Ellendale City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Ellendale City Council held its second meeting of the month on Tuesday, Nov. 24. All members were present for the remote meeting, with council member Duane Goebel attending via phone call. The agenda and consent agenda items were approved.
A request was made by a local citizen who plans to purchase a lot that used to hold an old fertilizer plant by the railroad tracks in town in order to construct a shed/heated shop on the property.
“I think it’s a good use of that property,” said assistant city clerk Steve Engel. “It would be nice to see it used.”
With no objection from the council, it was agreed that the citizen could go ahead with construction plans and obtaining quotes for the new building.
“It’s a positive for the community,” said council member Steph Kibler. “We need more business like that coming in and utilizing those vacant lots.”
Kibler also received pictures, from Josh Moen, head of the maintenance department, of electrical work at the park in town that isn’t up to code. Mayor Russ Goette said he would get in contact with Moen and make sure the issue is resolved.
The fire department report consisted of a building update. Council member Jackie Froman, who will stay and help throughout the project, is working on getting quotes for the next meeting.
“I will stay involved in the future as a community member and keep the council informed,” said Froman, who explained that the next step before construction can begin is submitting a USDA loan application.
Engel presented the clerk’s report, which consisted mainly of discussion regarding increased connection fees that the city is supposed to be charging to each household to make up for fees raised by the DNR last year. The total increase per household per year amounts to $9.72, but because the deadline has passed, more research is required before action can be taken on the matter.
A blood drive is planned to take place at the community building in Ellendale this January to make up for the blood drive that was scheduled for last spring and had to be cancelled. The council agreed to go ahead with the blood drive in January.
Next, the council discussed community center updates and dates for a codification meeting, both of which are on hold due to Covid restrictions. No updates regarding the sale of a property at 204 5th Ave. or an ordinance violation at 601 School St. were available, and a brief discussion about a quote received for a ramp to make the clerk’s office ADA-compliant was had. A liability coverage waiver for tort limits was approved by the council before the discussion moved to a land acquisition offer from the state.
There is a small corner of Highway 30 near where the water tower sits in Ellendale that is owned by the city, due to the location of Highway 30 having been changed years ago. An offer was received from the State to purchase the small patch of property at a cost of $650. After some research, it was discovered that the property could be worth more than twice that, and it was recommended that the council present a counteroffer of $2,500. The council approved the counteroffer, which includes a request for a quit claim deed rather than a warranty deed.
Two resolutions were approved: Resolution 2020-39 entering into an MNDOT utility agreement for 2021, and Resolution 2020-40 certifying unpaid charges.
Before adjourning, Mayor Goette expressed gratitude for the people of Ellendale during this holiday season.
“Since it’s the Thanksgiving season, I want to personally thank all the unsung heroes of Ellendale and the volunteers who give their time,” said Goette. “There are a lot of people in town that have done their fair share and then some—I want to acknowledge them this season.”
If anyone is interested in giving back or helping other families and individuals in need as Christmas draws closer, council member Kibler suggested reaching out to Brooke at the elementary school to see if families need Christmas items or other donatable items. Council member Scott Groth added that gift card purchases are also a great way to support local businesses. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.