The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22. Under Public Comment, Owen Clerk Tracy Rau talked about the upcoming Board of Review for the city. She also said that Jim Bohl would like to be on the next agenda. He would like to trade the two lots he purchased for single family housing for two lots where he can build duplexes.

The Bike Trail was discussed. DPW Chad Smith said they have gotten the price down to $684,953, of which the city would be responsible for 20 percent. This is to replace what they currently have. A small portion of the cost would also be Withee’s as the trail extends into the village limits. The lights will be replaced, but the wiring underground will not. It was noted that the longer they wait, the higher prices will go. The city either needs to sign the agreement with the DNR for the grant or give it back. Design work would start in 2027, with the project bid in the spring of 2028 and construction starting later that year. The project would be finished in the spring of 2029. The project must be completed by June of 2031. If the grant is given back, it will be more difficult for the city to get a grant in the future. Alderperson John Mauel said it needs to get done and alderperson Bob Wilczek said the cost would only be about $23,000 per year if they can spread it over five years. He also felt that the finance committee should look at it and try to figure out where the money for the city’s portion would come from. Finance will meet and bring their assessment back to the next council meeting.

The post office is asking the city to place a Cluster Box Unit for mail in Countryside Estates. They are also asking Jim Bohl to do this by his duplexes. In the alternative, all mailboxes could be moved to County Hwy D. The properties in the area where the city has been asked to place their unit already have mailboxes and they would be grandfathered in. There was some discussion of whether this was really city responsibility and the question was asked about what would happen if the city refused. The cost of the unit is $2,400 not including the cement work to mount it. Wilczek suggested asking the city attorney about what they are required to do. It was agreed to have the city attorney look at the request.

The council looked at a draft of the Developer’s Agreement for the new business looking at coming into the Business Park on the east side of the city. Their attorney is also looking at it currently. A motion was approved to give Mayor Scott Jalling and Planning Committee Chair Ray Kilty the authority to make changes to the agreement, if needed, with the city attorney’s approval.

The city still has crop land available to lease in Countryside Estates and in the business parks. The current renter’s contract is up and he still owes for last year. There was discussion about whether to do a five year or three year contract. It was also noted that the agreement needs to have something in it about crop damage if a business doesn’t want to wait until the crop is harvested before building. Berry Farms is willing to rent the land for $195 per acre. The council agreed to lease the land to Berry Farms for $195 for three years as long as they aren’t required to go out to bid.

Raising the cost of garbage pick-up was discussed. It was agreed to raise the cost by $2 per month.

Under the Public Works Report, DPW Chad Smith spoke about the Wisconsin Rural Water Association Conference he had attended. They have dealt with a couple of water main breaks and some issues with pump failure and SCADA communications from the wells. They will be doing water main flushing early in May. For sewer, they also had a pump fail alarm and a communication failure with the Withee Lift Station. Smith is working to get a quote on rebuilding the standpipe. For streets, they have been remodeling the bathroom above the Senior Center. They are looking for a new employee as Austin Aull has resigned. They lost money on the Clean Sweep. If they do it again next year, they will have to charge for more items. They also talked about asking if Withee wanted to participate next year and share the costs.

Two dates were suggested for a possible combined meeting with the Withee Village Board to discuss the Police Agreement, if the village is willing to talk.