Ostrander City Council Focuses on Hazardous Property, Budget Approval

The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order with all council members present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance.

The first and most time-consuming item on the agenda was the condition of the long-abandoned property at 421 Minnesota Street. City Attorney Steven Hovey addressed the issue, noting that the house has been sitting empty for many years with no maintenance from the current owner. Recently, a tree fell onto the house. Although the owner told the city he would take care of it, no action was taken. For safety reasons, the city ultimately had the tree removed.

The council now hopes to take ownership of the property so it can be demolished. Hovey explained there are four possible approaches. The first would be to purchase it outright if the owner is willing to sell. Second, because the property is behind on taxes, the city could wait for it to go to a tax sale and purchase it at that time. Third, they could acquire it through eminent domain for a public purpose. The fourth option would be to declare it a hazardous building and require the owner to bring it up to code or face enforcement action. Hovey stressed that the hazardous building route is often lengthy and expensive.

The property has become a concern for nearby residents, several of whom attended the meeting. Some cited safety risks, including the potential for injury to anyone who might enter the unstable structure. Others expressed frustration that the property has been an eyesore for so long without any progress toward improvement.

After a lengthy discussion, the council and the audience came to a unanimous agreement to offer the owner $1,000 for the property. At the same time, letters will be sent informing him that the city intends to explore other legal means of acquiring the property if the sale does not go through. The owner originally purchased the property for $100 and has made no improvements to it since. He has not responded to letters from the city, though Brincks said he is cordial when she speaks to him by phone.

Brincks also reported that she sent surveys to residents asking for their input on the situation. While most did not respond, eight residents replied in favor of taking action. The city expects to lose money on the project regardless of the outcome, as demolition will require asbestos and lead paint abatement, with costs expected to exceed $30,000. For comparison, the most recent lot sold in that part of town brought $14,300. The goal is to acquire the property at the lowest possible cost, remove the hazardous structure, and eventually sell the lot to someone who can build a new home there.

Another property issue discussed involved 610 Main Street. The owner requested installation of a curb stop box and stop valve at her property line. She explained that her water line currently runs through a neighbor’s property, under a driveway, and through a ditch before reaching her home. Because the line is not on her property, she cannot insure it, leaving her financially responsible if repairs are ever needed. She has already dealt with repairs in the past and wants the curb stop installed to make the line insurable and more secure, especially if she ever chooses to sell. The council agreed the request was understandable and will research available options before making a decision.

The August maintenance report included a variety of updates. Routine daily and weekly checks were performed, and daily numbers were recorded. Crews replaced a water meter at 105 Ellen Street and three GFCI outlets at the wellhouse. During the recent storm, multiple alarms were triggered and answered. Workers weeded and cleaned the filters and manifold at the wastewater treatment plant, changed mower oil, replaced two outlets at the park pavilion, mowed city parks and other city-owned properties, and watered and weeded flower beds throughout town.

A notice for propane bids will be published, with bid openings scheduled for September 2. The council approved the 2025 budget and certified levy with no increase to property taxes. The budget includes $138,591 in general revenue, $23,700 for fire protection, and $30,000 for a capital outlay street project, bringing the total to $192,291.

A building permit for 401 Minnesota Street was also approved before the meeting adjourned.