Ellsworth, Michigan 49729
Phone: 231-588-7411
Email: office@villageofellsworth.com

November 11, 2024

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH COUNCIL MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

BANKS TOWNSHIP HALL

November 11, 2024

 

 Present: H. Campbell, L. Spearing,  G. McCallum, S. Sowers, A. Drenth, M. Bennett, S. Dhillon, and M. Potter

Absent: M. Drenth

Others:  Jacob Byrd, Jerry Rasmussen, Carla Kammerer, Bethany Cooper, and Jennifer Graham

Meeting called to order by Campbell at 7pm.

  1. MOTION by A. Drenth/seconded by Bennett to accept the minutes of the October 14, 2024 regular meeting as presented. CARRIED 7-0

PUBLIC INPUT: 

  • Jennifer Graham from Gordie Frazier spoke about the challenges of the water project. We have a 5.5-million-dollar grant and a 2 million dollar loan from the USDA. We rejected a 4.5-million-dollar loan with $500,000 forgiveness from EGLE and will reapply next year. We need more funding to lower the monthly consumer responsibility.

DEPARMENTAL REPORTS: 

 Police: Ponies at Worgess’ house have not been seen since McCallum & Byrd visited to discuss the issue. The Village issued a letter to be delivered by G. McCallum, zoning administrator.

  1. Streets: N/A
  2. DPW: AARP funding has been spent.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 DDA: There will be a festival attached to the tree lighting this year on December 1, 5pm. The village has agreed to provide hot chocolate for the event.

  1. Planning Commission: Ken Lane from Beckett and Raeder is working on updating our Master Plan.
  2. Parks and Recreation: Rec Director Bethany Cooper reported that she needs uniforms, helmets and masks for the little league program. Spearing suggested that we re-up our rec plan with the township. They held their first “Witchy Walk” Fundraiser, raised $149.00. It went well.

DISCUSSION:

 Sewer System: We have a 5.5-million-dollar grant and a 2 million dollar loan from the USDA. We rejected a 4.5-million-dollar loan with a $500,000 forgiveness from EGLE and will reapply next year. We need more funding to lower the monthly consumer responsibility.

  1. Wooden Shoe Holiday Festival/Community Christmas Tree: The DDA’s tree lighting festival.
  2. Playground Equipment: The equipment is here. Waiting on concrete to be poured.
  3. Front Porch Grant: The Front Porch is applying for a grant to purchase a whole cow, $6,200, and is asking for village support.
  4. Vandellen List: Dhillon will contact him about the memorial.
  5. ARPA Funds: The Village needs to obligate the funds.

ACTION ITEMS:

 MOTION by Bennett/seconded by Spearing to provide a letter of support for the Front Porch Grant Application. CARRIED 7-0

  1. MOTION by Spearing/seconded by McCallum to pay the $26,200 Peerless bill from the ARPA funds. CARRIED 7-0

 

  1. MOTION by McCallum/seconded by Bennett to accept a bid for $27,400 from Lake Area Construction for the police substation. CARRIED 7-0
  2. MOTION by Spearing/seconded by Dhillon to pay the bills as presented. CARRIED 7-0

PUBLIC INPUT: 

  • Carla Kammerer is concerned about the deterioration of Harris St. and would like the village to do something about it.
  • Lynn Spearing reported that the Michigan Municipal League has training available for newly elected officials.

 MOTION by Campbell/seconded by McCallum to adjourn at 7:45pm. CARRIED 7-0

Marlene Drenth, Village Clerk