Winter The vffiw
2•104iodo
ON THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Newsletter of the City of Otsego Vol. 5, No. 6, December 1995
Otsego, Albertville merger study ordered
The cities of Otsego and Albertville Rod D'Aigle and Leander Becker had cussion of development for the lake area
have been given two years by the Min- petitioned for annexation hoping to ob- on the common border with long term
nesota State Municipal Board to study taro sewer service from Albertville for environmental concerns taken into ac-
the possibility of consolidating the two property they wished to develop. The count.
cities.The city councils have been asked municipal board looked at the requests The Albertville City Council ap-
to submit a list with brief resumes of earlier this year and then turned the geared to be interested in annexation of
candidates to serve on a consolidation matter back to the two cities to negoti- the properties as the solution and did
commission. ate a solution. not consider the other suggestions as
The commission will study the is- The Otsego City Council,not wish- viable options.Albertville requested that
sues of concern for consolidation and ing to lose land from the city, offered the matter be sent back to the munici-
make a recommendation to the munici- possible solutions in a letter sent Oct. pal board for a decision.
pal board.A hearing will be conducted 12 to the Albertville City Council as The municipal board granted the
and the board may then decide to send alternatives to annexation. These pro- annexations but ordered the two cities
an order for consolidation to the city posals included an Albertville-Otsego to study the consolidation issue as a
councils to act on. The decision would merger which assures that concerns of definitive solutionto further annexation
have to be brought to a vote by the both communities be taken into account; requests.
people of both cities. a joint planning board; a comprehen- Consolidation of the two cities
The consolidation study was or- sive joint sewer and water agreement would conceivably save money because
dered by the municipal board at the with shared costs;or direct purchase of it would reduce the amount of staff
same time it ruled on the requests oftwo municipal services to Otsego provided needed to run two separate municipali-
Otsego property owners to be annexed by Albertville.The letter also suggested ties.Otsego's population is about 6,000
to Albertville. Land owners Frank and thatbothcommunities shouldbegindis- and Albertville's is under 2,000.w,
Business data compiled
Tim Eng,a student at St.Cloud State University working The survey asked for general information about the
as an intern for Otsego,along with the Economic Development businesses, employment,location,public services,business
Authority(EDA)and the EDA Advisory Committee(EDAAC), plans,and an opportunity for business owners to respond to
has established a data base of Otsego businesses.The EDAAC city projects and officials. Eng states in his report that this
and Otsego City Council will use information gathered to diverse business environment will be beneficial in attracting
better understand Otsego's business community and to work capital investment.
on a plan for economic development for the city. According to the survey responses, service businesses
Eng's work included identifying businesses in Otsego, were the most dominant(27)business type.Manufacturing,
surveying them,entering the information in a computer data wholesale trade, agriculture, construction, finance/insur-
base, and compiling the findings in a report. ance/real estate, and transportation/utilities types of busi-
Eng found himself driving around the city to look for nesses were fairly evenly distributed among the remaining
potential business operations. He used a grid map of the city responses.
to ensure thorough and consistent observation. He used a Most businesses(72%)listed the local market as their
criteria based on accessory buildings and display signs to main market area. State market average was 20 percent.
identify possible locations for home extended and home occu- Eng feels the market area emphasis points to the importance
pation business operations. If an address was identified as a of location for businesses in Otsego.
potential business location, it was entered in the observa- Comparing the current number of employees with a
tional data base. year ago showed an increase of 100 persons,an encouraging
Businesses were also identified from the list of businesses indicator of business growth.
registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State. When asked to name the single most important project
Surveys were sent to 257 identified potential businesses that could be undertaken to make Otsego a better place to
in the city during the month of September. Eng received 129 operate a business, the most frequent answers given by
responses.
DATA to page 2
i
11^11# 1"iiiiiduro^i^41^.dir"IsOf
City of Otsego It is winter time NOTES
8899 Nashua Ave. NE
Otsego, MN 55330 in Minnesota ROM THE
(612)441-4414 Please be aware of maintenance ve-
OFFICE HOURS hides, sanding trucks, and snowplows,not YOR
Monday through Friday only in Otsego,but everywhere you travel. by Mayor Norman F. Freske
8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Also, do not let children play alongside a
road when a snow plow goes by because
CITY COUNCIL rocks or other objects could seriously injure and township clerk for 50 years, is resting
Mayor— your child.The children do not realize how at home,but in ill health.Your prayers for
Norman F. Freske much snow comes off aplow or wing. Have him and his family would be appreciated.
