Photo by Zech Sindt
The Ostrander City Council met June 2 with Mayor DJ Start presiding. Council members Jimmie Dean, Lyn Massey-Mills, Dan Hellerud and Brodi Nesler were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks and Fire Chief Jason Rice.
During department reports, Brincks shared concerns raised by the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office regarding traffic control near the city park. According to Brincks, law enforcement officials recently reviewed an intersection near the park and found the current combination of stop signs and yield signs confusing for motorists.
Brincks said the sheriff’s office recommended either converting the intersection into a four-way stop or simplifying the signage by removing the yield signs. Council members discussed several options and agreed changes should be made to improve traffic safety and reduce confusion for drivers.
Rice reported one fire call during the month. Firefighters responded to a fire that had already been extinguished before crews arrived on scene. Rice also reported that maintenance is being scheduled for the department’s grass rig and noted ongoing difficulties receiving responses from the department’s insurance provider. A department fundraiser is tentatively planned for July 25.
Brincks reminded residents that filing for city office will open July 14 and close July 28 at 5 p.m. Two four-year council seats currently held by Lyn Massey-Mills and Brodi Nesler will be on the ballot, along with the mayor’s two-year seat. The city is also seeking election judges for the August 11 primary election and November 3 general election.
The majority of the meeting focused on preserving Ostrander’s recently reconstructed streets.
Council members heard presentations from Scott Michelson of S & A Asphalt Paving and Maintenance Plus Sealcoating and Doug Standerwick of Bargen Incorporated.
Michelson presented a traditional sealcoating proposal, telling council members his company could complete the work in three to four days. He noted that Ostrander’s streets remain in good condition with relatively little cracking and said his company had maintained pricing from a previous estimate.
Standerwick presented Replay, a bio-based pavement preservation product designed to penetrate asphalt rather than simply coat the surface. During a lengthy presentation, Standerwick explained how the product is intended to slow oxidation and extend pavement life. Council members questioned him about winter conditions, snowplowing, traffic wear, curing times and long-term maintenance.
Following discussion, the council approved Bargen Incorporated’s proposal. The approved package includes crack repair work at a cost of $6,346, along with application of the Replay pavement preservation treatment for $43,129.24.
The council also approved another phase of planned street improvements.
Brincks reported that obtaining bids for smaller street projects has become increasingly difficult because many contractors prefer larger projects involving multiple blocks. After contacting several companies, the city received a proposal from M&M Construction of Rochester for the next phase of street work. The council approved moving forward with the project.
While discussing infrastructure projects, Brincks reviewed the city’s financial position. She reported that Ostrander ended 2025 with approximately $1.34 million in total funds, including positive balances in the general, water and sewer accounts. Brincks said the city remains in a strong financial position and can complete planned improvements without raising taxes.
The council next addressed several park-related projects.
Brincks reported that insurance will cover a portion of repairs needed at the park pavilion, leaving the city responsible for approximately $1,600. The council also reviewed a $1,900 estimate to replace the roof over the ballfield bleachers. Both projects were approved.
The council also discussed a proposal from the Lions Club to construct a pavilion over the concrete pad at Lund Park. The organization has pledged $1,500 toward the project, but the estimated cost exceeds $8,000. Given the amount of infrastructure work already planned this year, council members elected to table the proposal for future discussion.
Before adjournment, Rice reminded council members that annual firefighter fit testing and physical examinations are scheduled for next week.
The council then approved a motion to adjourn.
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