The council’s first item of discussion for the August 8 Ostrander, Minn., city council meeting was Trinity Lutheran Church and the intention of its leadership to acquire a strip of paved city land immediately adjacent to the church property’s western edge. The strip, which runs north-south, is currently designated a platted roadway, and is paved continuously with Minnesota Street. The strip of pavement could be used as church parking. Research will need to be done to determine whether Trinity Lutheran would be required to pay the city “fair market price” for the strip of pavement.
City Maintenance made two requests for funding, both of which were approved. Firstly, a pump used to chemically eliminate the orange color from city drinking water “went haywire,” and being a “rare, exotic” model, no workmen were found able to repair it. A replacement pump will cost the city $1,289. Secondly, City Maintenance requested funding to pump the sceptic tanks servicing the city. The tanks service approximately 110 households. City Maintenance estimated the job would require pumping 20,000 gallons of waste, amounting to three semi-truck loads being pumped and hauled to Albert Lea. The estimated cost was $15,000-20,000.
A decision was made regarding the city’s final bill for phase two construction performed by Alcon on Ostrander’s interior streets. The work, completed in the fall of 2022, went approximately one year past its scheduled completion date. As a compensatory measure, Alcon has agreed to a $14,000 deduction in the city of Ostrander’s final bill, bringing the total payment down from $121,000 to $107,000. After Alcon is notified of the city council’s approval of the deduction, Alcon will provide paperwork to USDA Rural Development, who would decide whether to provide the city with grant funds with which to pay Alcon.
Preceding budgetary discussion, a motion was made by Councilor Vernon Thompson to increase council member pay by 10%. Mr. Thompson said, among other statements, that, “we need to keep up with the times so people are encouraged to run for these jobs, too.” He was the only council member who spoke favorably of the idea; other council members expressed satisfaction with their compensation and discomfort with the idea of a raise. Wendy Brinks, city clerk and treasurer, said, “I just don’t think we need to see an expense like this.” The motion was dismissed.
Budgetary discussion that followed was marked by expressions of concern that, moving into the future, city of Ostrander will require an increased budget. The city’s 2024 budget is $272,020, and Wendy Brinks expressed confidence that, at least for 2024, the city will be able to stay under budget. However, regarding the future, she said, “I have to tell you guys, it’s a real struggle to make the numbers work. We haven’t done an increase in five years. I’m not pushing for an increase, I’m just saying… you’re not going to be able to continue to not look at making an increase.” A major expense increase was caused by Fillmore County Sherriff Office’s increased yearly service bill from $24,000 to $44,000. The question was raised whether it’s necessary to hire county police services for even the two hours per day currently written into the city’s contract, but no firm decisions were made regarding police protection.
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office report for Ostrander included, for the month of July, service calls or patrol activity listed as Criminal Damage to Property, Civil (2x), Assist, Fraud/Scam, Death, Domestic Disturbance, Ambulance, Welfare Check, and a Driving Complaint. Ostrander’s Fire Chief reported no calls.
Ostrander City Council meetings are scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Ostrander Community Center, 410 N Main Street. The next meeting will be held September 5.
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