The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 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 also in attendance.
The council opened the evening by hearing from Peter Thayer, representing Ostrander Care and Rehab. Thayer said their facility is working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and a local contractor to install new signage. He also shared that wages for certified nursing assistants have been raised to $22.50 per hour, an increase he hopes will draw more local applicants to serve the community’s aging population.
In department updates, the council approved a change to the city’s contract with People Services, the water and wastewater operations provider. City employee Jeremy Runkle will take over full responsibility for those systems on December 1. The contract with People Services will continue in a mentorship role until February 28, 2026, to assist during the transition and year-end reporting.
Runkle also presented his maintenance update. Total pumped water for October was corrected to approximately 455,000 gallons. System alarms occurred several times during the month, caused by a wastewater plant overrun, power outages, and a failing backup battery at the wellhouse control computer. A wellhouse inspection on October 29 revealed only minor issues. Other completed work included winter shutdown of the water fill station, painting curbs, removing Main Street planters, and fixing a door jamb at the fire hall.
Fire Chief Jason Rice reported no fire calls in the past month. He requested that the outdated heater in the fire hall office be replaced due to poor performance. The council approved the purchase of a new electric heater. A replacement timer for the radio charging system was also authorized.
The council noted the July 2025 law enforcement report submitted by the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies recorded 47.15 hours of patrol in Ostrander during the month. Calls for service included several medical response assists, multiple permit to carry and permit to purchase requests, a trespass complaint, a traffic call, one MAARC referral, and an assist call. No major criminal activity was noted.
Liquor license renewals for both Wolf’s Den and The Rusty Boot Saloon were approved.
The council also heard that the house at 421 Minnesota Street officially closed on October 15. The city is awaiting the deed and will begin planning for demolition and later development of the property.
A sewer rate adjustment was approved. The city will raise the monthly minimum from $55.05 to $57.80 to help build reserves in the sewer fund and prepare for future wastewater treatment costs.
Councilors were presented with a security camera proposal for the wastewater treatment plant from Verkada. A free 30-day trial is available. No action was taken, but further discussion may come in future meetings.
As winter approaches, Ostrander contracted with Start Farms to provide snow removal assistance during emergencies such as blizzards. The resolutions also allow DJ Start to operate the necessary equipment when needed without compensation.
The most notable action of the night was Mayor Stephanie Start’s resignation. Start is in the process of relocating and can no longer serve in the position. The council passed a resolution accepting her resignation and expressing appreciation for her service. Councilor Dan Hellerud will serve as acting mayor until December 2, when the council will consider applications from residents interested in serving the remainder of the term. Start had donated her regular mayoral salary back to the city, but the council approved a payment of $225 for her work with special meetings and zoning.
The meeting concluded with thanks to the outgoing mayor and a reminder that the mayoral position is open to qualified Ostrander residents wishing to serve the community.
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