MINUTES APRIL 2026 (1)-1

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL April 13, 2026 Present: S. Sowers, M. Drenth, Al Drenth, L. Spearing, S. Dhillon, Don Ruis, M. Potter, J. Rasmussen and M. Bennett. Absent: Others: Tina Sundelius, Jarris Rubingh, Gail Denny, and Carla Kammermer. Pledge of Allegiance 1. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by L. Spearing to accept the minutes of the March 9, 2026, regular meeting and March 18 Special Meeting as presented. CARRIED 7-0 PUBLIC INPUT:  Jarris Rubingh, County Commissioner, reported that the Charlevoix County Commission Chair has declared a state of emergency for Antrim County. The Bellaire Dam is leaking. Mike Merriweather is now the acting director of the conservation district. DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation: S. Dhillon reported that the new Rec. Director has all correspondence out, is signing up kids and working on gathering sponsors. b. DPW: The lawn tractor needs to be replaced. Signage near the schools needs to be replaced. The school is willing to share the expense of $1,047.00 with us. The pickup truck is out of commission. A new truck will cost $42,000. We can get financing through Charlevoix State Bank for four years at an interest rate of 4%. c. Streets: None. d. Zoning: None. e. President’s Report: J. Rasmussen confirmed with the new director that the Conservation District will supply the fence for the recycling property if we supply the posts. The township has asked us to pitch in to pay for the ditch cleanout behind the fire department. The village has been given a donation to clean up the dilapidated building owned by Keith Stewart. f. Clerk’s Report: None. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: None b. DDA: We are now a Redevelopment Ready Community, and this allows us to extend grant opportunities to businesses in the downtown area. Two businesses are applying for the Match on Main Grant. Concerts on the Square are set to launch on June 24. Two more location signs have been ordered and will be installed soon. c. Planning Commission: A site plan was submitted to build a Laundromat. It has been determined that it is an approved use. The Planning Commission is looking for advice from the council about side setbacks in the commercial district. The ordinance presently requires 0 feet; the PC is considering a 3-4 foot setback. d. Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: None e. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: None DISCUSSION: a. Sewer Project: J. Rasmussen has spoken with EGLE. They told him that the village does not use enough water to fall under their jurisdiction. We are to go to the Health Dept. for a permit to put a village septic system in the downtown district. He sent the info to Gordie Frasier; they are working on it. b. Woodenshoe: J. Rasmussen would like to get a bid on having the restrooms pressure washed. c. VanDellen Donation: The Universal Kayak Launch and docks will be delivered and installed in May. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the project will be held during Paddle Antrim in September. PUBLIC COMMENT: a) Jarris Rubingh reported that Drain Commissioner Leslie Meyers has reported a small breech in the Bellaire Dam. Parts to repair it are being brought in although frost laws have been hindering the work. The state is onsight. Water levels are at the highest ever at 609.4. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by J. Rasmussen to purchase cross walk signs to be placed near the school at a cost of $1,047.00, the school will pay half. CARRIED 7-0. 3. MOTION by J. Rasmussen/seconded by L. Spearing to purchase fence posts for the recycle property at a cost of $504.99. CARRIED 7-0. 4. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by S. Dhillon to pay a bill from Performance Engineering for $6,052.47. CARRIED 7-0. 5. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by S. Dhillon to appoint M. Bennett to replace L. Spearing as President Pro Tem. CARRIED 7-0. 6. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to approve the Labyrinth Garden Party on May 2. CARRIED 7-0. 7. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by M. Bennett to pay the bills as presented. CARRIED 7-0. ADJOURN: MOTION by J. Rasmussen/seconded by L. Spearing to adjourn at 7:45p.m. CARRIED 7-0. Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk