The Ellsworth City Council this week met with Jim Leiding of Bolten and Menk on the water tower project. There was a question on the variability of the previous bids for the Ellswrth project compared to other Iowa water tower projects. The council revisited the history of the new water tower project which began in 2022. There were questions concerning the need for the 350,000-gallon tank versus the DNR recommended 200,000-gallon tank. After much discussion, the Ellsworth City Council approved the engineering services agreement and contract for services and to move forward with bid letting on a 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank with an alternative of 200,000-gallon tank. There was also a discussion with Ellsworth Public Works supervisor Nick Vanlangen about whether it would be possible to begin the Main Street project in Ellsworth prior to the new water tower. The council recommended to city clerk Heidi Eckers adding the cost of the scope to the 2027 fiscal year budget.
Ellsworth mayor Barry Anksorus presented to the council with a list of two-person committees he would like to see implemented by the February 9th council session. This includes the police board, personnel committee, streets/alleys/sidewalks, electric utility committee, parks and rec committee which includes Bingo and the water/sewer committee. The hope is that these two-person committees can meet outside of Council sessions to discuss concerns, projects, direction and budget, thereby making Council sessions more efficient. Beth Grove submitted her resignation on the Ellsworth Planning and Zoning Board. A replacement will be announced at the next council session.There have been improvements made to the Ellsworth Community Center. Volunteers from the Ellsworth Community Association will help with the painting and repair the railing on the stairs leading down from the double doors on the west side of the building. The work is expected by completed by January 24th in time for the South High Pride Volleyball tournament.