MINUTES JANUARY 2026 (1)

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL January 12, 2026 Present: J. Rasmussen, S. Sowers, M. Drenth, Al Drenth, L. Spearing, M. Bennett, S. Dhillon, and M. Potter. Absent: Others: Tina Sundelius, Lisa Nagy, Ken Grosser, Don Ruis, Diane Stewart, and Candy Randall. Pledge of Allegiance 1. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by L. Spearing to accept the minutes of the December 8, 2025, regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 6-0 Regular Meeting was closed at 6:32PM A Public Hearing to discuss the new Capital Improvement Program was opened at 6:32PM. L. Spearing gave a summary of what the CIP is and read the back 2 pages. Copies were available for the public. No Public Comment. Public Hearing was closed at 6:35PM. Regular meeting was opened at 6:35PM. PUBLIC INPUT:  Don Ruis stated that he is waiting on Consumers Energy to install some electric at his new build and they said that they were waiting on the village for an easement. M. Drenth will investigate.  Diane Stewart said they received a letter at their home about adjusting setbacks and would like clarity. The letter is concerning upcoming consideration by the Planning Commission to add setbacks in the commercial district where they own property, nothing concerning their home. It was sent to inform, if they wanted to participate in the discussion. DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation: S. Dhillon reported that the docks will be installed at River Park on May 16, 2026. She created a guide for Wooden Shoe Park that includes rates for the new boat slips. The Recreation Committee needs to meet as a whole (A. Drenth, L. Nagy, S. Dhillon, J. Rasmussen) to discuss improvements at the parks. b. DPW: J. Rasmussen reported that the plow truck has needed many repairs already this year. c. Streets: None d. Zoning: M. Bennett recommended that we turn the contract from JSI Fiber Optics over to our lawyers to review. M. Drenth will send it off to the lawyers. e. President’s Report: J. Rasmussen reported that John Fant has been hired as our liquor inspector. He asked the board if anyone wanted to change the committees they sit on, discussion was held and a new Human Resources Committee was formed. (S. Dhillon, J. Rasmussen) f. Clerk’s Report: M. Drenth presented invitation to the Chamber Annual Dinner. She notified the board that she would like to look into new Utility Billing software. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: None b. DDA: The next meeting will be held the third Monday in January. c. Planning Commission: None d. Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: None e. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: None DISCUSSION: a. Sewer Project: Jennifer Graham was not present so the discussion was postponed. J. Rasmussen will setup a meeting for hopefully next week. b. Dhillon Sommers of Sommer’s Solutions is seeking permission to dig a well that would be used for his tankers only. Non-potable water. There is precedent in the village to allow the well and nothing restricting in the zoning ordinance or water ordinance. J. Rasmussen will do more research. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to approve Resolution 1-12-2026 accepting the new Village Capital Improvement Program. CARRIED 6-0. 3. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to appoint Brian Certa to the Planning Commission. CARRIED 6-0. 4. MOTION by L. Spearing//seconded by S. Sowers to appoint Don Ruis as Village Council Trustee filling the recently vacated seat of Gregg McCallum. CARRIED 6-0. 5. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by M. Bennett to approve the bills as presented. CARRIED 6-0. A meeting of the Budget Committee was set for Friday, January 16. PUBLIC INPUT: None ADJOURN: MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by M. Bennett to adjourn at 7:50PM. CARRIED 6-0. Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk