Photo by Rich Wicks
During the regular Ostrander City Council meeting on March 2, the council heard concerns from Fire Chief Jason Rice. Council members present included Stephanie Start, Vernon Thompson, and Mayor Pam Kunert. City Clerk Wendy Brincks also attended.
Rice reported that there had been one situation earlier in the day, in which firefighters were paged to respond. He said the situation was reported as a “possible gas leak” but turned out to be just a skunk. But Rice said he’s frustrated because, “We had one person respond to the call.” He said he understands that some members of the crew, including himself, were out of town and unavailable, but he said it’s been tough having enough members of his crew respond. He added, “I don’t know what to do about that… but something’s got to change.” Wendy Brincks said she’s aware that the fire department has long struggled to have enough crew members, saying, “We’re hanging on for dear life.”
Rice went on to say that one option could be to ask the Spring Valley Fire Department if Ostrander and Spring Valley could combine their fire departments. Council members asked how that would impact the current crew and department. Rice said he doesn’t know all the details, but said if Ostrander joined Spring Valley, “Basically, it would just be a branch of Spring Valley.” The council approved Rice to discuss the idea further with Spring Valley’s fire chief.
Rice added that he’s been investigating purchasing a “grass rig.” He stated, “I did meet with the Rural Board last month, and they did approve the grass rig. I have looked at two trucks, one in Spring Valley and one in Spring Grove.” But he said his immediate concern is staffing, rather than equipment.
The council heard a presentation from Andrew Forliti, representing the accounting firm of Smith Schafer & Associates. Forliti summarized the findings in the recent financial audit performed for Ostrander. He said the audit resulted in an “unmodified clean opinion.” He added that since the city exceeded $750,000 in federal expenditures, a separate single audit will be performed in the summer.
Forliti described Ostrander’s General Fund reserves, which are $405,173. He said that is 195% of the city’s total disbursements for 2021, and he added, “So you are at a healthy position.” He stated that, “Debt payments are being made timely, debt service funds have adequate reserve levels. Water and sewer funds are generating sufficient cash flow to service debt and improve cash reserves.” The council approved his report as submitted.
Kim McKenzie addressed the council, regarding the “junk ordinance” violation at the home of Kim and her husband John. She stated that John has been trying to comply with the city’s request, but she said he was slowed by weather and other commitments. She asked if the city could approve an extension to give them until May to be in compliance. After discussion, the council voted to approve the extension.
Another topic discussed was the new signs to commemorate Leroy-Ostrander’s first ever football state championship, as the team won the title on November 27. Jeremy Runkle discussed how the council would like him to go about installing the signs. The council decided upon green treated wooden posts, so the signs would be securely installed and durable.
Brincks pointed out that the city’s garbage services will be switching from Waste Management to Sunshine Sanitation. She added that Waste Management plans to pick up all Waste Management receptacles on April 25, during their final garbage pick-up in Ostrander. Brincks said any receptacles not returned would likely be billed to the applicable resident.
The council discussed Uff Da Day, which will be held on July 9, as a one-day event.
The council’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m., in the community center. The public is welcome at all meetings, other than special closed meetings.
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