By Zech Sindt
Photo by Zech Sindt
The City of Ostrander rang in the new year with a productive city council meeting on January 7 at 6:30 p.m. All members were present, including the newly elected mayor, Stephanie Start, Council members Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Lyn Massey-Mills, newly-elected Jimmie Dean, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. With a full agenda, the council tackled a variety of issues and initiatives.
Discussions began with a focus on the city’s truck.The council acknowledged the need for regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle remains reliable. Specifically, they highlighted the importance of conducting oil changes twice a year and performing an alignment. After weighing their options, the council voted to have all future maintenance handled at Happy Dodge in Rochester.
In addition to routine maintenance, the council addressed the truck’s snowplow, which currently measures eight feet in width. Recognizing the challenges of clearing snow efficiently, the council approved a wing extension to widen the plow. The extension, costing $1,081, will be installed by PPMI Fleet Maintenance in Rochester.
The fire department provided a brief report on its activities. Fire Chief Jason Rice shared that there was only one call in December, which involved investigating a suspicious smell. The issue turned out to be a backed-up sewer, with no major damage or safety concerns resulting from the incident. Additionally, the department confirmed that the backup fire truck is now fully maintained and ready for deployment if needed. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department, however, did not provide a report for this meeting.
The council moved on to matters of governance and electoral operations, approving a voter account agreement with Fillmore County. Under this agreement, the county received $6,610.54 in 2023 and will receive $25,574.88 for 2024 from the state to support its responsibilities, which include administering absentee and mail balloting for all precincts. The county also handles maintenance for election equipment, organizes training sessions, ensures cybersecurity for election data, and performs various other election-related duties. By renewing this agreement, the council reaffirmed its agreement with the county.
Mayor Stephanie Start brought an initiative to the table, seeking approval to attend a leadership training program organized by the League of Minnesota Cities in Mankato. The program aims to enhance leadership skills and provide valuable insights for municipal governance. The council approved the expenditure of $350 for the training fee, along with $110 per night for two nights of hotel accommodation, bringing the total cost to $570. Meanwhile, newly-elected council member Jimmie Dean opted not to participate in the training at this time.
In an act of generosity and community spirit, Mayor Start announced her intention to donate her salary back to the city. The council unanimously approved this gesture.
The council also approved updates to the city truck’s appearance. A new graphic, measuring six inches by 47 inches and reading “City of Ostrander,” will be added to both sides of the vehicle at a cost of $78 plus tax per side.
Appointments for key positions were reviewed and approved during the meeting. Council member Dan Hellerud will continue as deputy mayor, ensuring consistent leadership in the absence of the mayor. Craig Byram was reappointed as city attorney, and Lee Novotny was confirmed as prosecution attorney. The Fillmore County Journal will remain the official publication for city news and public notices.
City Clerk Wendy Brincks reported on two significant loan payments made on January 1, totaling $48,189.97. These payments covered water and sewer infrastructure loans, marking continued progress on maintaining the city’s essential services.
There was also some discussion around the revival of Uff Da Days, tentatively scheduled for July 12-13. While concerns were raised about finding enough volunteers to support the event, Brincks shared that some residents had already expressed interest in helping. The council expressed optimism about the possibility of bringing back this tradition.
Looking ahead, the council scheduled a workshop for January 30 at 6:30 p.m. to begin planning for spring projects. The workshop will address a range of topics, including street repairs, lawnmower needs, management of the 4M fund, and other city business.
As the meeting concluded, the council reflected on the productive discussions and set a tone of collaboration and optimism for the year ahead. With plans for equipment upgrades, leadership development, and community events, the City of Ostrander is poised for another year of growth and success.
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