ELLSWORTH-This week the Ellsworth City Council received an update on the old fire department building being emptied. Sogard Excavating will be tearing the building down in the next week or two. The new doors on the new city shed will be installed this week or two. Once complete, the fire department equipment currently being housed in a rented space will be moved over to the new city shed where rent will not be charged. The Ellsworth weather siren is still waiting on a custom bracket before it can be mounted on the new pole by the fire station. Another issue is the Ellsworth water plant having a valve issue that the city is addressing. The new RO filters will be installed in the water plant early next week.
Iowa DNR state arborist Joe Herring visited Ellsworth recently to assess the re-populating of trees throughout city easement, public spaces, the storm water ditch and the lagoons. Herring prepared a map with locations, suggested species and recommendations, which Ellsworth city clerk Heidi Eckers shared with the council. Eckers said she will be applying for the DNR Trees for Kids Grant to help cover the cost of initial tree purchases.
The renovation of the Ellsworth City Hall is underway. The council was updated on the timeline for the south-facing wall resurfacing, the front facade work and the rear door work. Eckers informed the council that Ellsworth has been selected to participate in a comprehensive community planning process with the Iowa State University College of Design. Officials with Ellsworth TelCom will be contacted to request a partnership contribution for the project which will make Ellsworth eligible for the Ripple Effect Grant through Iowa Area Development Group to help offset the cost of the comprehensive planning project. The first visit by the Iowa State students will be on Wednesday, August 27 from 3 until 6 p.m. to have their first look at the community and to define priorities with local leaders and the direction for the community in this 10 year plan.
A quote from Thompson Construction for the installing of a metal roof on the Ellsworth School was approved by the council. The quote was for $37,312.59 to tear off, repair and replacement of the roof on the old school house building.
In 0ther matters, the Ellsworth City Council will be researching for a grant for new playground equipment. The public restroom updates are underway, a ring camera will be installed to help alleviate the risk of vandalism. There is a need for volunteers to help with painting the courts for the new Pickleball court project once the cracks are filled and sealed.
The date for Ellsworth’s city wide trick or treating will be Thursday,October 30th from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.