City Council Notes-Feb. 6, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

Public Hearing on Street Improvements
Several residents and one business spoke regarding the street improvements for 2012, with Lemond Road having the most interest.  Some residents questioned assessing property owners when State Aid was paying for the road.  Others were concerned about the new sidewalk, and who would be responsible to take care of the snow and maintenance of the sidewalk.  Owatonna Country Club had an attorney there and had a lot of questions for the City regarding the assessments.  After some discussion it was recommended that the Lemond
Road portion would be delayed until the next meeting.

A number of Police Officers for Owatonna had the Oath of office with many fellow officers and family members in attendance.  At least 100 people were in attendance for this and the Lemond Road issue.
Action item 3.2.1 regarding Prayer at Public Meeting was presented.
Report on Council participation on Boards and Committees.

Second Reading on proposed ordinance regarding Solar systems in Owatonna, with some public comment.
Resolution for the acceptance of the Cameo Theater property.  The City will receive the property plus $75000 from Carmike.  The cost to tear down and remove the building is estimated at $125,000, for a public cost to taxpayers of about $50,000 which is the estimated value of the land.
Linn Avenue between 18th St and Oakdale will be renamed Linn Drive.

Three students from Washington school spoke at Public Comment, regarding their concern on snow removal around school.

City Council Notes-Feb. 21, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

1) Announcement that meeting agenda will be available on city of Owatonna website the Friday before upcoming meeting.

2)Public hearing on city’s annexation of land on North side of Highway 14 west of city limits.
Talk revolved around a few remaining properties that haven’t been annexed, and how if they are not absorbed, they will be completely surrounded by city property.    Two citizens spoke, Roger Wacek had a few brief questions and Tom Stockwell emphasized the risks of proper drainage/tiling due to previous flooding.
Board approved language that would also ask for some payment by steele county.
Passed for second reading.

3)A whole slew of items were mass approved including minutes that included curfew extension for Corky’s tournament, St. Mary’s temp liquor license, Kid’s Korner permit, Loyalty day at VFW, From the heart run exemptions, and a few others.

4)Pro Pet LLC looking for ok to do a building extension, no protests, approved unanimously.

5)A resolution to be sent to the legislature and governor keeping the priority of getting Highway 14 finished was approved.  Les amphasized sooner rather than later in regards to a date 2013-2032.

6)A formal written policy for sanitary sewer maintenance has been put in place by the city.

7)Marlene Nelson had four points of interest.

8)Next Coffee with the council is on March 10th, 8 am….most likely at Perkins, possibly at Hy-Vee should Perkins be occupied.

9)Adjourned 7:31

County Board Notes-Feb. 14, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

-Steele County Board discussed and agrees to meet with the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce Public Policy committee at 2pm 2/28 prior to the committe of the whole meeting.

-Discussion item sent to committee regarding security issues at the Steele County courthouse.  The courts are asking for more security at the courthouse following the shooting in Duluth several months ago.

-County Highway Facility discussion was tabled until the next committee of the whole meeting Feb 28th.  More financial information was requested, and Steve Rohlik, Finance Director will gather that information and report 2/28.

County Board Notes-Jan. 24, 2012

A part of the OACCT's Public Policy efforts for 2012 is for volunteers from the Public Policy committee attend both City and County meetings and report back on items that are of interest/concern to business.

•Hiring negotiations for county administrator Tom Shea were approved by the board.

•A considerable amount of time was spent on discussing the 800mHz radio communication system.   Several audience members representing the Medford and Owatonna Fire Departments were quite concerned with the implementation of the three pieces of equipment to be purchased and tested, as previously communication to the Medford area was “spotty” at best.  Approval was given to purchase the equipment and testing will ensue.

Final Two Candidates for District 5

Congrats to Doug Hughes & Nina Huntington on their primary wins for Steele County District 5!

Be sure to join the forum partners (Chamber, People's Press and Rotary Clubs) for a District 5 forum with Nina and Doug on March 26th at the Owatonna Country Club at Noon.

Steele County District 5 Primary Candidate Forum 1/30/12

County District 5 Candidates:

Les Abraham
Doug Hughes
Nina Huntington
Gary Ringhofer
Rick Wittrock

*pictured right: Gary Ringhofer and Rick Wittrock

Appx. 1 hr. 10 min.