Council approves swimming pool line quote for next year

The Ortonville City Council met for their first meeting of the month on Monday, April 7 at the Library Media Center. Council member Ashley Berger was absent from the meeting.

Mary Reedy of CliftonLarsonAllen gave a presentation on the findings of the 2024 City Financial Audit. She had stated that there were no disagreements with management about matters that could be significant to the financial statements. The management was most cooperative and helpful. A motion was made and passed unanimously to approve the Financial Audit by CliftonLarsonAllen for 2024.

Ortonville Area Health Services CEO Dr. Al Ross was present to discuss the purchase of operating room equipment for OAHS. Dr. Ross informed the council that equipment is outdated with the cost of $505,217 to replace. Dr. Ross stated that there is about a three to four month lag to get the new equipment. Council member approved unanimously to have the equipment replaced with OAHS providing the funds to purchase. 

The City received quotes for the Ortonville Municipal Swimming Pool liner. Council members approved the low quote from RenoSys Corporation in the amount of $94,894 with a 10 percent down payment upon contract execution of $8,939.40. The quote from RenoSys Corporation for the swimming pool liner will come from the capital funds in 2026 and further that the Mayor and Clerk/Administrator are hereby authorized to execute the necessary documents.

A resolution was approved for Jesse Roscoe, the Golf Course Superintendent, to waive the public official bond for the purpose of collecting green fees and cart fees at the golf course. This is in effect until new managers of the Clubhouse are named.

A resolution approving the proposal rate between the City of Ortonville and Big Stone County for Law Enforcement services was approved. The proposal rate was for $427,000 for 2025 and a three percent increase for 2026 and 2027. The 2026 rate would be $439,810 and the 2027 rate would be $453,004.30. The county would retain police aid and training reimbursements. The vote was 5-1 with councilman Tom Dorry casting the nay vote.

Council members passed a resolution approving the request of funds to FEMA due to an insurance settlement of $39,075.

The council passed a resolution approving the clubhouse sprinkler system with Summit Fire Protection for $4,800. This includes the recharging, flushing lines and inspection of system,  and testing of the Class 7 fire extinguishers.

A discussion was held on the old Ambulance Garage. Council members approved unanimously to list the ambulance garage for sale. Council members Dwyer and Karels abstained from voting.

A resolution was approved for the city land purchase agreement with Gloege Concrete on Parcel 22-1278-019, Lot 5, Block 2, Lundell Stegner 1st Addition. This is with City Attorney approval and they are to start within a year and finish within three years.

Council member Dillon Dwyer had questioned the county commissioners on the Cannabis ordinance. The council had requested for Dillon to check on the number of licenses within the county that would be allowed. In the Joint Powers agreement it only indicates one permit. The county attorney recommended that the county not change their ordinance and if the City of Ortonville wants to do their own ordinance that they would accept that. A motion was by Dwyer and seconded by Melton and passed to refer the matter to the city attorney to create an ordinance of our own.

Councilman Dwyer is interested in the program Housing Institute. He will do a follow up with Lisa from the EDA on it.

In other business, the council approved the following:

• Recommendation to not hire tree dump attendant for 2025.

• Recommendation to advertise for sealcoating and street items

• Recommendation to advertise for towing services for 2025

The next meeting of the Ortonville City Council will be Monday, April 21 at 5 p.m. in the Library Media Center.