The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 8. They approved operators’ licenses for Thomas Swiggum and Alexander Dunnivant, contingent on them being approved by the police.

Mayor Scott Jalling asked for a $5,000 donation for the Centennial Celebration. He said if the money doesn’t get spent, it will be given back to the city. He gave an overview of centennial events that are being planned and asked that the council give direction to the Finance Committee as they are working on the budget. Alderperson Pam Jaffke said that the Finance Committee did write it in for now, but that they still have work to do. They will be meeting again on October 28 and hope to get the 2025 budget completed.

Sandy Deacon asked for a donation for House of Friends. She said they have kids on Monday and Thursday and that the school no longer has an after school program. They currently have 15-19 students attending. They have two directors and two volunteers. They do a couple of fundraisers every year and ask for donations. Snacks are donated. She said they do homework, reading and play games. Jaffke said Finance discussed this also. They penciled in $1,500 as House of Friends no longer has to pay rent. Alderperson Bob Wilczek said he would like to keep the donation at $3,000 as they have done in the past. Alderperson Ken Martine asked about doing it in two payments. Wilczek said they could do part this year and part next year. The council voted to donate $1,500.

There was no nuisance update for this meeting, but it is being worked on.

Under the Public Works Report, DPW Chad Smith reported on water. The lead and copper survey is done and submitted. Members of the public can view the full report by making an appointment with him or at city hall. The inside of the water tower is painted. The bowl wasn’t that bad on the outside, but the stem was bad. So painting the outside of the tower could be pushed off and they could just fix what they needed to now. Smith said they had already figured out how to pay for it so he talked to Clerk Tracy Rau and Mayor Jalling and then told Lane Tank to go forward with the work. He is hoping to be able to fill the tank by October 21. They repaired a water leak on Central Avenue. He submitted his response letter to the DNR in regard to the annual water inspection.

For Sewer, Smith report that the lining of the sewer main on 4th Street is done. He submitted his Phosphorus Optimization Report for 2024 which outlines what they plan to do to lower phosphorus levels. He is working on his PFOS and PFAS minimization report, which is due the end of the month. Test results have shown low levels so far. He submitted his sludge analysis in regard to metals. He is meeting with Cedar Corp to discuss the plant upgrade and standpipe repairs.

Under the Street Department, Smith said that they replaced some curb and sidewalk by Cozy Corner. They did some repairs to the sidewalk around the concession stand at Mill Pond Park. They also replaced the light on the billboard by Curtiss with a new LED light. Smith talked about the vandalism that occurred at the Mill Pond bathrooms. He plans to close them for the winter and try to lock them at night during the summer. He could get programmable locks but they are expensive. Alderperson Jason Thornton said the police used to lock them. Smith said he could get a couple more security cameras. He plans to close down Crowley Park Campground on October 31, same as when county parks close. The DOT is asking him to redo the Request for Statement of Qualifications for the bike trail grant. Smith had sent it to five engineering firms and only got one response. The DOT gave him a list of engineers and he is to send it to all of them. Most of the items purchased with the Safe Crossing Grant have been completed. The flashing signs still need to be put up. Smith also talked about having a cold storage building. If the police are going to replace their garage, he is willing to tear it down, put in a slab by the city garage, add tin, and power for lights. He wants to get his stuff moved out of the F&NE Depot as the roof is getting bad. Smith will also price out a new pole building for cold storage. Jaffke asked if the Depot would be torn down after it is emptied. The consensus seemed to be yes unless the O-W Area Historical Society wants it.

Under the Clerk’s Report, Clerk Rau said they are working on the budget, she attended a meeting about levy limits, they had an issue with hornets in city hall, the 2023 audit will be done soon, they transferred the ARPA money into checking to pay for the painting of the water tower, and they are getting ready for the election. The attorney will be invited to the next meeting to discuss the Bohl and Kerry Ingredients contracts.

Under the Mayor’s Report, Jalling proposed only having one meeting in November and doing it on November 19. The budget hearing will be scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with the regular meeting immediately following.

Under Other Reports, Jaffke said she wanted to give a shout out to Linda Barna for her work with the Farmers Market and Terry Plautz for his work with the Community Gardens.