By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
The Ellendale City Council kept its first meeting of the month on Thursday, Aug. 12, for which Mayor Matt Bartsch was absent, rather short. A main topic of discussion took place during the public input portion of the meeting, with one local resident present with a question regarding the possible re-zoning of a property in town. The individual is interested in purchasing the property with his wife in order to open a child center and asked for clarification on whether a business could be run on a residential zoned property.
The council, while not opposed to the idea, noted that the property may need to be purchased by the individual before any re-zoning can be done.
“Childcare is desperately needed,” said Councilperson Steph Kibler.
City Clerk Steve Engel agreed to look into the matter, and the council agreed to follow up at a later date.
In the Codification Committee report, it was stated that four letters notifying property owners of ordinance violations have been returned to the clerk’s office. Since there has been some improvement on other properties with violations, it was agreed that Councilperson Kibler will drive past the four properties to check for progress before the council moves forward with the next step in resolving the ordinance violations.
An update was given regarding the damaged playground equipment discussed at the previous council meeting. The League of Minnesota Cities was contacted and stated that a certified playground inspector would need to perform a review of the equipment and advise on whether it can be repaired. Two such inspector services are located in Owatonna, and the council will look into the cost of the service before taking further action on the matter.
Two payments were approved: new street signs in town at a cost of $752.20 and a bond payment at a cost of $3,982.88. A franchise agreement was also approved. Water and sewer rates were briefly discussed, and it was noted that the fee schedule will be reviewed in November.
In council updates, Councilperson Duane Goebel stated that he had purchased parts to update the city trailer and get it in working order for future use. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.