Nick Vanlangen

The regular session of the Ellsworth City Council addressed several fiscal and operational matters. Key discussions included the approval of the FY 27 Budgets for the Fire/EMS Department ($68,750 and $21,350, respectively) and the Library ($45,850). The Council discussed nuisance trees and approved the WHKS Engineering Scope of Work quote for the Main Street project, in the amount of $9400, to be budgeted in FY27. Furthermore, the Council set the FY27 Property Tax Levy Hearing for April 13 at 6:00 p.m. The submission status of the MIDAS LMI surveys was also reviewed.

The regular session included the approval of the agenda and claims for February 9, 2026. Key discussions involved the presentation of the proposed FY27 Budgets for the Ellsworth Library, which totaled $45,850 in expenses, and for the fire and EMS departments, noting respective expenditure increases of 8% and 5% over FY26. The ECA group sought approvals for various community center uses, including a benefit dinner and trivia night insurance clarification. A $1500 donation from the Bingo Fund was approved for the Ellsworth History Museum to aid in digitizing local newspapers. Resolutions passed included the appointment of Brian Zimmerman to the Hamilton County Solid Waste Commission and setting a 90-day deadline for vendor invoice submissions. Several committee appointments were made across Police, Parks and Recreation, Water Utility, Electric Utility, Personnel, and Streets/Sidewalks committees. The Council also accepted the first reading, waived subsequent readings, and adopted Ordinance No. 621, pertaining to the Electric Utility. Public Works provided updates on water plant RO filter warranty issues and sought quotes for water tower cleaning and potential parking pad installation. The City Clerk presented treasurer reports, quotes for community center furnishings, and a draft letter concerning nuisance abatement for diseased trees, which will be revisited later.

The City Council meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda and payment of claims, including a fire truck payment. The Council approved naming the South Hamilton Record News as the official publication and reappointed Austin Heeren as City Attorney. The ECA requested permission for a BYOB event for a Trivia Night, which the Council requested be readdressed with specific insurance details. A discussion was held regarding the appropriate charity organization to receive an unused Visa gift card, resulting in a motion to donate it to the Friends Forever program. The Mayor collected committee preferences from Council members. The Public Works Supervisor provided updates on street light repairs and presented a quote for water tower cleaning. The Council also approved a liquor license for 'the Girls Catering' for an upcoming banquet.

The City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered the approval of the December 30, 2025, council minutes and the January 12, 2026, payment of claims. Key discussions involved paying outstanding invoices from Holt Plumbing and Heating dating back to 2019, with a motion to pay the remainder of $4748.17, and the Council's plan to adopt a 90-day vendor invoice receipt policy. The Council reviewed the water tower project history, questioned the tank size, and approved an engineering services amendment with Bolten and Menk to proceed with bid letting for a 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank. The Main Street project scope quote was tabled pending inclusion in the FY27 budget. Updates were provided on the MIDAS LMI Survey, and the Mayor proposed implementing two-person city committees to enhance future Council session efficiency. The Council acknowledged a resignation from the Planning and Zoning Board, discussed community center repairs, and reviewed a proposed electric utility ordinance rider from Midland Power regarding a fluctuating PCA charge. Financial reports, including the Annual Bingo Finance Report for 2025, were presented.

The Council meeting addressed several agenda items. Key discussions included approving the agenda and the amendment of the claims date. The Council approved the use of the city gym free of charge for a South High Pride volleyball tournament, scheduled for January 24th, 2026, with the ECA running a concession stand. Payment was approved for a $4600 invoice to Holt Plumbing and Heating for a recent furnace replacement at the Ellsworth Library, and the Council requested that the business owner attend the next meeting to address older invoices dating back to 2019. A $500 donation to the South Hamilton Music Boosters for FY27 was approved. Updates were provided regarding inflated bids for the Water Tower project and engineering services amendment with Bolten and Menk, with representatives requested for the subsequent meeting. The decision on the WHKS Main Street scope quote was tabled pending further discussion on project sequencing relative to the water tower. The Council approved the phase 2 Maverik sign permit and the addition of two cell phone lines for public works employees. Updates regarding City Council emails and the current status of the water plant, distribution system, and wastewater lagoons were noted.