MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2025 (1)

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL September 8, 2025 Present: J. Rasmussen, S. Sowers, S. Dhillon, M. Drenth, Al Drenth, G. McCallum, and L. Spearing, M. Bennett, Marcie Potter. Absent: Others: Tina Sundelius, Carla Kamermer, Lisa Nagy, and Cheryl Essenberg. Pledge of Allegiance 1. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by S. Dhillon to accept the minutes of the August 11, 2025, regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 7-0 PUBLIC INPUT:  Carla Kamermer thanked the council for paving Harris Street.  Lisa Nagy introduced herself to the Council. She is very excited about her new position as Rec. director and has already begun making connections. DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: a. Recreation: S. Dhillon reported that Ken VanDellen will cut the check for the 4-slip dock at River Park next week. She will work with Kris Green our Park attendant to review pricing and bring a recommendation to the Council next month. She expressed a need for us to write a policy concerning people coming from off-site taking water from the park well. It has become a too common occurrence this year with the increase in homelessness. Beth Cooper still has some things to turn in and plans to do so after meeting with one of the Central Lake Little League coaches. Dhillon will remove the archery equipment from the range to storage. The concession stand has been painted. It needs a refrigerator. b. DPW: The village well pump house needs repair. The alarm system isn’t working. Tex is looking for someone qualified to look at it. The DPW truck goes in for a check up on 9/9. c. Streets: J. Rasmussen reported that all approved repairs have been completed. d. Zoning: G. McCallum reported that the Nugget is under scrutiny from the Health Department. Water leakage and rodent infestation as well as 55 degree hamburger meat were some issues cited. The establishment has a hearing set for September 23. The county will be investigating their drain field next week. e. President’s Report: J. Rasmussen suggested that we investigate licensing our short term rentals. Discussion ensued. He reported that he asked for bids from three different electricians but received only one back. Hark Electric submitted a bid of $3,289 to run electricity from the pole in the Community Square parking lot to the pavilion. L. Spearing stated that she will ask the DDA if they would be willing to pay for it. The backhoe had a major breakdown this past year ($11,000 repair). The DPW cannot afford another breakdown at this time. The council was asked to consider hiring Sommer Solutions for all of the large snow removal this coming winter, giving the backhoe a break. f. Clerk’s Report: M. Drenth reported that the phone system at Wooden Shoe was bundled at a significant projected savings. The memory bench in honor of Ron Boss that the Council approved long ago is ready to be installed on October 11. The Council is invited to attend the ceremony. The council is invited to a Q & A luncheon with our new attorneys, September 24. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a. Finance Committee: None b. DDA: L. Spearing reported that the Paddle Antrim Launch Party is this Thursday and Trunk or Treat is being planned. c. Planning Commission: The Draft Village Master Plan is available and ready to be approved for the 63 day review period starting September 9.. d. Ordinance/Law Enforcement Committee: No Report e. Streets/Lights/Water/ Solid Waste Committee: No Report DISCUSSION: a. VanDellen List: Covered in her Rec Report. b. Sewer Project: J. Rasmussen has made a new contact at EGLE. L. Spearing originally made good contact with our representatives but has been ghosted since. c. Tax Increase: Village taxes are set at 12.5 mills. However, due to the Headlee Act we receive 11.2528 mills. Ellsworth has the lowest tax & millage rate of all neighboring communities d. Par Plan Grant Resolution: to get additional cameras for Community Park that can be accessed remotely. We currently have to have IT help to view the camera footage. The new cameras will cost $3010.00. e. Business Fee: The Kayak Rental Kiosk at River Park is the only business in town that does not pay fees. Is this something we should rectify? M. Bennett will reach out to the owner. f. The Village/Township Recreation Plan is three years overdue for update. The lowest bid we have received is $5,000 for the village alone/$11,000for both village and township. L. Spearing will ask if Rotary Charities will help us with the expense. ACTION ITEMS: 2. MOTION by J. Rasmussen/seconded by S. Sowers to pay our portion of services provided by Sommer Solutions for sidewalk removal, Elm Street culvert prep and storm drain installation in the sum of $14,865.00. CARRIED 7-0. 3. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by S. Sowers to pay for half of the cost of paving Resort Drive from the village limit through the intersection at Bridge Street in the sum of $$41,075.00. the other half will be paid by Banks Township. CARRIED 7-0. 4. MOTION by L. Spearing /seconded by S. Sowers to pay Martin Concrete our portion for pouring the sidewalk on Main Street in the sum of $4,804.00. the other half will be paid by the Ellsworth Farmers Exchange. CARRIED 7-0. 5. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by L. Spearing to approve a resolution releasing the Draft Village Master Plan for a 63-day public review period beginning September 9, 2025. CARRIED 7-0. 6. MOTION by M. Bennett/seconded by G. McCallum to purchase a new landline phone for the office up to $30. CARRIED 7-0. 7. MOTION by S. Sowers/seconded by L. Spearing to pay the bills as presented. CARRIED 7-0. PUBLIC INPUT: None ADJOURN: MOTION by J. Rasmussen/seconded by A. Drenth to adjourn at 8:18PM. CARRIED 7- 0. Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk