september 2026

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 Present: Rasmussen, Bennett, Spearing, A. Drenth, Sowers, Dhillon, M. Drenth Absent: Ruis, Potter Guests: Gayle Tromp, Steve Tromp, Raia Black, Riley Stansky, Dave Daniels, Gail Daniels, Celia Hastings, Ross Maxwell, Dave Heeres, Donna Heeres, Byron McDonald, Chris Green, Ed Green, Megan Bean, Gail Denny, Linda Pederson, Tina Sundelius, Jaris Rubingh PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. MOTION by Bennett, seconded by Dhillon, to accept the August 10, 2026, regular minutes as presented: CARRIED 6-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: a. Jaris Rubingh – The County is moving ahead with fixing the schoolhouse with funds from both the County and a grant that was obtained. b. Questions about dredging the channel were answered by Rasmussen. The dredging cost will be $22,000.00, which covers two areas. We are looking at a program to raise funds to cover the cost. The sand has been tested and is free of contaminants. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: a. Tina Sundelius, representing the Labyrinth, asked the Village to give them authorization to install a solar irrigation system at a cost of $11,967.54. They were asked to submit additional bids. They also asked that our DPW perform the fall blowout of the system. Also discussed what their water source will be. b. Brian Farkas, representing Allen Edwin Homes, was unable to attend the meeting. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation Department – The Recreation Plan is nearing completion, but we need to go through the Master Plan and see that they follow each other. b. DPW – Discussion about maintenance of the docks. c. Zoning Administrator Report – Rasmussen is currently filling that position until someone has been hired. d. President’s Report – River Park update: EGLE has rejected the first plan due to a floodplain issue. e. Clerk’s Report – Gave the total amount of the checks written for the month. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Planning Commission – Next meeting will be held October 8, 2026. b. DDA – Paddle Antrim will kick off September 18, 2026, at River Park. It has expanded this year to include a food truck, music, and an expo. You do not need to be a paddler to enjoy a fun evening. Also working on plans for Trunk-or-Treat to be held on Halloween. OLD BUSINESS: a. Boat Slips – Council will be working on a policy pertaining to the use of the docks. b. Dock Dedication – The dedication for the docks is scheduled for the weekend of Paddle Antrim. The ribbon cutting was held on September 5, 2026, with some of the family members of the VanDellen family. The VanDellen family requested a change of date. NEW BUSINESS: a. Dredging the channel was discussed by the Council as a cheaper but still effective fix versus dredging and replacing the culvert, saving $1.2 million by not having to replace the culvert. b. Discussion about improvements at Wooden shoe Campground – identify lots by numbers, lots are not uniform in size, level site for tenters, trim trees. c. Request a survey for the Community Park property. PUBLIC COMMENT (3 Minutes) a. Several people who camp at Wooden shoe Campground were there to express their support for Chris Green as the park attendant They also expressed their concerns about some of the rules and concerns about the grounds. ACTION ITEMS: 2. Motion by Bennett, seconded by Sowers, to approve a resolution for Spearing to apply for a grant through Michigan Township Plan to purchase security cameras for River Park. CARRIED 6-0 3. Motion by Spearing, seconded by Bennett, to offer a prize at the Paddle Antrim Festival for a two-night stay at Wooden shoe Campground. CARRIED 6-0 4. Motion by Bennett, seconded by Spearing to approve refinancing loan for plow truck to include the repair bill at Zaremba Equipment in the amount of $23,359.07 through Charlevoix State Bank. CARRIED 4-2 5. Motion by Bennett, seconded by Spearing, to approve Jerry Rasmussen as the signer for the above-mentioned loan. CARRIED 4-2 6. Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Spearing to hire Chris Green as the Wooden shoe park attendant for the 2027 season. CARRIED 6-0 7. Motion by Bennett, seconded by Spearing to pay the bills. CARRIED 6-0 8. Motion by Bennett, seconded by Spearing, to adjourn at 8:05 P.M. CARRIED 6-0 Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk