Ellendale City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
Ellendale Days is still not totally off the table for 2020.
The farmer’s market is a go.
These items and others were discussed as the Ellendale City Council met for its regular meeting Thursday, May 14. Present in person were councilman and acting city clerk Steve Engel, assistant city clerk Kim Zimprich and the Star Eagle reporter. Attending remotely via computer were council members Duane Goebel, Scott Groth and Steph Kibler and visitor Keith Langlie. Mayor Russ Goette was absent.
The council briefly talked about Ellendale Days, which won’t be held as usual because the city withdrew its support of the annual event. It could, according to a council member, be held as a one-day event in the fall.
The farmer’s market question stemmed from a phone call received by Engel asking if it would be held this year.
Groth asked about guidelines and, after some discussion, it was agreed to allow use of City Park for the farmer’s market.
The council approved the fire department spending $300 for a new 100,000-pound capacity tow rope, considerably less than the price of $675 for a brand new one.
Engel said fire chief Logan Busho was wondering how the department could raise money since its usual fish fries can’t be held as usual. It was suggested the department hold a “drive-through” fish fry, where customers could pick up their order.
“I’ll mention it to them,” said Engel.
The council approved a request to hold outdoor monthly music events at RJ’s on 5th, as long as he shuts it down by midnight. They also discussed a chain link fence co-owner Ralph Diaz would like to install around his property. It was agreed the council would advise Diaz that a 3-to-6 foot fence would be appropriate.
Progress remains slow with the foreclosure of an EDA loan.
Kibler gave an update on the kitchen remodeling project at the Community Building. She said the committee approved a grant at its last meeting which will allow work to get started.
There’s no date set for demolition on the inside of the building, according to Kibler, who said the grant money should arrive in a week or two.
The council again talked about a street light request on 5th Ave. W.
“You all know my feelings,” said Groth. “Did anyone else look around?”
“There are some spots in town that are worse, but in this case, a street light should light the street,” said Kibler.
It was suggested a rectangular bulb on the street light in question could be the answer.
The council rescheduled a codification meeting for Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m.
It was agreed to hire someone to mow at a rate of $13 per hour.
Kibler said that in addition to the grant to the city for kitchen remodeling, the Ellendale Area Food Shelf has been awarded a grant of $1,250.
Engel said there are two insurance claims from broken car mirrors this past winter. Estimates range from $151 to $221 for repairs.
“Where does it end?” asked Goebel.
“I think it’s up to their insurance company,” said Kibler. “I’d say, tell them it’s been denied by our adjuster.”
It was agreed to do just that.
Groth mentioned that while Memorial Day graveside services for Ellendale have been cancelled, a Geneva church will hold a service and put it on YouTube.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33.