SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES AUG.7, 2025

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL August 7, 2025 Present: J. Rasmussen, S. Sowers, S. Dhillon, M. Drenth, Al Drenth, and L. Spearing. Absent: Gregg McCallum, M. Bennett, M. Potter Others: Tina Sundelius, Erika Smith, Jeff Smith, Cheryl Essenberg, Attorney Nicole Essad, Attorney Zack Stewart, Amy Russell, Kevin Russell. High Street-Discussion was held with audience and attorney input on what the village’s responsibility to the three residents affected by the revelation that the portion of road utilized is not part of the plated High Street. Members of the village Council expressed a desire to continue maintaining the egress because when they purchased their homes it was considered a road. The Village Council was willing to continue as they have been and asked how they could do that. Erika Smith also stated that she wanted everything to remain as it has been but also wanted the village out of any agreements that are to be made. Attorney Nicole Essad agreed that the best move for the village was to stay out the situation and allow the three property owners to hash out an easement agreement with their attorneys. J. Rasmussen inquired as to how the village could own the easement for access in the event someone builds a house, to run utility lines. After discussion it was pointed out that even the Potter home’s utilities were run from other avenues and any new homes could be also. Attorney Zack Stewart requested that the three property owners be sent a copy of the minutes. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by S. Dhillon that after discussion with our attorney it is our understanding that the easement that goes through the Smith/Essenberg properties is not a public roadway and the Council is in agreement to the three private property owners developing an easement agreement and the village is open to being a party to the easement agreement. Sewer Project-Jennifer Graham from Gordie-Frasier began discussion with a brief summary of the village’s and her company’s efforts to get the village sewer system financed thus far. The entire process began in the 1990’s, Gordie-Frasier began working with the village on the project in 2019. The lagoon system originally planned is far too expensive. She agrees that a community drain field system is the only affordable option. We have two options: a 10-10,000 gallon per day system or a 10-20,000 system. The 20,000 gallon per day system would require hiring a licensed operator and other expenses. She recommended trying to get permitted to install two of the 10,000 systems. They must be 1,000 feet from any standing water and we would need one acre of land each for the drain field, they would each accommodate 60 single family homes. The Village Council agree that the drain field systems were our only option. Charlie Hill from EGLE has not been returning our calls and emails. Jennifer will continue to try and get him to respond, L. Spearing will contact State Rep. John Roth. Graham will send details of the options in an email to the entire Council. ADJOURN: MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by A. Drenth to adjourn at 7:50 PM. CARRIED 6-0. Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk