The Ellendale City Council met for its first regular meeting of the month July 8, 2021.
Consent agenda items
The consent agenda items were approved, which included Accounts Payable/Claims, Meeting Minutes from the June 24 council meeting, Resolution 2021-20: Authorizing a donation of money from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association to purchase wildlife gear from Heiman Equipment for the Ellendale Fire Department, Resolution 2021-21 authorizing a donation of money from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association and Financials.
Public Input
Fire Department Building Committee Jacklyn Froman stated the RFQs for the building will be gathered on July 12. They will be reviewed by the council at the July 22 meeting.
Fire Department report
Fire Chief Busho stated he will be submitting a receipt for an order he placed for glue to repair the tear in the drop tank that is utilized for hauling water in the amount of $17.00. He is gathering quotes for a new drop tank. He is also gathering quotes for two hydrant adapters that will pass through mutual aid and quotes for repairs for the A/C in the Pumper.
Next, he gave an update on certifying the Arial Truck and stated American Test Center is behind in scheduling and will let him know within three weeks when a time to inspect the truck and ladders will be feasible.
Ellendale Parks and Trains Committee (EPTC)
Maintenance is currently working on inventorying what parts are missing. The plan is to have Sequoia Landscape install the playground equipment.
Maintenance report
Regarding the sewer line on School Street that was addressed at the last meeting, maintenance will contact Rural Water to have the line televised. If Rural Water is unable to schedule a prompt time, Empire will be contacted.
Clerk
A motion was made by Council Member Goebel and approved by council to purchase a new office conference phone with a headset for up to $300 for the Clerk’s Office.
The city office received notice from the IRS stating there is a penalty and interest due in the amount of $5,635.60 for failure to submit and pay the 2016 4th Quarter 94 form and federal tax withholdings for that quarter in a timely manner. The council approved the payment.
Unfinished Business
Codification Committee:
Code violations were mailed on June 17 to 14 properties.
Dog/Cat License
The plan is to have the Council Members submit addresses of property owners known to have dogs and/or cats and a friendly reminder will be mailed regarding licensing pets.
Miscellaneous
Water Shut-Off: Mayor Bartsch will look into the procedure for shutting water off due to delinquencies.
Fire department ladder truck inspection will be completed by American Test Center at a date yet to be determined.
Klemmensen Court will be renamed Council Court. The property owners on the street have been informed via mail of the street name to be changed. The ordinance will be ready at the July 22 meeting.
Sewer rates, commercial and industrial rates, will be determined after Neptune 360 is implemented with the utility billing.
Two engine break signs cost $965 each when purchased through the state and the council is waiting for MnDot’s response on sign requirements and purchasing options. The cost may be halfed if the posts for the Ellendale signs can be used. Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Steve Engel will follow up.
Regarding purchasing at Lerberg’s Food, the procedure that has been utilized will continue for now. Mayor Bartsch presented a flow chart of a purchasing policy utilizing a purchase order. It was asked that this be reviewed before the next council meeting and it will be discussed then.
Mural sign
Council Member Goebel contacted Broskoff’s and was told they charge $250 an hour for crane work. The plan is to wait until $12,000 is raised in the mural fund to decide on the voting procedure and sign location. This will be taken off the Agenda until the money is raised.
New Business
Council approved the MnDot TH30 sign permit for the right-of-way agreement.
Mayor/Council Updates
Mayor Bartsch said he received a call from Dobberstein Backhoe regarding what was in the meeting minutes from the last meeting and felt they had a cordial conversation.
Council Member Goebel said he spoke with Dobberstein Backhoe regarding the meeting minutes from the last meeting and apologized to Mr. Dobberstien because he is “following proper procedure.” Next, he said a city resident will be writing a “history of Ellendale” to be posted on the city Facebook and website.
The meeting adjourned at 9:33 p.m.