Marin to join Ostrander Council

On December 3, the Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting.  Members in attendance included Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, and DJ Start.  Heidi Jones and City Clerk Wendy Brincks were absent.

Because of the resignation of Council member Heidi Jones, the Ostrander Council had a vacancy to fill.  The resignation letter from Jones to the city stated, in part, “As you are aware, I have been elected the new Auditor/Treasurer of Fillmore County.  Over the next couple months, I will be transitioning into my elected position… I have very much enjoyed being a part of the council and will miss working directly with each of you…”  She also suggested using data from the recent election to help guide the city in appointing a replacement for her on the council.  The council voted to accept the resignation and formally acknowledge the vacancy on the council.

Pam Kunert pointed out that a citizen in attendance at the meeting has voiced an interest in being on the council, and Kunert made a motion to appoint Trisha Marin onto the council until the next election.  Kunert and Thompson voted in favor of the motion, with Start and Mayor Nesler voting against.  Kunert then stated that the mayor only votes as a tie-breaker, if the council vote ends in a tie.  Nesler voiced a welcome to Marin as the newly appointed council member.  She will officially join in January, and will serve until a special election is held.  The special election to fill the council seat for the remainder of the term will be held at a date to be determined, most likely between March and August 2019.

There was lively discussion between Jeff Tart (city maintenance), council member Start and Mayor Nesler.  Tart stated that the city’s equipment for clearing snow and applying sand is inadequate, and he said he has repeatedly brought this up to the council but no action has been taken.  Tart suggested a skid loader would be the most cost-effective and appropriate equipment for the job.  Mayor Nesler asked, “And now we gotta do it on your terms?”  Tart replied, “No, I asked you way ahead, so don’t shuffle it over onto me.  I asked you way ahead, you did nothing.  You two talked about it, nobody else talked about it… So now winter’s here, and I’m down there shoveling that ramp off with a shovel.”  Tart also explained that the vehicle used for spreading sand onto icy streets must be loaded using a scoop shovel by hand, which he said is not adequate for the large amount of sand needed.  He stressed that he is simply pointing out a concern and asking for direction from the council.  No action was taken on the issue at this time.

The city budget for 2019 was approved as submitted.  The council voted to approve paying a bill of just over $33,000 from A-1 Excavating, and a bill of just under $66,000 from Wapasha Construction.  The council also approved the proposed Schedule of Fees for 2019.  No change from the 2018 fees were noted.

The council chose to continue with the current schedule of monthly council meetings regularly on the first Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.  It was mentioned that some meetings may be re-scheduled, such as for National Night Out.  The tentative dates of council meetings in 2019 are January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, and December 3.  The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.  The next regular meeting of the city council will be January 8 at 6:30 p.m.  The public is welcome.