Council members—Ron Black a safe winter season. Thank you. Have a happy holiday sea-
Larry Fournier Jerry Perrault, who was Otsego's city son.
Vern Heidner
Suzanne M.S.Ackerman
CITY STAFF Sewer study under way
Elaine Beatty,City Clerk/
Zoning Administrator Otsego officials are interested in providing sewer service for industrial and commer-
Phyllisesh Financial/
Business Director tial properties along Hwy. 101. The Economic Development Authorityand its advisory
Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk committee are very interested in attracting businesses to that area of the city.
Carol Olson,Clerk Secretary Otsego, Dayton, and Frankfort are studying possible alternatives for a joint sewage
Dave Chase, Maintenance treatment facility.A shared facility will distribute the cost of the installation between the
Duane Fiedler, Maintenance
PLANNING & ZONING three communities.
Carl Swenson,chair A moratorium has been set on development in Otsego east of Hwy. 101 and south of
Eugene Goenner 65th St. to the Dayton and Frankfort boundaries until October 1996 or earlier as
Jim Kolles determined by the Otsego City Council. Building permits for garages or accessory
Arleen Nagel
Richard Nichols buildings or minor improvements to the property are exempt from the moratorium.
Bruce Rask The intent of the moratorium is to allow the city to complete the study without any
I.G. Roskaft changes in development.
PARKS & RECREATION There are currently no plans to provide sewer service to residential areasofOtsego.
Thomas Baillargeon,chair
Jeff Bartheld,first alternate
Tom C nstaCarrnt New parking ordinance in effect
Tom Constant
Teri Kohler
Roche Martin Otsego has adopted a new parking ordinance that restricts parking of certain vehicles
Bill Olson on city streets.
Darlene Solberg Commercial vehicles, semi-tractors, trailers, or trucks exceeding a gross vehicle
EDA ADVISORY capacity of 9,000 pounds or an overall length of 25 feet may not be parked or stored on
Darlyn Kofoed
LuVern Klinker streets or highways in Otsego.
LeRoy Lindenfelser Exceptions are made for vehicles picking up or delivering products or providing a
Wally Odell service to residential customers and for city vehicles parked in connection with official city
Rudy Thibodeau
Dave Sederberg business. However,in no case can a vehicle block a designated bike path.
Liz Wilder A vehicle in violation of the ordinance may be ordered removed by a law enforcement
HERITAGE PRESERVATION officer and may be towed away to facilitate snow removal,street maintenance,the orderly
Joy Swenson,chair flow of traffic, fire fighting, or other lawful purpose.
Janet Bridgland Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor,with each day in violation considered a
Arlene Holen
Frieda Lobeck separate offense. A person in violation shall be liable for any expense, loss, or damage
Joan Nichols incurred by the city as a result of the violation including court and attorney costs.
Elaine Norin Copies of the complete ordinance are available at City Hall.n.•,...•
Norman Schwanbeck
DATA from page 1
NomilOTSEGO business owners were:begin working on basic infrastructure;government needs to work
`�VIEW with businesses;have a city committed to economic development;maintain an unvarying
The Otsego View is a community level of taxes; and to create an industrial park.
newsletter for the city of Otsego. In analyzing the survey responses,Eng concludes that there appears to be a distrust
Jacquie Rognli,Editor of local government among the business community. He stresses the importance of
Carol McGuire,Production
Correspondence and news items are considering marketing area when locating an industrial park.,He cautions local govern-
welcome and should be sent to Otsego ment not to mandate restrictions to reduce the number of home based businesses unless
City Hall, 8899 Nashua Ave. NE, they are negatively impacting health, safety and residential character. Eng says that the
Otsego,MN 55330(612)441-4414
city needs to make a commitment to economic development.
r Contains 50% recycled A copy of Otsego's complete Business Database Intern Report can be obtained at city
N.07 pre consumer material
hall.Ws./
2
NilwAtivAs"."10AINANANNANNA,„,„,".../skiiid
Crossing the river
n inthece
n -
Th lista -
e
g
by Elaine
No
a e
rin -
----
McDonalds Carricks
The earliest families inOtse o the , sus indicates the
Otsego
Cooleys,
eys,Inge
rsolls,Pepins,
pins,S
pencers,a
ndL LaPlantsnis—settled
Slater
family mi
l
was
as
lo-
along .:"""'"'"t.:0,, ..110.4.1""""'
the Mississippi River. Since no bridges were con- Gatedin that area.
