The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14. Under Public Comment, Mel Lorence said that the former Reinhart’s Jewelry building was getting junky looking and had too many vehicles. He said it looks bad. He asked about 7th Street getting patched in front of his house. He commented that it would be nice if they didn’t plow all the snow into his driveway, but pushed it north. He asked about the concrete plant and how much water it was going to use. The response was that no contract has been signed so far. He also asked about the former bowling alley, what was going to be done with it and said that apartments aren’t allowed on the ground floor. The response was that is a private sale and the city doesn’t control it. He also asked if something couldn’t be done about the train horns blowing in town. Cindy Cardinal reported on the Owen-Withee Farmers Market saying that there have been 21 unique vendors so far this year and two weeks prior there had been 16 vendors in attendance. Chief of Police Patrick Fehlman said that Crime Stoppers had gotten an anonymous animal complaint. He said that is not what Crime Stoppers is for. They don’t do ordinances, neighbor complaints or animal complaints. A person can call Clark County Dispatch and not have their name put on the report if they choose. In the future, all animal complaints should be directed either to the local police or to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
The August meeting is being moved to August 4 because of the election on August 11. It will still be at city hall at 6 p.m.
It was decided to send the Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Committee for review. Since this issue came up because Sheila Nyberg said the plan wasn’t being followed in regard to the historic look of buildings on Central Avenue, it was suggested that she be invited to the Planning meeting. The council also said the plan should be a five- year plan going forward. Alderperson Bob Wilczek said that having business on main street was more important than keeping a historic look.
In regard to the Poppe property that the city recently cleaned up, Chief Fehlman said he had talked to the city attorney about more junk being brought in. He said that technically since it is new stuff, he has to start all over again with writing ordinance citations. He will be sending her a letter. He is also seeking help from other agencies.
Clerk Tracy Rau asked for permission to purchase a used tabletop voting machine for $500. She said it would help with the people who say they don’t use the machine because the lines are too long. The purchase was approved and the money will come from her office expense. She said the county clerk will update the machine so it can be used for the election. The city also has to pay a $400 annual licensing fee.
The dog park was discussed. Mayor Scott Jalling said he put it on the agenda because of all the complaints on Facebook trashing the dog park. People don’t pick up the dog poop, they leave toys, and now someone is hauling rocks in. A city employee got hurt when the lawnmower threw one of the rocks. DPW Chad Smith was told to check on prices for security cameras that could be placed in the area so they know who is doing or not doing these things as the case might be.
The chip seal bid from Farner was approved. He will do double or single chip sealing as needed and also do clean-up. The polymer seal he will use is supposed to last longer.
For the Public Works Report, DPW Smith said they are working with the DNR and DATCP on a spill that happened on private property. It was weed sprayer stuff and has been cleaned up. He also did water samples that he delivered to the lab rather than try to send them with it being so hot. There was a seal failure on one of the lift station pumps. It has been sent for repair. They have been doing manhole inspections when there is a heavy rain trying to figure out where the storm water is getting in. He completed the Phosphorus Optimization Report. The outside work on the city garage is done. They will do the inside work on rainy days and have it done before winter. He has been working with Cedar Corp on the bike trail plans. They did some cleanup after the storm on June 10. Public works painted curbs and crosswalks and have started crack sealing. They installed mosquito traps in the park.
DPW Smith talked to Wild Hearts Daycare. They don’t want to pay to move the horse shelter. It was suggested that maybe the dental clinic would help with the cost as their patients use the shelter.
Under the South Taylor Agreement discussion, it was noted that Cole Szpara didn’t like the agreement he was given and made changes unacceptable to the city. DPW Smith, Clerk Rau, and Mayor Jalling talked to him about the changes and the city attorney prepared a new agreement. The council looked through the agreement and it will be forwarded to Szpara.
Under the Mayor’s Report, Jalling said that the new Christmas lights ordered with leftover Centennial funds would be in the next day.
Under Other Reports, DRC Chairperson Ken Martine said that the street would be closed for the Car Show on August 15 and asked what process the city wanted followed. The DRC will fill out the form, but that is all that will be required. He also said the DRC might be transitioning from hanging baskets to pots on the sidewalk next year.
The rent is still being paid for the upstairs apartment at the Senior Center. DPW Smith would like to do some remodeling before it is rented out again. He said this would also allow them to raise the rent.
There will be no second meeting in July.