MINUTES MARCH 2026 (1)

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL March 9, 2026 Present: S. Sowers, M. Drenth, Al Drenth, L. Spearing, S. Dhillon, Don Ruis, M. Potter and M. Bennett. Absent: J. Rasmussen Others: Tina Sundelius, Jarris Rubingh, and Kandi Randall. Pledge of Allegiance 1. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by D. Ruis to accept the minutes of the February 9, 2026, regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 6-0 PUBLIC INPUT:  Jarris Rubingh, County Commissioner reported that the proposed special assessment district is in fact two different districts. One for the upper and one for the lower Chain of Lakes. We are the upper Chain of Lakes and our part contains less parcels therefore will cost more per parcel. Charlevoix County is included in our part and they have declined being involved in the special assessment. DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation: S. Dhillon reported that the new Rec. Director has begun signing kids up for youth leagues and has moved forward with fundraising events. b. DPW: None. c. Streets: None. d. Zoning: None. e. President’s Report: None. f. Clerk’s Report: M. Drenth presented a scholarship opportunity for High School students. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: None b. DDA: Musicians are being lined up for this summer’s Concerts on the Square. Two new wayfinding signs have been ordered. The pavilion in the Square now has electricity. c. Planning Commission: There is a special meeting scheduled for this Thursday, March 12 to discuss zoning pertaining to a proposed Laundromat. d. Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: None e. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: None DISCUSSION: a. Special Assessment District: Leslie Meyer has requested a letter of support as well as a resolution. The Council would like clarity on what exactly it is supporting. A special meeting with Meyer to discuss the Special Assessment and Bridge Street culvert was set for March 18 at 6:30pm. b. The Village Planning Commission Annual Report was presented for review. c. Pig Roast Coordinator Tina Sundelius asked the Council if the PR Committee could construct a temporary structure at the Community Park during the festival to roast the pig in. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by S. Dhillon to appoint Councilman Mike Bennett as our representative to the Chain of Lakes committee. CARRIED 6-0. 3. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by S. Sowers to approve the 25-26 budget amendments. CARRIED 6-0. 4. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by M. Bennett to approve the bills as presented. CARRIED 6-0. ADJOURN: MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by D. Ruis to adjourn at 7:05p.m.. CARRIED 6-0. Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk