The Ostrander City Council met on December 2 with Acting Mayor Dan Hellerud presiding. Council members DJ Start, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks. After a quick pass through the consent agenda, the council turned to the biggest decision of the night: filling the vacant mayor’s seat.
Under state statute, the vacancy required an appointment rather than a special election, since less than two years remain in the term. The council voted unanimously to appoint Councilor DJ Start as mayor, with his term running through December 31, 2026. The resolution had already been prepared in the meeting packet, and Start agreed to begin the administrative transition immediately.
Start’s appointment automatically vacated his council seat, and the council formally accepted his resignation. Brincks read the language noting the seat has one year left on its term, ending December 31, 2026. The council will accept applications from interested residents and will make an appointment at the next meeting on January 6. Anyone wishing to serve will have the chance to speak to the council that evening.
City Maintenance employee Jeremy Runkle reported a routine month overall, aside from a few alarms triggered by power fluctuations. Nothing serious developed at the wastewater plant. He also mentioned he plans to add more weight to his city truck for better traction, which sparked a round of lighthearted comments about the recent snowstorm. Runkle admitted he was among those who slid into the ditch over the weekend, and council members mentioned that many residents have complimented the plowing efforts and cleanup despite the tough conditions.
The council reviewed a volunteer application from Marly Dempewolf, who recently purchased the former Firewood Pizza building. Dempewolf, an EMT with Spring Valley Ambulance who lives within the required radius, was approved to join Ostrander’s First Responders.
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office report for November showed 45.2 patrol hours in town. Calls for service included several animal complaints, a fire call, an ambulance call, a criminal sexual conduct case, and a crash.
Payroll for the council, first responders, zoning board members, and the fire department was approved, with checks scheduled for December 15. With no questions from the council, the 2026 levy was approved as well. The levy remains unchanged from 2025 at $192,291, covering general revenue, fire protection, and capital outlay.
The council then adopted the 2026 city council meeting dates. Regular meetings will continue to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Ostrander Community Center on the first Tuesday of each month. Next year’s meeting dates are January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 6, September 1, October 6, November 5, and December 1. The August 6 and November 5 meetings fall on a Thursday because of National Night Out and the general election.
Planning Commission meetings will continue to follow council meetings when needed. Meetings are already scheduled for April 7, July 7, and November 5 at 7 p.m., immediately after the council meetings on those nights.
The council approved the 2026 fee schedule with no changes other than the previously approved sewer base rate adjustment. All other fees remain the same, including permits, utility rates, and liquor license fees.
Before adjourning, Hellerud reminded residents that Santa will visit the Ostrander Community Center on December 13 at 1 p.m. Flyers are already posted around town. With no further business, the council voted to adjourn.
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