The Owen Planning Committee met on Tuesday, September 16.
The first item on the agenda was a lot sale in Countryside Estates to Jim Bohl. He would like lots 18 and 19 for duplexes. These lots would be under the new Developer’s Agreement rules. He would have two years to build and can’t resell the lots. He would still have to pay taxes on the agreed value of the building even it wasn’t completed in that time. He might still be willing to do a trade for Lots 6 and 7, which are not zoned for duplexes. Bohl is currently completing the last duplexes under the prior agreement. The committee approved sending this to the council to sell the lots to Bohl, but to offer a trade for the difference in price of what he paid before. He will also have to sign the new agreement.
The committee also discussed the land proposal for a possible new fire hall. Jason Thornton said the city had offered the land on the north side, but would have to put in a road. There were a few hiccups in the building plan for a business planning to build on the south side of Highway 29. There is not enough water pressure for their sprinklers. An above ground reservoir for non-potable water could be added. The proposed new fire hall could be built on Lot 5 on the south side with an easement for the water reservoir. The city could offer to do a land swap for the current building. The fire department could also use the tank rather than drawing from the water tower to fill their tankers when fighting a fire. It was felt that more investigation is needed on the cost of a water tower vs. an above ground reservoir. They would also need to determine the size needed.