V<"hir
h
-
ig structed until manYYears1ator ferri swerBused for cross- The onlYinfor- :<.:; iME
. :.:::.::.
i except duringwinter when sleds cou1d crossthe ice. mationwe have about
On the1879 maPou
f
i
four ferries are
shown Otsego:o•
the
Elk River r e
I'I'Y is <=
Baker's, McDonald's, Elk River, and Slater's. the date"1856"which
Caleb Fulton Baker, who brought his family from New appears on a map. It crossed the river at Parrish Ave. The
York in 1867,established the ferry at his farm,now identified early settlers on the Otsego side were Carrick and Chase,but
as "Island View Estates." Farnham's 1880 History states, there is no reference to the ferry.It may have been operated
"Baker's ferry in section 11 in the west part of town has been by someone in Elk River.The commissionplans to investigate
well patronized and is doing a good business. " It is also this with the Sherburne County Historical Society.
mentioned in the Curtiss-Wedge history,History of the Upper It is evident that there was a good deal of socializing as
Mississippi Valley and the Condensed History. well as commerce between Otsego and Sherburne County.
The Otsego Historic Preservation Commission recently News items and obituaries for Otsego were published in the
discovered a huge rock in which a large iron ring is embedded Sherburne County newspaper.
on the Sherburne County river bank.This is where the cable We have very little information about these important
is anchored for Baker's ferry. Pictures of the rock are in the forms of transportation.If you have pictures or any informa-
commission's collection. tion about these ferries, please contact a member of the
Farnham's 1880 History states,"John McDonald estab- Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission.,—,
lished a ferry at the village of Otsego in 1855 and has owned
and run the same to the present time."The Curtiss-Wedge
and Condensed History also confirm this. Snowmobile
The commission recently learned that Charles Spencer,
son of the widow Belinda Spencer who came with the operation regulated
McDonald family, married Mary Elizabeth "Libbie" Slater
Richardson whose first husband died in the Civil War. She
was the daughter of George Slater who is listed in the 1870 The operation of snowmobiles is restricted in the resi-
dential areas of Otsego.State law directs the use of snowmo
County records to determine if he ran the ferry near Dayton. biles in agricultural areas.
City ordinance states that recreational motor vehicles
can only be operated in platted areas of the city between 8:00
', a.m.and 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or until 1:00
a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before national holi-
OTSEGO BUILDING PERMITS days. The speed limit is 10 miles per hour. They must not
Jan. 1990 to Nov. 1995 create loud unnecessary noise which disturbs others.
Snowmobiles must stay 300 feet from any residential
area except when coming and going from a residence to a
220 designated trail bytakingthe most direct route.
g
r 1.9.3 Snowmobiles are prohibited from the roadway, shoal-
, P der, and bank closest to the house of any trunk, state, or
E142 138 county highway or on the right of way between opposing
M 134 121
112 -- lanes of traffic.They may only travel in single file on the most
I71 right-hand lane as close as possible to the curb or edge of the
s ' 1 71 road, except when passing a stopped vehicle.
s4 Snowmobiles cannot use walkways or boulevards.They
34 W:' 3s 18 are prohibited from school and public grounds unless special
E provisions have been made. Snowmobiles must stay 100 feet
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 from pedestrians, skating rinks, or sliding areas where the
YEAR operation would conflict with use or endanger others.
Snowmobilers must always have specific permission
Total Building Permits New Homes from the owner to use private property anywhere in the city.
Copies of the recreational motor vehicle ordinance are
available at City Hall. w.•
1
is# 11^10^11./ ftdosAloNediagAildaS
a OtSeg0 P PARK &
ra rie ..,..,,„,,
REC CORNER
.1. e' 1 WWi0E1:4,arM,:ifer. I -----\ - —;:g°v
4---
7 2., ....,..1 -� g Otsego Winter Fest planned
.D Otsego Winter Fest will be held Saturday,Jan.
•' °3 ; w 0 13th, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Otsego Prairie Park.
