Library project construction firm hired

ELLSWORTH – The planters in Ellsworth’s West End/Uptown Business District will soon receive a makeover, thanks to a little elbow grease and a big vision.

Kayleen Jakes from the Ellsworth E3 Arts Committee presented an array of colorful plans to the Ellsworth Village Board Monday, April 4, which were unanimously approved. The Arts Committee is partnering with local youth, including students and 4-H clubs, to design, clean, prime and paint the planters that line Main Street. Each design is meant to reflect the business in front of which it’s placed. Work will begin as soon as weather allows.

Library project

The board greenlighted hiring Market & Johnson to complete the Ellsworth Public Library remodel at 388 W. Main St. for a price tag of $908,700, pending final legal review. Four other bids were received, three of which were north of $1 million. Market & Johnson, which is based out of Eau Claire, is western Wisconsin’s largest commercial construction firm.

The project has an estimated fall completion date. More details will be forthcoming concerning a “groundbreaking” ceremony.

Community Development Authority

The Community Development Authority committee met March 24 and made headway on a couple of bigger items. The CDA agreed to consider using American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase the former junior high, located at 254 S. Chestnut St. The building, which is considered a blighted property, would be redeveloped.

Cedar Corporation estimated it would provide a quote for services in the razing of 245 N. Broadway St. by this week.

Public Works

•Spring Clean-up Week will be held April 16-23. Public Works employees will do curbside pickup of debris on April 18.

•Computer upgrades totaling $4,518 were approved for the Public Works Department. The equipment in question helps operate the water towers and lift stations.

•The board approved a $26,135 quote from Quality Flow Systems to repair the lift stations.

•CBS Squared is currently working on a proposal for the scope of work along Piety and Grant streets. This summer, residents can expect to see complete reconstruction (two separate projects) with stormwater, wastewater, sidewalks, curb and gutter replacement.

_ The board approved moving to four 10-hour work days for the Public Works employees, April through October. PWD Director Bradley Vick said the move will save on hourly overtime and make for a more efficient schedule.

• Board President Becky Beissel thanked Trustee Michael Steele for 11 years of service. He chose not to seek re-election April 5.

•Beissel updated the board on the village’s Comprehensive Plan process. Three town hall sessions garnered about 20 attendees each. The next step is holding focus groups with area stakeholder groups.

•The board approved a $1,200 proposal with HR Strategies for Excellence LLC for employee handbook updates.

•The board approved a $200 donation to the Ellsworth High School Senior Grad Nite party, but agreed to evaluate the reasons behind the donation. Trustees raised concerns over favoring one organization over another for donations.

•The board approved a $1,000 donation to the Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival, scheduled for June 24-25.

•The board approved the resignation of office assistant Sarah Buhr, who accepted a job at St. Croix County.

•Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Nicole Stewart said residents can expect to see the 3% rate increase on their water bills next quarter.

•An air quality test will be conducted at the Village Hall (130 N. Chestnut St.), where employees have reported “unpleasant side effects” when working inside.

•Ellsworth Police responded to 291 calls for service in March, up from 236 in February. Police Chief Eric Ladwig commended Officer Darrin Foss for his quick thinking and apprehension of a theft suspect in March.

The Ellsworth E3 Arts Committee and area youth are gearing up to make over planters on Ellsworth’s West End when weather allows. The designs are meant to tie into the businesses in front of which the planters are placed. Photos courtesy of Ellsworth E3 Arts Committee