Library working with architectural firm to study former BMO Harris building

Last week Monday, November 2nd, Ellsworth’s Village Board was back in action.

After the minutes from the October 5th meeting were approved, the option of public comment was given.

“I’m Angie Whalen, owner and occupier of 243 Broadway St. Some of you probably know that, my husband has been coming so I thought I would take my turn tonight. We haven’t heard of an update for a long time, probably two months now, on what’s going on with the property next door to us, the dilapidated property, 245 Broadway St.,” Whalen shared. “The last we had heard, there was supposed to be a Health and Safety Committee Meeting to discuss the future of what the Village might do to assist us with the issues we are having with that. I believe the last meeting scheduled was cancelled and I was just wondering if there were any updates for us.”

Whelan was informed that the Board is planning a closed session meeting to discuss the matter later in the month, but the date has not yet been finalized.

The 2021 Public Budget Hearing Date was set for Monday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

Trustee Neil Gulbranson presented a report from the October 19th Salary and Labor/Finance Committee meeting.

“There was a motion by DeWolfe, seconded by Wandmacher to increase office assistant wage by $3 an hour effective November 1st, 2020, due to the increase of duties and responsibilities working with the Public Works Director,” Gulbranson said before motioning to approve the wage increase as the Village Board.

The motion was carried without a negative voice vote.

Although not present, the board was still presented with the Library Department Head Report.

“The Ellsworth Public Library Building/Space executive committee is still in the process of gathering information to answer specific questions the Village Board asked,” wrote Tiffany Meyer, Ellsworth Public Library Director before listing the former BMO building, including annual operating cost, cost to bring the building up to code, cost to renovate the space enough to move the library to the building and cost to do a fuller renovation (phases 1 and 2), details of the fundraising plan, and the cost of the building itself.

“The design team from Ayres toured the former BMO building on October 5th. The library board held a special board meeting to approve the fee proposal from Ayres to provide a report on code upgrades, an opinion on probably costs, a conceptual plan for the senior center to aid in grant funding, and a presentation of their findings to the Village finance committee. The proposal has been signed and sent to Ayres. The project architect will send a report when the work is complete,” Meyers wrote.

Ellsworth Public Library photos.