‘7,-' 6 ---:::::,„0,—,:� ,� ; ,,i°,” —5;•;-:=-6';'"
* x Otsego Parks and Recreation and Community
- '„•44. .4,&,: ' ` ,` a Recreation have planned a variety of fun winter
New si ft lnStaZZed activities for the day, including a medallion hunt,
g horse drawn sleigh rides, frisbee golf, winter golf,
The Otsego Parks and Recreation Commission had a skating,and sledding.Warm chili and other refresh-
sign erected to welcome visitors to Otsego Prairie Park.,, ments will be served.,-A—
City follows snow removal policy Skating rink expanded
Otsego's snow removal policy is designed to get traffic moving as Otsego Parks and Recreation is enlarging the
quickly as possible after a snowfall. The maintenance department Otsego skating rink.The target date to open the rink
will begin plowing when the snow stops.The high traffic streets are is Saturday, Dec. 16th, depending on the weather.
plowed first. On cul-de-sacs,the trucks will make an initial pass to Warming house hours will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
open the street and will return later to finish the turn around.After Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on
all streets are done, they will return to further clean up the shoul- Fridays,and 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.on weekends and pon-
ders. school days,weather permitting.A rink supervisor
Otsego maintenance is responsible for the city streets in Otsego. will be on duty during warming house hours.There
County roads are cleared by Wright County maintenance and Hwy. is an outdoor latrine and a telephone is available
101 is cleared by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
For more effective snow removal,residents should keep things inside the warming house.
away from the side of the road and not pile snow in the road when The ice rink is intended for recreational skating
clearing driveways. Keep parked vehicles offstreets. Put trash and only. Hockey and hockey sticks will not be allowed.
recycling bins in driveways, not on the road. The Otsego ice rink is located just south of City
City maintenance workers Dave Chase and Duane Fiedler Hall, 8899 Nashua Ave. NE.,,,-..,
would also like to caution drivers to give working plows a wide
margin for safety. Pedestrians should also remain a safe distance
from the road as plows pass. Children should not play inside snow Winter brochure to be mailed
piles next to the road. ,--. The Community Education and Community
Recreation winter activities brochure will be
:::...........
deliv-
ered to School District 728 residents on Dec. 27th.
Look for open gym schedules, skating lessons, and
December 11 6:30 p.m. EDA followed by City Council many more recreation opportunities.Extra copies of
December 12 7:00 p.m. Park& Recreation Commission
December 13 7:30 p.m. Otsego Creek Authority the brochure will be available at the Community
December 14 6:30 p.m. Truth in Taxation alternate date Education office, 1230 School Street, Elk River, or
December 20 8:00 p.m. Planning&Zoning Commission Otsego City Hall. Otsego residents are able to take
December 25 CITY HALL CLOSED
December 27 6:30 p.m. City Council advantage of discount fees for some offerings be-
December 28 7:00 p.m. Heritage Preservation Commission cause of the city's participation in the joint Commu-
January 1 CITY HALL CLOSED nity Recreation Board.
January 3 8:00 p.m. Planning&Zoning Commission
January 8 6:30 p.m. CityHaride was success
Council
January 9 7:00 p.m. Park&Recreation Commission Hay
ride
15 CITY HALL CLOSED The hayride held Oct. 28th at Otsego Prairie
January 17 Planning&Zoning Commission park was considered a success by the Otsego Parks
January 22 6:30 p.m. City Council
January 25 7:00 p.m. Heritage Preservation Commission and Recreation Commission and Community Recre-
To be placed on the Planning Commission agenda,submit completed forms and ation who jointly sponsored the event.An estimated
information 15 working days prior to meetings.Submit City Council agenda items 115 people participated in the hayride,bonfire and
seven working days prior to meetings. games.
Please call City Hall to confirm times if you plan to attend any of the listed
meetings.
4
The
, OTSEGO 1EW
...A..^„..A..d ..,i
ON THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
Newsletter of the City of Otsego Vol. 5, No.1, January 1995
Perrault to be recognized for half century of service
City Clerk Jerome for the city. They don't come said Elaine Beatty, Otsego
Perrault is retiring after 50 more honest than him." City Clerk/Zoning Adminis-
years of service to the people Retiring council member trator.
of Otsego.He will be honored Floyd Roden said Perrault City receptionist Carol
at a retirement open house , has put a lot of time and hours Olson grew up in Otsego and
on Sunday, January 22, 1-5 E in and he is really dedicated. likes being able to ask him
p.m. at City Hall. Council member Larry about different families and
Perrault became deputy Fournier said "Growing up farms that he knows about.
clerk in 1944,was town clerk in Otsego,I have known Jerry Olson said,"I've just enjoyed
1947-1990, and city clerk g for many years.I can remem- working with him."
