MINUTES JULY 2026 (1)-1

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL JULY 13, 2026 Present: S. Sowers, L. Spearing, Don Ruis, J. Rasmussen, A. Drenth, M. Drenth, and M. Bennett. Absent: M. Potter, S. Dhillon Pledge of Allegiance 1. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by L, Spearing to accept the minutes of the June 8 regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 6-0 PUBLIC INPUT:  Wade Foster the new Executive director of the Antrim Conservation District introduced himself, offered his services and fielded questions.  Gary Strange came asking that something be put in the minutes stating that it is admissible in the zoning ordinance to build on a property he is selling.  Pablo Majano with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation presented the village with a trophy in acknowledgement of the successful completion of the Redevelopment Ready Communities designation. Hannah Yurk, MEDC, was also in attendance.  Lela Rasmussen with the Chain Link Bridge Project updated the council on progress the Drain Commissioner is making on addressing the issues of the upper chain of lakes and presented 4 options that potentially can be taken to fix the culvert.  Lori Argetsinger had multiple complaints concerning her recent stay at the Wooden Shoe Campground. The council agreed that there were issues and promised that they will be addressed. Need handicap accessible porta potty, another dumpster, signage concerning dock policy, lot separation, and animal control). DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation: Rec. Director Lisa Nagy reported that the season is wrapping up and it has gone well. We have 3 teams in the playoffs. Her fundraiser wasn’t as good a success as she had hoped. The field is rented for travel team league. Rasmussen reported that EGLE met with him and outlined phase 2 for River Park. b. DPW: J. Rasmussen rported that the DPW has been busy with issues caused by the rain and flooding. Riley will be attending school to gain his water certification. c. Streets: None. d. Zoning: Two permits have been issued. Rasmussen has been filling in as Zoning Administrator. e. President’s Report: Clean up at the Nugget will begin this week. The backhoe repairs are being covered by the Inurance. The dumptruck is still in for repair. Charlevoix State bank will refinance what’s left on the dumptruck loan so we can cover the cost of repairs. He spent time at Wooden Shoe Park after hearing many complaints and agrees there is a great deal of work and changes that need to be addressed. There is a new bulletin board at Wooden Shoe. He would like to get the property between Community Park and the Farmer’s Exchange surveyed. The Farmer’s Exchange would like to purchase the piece of land they have been parking on. f. Clerk’s Report: $13,740.47 in delinquent water bills was put on the tax roll. A letter was read concerning marijuana at the Wooden Shoe Campground. The Clerk was instructed to forward the letter to our lawyers for guidance on the legality of the issue. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: None b. DDA: Concerts on the Square presents Elvis this week. Last week’s concert was attended by approximately 100n people. A meeting with Paddle Antrim is scheduled to discuss the launch party. c. Planning Commission: The next meeting is scheduled for August 13. The Laundromat is no longer being considered by the owner. The county wanted them to get a flood plane permit and they chose not to. d. Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: None e. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: None DISCUSSION: Gordie Frasier plans to turn all of the records concerning the sewer project to the village. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOTION by J. Rasmussen/seconded by M. Bennett to clarify that the village zoning ordinance will allow the owners of 9690 Lake Street, parcel 05-44-013-037-11 to rebuild on the same footprint of the present structure. CARRIED 6-0. 3. MOTION by L. Spearing /seconded by M. Bennett to appoint J. Rasmussen as interim Zoning Administrator. CARRIED 6-0. 4. MOTION by J. Rasmussen/seconded by S. Sowers to purchase the needed water meters & parts to repair all the water meters in the village. CARRIED 6-0. 5. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by J. Rasmussen to prepay $2,500 for propane. 6. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to pay for the necessary schooling for Riley Stansky to get Water certification. CARRIED 6-0. 7. MOTION to require the Wooden Shoe Park attendants, Rec Director & DPW to attend Council meetings by M. Bennett/seconded by J. Rasmussen. CARRIED 6-0. 8. MOTION to pay the bills by J. Rasmussen/seconded by S. Sowers. CARRIED 6-0. ADJOURN: MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by M. Bennettr to adjourn at 8:10 9690 Lake Streetp.m. CARRIED 6-0. Tina Sundelius, Village Deputy Clerk