Ellendale City Council

Engel said this puts a burden on cities, which ultimately gets passed on to homeowners. Another citizen asked if the levy and valuations will level off, as he has rental property and the roller coaster ride makes it hard to set his rent. The council responded by saying they hoped to see some stability in the future. The hearing was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

The regular meeting was opened at 7:30.

The agenda was approved for the evening with no additions.

Chris Gannon, Assistant County Emergency Manager, was present to ask the city if they would like to be part of the updated Mitigation Plan. The county has worked on a plan that has been approved for the next five years by FEMA. This would allow the city to be eligible for Disaster Mitigation Funds, if there is a need. After a brief discussion, the council approved the resolution to update the plan.

The council reviewed a request on a utility bill to extend payment time. The council felt they could not do this.

The council received a proposal from Exxon Mobil for the property on the south side of town. Engel told the council that City Attorney Phil Kohl has reviewed the proposal and felt the city could move forward with the deal. The council moved to purchase the property for $4000. The motion was passed.

The council next went over the proposed tax levy for 2012. The council moved to set the levy at $307,118 for 2012.

Roger Swearingen was next with his report for the month. Swearingen told the council he had two quotes for sidewalk salt. The low bidder was Lerberg's Foods. The quote was for a pallet of salt. The council moved to approve the purchase. Swearingen next told the council the brushes on the mower broom needed replacing. 

Swearingen had gotten price quotes on new brushes. The cost would be $256 for poly and $277 for poly/steel. Swearingen said he was told the poly was the way to go. After some discussion, the council moved to purchase the poly brushes. 

Swearingen next told the council that because of the recent fire, the hydrant on the corner of 5th Ave. and 4th St. is very hard to operate. The council will review this in the spring. A representative from Bolten & Menk was also present. He had with him a pay request of $6700 for the projects done this summer. The council moved to approve the request.

The council approved the minutes from the November 10, 2011 meeting. The claims for the evening were presented for payment. The total for the evening was $33,974.06 and was approved.

Mayor Engel asked the council to set the public hearing for the Municipal Liquor Store for December 29th at 7 p.m. The Council approved the date.

Clerk Louks presented to the council the Fire Department’s payment request of $3632.16 for the month. The council approved the pay request.

The next meeting for the Ellendale City Council will be December 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.