The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 22. El Pinal was on the agenda as they would like to use the space behind the restaurant to add a store selling Mexican food. The question was whether he could have a license to sell alcohol for off premises consumption for that area along with his alcohol license for on premises consumption in the restaurant. Alderperson Bob Wilczek said the fire department would be willing to work with him on any fire safety issues with opening up a second business in the building. The issue will be put back on the next agenda for an update.

Mayor Scott Jalling gave an update on the nuisance property. He spoke to the city attorney and a letter was sent and a response received from the property owner. It will be discussed in closed session on November 19 when the attorney is at the meeting. Jalling said he doesn’t want to spend the money on taking the property owner to court if they are just going to continue to bring more stuff in. Wilczek said he has gotten calls and feels they should abate the nuisance. They could get an earlier start on writing citations if it happens again. The taxpayers that live in that area would see the council doing something. Wilczek also noted that if it goes to court, the cost of abatement can be assessed against the property. Alderperson Pam Jaffke said she hated to see nothing done. Alderperson Jason Thornton asked about recouping the cost. Alderperson John Mauel felt it would help with public perception.

Municode was postponed until the next meeting as no new information on cost was available.

Under the Mayor’s Report, Jalling said that Prevail Bank had donated $5,900 to sponsor the Lumberjack Show for the Centennial. He reminded everyone that there will be only one meeting in November on the 19th. The budget hearing is also expected to be held that night. The budget hearing will start at 5:30 p.m. with the regular meeting immediately following. In regard to Kerry Ingredients, the city attorney got an agreement written for the past due water bill. Kerry sent a check for $27,000, so only owe about $18,000, including their current bill. He said that Brant Windham at Kerry was not sure why the larger amount was paid.

Under Other Reports, Alderperson Ken Martine said that the Downtown Revitalization Committee will be donating $500 to the Centennial. The Statements of Qualifications from engineers for the trail grant will be looked at before the Finance Meeting.

A new building permit form is being tested and will be on a future agenda for approval.