1990-1994 (see Historical berwhenheopenedtheTown Deputy Clerk Judy
Highlights page 3). Hall so our 4-H club could Hudson said Perrault is pa-
He has been filing reports, hold its meetings there. Be- tient and kind and calls him
taking care of finances, and sides his many duties as "one of the nicest men." She
writing Otsego's minutes by township clerk,Jerry always also marveled at his vast
hand for half a century. As had time to help township knowledge of Otsego history,
Otsego has grown,so has the to miss,"said Freske. residents when they would saying "His memory is re-
amount of paper work re- Freske thinks Perrault ask him. As a city council markable. We rely on that
quired for the job. deserves a great retirement member, I've really appreci- memory for different things
Perrault says that in his party Jan.22 and hopes a lot ated the knowledge of and we're going to miss it."
50 years on the job he has of people attend. Otsego's history Jerry Jerry and Irma Perrault,
most enjoyed working with Perrault's extensive brought to our meetings.Ot- married 37 years,sold part of
the people of Otsego. The knowledge and amazing re- sego will miss Jerry and I their Otsego farm and moved
tough part is that there is a call were often mentioned by wish him well in the future." to a new home in Monticello
lot of responsibility connected city staff and officials in re- Council member Ron in May 1994.
with it,but he says"It's just cent interviews. Black said "I really respect Perrault said he has no
part of the job. " Retiring council member his opinions and views with big plans for his retirement,
Mayor Norman F.Freske Doug Lindenfelser said "We people and how they relate to but thinks he will take it easy.
said "Jerry has done just a always called him the photo- other people. He is very per- The couple hopes to travel to
super,super job all the years graphic mind.He can tell you ceptive." visit children and grandchil-
he has been there." dollars and years right to the "Jerry is a kind,consider- dren who have scattered from
"He really knows the ins year and right to the penny." ate, compassionate person. Otsego.,-...-,
and outs of the city.He has a Lindenfelser calls Per- He is honest and a joy to
knowledge we're really going rault's "a very honest figure work with. I will miss him,"
Political veterans retire from city council
Doug Lindenfelser and viding services for residents
Floyd Roden have served as of the second largest town- `'�
elected officials of Otsego for ship in the state prompted
a combined total of 25 years. the Otsego Town Board to
Both of them step down from petition the Minnesota State
their city council positions in Municipal Board for Otsego
1995. to become a city in 1989.The ��. ;
Lindenfelser was first three supervisors, Linden-
elected Otsego Township Su- felser, Roden, and Norman ).
pervisor in March 1981 and F. Freske (current mayor of
Roden in March 1982. At Otsego), worked together
that time, township govern- long and hard with city staff t �
ment was run by three su- to get Otsego incorporated in
pervisors,a clerk,and a trea- 1990.
surer.Annual town meetings Lindenfelser and Roden f
were held in March when were elected to the first Ot-
residents gathered to discuss sego City Council that year. Linden felser Roden
township concerns.
The growing pains of pro- VETERANS to page 4
iir/PiliAmAimAndluANNAINIABAN"iii"Na#
City of Otsego •
8899 Nashua Ave. NE � ti
Otsego, MN 55330 '
(612)441-4414
' ,, 4 s ry ,`LSM
OFFICE HOURS ,, , a`'
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor—
Norman F. Freske1;,
Council members— `
Ron Black a
Larry Fournier a
Vern Heidner
Suzanne M.S.Ackerman i cr
U
CITY STAFF _,,s'"" 1
Elaine Beatty,City Clerk/ ( �
Zoning Administrator "
Jim Barthel,Treasurer .
Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk Retiring City Treasurer Jim Barthel (right) discuss finances with retiring City Clerk, Jerome
Carol Olson, Clerk Secretary Perrault.
Dave Chase, Maintenance
Duane Fiedler, Maintenance City to restructure financial administration
PLANNING & ZONING The Otsego City Council is in the process of hiring a finance person.City Clerk Jerome
Carl Swenson,chair Perrault is retiring after 50 years on the job and Jim Barthel will be ending seven years
Eugene Goenner of service as Otsego's treasurer.
Jim Kolles The council hopes to combine some of the duties of the two jobs into one administrative
Dennis McAlpine position. In December,the job was offered to Lori Johnson,who works with finances and
Arleen Nagel, alternate personnel for the city of Elk River. Elk River courted Johnson with a counter offer and
Bruce Rask convinced her to remain there.The retirements of Perrault and Barthel have been delayed
I.G. Roskaft because of this development. The Council will be working to get a person on staff soon.
