Ellendale City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
There was a lot on the agenda for the Ellendale City Council Oct. 10.
But they took some time to hear from a community member first.
A frustrated Marie Jorissen was there to talk about a couple things.
“Who is the insurance company for the people doing the street?” asked Jorissen, who found a dark, sticky substance on her car, something that resembles tree sap, but there are no trees around.
Jorissen’s other question was about her house, which she bought in 2013, but has since been assessed taxes for 2011.
“I’m looking for a resolution or I’ll be at every city council meeting,” said Jorissen.
No action was taken on either issue.
Council members Scott Groth and Duane Goebel were there, along with mayor Russ Goette and fire chief Logan Busho. Assistant city clerk Kim Zimprich filled in until city clerk Tiffany Krueger got there. Council members Steve Engel and Steph Kibler were absent. Jorissen and Dan Petsinger were the visitors.
Petsinger, owner of Radio Link Internet, said he received the current contract with the city from his attorney in Washington, but that he can’t sign it because it’s in violation of federal law.
“I’m fine with the money the city wants,” said Petsinger. “My attorney wants to know what the council wants to do. I would like to stay on the water tower and work with the city.”
Petsinger suggested forming a committee to discuss the matter.
Goette suggested having Petsinger’s attorney adjust the contract so that it is in compliance with the law.
“I’m fine with that,” said Petsinger.
Busho requested an increase on the fire department’s credit card at Casey’s from $400 to $2,000 a month. It was approved.
Busho said the department needed to replace the exhaust on one of its pumper trucks, but that he and another fireman performed the task to save labor costs. He reported the department has two new recruits including Groth’s daugther, Allison Muilenberg.
Busho was told the Building Committee can meet whenever he’s ready.
Regarding the property on 5th Ave. that the city would like to see condemned, they’re still waiting for a response from the owner of record.
Goette said his Tax Abatement proposal is “pretty much a done issue,” awaiting only final approval from Steele County.
The council again discussed the city compost site.
“I think we’re going to make that way harder than it needs to be by locking it up,” said Groth.
“I’m opposed to locking it,” said Goette.
“I’m surprised Berlin (Township) didn’t pony up a little (money to use the compost site),” said Groth, who added there may come a time when the township asks the city for money.
No action was taken.
The council again talked about automatic withdrawal for utility customers. It was agreed that Krueger should continue to get more information.
Groth asked about a mess left in the Crown Ridge subdivision following a street project.
“Who’s responsible for the cleanup?” he asked. “It needs to be done ASAP.”
The council talked about possible foreclosure on a main street business that defaulted on a $12,000 EDA loan. A letter will be sent to the owner before action is taken.
The council talked briefly about half-price garbage service for snowbirds before saying no, since the community’s garbage hauler won’t give the city a break on such customers.
The council scheduled a few special sessions, one to discuss the 2020 budget, another for variance and zoning, and a third for employee evaluations.
Goette said someone spray painted new graffiti on the city’s pump house and that he would have maintenance man Josh Otto paint over it.
Though it hasn’t been announced officially and won’t be for some time, sale of the Municipal Liquor Store appears imminent, and the council agreed to release the phone number to the new owners and take down the current signs. It also agreed to sell the liquor license to the new establishment, which will be known as RJ’s on 5th Bar & Grill.
Groth had a good question regarding the street sign to be purchased by the Ellendale Community Action Group.
“Will the city pay for the electricity?” asked Groth, who said it would cost about $19 a month.
“I don’t know why not,” said Goette.
It passed.
The council discussed new voting booths and Krueger was told to get prices.
Krueger also talked about grant money that may be available to the city.
“There are grants out there,” she said. “Let’s give it a shot and see if it sticks.”