Ellsworth council hears updates on parks docks, plow repairs and a request to drill a non-potable well

During the Jan. 12, 2026 meeting the Village of Ellsworth discussed several operational and infrastructure items. Recreation Committee member S. Dhillon reported that docks will be installed at River Park on May 16, 2026, and presented a guide for Wooden Shoe Park that includes rates for new boat slips; she said the full Recreation Committee (A. Drenth, L. Nagy, S. Dhillon, J. Rasmussen) needs to meet to discuss park improvements.

Public works matters included a report from J. Rasmussen that the plow truck has required multiple repairs already this year. In zoning business, M. Bennett recommended turning the JSI Fiber Optics contract over to village attorneys for legal review; M. Drenth said she will send the contract to the lawyers.

Under discussion items, Jennifer Graham was not present and the sewer project conversation was postponed pending a follow-up meeting to be scheduled by J. Rasmussen. The council discussed a request from Dhillon Sommers of Sommerc3's Solutions seeking permission to drill a well for tanker use only, specified as non-potable water. The minutes note precedent for allowing such a well and that neither the zoning ordinance nor the water ordinance currently restricts it; J. Rasmussen said he would research further.

President J. Rasmussen also reported John Fant has been hired as the village liquor inspector, and the council formed a Human Resources Committee (S. Dhillon, J. Rasmussen). Clerk M. Drenth said she would look into new utility billing software. These items were discussed but no formal motions or votes on them are recorded in the minutes.