Winter The
rq. OTSEGO
ON THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Newsletter of the City of Otsego Vol. 6, No. 5, December 1996
Roadside City begins reorganization
booby traps
In a move to change a more cost efficient management system,the Otsego City
Council decided in November to eliminate the position of city finance director.
Phyllis Cokley had been Otsego's finance director since the position was created in
illegal llegal May 1995 after the retirement of City Clerk Jerome Perrault.The decision to discontinue
the finance director's position was made as a cost saving measure and in no way relates
In the continuing conflict between to Cokley's job performance.
snowmobilers and land owners,some land The Council unanimously decided to end the finance director position and contract
owners have resorted to erecting hazards in with Gary Groen and Associates for the city's financial services for$25 an hour.Deputy
the public right-of-way to deter the recreational Clerk Judy Hudson was appointed the city's treasurer.
vehicles. City building inspector Jerry It is expected that the financial work can be accomplished in 15 to 20 hours a week.
Olson has reported barriers ranging from The change should result in a substantial savings to the city which was paying a yearly
saw horses, fences, posts, and rebar, to salary of about $52,000 and employee benefits for a full time finance director. The
other hazardous objects erected in the contracted service should cost only an estimated $19,500 to $26,000 per year, saving
ditches designed to divert snowmobile traffic. the city about$30,000 to$35,000 in salary and benefits.
Minnesota Statute 160.27 specifically The cost savings is expected to be applied to the salary of a city administrator which
prohibits fences,buildings,or any structure is now being deliberated. Other steps to reorganization are also being considered,
within the limits of the road. The statute including re-evaluation of other city jobs,investigation of providing other city services
also gives the city permission to remove by contract,and review of existing contracts
any unauthorized structures on a public
1 roadway, including the right-of-way. Residential restrictions for snowmobiles
Violation is a misdemeanor.
Most road right-of-ways in the city Otsego city ordinance restricts the a portion of the Wright County Snowmobile
extend 33 feet from the center of the road. operation of snowmobiles and other Trail System which runs from Albertville to
This area next to the road is maintained by recreational motor vehicles in residential Mason Ave. at Co. Rd. 39, and west to
property owners,so many of them begin to areas of the city. State law governs their Monticello.
consider it their private property,according operation in agricultural areas of the city. Unless special provisions have been
to Olson.However,the rights to it belong The speed limit is 10 miles per hour for made, snowmobiles are prohibited from
to the public. It is used for utilities, snowmobiles in the platted areas of Otsego. school and public grounds,such as Otsego
drainage, postal boxes,ditches,trails, and They must not create loud unnecessary Elementary School,Otsego Prairie Park or
sidewalks. Off road recreational vehicles, noise which disturbs others. Otsego County Park. They cannot use
including snowmobiles,also have aright to Hours of operation are also restricted. boulevards or walkways, such as the
use this public area.The right-of-way must They can only be used in platted areas sidewalk on the west side of Parrish Ave.
be kept free of structures, trees, and between 8:00 a.m.and 11:00 p.m. Sunday For safety, they must stay 100 feet from
snowmobile booby traps for the safety of through Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays, pedestrians,skating rinks,or sliding areas.
motorists,as well. or days before national holidays,they can Snowmobiles may use the public
After receiving complaints, Olson has operate until 1:00 a.m.in the platted areas. right-of-way (See related article at left.)
sent notices to some property owners in Snowmobiles are to stay at least 300 subject to the above restrictions to hours of
violation of the law."Most have been very feet from residential areas except when operation,purpose,and speed in the platted
cooperative and removed things after they coming and going from a residence to a areas of the city.They are not permitted on
received their letter," said Olson. He also designated trail by taking the most direct private property anywhere in the city
has had some removed. ^--d route. There is only one designated without permission from the property
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snowmobile trail within the city of Otsego, owner
Tis the snow removal season
The job of city snow removal is in full driving. Wright County maintenance is shoulders, intersections, and cul de sacs.
swing for the season. Otsego plows have responsible for all county roads in the city. Residents can help by not parking
the task of keeping city streets cleared and Otsego's policy is that the city is not vehicles on the streets and placing garbage
8 safe for responsible for replacement of mailboxes or cans and recycling bins in their driveways
_ I winter other items in the right of way.The plows instead of the street.Drivers should always
1
fl. ;;' will begin clearing streets when the snow give plows plenty of room as flying snow
Q stops. The maintenance department has a often reduces visibility for the operators.