Mark Wallace Barthel has maintained bank accounts for Otsego since he was appointed Township
PARKS & RECREATION Treasurer in April 1987.
Thomas Baillargeon,chair "Jim has really helped the community,"said Mayor Norman F.Freske. "We will miss
Debbie Carron him."
Tom Constant
Darlyn Kofoed Voters elect new officials
Roche Martin
Darlene Solberg Votes were cast by 1,943 Otsego residents in the Nov.8 election.The voters re-elected
Carl Swenson Mayor Norman F. Freske and named two new members to the City Council.
EDA ADVISORY Freske was re-elected with 63 percent of the vote.This will be his third two-year term
Nancy Brunell as mayor.He also served on the Otsego Township Board for seven years before the city was
Luvern Klinker incorporated in 1990.
Richard Nichols Vern Heidner received 90 percent of the vote to be chosen for his first four-year term
Wally Odell on the City Council.Heidner has familiarized himself with Otsego government through his
Rudy Thibodeau position as chair of the Otsego Economic Development Authority Advisory Committee and
Liz Wilder attendance at City Council and Planning Commission meetings.
Suzanne M.S.Ackerman began attending City Council meetings after she was elected
with 35 percent of the vote.This is her first time on the Council, also.
Although voters were directed to vote for two City Council candidates,there were 1,135
people who voted for only one candidate.,, -'
Ro'r J viEw Snow plowing designed to get traffic moving
The Otsego maintenance crew makes travel possible on city streets as soon as it can
The Otsego View is a community after a snow storm. Snow removal begins after it stops snowing. The crew works to get
newsletter for the city of Otsego. major routes open first,keeping school bus routes in mind.The plows then return to clean
Jacquie Rognli,Editor the snow to the curb and clear cul de sacs.
Carol Corr McGuire,encaProductionnews Residents should keepthe streets clear for theplows. Trash cans and recycling bins
Correspondence and news items are Y g
welcome and should be sent to Otsego should be placed in driveways, not in the street. Park vehicles off the street. Mailboxes
City Hall, 8899 Nashua Ave. NE, need to be at least 42 inches above the pavement with the posts three to four feet from the
Otsego,MN 55330(612)441-4414 outside edge of the shoulder so the plow blades can pass under them.The city will not repair
ff...Contains 50%recycled any mailboxes.
t.0 pre consumer material For safety,motorists should give working plows plenty of room. w..
2
imArlillAsAidli.Ars"litAkii^ii^iiii/Samme%rs,
mommeliiiiiiiiiimmiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitsigiogommull
Jerome Perrault, Otsego living history
Thel„,,::,::,,::,::
'tyr
year was1 44. Thecountryjj
the the grader.Everyroad intownship :..... :::.:.: ���.::::::::
1�'
was at war,the first
electrical
power
was dirt. Before buying
ing the
grader,,
lines were being installed in Otsego, roads were maintained with blades
thetownship's population wasabout
tows s
hen tractors, so
that were pulled behind P
1.'�`
1,000, g g
andJer m Perrault was start- the h town'servisors were su
veryproud
P
ing his first year as Deputy Clerk for of their new machine.Township meet- _ --' €<'.;::.:>::
Otsego. That was the beginning of ings were held right there with the now uses to take minutes at city coun-
Jerry's 50 years of public service to grader, according to Jerry. When at- cil meetings.
Otsego. tendance was higher they would just Jerry feels that the biggest change
Fletcher Perrault,Jerry's father, back the grader out. he has seen in Otsego came with the
was elected Otsego Township Clerk Jerry thinks that moving the town- tremendous population growth of the
in 1944. Fletcher's failing health ship offices from the garage to the 1970s.Otsego had been a township of
prompted the appointment of Jerry school house next door was one of the farms and dirt roads.Residential de-
as Deputy Clerk in 1944 to assist his biggest improvement for Otsego gov- velopment started in the 1960s and
father. He was appointed Township ernment operation. The town pur- mushroomed in the 1970s. In I970,
Clerk in 1947 following Fletcher's chased the one room school house from Otsego's population was 1,570 and
death. the Elk River school district in about grew 200 percent to 4,700 in 1980.
