City Council approves annual appointments, 2025 OFD officers

The Ortonville City Council held their first meeting of the new year Monday, Jan. 6 in the Library Media Center. All members of the City Council were present, with Ortonville Mayor Gene Hausauer welcoming the new council members Dillon Dwyer and Will Melton.

Council members approved the resignation of Jake Gliniary from the Ortonville Fire Department, effective Dec. 17, 2024. Gliniary thanked the Ortonville Fire Department for the time he served, as he and his family make the move to Long Prairie.

The Council approved the appointment of the 2025 Ortonville Fire Department Officers. Serving as Fire Chief is Kirby Athey, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Thompson, Secretary Nolan Fetters, Treasurer Nick Thymian, Training Officer Jeremy Ohm and Safety Officer Dustin Kindelberger.

A resolution approving the annual appointments was passed. The Ortonville Independent was designated the official newspaper, KDIO Radio the official radio station, Fluegel, Anderson, McLaughlin and Brutlag, Chartered as City Attorney and Minnwest Bank and RBC Wealth Management as official depositories.

The council also approved  the out-of-state travel policy.

Council members approved a resolution approving electronic fund transfers. Approved to do electronic fund transfers were Char Grossman, Deb Ellingson and Clint Dale.

Council members approved collection agency/unpaid utility bills in the amount of $880.86.

The council approved the appointments of Phyllis Barr and Jake Dorry to the hospital board. Mayor Gene Hausauer informed the council to look over the remaining appointment list to see if there would be any changes prior to the next city council meeting.

During staff reports, City Clerk/Administrator Char Grossman noted the ice skating rink is being used this winter. They city is monitoring the rink to see if they should keep it open in the future. She also added that the street department has been helping the light department with the cutting down of trees on the south edge of town.

A gambling permit for the Big Stone Healthcare Foundation was approved by the council for April 12.

Council members approved the 2nd reading of the following ordinances with updated language:

• Ordinance 24-04 which is amending ordinance title land use zoning, conditioning, use permit section 150.269 (A) (2).

• Ordinance 24-05, which is amending ordinance title land use zoning, conditioning, use permit section 150.026 (A) (2).

• Ordinance 24-06, amending ordinance title.

• Ordinance 24-07, amending ordinance title XV land use zoning and (unsure).

Mayor Hausauer informed the council that they have the go ahead from the City Attorney to put property by Fairway View Neighborhoods back on the market. A party that had purchased the property had not followed the ordinance of building on the lot, and the city was unable to contact this party. Council members approved unanimously to have the realtors try to sell the lot.

The next meeting of the Ortonville City Council will be Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. in the Library Media Center. This is a change of date due to the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday.