The Ostrander City Council met in regular session on April 5. Council members present included Stephanie Start, Vernon Thompson, DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, and Mayor Pam Kunert. City Clerk Wendy Brincks also attended. Fire Chief Jason Rice and City Maintenance Chief Jeremy Runkle also attended.
Runkle brought up an idea, stating, “The old playset that’s still at the playground… I’ve had requests from… residents in town. They would like a place to go at Lund Park, and I thought that little playset would fit fine.” He added that several families with small children live near Lund Park, and the equipment would probably be appreciated there. Mayor Kunert said, “I think it’s an excellent idea.” The council voted to approve the suggestion. Runkle will work on preparing and moving the appropriate equipment.
Runkle also asked the council to consider allowing him to purchase a pressure washer for the city. He explained the ways it would be used, and offered the council several units to consider, available from a local retailer. He summarized, “I think any of them will do the job that I’m asking it to do.”
The council reviewed the prices for the Craftsman and Stihl pressure washers. DJ Start stated his opinion, saying, “I think with the Stihl, the parts would be more readily available.” After discussion, the council okayed purchasing the Stihl RB 400 unit, at a price of $649.
Fire Chief Jason Rice shared information about a “grass rig” that he’d like to purchase for the department. The purchase price is $17,000, and Rural Fire will pay 50%. The council voted to approve the purchase.
Rice also shared that if/when Ostrander’s fire department joins with the Spring Valley Fire Department, it would likely take a year or more to complete that process. He also stressed that this is just something being considered, and is definitely not “a done deal.”
Brincks pointed out that Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) has bought out Sunshine Sanitation, and she checked to see that the city’s contract will still be honored. She stated, “Yes, they sent a letter. They’re guaranteeing they’ll honor the contracted price for the five years.” She added that some citizens have reported not being pleased with the customer service when they call LRS to discuss their specific charges and/or discounts. Brincks also asked the council to consider on which date to offer citywide cleanup. The options were June 18 or June 25. Council members realized that June 18 falls on Fathers Day weekend. After discussion, the council opted for June 25, 8-11 a.m.
Brincks shared with the council two contract proposals from KLM Engineering, for cleaning of Ostrander’s water tower. She asked council members to “take it home and look them over.” She explained that she is awaiting more information on specifically how frequently the city will need to have the water tower professionally cleaned, and that will help determine what type of contract to enter into. No action was taken at this time.
Brincks pointed out that there will be a special election held on May 24 for Congressional District 1. She said she’s working on lining up election judges for that day. The council discussed Uff Da Day, which will be held on July 9, as a one-day event. Mud Bogs will be held on July 10. The council gratefully accepted a $1,000 donation from MiEnergy to be used for playground equipment.
The council’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 3, 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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