Ellsworth- An ordinance when it comes to E-Bikes, Scooters and Electric Vehicles in Ellsworth was discussed during Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.: There was discussion about collaborating with the City of Jewell on a proposed ordinance to ensure consistent enforcement by local law enforcement. Ellsworth Heidi Eckers will reach out to Jewell City Clerk to
arrange a work session with the two communities’ Police Board members. Council will look over the packet examples from Humboldt and Ankeny and get back to Clerk Eckers individually within the next week. EJS Police Officer Caleb Morton was present and mentioned he would like to see helmets included as a requirement and recommended safety classes for youth in Ellsworth.
Ashley Platte brought community concerns about the intersection of Hwy 175 and Ubben/Delphi with regard to a safe crossing point for pedestrians in the future, once Dollar General is open. The Council recommends that Platte start a petition for a flashing light crossing with community support to submit to the DOT. Bobby Caudle was
present and raised concerns about severe water backup in the city’s stormwater system at the intersection of Park Ave
and Park Ave Circle whenever it rains. Caudle submitted a work order to the city in 2012, and to his knowledge, the issue has never been remedied.
Ashley Platte and Brittany Williams of the Ellsworth Community Association were present to update the Council on the parameters for the beer garden for the Ellsworth Extravaganza. There will be portable bathrooms within a fenced area, one entrance with ID’s being checked, and no beverages allowed to leave the designated area. 21 plus only and wristbands will be placed after ID’s are
checked. The ladies also updated the Council on the timeframes for road closures during the event and asked if Clerk Eckers could send out a message the week prior to alert community members to the closures. Friday evening, the streets surrounding the city park will be closed from 6 – 6:30 pm to accommodate the kiddie parade. The 1500-1700 blocks of Dewitt will be closed on Saturday from 9am to 2pm. After 2 pm on Saturday, the four streets surrounding the City Park will be closed to allow for pedestrian safety.
Katie Sterk, Engineer with Bolton and Menk was present to update the Council on recent testing and systems analysis at the City Water Treatment Facility. Newly hired affidavit operator Danny Anderson had compiled a list of equipment needed for purchase to update the anti-scalant system, at the recommendation of the engineering
firm. Katie Sterk also earmarked work that needs to be done on the chlorine pre-treatment system at the water plant. By the next Council meeting, Katie will have a scope of work and a fee schedule for a full asset inventory of the water
plant. The Ellsworth City Council voted to approve the purchase of the anti-scalant equipment totaling $6661.85. Roll call votes 4-0. Motion carried. The Ellsworth City Council was presented with an upcoming electric system training offered by the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities. Ellswoth Public Works employee Knickerbocker would like to participate in the three-day course to learn more about maintaining the city’s electric system. The council voted to allow Knickerbocker to participate in the training.
Clerk Eckers presented an estimate from Commercial Construction Products for replacing the rear door at
City Hall, the company that just replaced all doors on the concession stand in the park and the two new public restrooms
at the city park. The Ellsworth City Council voted to approve the purchase of the new door and painting/sealant
of the new door for a total of $3400.