The Owen Common Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 28.
The main focus of the meeting was to go over items from a draft copy of the new ordinances provided by MuniCode. Changes suggested by MuniCode and Chief of Police Patrick Fehlman were approved, with some changes being left to a later date. The fee schedule will be removed from the ordinances. The Community Development Authority will be removed from the ordinances. Rather than single out Kerry Ingredients on the Sewer Commission, it will be changed to industry representative. Ordinances will be changed to allow council members to attend meetings and vote, either by phone or web-based platform. References to personal property taxes will be removed as will references to regulated dogs and keeping of exotic pets. An updated Sewer Ordinance and Wellhead Protection Plan will be added. Some items were to correct changes in the city such as polling locating, meeting frequency, residency requirements etc. Other items will be changed to reflect state statute. Some will be removed from the ordinances and become policy. MuniCode is asking for ordinance numbers for some items looking at when they were adopted. The draft will be updated with approved changes and come back to the council.
The council approved hiring Haul Away to perform the abatement/clean-up of the property on 2nd Street at a cost of $5,400. They did have a question on whether dumpsters were included in the quote. Any hazardous material could also affect the cost. Work will begin as soon as possible after May 5, assuming the property owner hasn’t completed the clean-up. The city has until the end of June to get it done.
The city will charge by the load for items brought to the spring clean-up. Public works and city hall staff will man the site at the city garage.
The Prevail sign for Mill Pond Park will be on the next agenda for further discussion. Individual letters would cost approximately $697, while a 36”x96” sign would cost $485.
DPW Chad Smith gave his report saying they did cross connections, the PSC report is done, they will be doing water main flushing, the Senior/Community Center windows and doors are installed, and they have resumed street sweeping.
Under the Mayors Report, Scott Jalling said the Board of Review had been held and no one came in to complain.
For Other Reports, Alderperson Jason Thornton gave an update on the request for Congressional funding for the new fire station.