Updating the water meter reading system in Ellsworth was a main focus of Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council.

Rusty Varnado, city administrator, had representatives from three businesses give 10-minute presentations on their automated metering infrastructure systems. The presentations were given by Tim Schade of Core & Main, Matt Carls with Badger Meters and Andre Noel and Jim Jackson with Suez.

Although Varnado requested the council select a vender at Monday’s meeting, the consensus of the council was to table a decision until members have time to digest the information.

However, all agreed Ellsworth needs an upgrade.

“We need to get up with the times,” Mayor Mark Kennedy said.

In other business: • Approval was given to have the city staff solicit bids on or after Feb. 25

In other business: for the demolition of the unsafe house at 305 W. Second St. The council will allow Bob Kepka, fire chief, and Emil Halfhill, police chief, to determine whether the garage on the property is a safe structure. It will not be demolished if the two decide it meets city code.

Property owner Nick Schepmann asked that the detached garage remain intact, as it was not damaged in a fire that involved only the house.

“I’m of the opinion that we need to clear the entire property if it goes that route,” Varnado said.

“From my recollection, Mr. Schepmann is right, the garage was not damaged in the fire,” said Police Chief Emil Halfhill.

Halfhill said he thinks the garage is stable enough to be a structure; however, it would need a securable garage door to meet code.

“I would have to go take a look at it,” Halfhill said. “I’d be willing to take a look at it with Chief Kepka as well so that we could both give our opinions as to the quality of that structure.”