. The council moved to approve the pay request.
Cafourek, representing the United Church of God, was present to discuss the rental of the Community Building for their services. The church would like to rent the Community Building every Saturday for about 3 ½ to 4 hours either in the morning or the afternoon. They would also like to rent the hall kitchen once every third Saturday for the whole day. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Cafourek told the council the Church understands that community members may desire to hold an event on some Saturdays, which in most cases, they would be able to switch their times or may find another place to hold their services.
The council recognized that the church has helped in some expenditures in the Community Building and looked forward to working with the group in the future. The council was a little concerned about the community events that are generally held in the building. Cafourek told the council the church will try diligently with the city to make the arrangement work. The council moved to have the church use the Community Building while working with the city clerk to make sure community members are not slighted.
The council approved the minutes from the September 8, 2011 meeting.
The council approved the claims for the evening totaling $17,921.16.
The council reviewed and approved the financial and investment statements. There was no disbursement register to approve.
Louks was next with his report for the evening. He has been receiving applications for the Municipal Liquor Store Manager position. The application deadline is October 10. Louks told the council his other items had been covered during the meeting.
Council members, during the open discussion, reviewed some options for the property in Country View Estates. The council felt something needed to be done with the road before winter sets in. After some discussion council members will do some more research on the development.
City maintenance supervisor Swearingen asked the council if he could get some temporary help to assist with the tile going in on 2nd Street. Groth will check with legal council about the hire.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be October 13 at 7:30 p.m.