system of plowing the more heavily used The postal service will not deliver mail
rim)BEt
streets first.The plows try to make to obstructed boxes. Residents should
0a one pass on all roads initially,then make clearing access to their mailbox part
` ` x return later to clean up the of their own snow removal regime.•-^-^-,
City of Otsego Directory of the
8899 Nashua Ave. NE 1997
Otsego, MN 55330
(612) 441-4414
OFFICE HOURS OtSeg 0
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL Cit Council
Mayor-
Norman F.Freske
Council members-
Ron Black
Larry Fournier
Vern Heidner
Suzanne M.S.Ackerman
CITY STAFF
Elaine Beatty,City Clerk/Zoning
Administrator
Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer �� ��
Carol Olson,Secretary „ v,,: _
Dave Chase, Maintenance
Duane Fiedler,Maintenance Yv '
PLANNING &ZONING �
Carl Swenson,Chair
Eugene Goenner ` t �� '
Jim Kolles
Arleen Nagel Larry Fournier Suzanne M.S.
Richard Nichols Mayor,Elected for 1997 Ackerman
Bruce Rask Background in Otsego
I.G. Roskaft Larry Fournier is a lifelong resident Continuing Councilmember
PARKS& RECREATION of Otsego. He served as a city council Background in Otsego
Thomas Baillargeon,chair member from 1990 to 1996, as Otsego's Suzanne Ackerman has lived in Otsego
Jeff Bartheld vice mayor 1995-96, as Economic for over five years. She was elected to the
Debbie Carron Development Authority president, and city council in 1995.
Tom Constant chair of the Otsego Creek Authority. He Personal
Teri Kohler was a member of the Planning and Zoning Suzanne and Steve Ackerman have
Roche Martin
Bill Olson,first alternate Commission from 1978 to 1990. He has been married for seven years.Two of their
Darlene Solberg been council representative to the Planning children attend Otsego Elementary School
EDA ADVISORY Commission, Economic Development and a third is in preschool. Ackerman is a
Liz Wilder.chair Authority Advisory Committee, and full time homemaker. Her hobbies are
Darlyn Kofoed Parks and Recreation Commission. horseback riding,cross country skiing,and
LeRoy Lindenfelser Personal showing her Akitas at dog shows.
Rudy Thibodeau Larry and Phyllis Fournier have been Issues in 1997
Dave Sederberg married 32 years and have three sons,Joe, Trying to get big and small business in
HERITAGE PRESERVATION Ric,and Rob.Fournier works as a machinist the city. Ackerman encourages residents
Joy Swenson,chair at Federal Cartridge. He enjoys traveling, to talk to her about what they would like to
Janet Bridgland dancing, music, guitar, hunting, and see happen in Otsego.
Arlene Holen bowling. The future
Frieda Lobeck Issues in 1997 "No one can tell what lies ahead for the
Joan Nichols Reorganization and re-evaluation of city.A lot can happen and people change."
Elaine Norin city departments. The city must decide
Norman Schwanbeck whether or not to proceed with sewer and Ackerman says she enjoys seeing some
mosimi water at this time.The future"As the metro ofthe changes that are made."Some people
` ,`�, area develops, the city of Otsego will be think that we on the council don't care what
� � V 11�VV faced with unprecedented development happens in the city. For me,that is not so.
The Otsego View is a community newsletter proposals." I try to do what is good for the city as a
for the city of Otsego. whole. I hope that 1997 will be just as fun
Jacquie Rognli,Editor Fournier says, "I enjoy working with and exciting." - --
Correspondence and news items are welcome people.I like to listen to people's concerns
and should be sent to Otsego City gall. and help with their problems. I enjoy
1 Contains 50%recycled seeing people have a good experience
♦`Fir pre-consumer material. when they come to City Hall." �.w
2
plistiligigi ' llifilis
Your city Council respond to the following questions: What do you think are the
major issues the city will be facing in 1997? What do you
The 1997-99 Otsego City Council will include a newly elected perceive lies ahead in the next 20 years for the city?
