Dava Gaschler

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as electric scooters and bikes, mowing and snow violation fees, and city service awards. The council discussed increasing the fee for mowing violations and heard a presentation for the friends of the Ellis Public Library. The council also discussed snow removal and sidewalk maintenance.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance, noting the absence of a council member. Agenda amendments included consideration of pickup repairs and a condemnation ordinance. During the consent agenda, the minutes from the January 5, 2026, regular meeting and Bill Ordinance 2229 were accepted. Discussions on unfinished business centered on establishing an ordinance for electronic scooters and e-bikes, focusing on safety measures such as mandatory helmet use (with consensus leaning toward age 16 or under) and rules for operation in the business district. There was deliberation on penalties for violations, leaning toward confiscation for juveniles rather than fines. Under administration, the council reviewed the survey report for the Ellis Arts and Historical Society building, confirming property lines, and subsequently moved to approve the acquisition of the Ellis Arts and Historical Society congregational building.

The meeting addressed an amendment to the agenda to consider repairs for the roof HVAC units on city hall, which was placed under new business. Key discussions included public commentary on snow removal policies, specifically regarding the clearing of side streets versus downtown emergency routes, and the inconsistent application of city code regarding street clearance compared to sidewalk clearance requirements. The council also discussed electronic scooter regulations, including allowing operation on sidewalks with specific yielding requirements to pedestrians. Business decisions involved approving the consent agenda, which included minutes from the January 19th meeting and bill ordinance 2230. Further actions included approving the lower of two bids for foundation repairs to the generator building at the sewer plant, funded by the sewer depreciation reserve fund, and approving masonry repairs for the same building. Additionally, the council approved the replacement of a failed flow meter sensor at the sewer plant and approved the 2026 cereal malt beverage license renewal for Cheryl Kercon. Finally, the council moved to approve a contract for vinyl replacement on three city billboards managed by Lamar, funded by the tourism fund.

The combined meetings involved reviewing and discussing the results of an Electronic Scooter/E-Bike survey, with direction given to revise the proposed ordinance. Council addressed building inspection findings and a title search for the Ellis Arts and Historical Society building, ultimately agreeing to postpone acquisition pending a land survey, and later approving the acquisition. In sanitation matters, the final billing for Sanitation Truck repairs was ratified, and bids for Generator Building repairs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant were reviewed and approved. Financial actions included approving a resolution to waive Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for 2026 financial reporting and designating official newspapers and banks for the City. The Council approved 2026 advertising contracts and ratified an invoice for polymer barrels. An ordinance authorizing eminent domain for a water line was approved. Public Works Director reported on the Comprehensive Water Report and his appointment to a regional advisory committee. Following public input regarding snow routes, the Council directed staff to present proposed revisions. Finally, requests for proposals were directed for the replacement of failed HVAC systems at City Hall, with a special meeting scheduled to review the bids.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered minutes from the regular meeting of February 2, 2026, and a special meeting of February 5, 2026, alongside Ordinance 2231. Unfinished business involved the approval of Ordinance 1504, establishing regulations for electric assisted bicycles and scooters. The council also discussed an updated snow removal route proposal, noting several handwritten corrections to be incorporated. Further deliberation occurred regarding the request to use water well number 11 to supplement water supply for a golf course, specifically to cool the water temperature during peak heat months; the discussion focused on cost implications, maintenance, and reporting classifications, ultimately deferring a final vote until the next meeting to resolve pricing details for raw water use and well maintenance funding. New business opened with a consideration for replacing a leaking mini-split system at the sewer plant office.