Ellendale City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
Will there be an Ellendale Days in 2020? Probably not.
The Ellendale City Council all but put an end to this year’s festivities at its April 9 meeting, the first conducted with the computer program Zoom amid the coronavirus conundrum.
Councilman and acting city clerk Steve Engel orchestrated the meeting from City Hall, joined at home via computer by council members Duane Goebel, Scott Groth and Steph Kibler, mayor Russ Goette and remote visitors Keith Langlie and Angela Bell.
The council voted 4-1 — with the mayor opposed — not to allow the use of city property for Ellendale Days this year because of the coronavirus crisis.
The annual event could still conceivably be held, but is unlikely without the city’s support.
The council was careful with the wording of its action not to affect any possible grants for the loss of revenue for Ellendale Days.
“It’s not even our event,” said Kibler.
Langlie led off the meeting asking about the road construction project in the Crown Ridge Estates.
“We’re waiting for quotes,” said Goebel.
Sidewalks are not out of the question, depending how far fire hydrants need to be moved. There was discussion and disagreement, but no action was taken at this time, and everyone agreed to discuss it in the future.
Engel gave the report for fire chief Logan Busho. The council agreed to allow the fire department to spend $350 on a retirement ring and $1,750 for repairs to a truck.
Engel also stood in for city maintenance man Josh Otto, who needs a load of gravel to repair a washed-out driveway. It was approved.
Nothing has changed in the city’s foreclosure on an EDA loan.
There was no update on the equipment plan for the kitchen in the community building.
The council discussed at length a request for an additional street light on 2nd St., which would cost the city $10 a month.
“I think we’re opening a can of worms,” said Groth. “There are other places in town a lot darker than that. Do we put in a new light every time somebody asks for one?”
“I agree with Scott,” said Kibler.
The mayor, however, did not.
“Do we encourage people to light up the neighborhoods, to light up the streets?” he asked.
It was suggested the homeowner requesting the street light install a light with a motion detector on his garage.
“Street lights are meant to light the street, not your yard,” said Kibler.
“Where do we draw the line?” asked Groth.
The council took no action, agreeing to do an inspection of their own on the city’s streets.
The council voted to continue with Owatonna Fire and Safety for fire extinguisher services.
The council agreed to spend $2,750 for repairs to one of the city’s generators.
The city’s clean-up day was discussed.
“Skip it,” said Groth.
“Move it to the fall,” suggested Engel and Kibler.
“I’m sure we’ll get plenty of public feedback on it,” said Goette.
No action was taken at this time.
The council approved a catering permit for RJ’s on 5th, setting a local fee of $150 on top of the state license fee of $300.
It was announced the Property Tax Board of Appeals meeting is set for April 23 at 7 p.m. prior to the regular council meeting.
Kibler suggested sending a letter to those who have reserved the community building in upcoming weeks, informing them it will probably not be available.
Also discussed was the city’s contract with RadioLink Internet, which was given a May 1 deadline to produce a certificate of insurance.
The meeting adjourned at 8:41.