mayor,two continuing council members and two newly elected Below is a listing of your city council members with their
council members. responses.,-^-^-'
i Each was asked to provide information on their past service
to the city and on themselves personally.They were also asked to
..
c s>.-
.tsa t
Itlos
Mark Berning VernHeidner Virginia Wendel
Councilmember,Elected for 1997 Continuing Councilmember Councilmember,Elected for 1997
Background in Otsego Background in Otsego Background in Otsego
Mark Berning has been a resident of Vern Heidner has lived in Otsego since Virginia Wendel has lived in Otsego
Otsego for 31 years where his family has 1990. He was a member of the Otsego for 35 years.Wendel and her first husband,
given informational tours of their farm.He Economic Development Authority Advisory Bernard Bistodeau,owned and worked the
is active in the Wright County and State Committee,serving as its chairman for two Bistodeau family farm in Otsego until his
Pork Producers and is a member of Knights years before being elected to the city death in 1977. Following that, she was a
of Columbus. council in 1995. He is active in his local township supervisor when the town board
Personal church and volunteers in the local schools. was working with Wright County to
Mark and Julie Berning have been Personal establish the county address system and
married nine years and have two children. Vern and Gloria Heidner have been Otsego County Park.
Berning is an owner/operator of his family married 20 years and live just south of Personal
farm,Walter Berning and Sons,Inc. Otsego Cemetery. He is an engineering Virginia and Richard Wendel married
Issues in 1997 consultant in computer hardware and in 1996 and have increased their combined
Establishing an identifiable downtown, software and tries to spend as much time as family to 11 children and 11 grandchildren.
reorganization of the city to control possible fishing in the summer. They live in tllle Otsego triangle just east of
wasteful spending, controlling spot Issues in 1997 Albertville. They like to go motorcycling
development, and establishing a realistic Heidner thinks the major issue Otsego on Richard's Harley and spend a lot of time
plan to begin providing services to the will be facing in 1997 is "determining at the cabin fishing.
citizens. whether or not we will be a `bedroom' Issues in 1997
The Future community or a community with a greater Water and sewer problems require
"We will continue to have more amount of commercial/industrial activity." more study. "I would like to see all
development. What kind will be He says that municipal sewer and water is unnecessary spending stopped"after there
determined by the comprehensive plan a key factor and determining how to is some study.Ideas are always welcome.
revisions. the land owners, and the financially accomplish the municipal The future
reception from the city and the citizens." infrastructure will be an important issue. "This area is going to grow fast with
In his new position as city The future more people coming into the area all the
councilmember, Berning expects to enjoy "I don't think any of us can really grasp time. The schools will become over
"working with the citizens to best serve the changes that will occur in the next 20 crowded even before we expect and the
their needs and improving the city's years. I remember driving through Otsego problems will be greater. Maybe we will
image." w-' 20 years ago, and the city is substantially have to take a look at getting [a] city
different today than it was then. Changes administrator or someone that can spend
iCITY COUNCIL MEETINGS\ are occurring at a rate even faster than 10 full time at the city hall besides the office
The Otsego CityCilmeetsyears ago. I expect that the differences help we have now so we can get the best
gouncbetween today and 2016 will be several use of our tax dollar."
the second and fourth Mondays times greater than the changes that Wendel says that she has "always
each month, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. occurred 1976 to 1996. enjoyed working with people and their
The public is welcome to attend all Heidner says that he enjoys "meeting needs.Hopefully I will be able to help with
agenda itemmss seven working days
I meetings. City Council the residents,finding out how they moved that in this council.I know there will be lots
prior to meetings. There is also a here and talking to them about where they of problems to solve or to work on, but I
public forum on the agenda. / think the city should 3go." -1 will give it my best." --1.-..1/4-d
l
Satiih F'tu�C 1/2 tea s• ciw�a"�O�
2 s'-'4" 1/2 tea S. wutw&e9
cQpO� From the
-1.1/4 C• OA1/2 teas journal of
III" 5 09S beat Sep
pkpte 2 lib �Ukkpw1S Sadie Davis.
