The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 2, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order. All members were present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was in attendance as well.
Fire Chief Jason Rice reported that the Ostrander Fire Department assisted with traffic control in Spring Valley during recent flooding. The department helped direct vehicles away from closed roads and kept residents safe as water rose. While Ostrander has a small jurisdiction, the fire department is often called to assist neighboring communities when emergencies occur. Council members thanked Rice for the department’s work. No report was received from the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office this month.
The council reviewed propane bids for the upcoming heating season. Kruegel Gas Service submitted a proposal to supply 4,200 gallons of propane for 2025-2026 at a price of $1.459 per gallon, with payment due upon delivery. In addition to supplying fuel, Kruegel will continue to provide one 1,000-gallon tank, two 500-gallon tanks, and the gas line for the fire hall at no cost to the city. Council members noted that this arrangement saves Ostrander additional expenses and provides reliable service. The council voted unanimously to accept the proposal.
An update was given on the property at 421 Minnesota Street. Brincks reported that a certified letter had been sent to the property owner but was not signed for. Because of that, she was directed to contact the owner directly to see if the matter could be resolved more quickly. Council members said they want the situation addressed soon and agreed that direct communication may be the best approach.
The council also revisited the city’s cleanup schedule. Ostrander normally holds one cleanup event in the spring each year, allowing residents to dispose of larger household items. Earlier this year, council members had discussed adding a fall event as an extra service to residents. Brincks reminded the council that each cleanup costs about $1,700, which is a significant expense for the city’s budget. When the council asked for public input, residents in attendance said they believed the spring cleanup was sufficient. Council members noted the feedback and agreed not to move forward with a fall cleanup.
Traffic safety took up a large portion of the evening’s discussion. Residents near Robert Street have voiced ongoing concerns about vehicles speeding through the neighborhood, especially near the park where children frequently play. Council members said they have received multiple complaints from people who fear it is only a matter of time before someone is injured. They talked about whether speed bumps would help slow traffic in the area and whether additional stop signs or yield signs should be placed throughout town. Members said the goal is to encourage drivers to follow proper speed limits and improve safety in neighborhoods. No decision was made, but the council agreed that further action will likely be needed in the near future.
The council also cautioned residents about a phone scam that has surfaced in the community. On September 2, at least two residents received calls from individuals falsely claiming they owed property taxes. The callers told residents they had already received a first notice about unpaid taxes and demanded large sums of money. They also attempted to obtain Social Security numbers and other personal information. Council members warned residents that these calls are fraudulent and urged them not to share personal or financial details over the phone, and also reminded residents to never hand over money to strangers claiming to be tax collectors. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious calls to authorities.
The meeting adjourned after these discussions. Council members reminded the public that the next regular meeting will take place in October.
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