The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 13. In routine business, the council approved the minutes, an operator license and a street closure for the Owen Public Library for Trunk or Treat.
There were two requests to allow hunting in the city limits, one for at the city dump and one by River Country Co-op. Alderperson Ray Kilty said no hunting is allowed per the ordinance and felt if you open it to one, you have to open it to everybody. They did do a special hunt in the area of Kerry Ingredients in the past, but that was nuisance control. Alderperson Jason Thornton suggested checking with other municipalities. The council voted to deny both requests.
Chief of Police Patrick Fehlman reported that improvement has been made on the 2nd Street property that was abated. He will keep monitoring it, but said most of the stuff in the front yard has been taken care of.
A new recycling ordinance was approved for the DNR. They sent a template that Owen just had to insert their information in. It will take effect upon publication.
An update was given on the library. The new roof cost $19,000 and the city had budgeted $25,000. The library had $5,000 that they had raised. The library is wondering if the leftover money can be used toward the new furnace. They are planning on replacing two with one. One of the furnaces hasn’t worked for the past year. The change will mean adding some new ductwork. Mayor Scott Jalling asked if the money could be taken from what the library normally gets from the city. The Finance Committee will take a look at it.
An update was also given on the playground equipment. The old equipment has been removed. It was supposed to go to Crowley Park but DPW Smith doesn’t think it is in good enough shape. The Parks Committee will look at it to see if it is worth salvaging. The new equipment is in the process of being constructed and put in place. The borders will be ordered soon. The Prevail Park sign is here.
Alderperson Pam Jaffke reported on the Personnel Meeting. She said they talked about timekeeping software and the employee handbook. They talked about scheduling a demo to see what the Workhorse Software can do. Workhorse did a demo for Clerk Rau. The cost is $3,100 to set it up plus it will probably cost about $1,000 per year for the timecards. Committee members will get their handbook changes to Deputy Clerk Booth to make the updates and then they will look it over before bringing it to the council for approval.
Continuing the timekeeping software discussion, alderperson Ken Martine thought that it would be great if the city had a lot of employees but he felt the department heads are capable of tracking their people. Kilty said that what DPW Smith is doing on paper can be done electronically and faster. Thornton felt that they are currently paying $1,500 a year for a payroll system that doesn’t integrate with their accounting system. Most of the council felt they should give Workhorse a chance to demonstrate what the program can do. Kilty said they should have a procedure in place for the next person who is public works director. Jalling agreed they could hear what Workhorse had to offer. A meeting will be scheduled to demonstrate Workhorse with the department heads present so they can also ask questions.
Jaffke reported on the Police Committee meeting. She said they completed the budget, gave Chief Fehlman $1 per hour raise in line with what the two officers will be getting. The budget for 2026 is about where it should be. The money to correct the payroll reimbursement issue will have to come from savings. The budget would only have a 1.25% increase if it weren’t for the payroll issue caused by the auditor.
For the Bike Trail Update, Clerk Rau said the Booster Club donated $3,000. They also found the easement papers. The current construction estimate is about $630,000. Withee will have to pay about $16,506 and Owen $109,464, the rest will be covered by a grant. In addition, the city will remove the old light poles and move three fire hydrants next year.
Selling equipment was discussed. It was felt that the equipment, if not going up for auction, should be advertised with sealed bids being accepted. The council made a motion to advertise for two weeks with bids due by November 16 to be opened on November 17.
The Senior Center was discussed. Clerk Rau is looking into grants to remodel. For now the city can keep the upstairs as is without renting it. Martine was told by a contractor that the city can’t be a renter and compete with businesses. It was noted that the alley could be vacated to allow for parking. Chief Fehlman said that city government can legally operate a rental property. It will be put on the next agenda for an update.
The Police Disciplinary Committee met as they are required to meet once per year. Chris Lulloff was elected chair and Jeff Petersen vice-chair.
Under the Mayor’s Report, Jalling said he got a letter about the condition of the flag at the library. It needs to be replaced and it needs to be lighted at night unless it is taken down. It was agreed that the flag should be replaced and lighted. Jalling also reported that the insurance company said the electric train is covered by the city’s insurance even if it leaves town.
The council approved setting up a Feral Cat Account with Bob Wilczek, Pam Jaffke, and Tracy Rau as the signatories.
The November meeting has been moved to November 17. There will be a second meeting in October if they can get a timekeeping software demo set up. Finance will also be meeting before month end.