MINUTES JULY 2025 (1)

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL July 14, 2025 Present: J. Rasmussen, S. Sowers, M. Bennett, S. Dhillon, M. Drenth, Marcie Potter, Al Drenth, and L. Spearing. Absent: Gregg McCallum Others: Tina Sundelius, Erika Smith, Collin Smith, Cheryl Essenberg, Ken Groesser, Lisa Nagy, Julia Nagy, Gail Denny, Celia Hastings, Janice Drost, and Mark Arwady. Pledge of Allegiance 1. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to accept the minutes of the June 9, 2025, regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 7-0 GUEST SPEAKER: Celia Hastings presented a history of our waterfront. She asked the Council to take a moment to look at the big picture when it comes to the waterfront and stressed that “so goes the waterfront, so goes the village.” Mark Arwady of the Charlevoix RC Airplane Club asked the Council if the club could make an agreement to use the Sport’s Park track to fly their planes on a regular basis. They will fly in the mornings (9:30-1:00pm), will register the airspace with the proper officials and will concede the space to any athletes using it. Permission was granted under those circumstances. PUBLIC INPUT:  Janice Drost asked about the progress of the speed sign she and her neighbors requested for the south entrance to town.  Marci Potter asked the village to do what needs to be done to legally make High Street a street. They have believed it was a street all these years and she wants it to remain as one. DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation: S. Dhillon reported that our new Rec Director, Beth Cooper, has done a fantastic job. The season is ending with one of our girl’s teams going to regionals (that is where Cooper is tonight). Although our season is ending, we are hosting weekend tournaments for a downstate league. There is an ongoing effort to make repairs and upgrades to equipment and facilities. b. Streets: J. Rasmussen reported that the bids on paving that were approved in May will be completed by the first week in September according to Reith Riley. c. Zoning: No report. d. DPW: J. Rasmussen reported that we are still waiting for a cement truck. He expects the slab to be poured and equipment set soon. New signage, including the speed sign for the south entrance is being ordered. e. President’s Report: J. Rasmussen stated that the Elm Street culvert and retaining wall is still a work in progress. The job descriptions created and distributed by S. Dhillon need to be returned to her for finalization by next month’s meeting. The post bid for the recycle area fence came in just under $500. He asked for guidance concerning village blight offenders. He listed several. Overall consensus to begin taking action, sending letters to start, on all of them. Begin enforcing our blight ordinance. A water fountain with a bottle filling feature at the Community Square will cost $4,000, one without will cost $400 if we install. He has found out how to and is getting a bid on having electricity run to the Community Square pavilion. f. Clerk’s Report: M. Drenth distributed copies of the audit report. Discussion was held. No issues with the audit. The village received thank you cards from the Pig Roast and Fireworks committees. She presented the Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange prepay for the DPW garage propane. Prices are the same. She reviewed the 2014 Waterworks Ordinance in response to a citizens questioning of the legality of charging an availability fee (Ready to serve charge). COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: None b. DDA: L. Spearing reported Concerts on the Square have been well attended. Open Mic night is coming up on August 13. c. Planning Commission: Does not meet this month, will meet in August. They are working on updating the Village Master Plan. d. Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: No Report e. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: No Report DISCUSSION: a. VanDellen List: S. Dhillon reported that she will suggest updates to Sports Park. b. Sewer Project: No Report, S Dhillon will reach out to the parties involved. c. Community Square Crowd Funding Gifts: T-shirts, gift certificates & tiles are still sitting in the office. We attempted to distribute the gifts during an open house held at the Square. Some were distributed. Discussion was held on what to do with the remaining merchandise that has been sitting in the office for ten years. d. J. Rasmussen explained that the concession stand cannot be painted until it has been power washed to remove chipping paint. A bid of $500 for the job has been received. Paint for the project was donated by Dave Muha. e. The Friends of the Labyrinth committee would like to apply for grants to fund an irrigation system and needs the village to be the fiduciary. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by M. Bennett to prepay $2.04 per gallon to the Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange for propane for the 2025-26 season at a cost of $2500.00. CARRIED 7-0. 3. MOTION by S. Spearing/seconded by S. Dhillon to give out the remaining t-shirts & tiles at the Concerts on the Square events for donations that will be directed to putting electricity &/or a drinking fountain in the square. CARRIED 7-0. 4. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by Al Drenth to hire CWC Power Washing for the sum of $500 to power wash the Sports Park concession stand. CARRIED 7-0. 5. MOTION by L. Spearing/seconded by M. Bennett to be the fiduciary for the Friends of the Labyrinth grant submissions. CARRIED 7-0. 6. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by S. Dhillon to approve the bills. CARRIED 7-0. PUBLIC INPUT: None ADJOURN: MOTION by S. Dhillon/seconded by S. Sowers to adjourn at 8:00PM. CARRIED 7-0. Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk