MINUTES-DECEMBER-2024

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL December 9, 2024 Present: J. Rasmussen, L. Spearing, G. McCallum, S. Sowers, A. Drenth, M. Bennett, S. Dhillon, M. Drenth and M. Potter Others: Jacob Byrd, Tina Sundelius, Sandra Davies-Webster, Bethany Cooper, Alex Busman and Chet Drenth. Meeting called to order by Rasmussen at 7pm. 1. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by L. Spearing to accept the minutes of the November 11, 2024, regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 7-0 2. M. Drenth administered the oath of office to A. Drenth & S. Sowers. PUBLIC INPUT:  Alex Busman, Banks Township Supervisor presented a text messaging alert system called upaheadgov.com. He asked the Village if they would be interested in using the system and sharing the cost of $224 per month and a $500 start-up fee with the township. Busman agreed to teach someone on the council how to use the system.  Jerry Rasmussen suggested to Busman that the township attempt to get a quick claim deed for the railroad pathway that begins just north of Ebenezer Christian School to Bergsma Rd. DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Police: Officer Jake Byrd submitted his resignation as the Ellsworth Police Chief effective December 31, 2024. He has referred the position to another officer and gave L. Spearing’s email to him. The speed signs are down. Byrd’s resignation was accepted with regret. b. Streets: N/R c. DPW: N/R COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: Meeting date was set for Wednesday, January 8, 9-noon. The 2025-26 budget must be approved at the February meeting. b. DDA: Christmas in the Village was a huge success with 65 in attendance despite the snowstorm. At the Nov. 25 meeting, the DDA set their 2025 priorities which included housing, wayfinding signage, training the new student reps, a veteran’s memorial, & an ArtWalk. Discussion was held on acquiring some abandoned properties for economic development purposes and that all events sponsored in 2024 (Trunk or Treat, Concerts on the Square & Christmas in the Village) were successful. c. Planning Commission: The next meeting will be Thursday December 5, 7pm. They will begin working/revising the Village Master Plan. d. Parks and Recreation: Rec Director Bethany Cooper reported that although it is hard to compete with Charlevoix’s early schedule, she hopes to get enough sponsors to offer Little Legue for free or at a grossly reduced price to get the children that go there to play back. She distributed a sponsorship breakdown. There is a need for new equipment and hopes to purchase some with the variety of sponsorship levels. DISCUSSION: a. Front Porch Grant: N/R b. VanDellen List: S. Dhillon will create a list with a range of projects and expenses. c. Ellsworth/Banks Recreation Plan Update: A. Busman stated that the township would be willing to contribute up to $5,000 to update the plan. L. Spearing stated that the village couldn’t go any higher than $5,000. d. Consumers Pole at Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange: S. Dhillon reported that the pole has not been removed yet because the cable companies need to remove their lines. She is working on it. e. Committee Appointments: Finance Committee: L. Spearing, J. Rasmussen, M. Drenth. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: S. Sowers, M. Bennett Parks & Recreation Committee: S. Dhillon, G. McCallum, A. Drenth, Bethany Cooper Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: L. Spearing, G. McCallum, J. Rasmussen Planning Commission: S. Dhillon, L. Spearing ACTION ITEMS: 1. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to go 50/50 with the township to purchase upaheadgov.com texting system. CARRIED 7-0. 2. MOTION by G. McCallum/seconded by S. Sowers to cut a check for $5,000 to Lake Area Construction to begin construction on the Police Carport. CARRIED 7-0. 3. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by J. Rasmussen to approve committee appointments. CARRIED 7-0. 4. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by S. Dhillon to pay the bills. CARRIED 7-0. PUBLIC INPUT:  M. Drenth introduced her new Deputy Clerk, Tina Sundelius. 5. MOTION by S. Dhillon/seconded by L. Spearing to adjourn at 8:26pm. CARRIED 7-0 Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk