The detention basin at Krizek Park was once again a topic of discussion at the Ellsworth City Council meeting Monday evening. Not only was an executive session held for members and the city attorney, but a number of people were invited to speak by City Administrator Dustin Stambaugh.

“As we all know, Krizek Park is an important community space that provides a wide range of benefits to our residents,” Stambaugh said. “It offers a place for people to exercise, relax and connect with nature, as well as a venue for community events and gatherings; however, since the project began, the detention has deteriorated due to lack of funding and maintenance to the spring area where the detention area is. Right now, we need a clear direction to where the residents want us to go with the project.”

Stambaugh invited City Street Foreman Troy Kralik and Ellsworth Water and Sewer Superintendent Joe Travnichek. Kralik and Travnichek had a hand in various aspects of the project. Their consensus was that the best that can be done is weekly maintenance to keep cottonwood trees and other shrubs down and treat the water with tablets to keep airborne pests down.

“We can try to do the best we can,” Kralik said.

In the end, the city council approved getting the public’s input on the basin in the form of an advisory board of eight to 10 residents from the community and council members.

Unfinished business

General liability insurance in the amount of $1 million is a requirement for leasing city facilities. Brittany Kasper, Ellsworth Tumble, Dance and Cheer instructor, requested the city council table this portion of her contract with the city for her use of the recreation center for classes. This would allow her to continue classes without interruption, as they are nearing their final performance. Classes have been going on for more than a decade, and in place of the policy, waivers have been obtained from participants and their guardians. Classes are not held over the summer, so during that time, Kasper will look into insurance options.

New business

After research by Stambaugh, council members approved a new company to perform the financial audit for the city. Varney and Associates has held the audit contract for three years; however, staff expressed a desire to see if another company could provide fresh insight and perspective, and they did not submit a bid. Adams Brown LLC will be performing the audit for 2022 as well as 2023 and possibly 2024.

“One of my favorite feedbacks that I got is ‘They are not afraid to tell us what we’re doing wrong,’” Stambaugh said.

City council members approved a request for Stambaugh to look into a new insurance agent. The current agent has been with the city for a number of years, and Stambaugh would like to see if there are other options better suited to the city’s needs.

“I would like authorization to begin the process of shopping around for a new insurance agent that can provide us with the best possible coverage at the most reasonable cost,” Stambaugh said. “I understand that selecting a new insurance agent can be a complex process, and we are committed to ensuring that our city receives the best possible coverage and value.”

This does not mean the insurance agent will change, just that Stambaugh has the ability to look at other options.

The council approved the purchase of a groundpenetrating sonar tool for $33,365. The cost will come from the water sewer capital improvement fund. The sonar will allow for accurate location of water and sewer lines without digging.

“With the issues we’ve had, this will make things more efficient and costeffective,” Travnichek said.

The city council approved $120,000 of tax increment financing funds to go to Dr. Lindsey Voeltz for her new office building at 1512 Aylward Ave. The initial amount of $35,000 she requested in 2021 would not be enough to cover the building.

“It’s been a mess; it’s been on hold a long time,” Voeltz said. “We’ve made our building smaller, we’ve increased our budget — this is where we are at unfortunately. Inflation has been a huge issue.”

Voeltz will have to submit additional figures to the city council, but otherwise, everything is in order and she is hopeful the building will start progressing.

Council members approved the reclassification of city property that is in storage into surplus property so it can be sold. Funds from the sale will be returned to each department’s equipment reserve. Items reclassified include: 10 table-height, dark brown Ashley Furniture chairs 18 counter-height, dark brown Ashley Furniture chairs 4 36”x 36” x 36” round, counter-height, Ashley Furniture faux marble top tables 1 2007 616T2 Grasshopper mower 1 2000 Club Car w/ utility bed 1 2005 E-Z-GO TXT golf cart 1 Garland 10-burner gas stove