The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 9.
Election officials for 2026-2027 were approved as was the Labor Agreement, which was only an update to wages.
With the death of Mary Lynn Kiviko, a new member was needed for the Tree Advisory Committee. Stephen Ristola was appointed by Mayor Scott Jalling and approved by the council.
Police Chief Patrick Fehlman gave an update on the abatement property. He said they will likely have a court date near the end of January. A date of January 8 had been set, but Fehlman was not available to be in court that day. Fehlman felt they could expect an abatement order at that court date and should be prepared. The judge may or may not give them time to get it done outside of winter. Alderperson Pam Jaffke asked if it would be possible to watch the hearing on Zoom. Fehlman said he will check.
The Wellhead Protection Ordinance and changes to the Winter Parking Ordinance recommended by the Ordinance Committee were approved.
DPW Chad Smith gave the Public Works Report. For water, he said the ground reservoir was inspected. It looks okay, but it is old. They had to do work on the transducer at Well #6 and heaters in the wellhouses. They also replaced a heater fan motor at the booster station. For sewer, they continue to jet the sewer mains. The standpipe at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is done. The initial estimate to do the work was $251,000. It ended up costing $71,500. Public Works plans to repaint it themselves next summer. In the Streets Department, they picked up leaves, swept streets, put up the new Welcome to Owen sign on Hwy 29, put up Christmas lights, put up the snowmobile signs through town, put the old Welcome to Owen sign up at the O-W History Center, and plowed snow. Smith attended the Local Road Improvement Program meeting. Owen will be getting $16,780. Smith plans to use that on Madsen Street from Hwy X to where the street curves. In 2026, he is looking at doing some sealing on 4th, 5th and South Streets. For Parks, Smith said Crowley Park and Mill Pond Park are closed for the season.
Under the Mayor’s Report, Jalling extended condolences to the family of Mary Lynn Kiviko. Jaffke suggested they send a card. Jalling gave an update on the Centennial book saying he planned to pick it up on Friday.
Under Other Reports, Alderperson Bob Wilczek reported on the Police Committee meeting. He said they moved the savings account to the Local Government Investment Pool and talked about doing the same thing with the K9 fund. Chief Fehlman said he will be providing reports to the Owen Council in the new year. They will get the same reports that the Police Committee and Withee get.
Under the Treasurer’s Report, Wilczek asked if any work was being done at the Senior Center given the amount of money in the account. DPW Smith said the upstairs apartment needs work. They have removed one water heater and everything is now running through the remaining water heater. The front door and downstairs windows should be replaced. Clerk Tracy Rau said it also needs new flooring and should be painted.