Photo by Zech Sindt
The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 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. The meeting lasted seven minutes, a record for the year.
Council business moved quickly through the consent agenda, and there were no public comments. Attention then turned to city maintenance. The council set a performance review for city maintenance employee, Jeremy Runkle, on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m., with a brief council discussion at 6 p.m. Members also noted that if the city eventually chooses to end its PeopleService arrangement, a 90 day notice would be required. No action was taken on the contract.
Runkle reported a facility issue involving a window latch. A piece has separated on the latch side, but he installed a temporary patch that stopped any leaking. He will seek bids for a permanent repair and return to the council with options. The September maintenance report recorded 488,207 gallons of water pumped, 226,750 gallons of effluent at the wastewater plant, 116.8 lift station hours, and four alarm dates during the month. Precipitation measured 3.27 inches.
Public safety updates included an introduction from the patrol sergeant, Scott Keigley, with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. He shared contact information, encouraged residents and officials to call or text with concerns, and explained that supervisors rotate through small towns to support deputies and check coverage. The September law enforcement report listed 45 patrol hours in Ostrander and 17 calls for service. Calls included six ambulance runs, two animal complaints, one welfare check, one traffic call, two custody disputes, three civil matters, one MAARC call, and one fraud or scam report.
Clerk Brincks reported on insurance. The city’s workers compensation coverage through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust will renew for the period of February 1, 2025, through February 1, 2026. The estimated annual premium is $2,914, which is in line with prior years.
Routine bills were approved. September and early October expenditures totaled $9,330.26. Notable items included professional fees with Hoversteen Johnson Beckman, utilities with MiEnergy Cooperative, postage, office and shop supplies, and repairs and maintenance entries with NAPA, Hawkins, and Badger Meter. The list also included Minnesota Department of Health dues and payroll for PeopleService.
In other business, the council heard that the city’s $1,000 offer for the property at 421 Minnesota Street has been accepted. The city attorney is reviewing the file and working toward a closing date. Once a date is set, it will be brought back to the council for the record.
With budget work completed earlier in the fall and no additional discussion needed, the council adjourned.
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