After that,Jerry was elected Ot- 1950. The new community of single fam-
sego Township Clerk 21 times, run- As office machines and filing cabi- ily homes demanded more services
ning unopposed every two years un- nets were added,the school house that than the old community of farms had.
til 1990 when City Clerk became an once seemed so spacious became People wanted paved roads. They
appointed position. cramped and inadequate. Before the didn't like the dust. They wanted
Jerry was born in Otsego on his new city hall was built in 1993,Jerry snow plowing completed as soon as
grandfather's farm,which is now part did much of his work from the kitchen possible. They couldn't wait a couple
of Riverwood Conference Center. table of his home at the Perrault fam- of days like the farmers had some-
Jerry recalls that in 1935, the year ily farm. times done.
before his father became clerk the Jerry was introduced to Irma Road improvements were the ma-
first Elk River High School bus route Dehmer of St. Michael by her sister. jor concern of the town council during
was started in Otsego. They were married in 1957.Dating in that period. Houses went in and the
Electric lights were turned on at Otsego in the 1950s meant going to city had to tar the roads and assess
the Perrault family farm for the first movies and dances.There were dance the cost back to developers and resi-
time in 1945.Wright Hennepin Elec- halls in St. Michael and Rogers and dents.In 1975,Wright County began
tric Cooperative had run power lines movie theaters in Buffalo,Anoka,Mon- to require developers to tar the roads,
across the Mississippi River near ticello, and Minneapolis. which helped alot,according to Jerry.
Kadler Ave. to supply Orono first, If one were to search Otsego's Otsego's population continued to
then headed along County Rd. 39 in records,one would find all of Otsego's grow, although at a slower rate, in
Otsego.The Perrault barn and house minutes since 1944 are written in the 1980s. The township petitioned
were wired for about$600. Jerry's hand. He has hand written all to become a city and was incorpo-
In those days, the Otsego Town- of the minutes for 50 years,with some- rated in 1990, making state aid for
ship Board met in a small single times as many as 20 pages for a meet- roads available.Jerry was appointed
room town hall warmed by a wood ing. In 1977 a deputy clerk was hired Otsego City Clerk in 1990.He retired
stove. The building still stands on that typed the minutes after Jerry Dec. 1994 after 50 years.,-,-A-,
County Rd. 39 just north of Nashua wrote them. That first deputy clerk
Ave. The big front garage door was was Betty Adkins, who went on to Anyone with historical photo-
added when the township bought its become a Minnesota state senator. In graphs of Otsego is urged to contact
first grader.The wooden floors were 1994 the city purchased a laptop com- the Otsego History Committee
replaced by concrete to accommodate puter that Deputy Clerk Judy Hudson through City Hall. w•,
City seeking volunteers
The city of Otsego is currently accepting applications �oa ape i�wited to ko�,o,c
from residents who wish to become members of the c7ey�y (Pe,aalt
following committees:
At 50 years of sepia to tke city of Otsego
• Otsego Park and Recreation Commission
• Otsego Planning and Zoning Commission at a ''eti,&ea e1,t Open 4-/ouse
• Otsego Economic Development Authority goiday, Jc aey 9Z 1995
Advisory Committee
Any residents interested in applying for a position 1:00 to 5:00 p.�,., �Pwg�az, at x:00 p.�.
can pick up applications at Otsego City Hall. at Otsego City 4/all
8849 Chask�a'ue'quota (he, Otsego, Q1itesota
3
III, IIIIIAII^110A11"I^ilAIIIIAlidNII' ald
VETERANS from page 1 Snowmobile
time?"Try to get back into farming full
Before that,township supervisors usu- time."He has a dairy farm partnership
ally went unopposed in elections and with two other brothers. He also hopes trail opens
campaigning was very low key. The to fish and hunt more, spending more
first city election,however,brought out time with his family. The new Otsego/West Monticello
numerous candidates. Both men had a Lindenfelser said he is still very much loop of the Wright County Snowmobile
strong desire to continue on the new city concerned about the city and expects to Trail System is open and ready for use.
council to finish projects they had worked be attending meetings he is interested The new segment of trail in Otsego
so hard for and the two were prompted in. connects with previously established
to print campaign literature and lawn Floyd Roden trails in Albertville and Monticello that
signs for the first time. Roden said he is proud of what he got are part of over 225 miles of trails devel-
Mayor Freske said it was fun work- started with parks for Otsego, serving oped and maintained by the Wright
ing with these two men. He thinks the as council liaison to the Park and Recre- County Snowmobile Association.
biggest issues they went through to- ation Board for three years."I felt pretty Volunteers have marked the 12 foot
gether were the Halls Pond water prob- good about that." wide trails with standard snowmobile
lems and becoming a city. He also really enjoyed working on trail signs. They also groom the trails.
