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) The first item was regarding the state theater demolition. The costs were reviewed and approved.
2) The second item on the docket was a discussion over the charter franchise renewal. The city administrator went over a very thorough review of the public hearings that were held regarding the public's concerns over charter.
She stated that the majority of the feedback was over concern for increased competition to moderate price as well as better service regarding our local cable. There was also discussion about possible upgrades to counsel
chambers in order to attain better coverage of meetings. It appears that should the franchise renewal occur, the term will be somewhere between 5 and 10 years. All of the information regarding the charter decision will be placed
on the city web site and the public is able to read or make comments that will be taken under advisement before the next meeting. The vote on whether to renew charter's franchise will occur at the November 20th, 2012 meeting.
3) The third item discussed had to do with the mowing of nuisance weeds and grass. Apparently there are a number of individuals who have not paid for the cost of nuisance weed removal and the proposal was to place the unpaid
portion on these individual's property taxes. Motion approved.
4) There was a motion and approval of seven judges her precinct this year for the election due to high potential voter turnout.
5) There was a motion and approval to allow a 30 minute parking on the North side of East Broadway between Elm and Grove on election day in 2012; as well as in the future.
There was also discussion to make sure that Federated was notified 24 hours prior to each election.
6) There was a motion and approval for a permanent easement to allow the Cashman family to build a berm on city property near the airport.
The purpose of the berm would be to mitigate future flood issues and has no effect on any tangible cost or liability for the city of Owatonna.
7) The labor agreement with MPEA (Minnesota public employees Association) was approved.
8) No Public Comments. A few Council comments promoting voting on Tuesday. Meeting adjourned.
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