21
1/ /2 Q,b• raisins,
2 e. CoQ asses .,ewkoik,
Old Time Christmas �2 ��ou� o�aw
iQ12 on utatelt CitltoW
Celebration(about 1930) 1-1/ C- S
by Father Frank Ebner ,/2{ep S. sod'3` 1-1/2 C- vats
The happiest time of year always was 2 tea S. aQQSptCe
the preparations for and the celebration of
Christmas at home. The final preparation
was when Dad brought home the six and a This recipe is an old 1 3 boures g ukd dq
half foot tree.It was placed by the fireplace family recipe of Olive C�ekiSOK) Ro "teat 1 tS
and decorated with wax candles and a (Mrs.Andrew, Sr.) p- Saet
variety of other ornaments on Christmas Davis. It has been in 4 b°Wes Su 6 b
Eve. The last decoration included the the family
yearsf r over
e bowl 2 bowes 11iK�art 1 bo W� 9kouKd aPpees
empty arrival o tithe Christmas people with the 10that was used was 2 bows fan WQ s2o6aSSes
When we returned from midnight mass, approximately the 2 IS S narS�Ks 1 I Swe butte/%
the Baby Jesus and many gifts already equivalent of 1-1/2 p• kutwteg 2 tsp c
filled the space under and around the tree. cups. awtoK
The candles were lit with care. Everyone
Cook, 740/0
gO1.e 10 wtikUtes 2 tSP. CeolyeS
was
esent in the room. To see the infant
in themanger was the greatest part of the des° wta be Cau ik quant ja1tS
family celebration..�.� y (Tnozek-
Milt& iii Fest PARK & `4 Applicants sought
Join the fun on Saturday,Jan.25th from COtsego residents are welcome to serve the
noon to 5:00 p.m. at Otsego Prairie Park, Skating Lessons ^ community through one of the city's committees.
adjacent to City Hall. You can enjoy ice l l Terms are staggered and vary by committee.
Beginning ice skating lessons Applications are available at CityHall for people
skating,sledding,winter golf,frisbee golf, will be offered at the rink at Otsego C interested in becomingregular or lternate members.
or a sleigh ride pulled by horses Bob and Prairie Park through Community g
g Appointments are made bythe citycouncil.
Greg.After that,why not warm up with a Recreation. Skating technique, Commissions consider mats in their area by
bowl of Roche's chili?There will also be balance,control, backward skating, m reviewing pertinent documents, listening to public
a medallion hunt.Watch coming editions stopping,turning,and more will becomment,and discussingit in their group.Theythen
of the Elk River Star News for clues. covered. You must have your own rw make recommendations to the ci council hich
Winter Fun Fest is sponsored by skates and dress for the outdoors. ty
the Otsego Parks and Recreation takes action.
Registration information will be Here is a guide to the various city commissions
Commission, Community Recreation, included in the Elk River Community and their current meeting schedules.
Early Childhood Family Education, Education/Community Recreation Winter Planning and ZoninCommission
and Elk River Community Education. Brochure that will be delivered with the g
Land use issues
Skating in the Park
Elk River Star News in January. First and third Wednesdays
Otsego's outdoor rink is open for Brochures can also be picked up at City
skating, dependent on the weather. The Parksand and
Commission
Hall or Community Education. Park,trail and recreation issues
lighted rink is locatedjustsouthofCityHall. Second Tuesda
Supervised warming house hours are: y
Ages 4-7 years Economic Development AuthorityEDA
l-9:OOp.m.non-schooldays&weekends Sundays,Jan. 12- Feb.2 t ( )
5-8:00 p.m.Monday -Thursday Advisory Committee
5-9:00 p.m. Friday. 12:30-1:15 p.m.4 sessions Advises the EDA on ways to develop the city's
$4.00 for Otsego residents economy
Christmas Tree Drop First Monday
Ages 8+ Heritage Preservation Commission
Otsego residents can bring their
Christmas trees to be recycled Dec.26 Sundays, Jan. 12-Feb.2 Research and preserve the city's history
1:30-2:15 p.m. Fourth Thursday
Jan. 18 to a site designated behind
the pole barn next to City Hall.Please 4 sessions In addition to these established committees, short
make sure your tree is free of all tinsel $4.00 for Otsego residents term groups are occasionally formed to work on specific
and ornaments. �,.,,,, issues as was done for the recreational motor vehicle,
hunting,and feed lot ordinances.
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