County Board Notes-July 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.

City Council Notes-July 17, 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.

-Proclamation of “Night to Unite” by Tom Kuntz Aug. 7, 2012
-Fin. Report – Bills read to be paid ….council approval…  no unusual bills read normal expenses
-Fire department reports no new business.
-Permits were issued to the following organizations for raffle and street closures Elk’s, Lakeside Foods, Crazy Days, Truth Hardware Employee Club
-Renewal or the SEMCAC lease as in past years
-Street improvements Permits Variance for Food & Fuel on 401 – North Cedar sign to be approved
-Discussion on the side walk improvements in the City of Owatonna by Troy Klecker representative of the city
-He described the plan to improve the sidewalks. Council requested a plan as to what sidewalks will be replaced and the residents will be informed of the improvements
-Kris Busse reported that the city will hold a public hearing on the Charter Cable contract on July 31, 2012 in the City Council Chamber
-Filing for City Council positions and mayoral seats are open until the 14th of August, 2012
-Council input: Ray Trulson requested  step-up enforcement on the intersection of Bridge and Moser Ave. a lot of close calls at that intersection

County Board Notes-July 10, 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. Human Services-Fleet Vehicles.Charity Floen presented the request for two minivans. The court is ordering family visits and home assessments with increasing frequency. Human Services needs access to vehicles that accommodate multiple children and their various child safety seats. Tom recommends purchasing the vehicles over leasing them due to the access to various reimbursement programs. The federal programs are based on a percentage of the IRS allowable millage rate. The percentage depends on the specific purpose of the use. 
   Nina asked if the “fleet tracking” system that the Highway Department is considering would be of use with tracking the mileage of these vehicles for the federal reimbursement. Tom mentioned that given the vans may be used by other departments the tracking is especially important and that several “Crown Vics” should be included in the initial fleet tracking. Anita stated the tracking software is on the plan for 2013. 
   The general consensus is that the vehicle purchase was a good idea and the tracking is important but the hours required to input the mileage should not be the burden of any one department.
    
2. Bixby Sewer ImprovementThe preliminary hearings will be tonight. Bids will be taken the 24th. The county is still working towards grants of 75% of “eligible costs”.
   
3. Award of Bid SAP 74-599-29
4. Out of five bidders the low bid is from Fitzgerald Excavating of Goodhue, MN. After additional research it was decided to award the bid to Fitzgerald.
    
5. Strategic Plan DirectionTom stated that the board had the 1995 Strategic Plan to review as well as the notes from the consultant hired last year. The general consensus of the board is that the county should proceed with a new plan but that the committee be composed of representatives from the staff, the board, and the administration. Doug and Nina will represent the board. Laura Ihrke (?) and Dan McIntosh (?) will represent the staff. Tom and Anita will represent the administration. This committee will report to the Committee of the Whole on a regular basis.