ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village board approved the imposition of a special sidewalk repair charge on Plum, West Main, South Chestnut and North Chestnut streets during the Nov. 3 meeting after some discussion with the public.

The assessments will be for 50% of the construction costs for completion in the coming year, with the first payment due in November 2026. Interest on unpaid balance comes in at 3% per year for a three-year term.

A Piety Street resident spoke on behalf of a friend who lives on Strickland Street. The ask was for the sidewalk to be put on the south side of Strickland Street rather than the north side when construction occurs. The sidewalk is currently on the south side of Strickland, which they said makes sense because people do not need to cross the street to use the sidewalk, and it inconveniences residents on the north side.

Village President Becky Beissel said she asked the same question, and was told the change was made because the right-of-way is off-center, so the sidewalk needed to be moved to fit within the right-of-way area.
Another commenter said they already get inches of water in their finished garage, and moving the sidewalk closer to the house could make things worse.

Village Attorney Robert Loberg said the village could explore keeping the sidewalk on the same side of Strickland, with the first step being the commenters receiving permission from the five property owners on the south side to consent to granting right-of-way to the village. From there, the Village Board could determine if keeping the sidewalk on the same side of the street is the correct course of action after fitting it into the right-of-way.

“The sidewalk is in a location right now where it is not supposed to be,” Loberg said.

East End Design

Representatives of Cedar Corporation presented at the meeting regarding streetscaping of the East End area. With the East End Redevelopment Plan in motion, the board saw and heard options for benches, trash containers, decorative concrete and trees. After giving some feedback, it was decided the Street and Sidewalk Committee will get a chance to have a meeting for feedback before approval.

Other business

• The board approved 2026 waste hauler rates with GFL, seeing 3% increases for each service type. New rates will be implemented in the first quarter of 2026.
• Approved change orders and a payment for the Grant and Piety Street projects.
• Amendments were made to the Crossing Meadows Business Park covenants, making changes to gas and fuel storage, odors, lighting, noises, outside storage, sales and signage.
• Approved the 2026 trailer court permit renewal with Evergreen Estates.
• The board discussed the Grant/Piety Street reconstruction project as well as the cell tower land lease renewal during closed session; no motion was made upon reconvening.