The Owen Common Council met on Tuesday, February 10, with limited business to conduct.
Two operator’s licenses were approved for employees at CreekSide.
The council got an update on the playground equipment for Mill Pond Park. They are still waiting to find out if they have a donor toward the cost. The feeling was that the equipment currently there could be moved to Crowley Park Campground after some minor repairs. Alderperson Bob Wilczek said if they do add the new playground equipment, they should add cameras at Mill Pond Park to watch the equipment. It was felt the cameras might be purchased through a safety grant the city gets every year. This will be put on the next agenda for discussion.
Under Other Reports, Alderperson Ray Kilty said he did do some research on the property tax question. He said even though some people’s taxes went up, the tax levy amount went down and they are collecting less property taxes than last year. Wilczek reported on the Fire District meeting. He said the grant that had the 100% match was not available to them for a new fire statiion. A CDBG grant is not an option either. The Fire District Board will meet February 18 to discuss next steps.
Before bills were paid, Clerk Tracy Rau said that DPW Chad Smith had purchased a snow pusher that was part of his budget requests. Going forward all police department bills will be paid through the city accounts and the police department will write the city one check at the end of the month. This will simplify the process. Previously most bills were paid by the police department, although things like payroll ran through the city accounts. Reconciling who was owed what could sometimes be difficult.