Freske said"I worked with them for building the new city hall and working Landowners have given permission to
11 years.We're going to miss them.I'm with the maintenance department. cross their property.
looking forward to the new people, but Roden calls the past 12 years a good Only snowmobiles are permitted to
I'm really going to miss them." experience and exciting. use the trails. Users must stay on the
Doug Lindenfelser Roden's favorite part of the job has trails and respect adjacent property.
Reflecting on his 13 years of service been meeting people,including the other The southern end of the trail"T"s in
to Otsego,Lindenfelsersaidworkingon township officers over the years. He with an established trail near
the Otsego Comprehensive Plan and all thinks that the town officers he met Hackenmueller's Store in Albertville.It
the planning they did were the big is- were more friendly and personal than goes north to the corner of Mason Ave.
sues. Road improvements have been city people. and County Rd. 39, then heads gener-
hot topics, too. Now Highway 101 is in Roden said"I enjoyed the township ally west until it joins a previously es-
the forefront. better,but city was the way to go. "I'm tablished trail by Hawk's Sports Bar
"Incorporating into a city was one of proud of what we've accomplished." and Grill in Monticello.
the biggest jumps," said Lindenfelser. "Thanks to everyone that supported Otsego Park and Recreation Board
Lindenfelser said the number one me and helped me over the years. I member Tom Constant says that some
thing he has enjoyed about the job is the enjoyed the support of the Parks and trail users are taking advantage of the
people he has met on a township, city, Rec.,Planning and Zoning,the EDAAC." Otsego City Hall parking lot to park
county, and state level. Roden is in the dairy farming busi- their trailers and then pick up the trail
He said the job has definitely helped ness with his son, Kurt. He also works at County Rd. 39 and Mason.
him grow as a person. "It's been very in real estate. When traveling to and from the trail,
much a learning experience,believe me." What will he do in retirement? snowmobilers should adhere to the Ot-
Lindenfelser said that he especiall "Maybe it's just vacation. I haven't de- sego recreational motor vehicle ordi-
wants to thank all of the people of Ot- cided yet." He speculated that he may nance that restricts the operation of
sego who have supported him and helped volunteer for a city committee or run for snowmobiles in residential areas. Cop-
him over the years. county commissioner.-' ies of the ordinance are available at
What will he do with all his spare City Hall.
For more information about the
snowmobile trail, call Tom Constant
(441-3654)or DennyMeyer
Y Me e
Y
Call the
.. ....................................:.::........:.................................................................................................................................................... ........
963 5137 for information about
January 17 7:30 p.m. Storm Water Drainage Hearing Wright County Snowmobile Associa-
January 18 8:00 p.m. Planning&Zoning Commission Meeting tion.,-.-As
Solid Waste Ordinance Amendment Hearing(street
sweepings) Residents special
Zoning Ordinance Amendment(land fill operations) getP
January 22 1:00-5:00 p.m. Jerry Perrault Retirement Party silbscrl tion offer
January 23 7:30 p.m. City Council Meeting p
January 24 7:00 p.m. Firearms Ordinance Committee organizational meeting Elk River Star News is offering a
February 1 8:00 p.m. Planning&Zoning Commission Meeting special subscription price of$15.00 per '
February 6 7:30 p.m. Economic Development Authority Advisory Committee
February 13 6:30 p.m.' City Council Meeting year to Otsego residents who do not
February 14 7:30 p.m. Parks&Recreation Commission Meeting normally receive the weekly paper.
February 15 8:00 p.m. Planning&Zoning Commission Meeting The Elk River Star News is desig-
February 20 OFFICE CLOSED Presidents'Day Hated the legal newspaper for the city of
February 27 6:30 p.m.' City Council Meeting
'New Time Otsego.The city submits notices of pub-
To be placed on the Planning Commission agenda,submit completed forms and information 15 lic hearings and ordinances for publica-
working days prior to meetings.Submit City Council agenda items seven working days prior to tion in the legal notices section of the
meetings. paper. Reporter Charmaine Barranco
Please call City Hall to confirm times if you plan to attend any of the listed meetings. regularly covers news in Otsego. Call
441-3500 for subscription informa-
4 tion.....,