The Ostrander City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 6 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.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident asked the council to consider adding a pickleball court. After brief discussion, Brincks said City Maintenance staff would look into the feasibility of the request this week. The council agreed that if the additional cost is under $200, they would proceed with installation.
Brincks also reported that the city’s new planter boxes have been constructed and are ready to be installed throughout town.
Although the fire chief was not present, Mayor Start relayed that the fire department responded to two calls in the past month – one for a grass fire and another providing mutual aid to Grand Meadow.
The council reviewed the Fillmore County Sheriff’s report for April. On April 4, a citation was issued for a dog running at large. On April 12, a complaint was received about a vehicle doing burnouts on Main Street, but deputies were unable to locate the vehicle. On April 30, deputies responded to a loud music complaint. The source was located and the situation was resolved without further incident.
Citywide cleanup, held the previous weekend, was considered a success. Brincks noted strong participation and suggested the city consider hosting another cleanup in the fall before cold weather sets in. She said making the event biannual could help keep the town looking its best year-round. The proposal received full support from the council. There was also discussion about possibly lowering, or removing disposal fees for appliances such as refrigerators and hot water heaters to encourage more residents to participate.
The council approved the mailing of yard cleanup notices to several properties in town. A total of seven addresses were listed, with five of them accompanied by photographs showing large amounts of trash, including discarded cabinets, lumber, and general debris. Property owners will have 30 days from the date of notice to complete the cleanup.
In addition, the city’s sheriff deputy will begin enforcing vehicle registration requirements. Any vehicles found to be unregistered will be ordered to update their registration or face towing.