Ellendale City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
After several years of not holding elections, the Ellendale Fire Department broke with tradition this year. The result is a new assistant chief, Joel Adams.
Chief Logan Busho was-reelected, as were the other department officers, and Busho was at the Thursday, March 12 meeting of the Ellendale City Council to get the approval for Adams.
“Overall, he’s been a big part of our department this past year,” said Busho. “We think he would be a good fit.”
The measure passed 4-0, with Mayor Russ Goette absent. Scott Groth served as acting mayor. Councilpersons Steve Engel, Duane Goebel and Steph Kibler were there, as were acting city clerk Kim Zimprich, Adams, Tyler Pederson of the fire department and Eric Haefner, an engineer with the firm Bolten & Menk.
The council approved amended minutes to clarify how much the city is contributing to the kitchen project at the fire hall. The amount is $12,000 annually for a total of $36,000.
Busho brought some bad news about the department’s tanker truck that was struck on the interstate last winter. It seems the truck was already rusted enough that the insurance company won’t fully compensate for repairs. The truck went in for estimates last week, as did another fire department truck.
Haefner was there for the passage of Resolution 2020-16, authorizing the sale of bonds for street repairs at Country View Estates. A roll call was taken since a 4/5ths majority of the council was required for it to pass, which it did, 4-0.
The council discussed the city’s contract for fire extinguisher services, since a new provider came in with a bid slightly lower than the current cost. The council agreed to take no action until Goebel talked to the current provider.
“I think we owe it to them,” said Kibler.
Engel announced the opening of a new business, Two Doves Boutique, in the old barbershop building. He said owner Gwen Reiss is planning a grand opening March 20-21 from 10-6 p.m.
The council considered the cost of repairs on three generators owned by the city, but took no action at this time.
The council approved its contract with Owatonna Groundsmasters — which has been sold — for street sweeping.
The council set a Codification Hearing for Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
The meeting adjourned ahead of schedule, around 8:45.