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Olivia council hears community center, abatement and EDA updates; utility bills to include stormwater fee
Summary
Council received staff reports: the community center saw just over 100 visitors this month; an Ash Avenue abatement is moving toward court after publication requirements; the EDA is studying infrastructure at the old hospital site; new utility bills will include a stormwater fee affecting roughly 80–100 vacant lots.
Council staff provided several routine updates at Tuesday’s Olivia City Council meeting, covering community center use, a property abatement, EDA housing planning and an upcoming change to utility bills.
A city staff member said the community center’s part-time staff opened and staffed the facility this month and recorded “just over a hundred” visits for walking and open gym. Staff also pointed to a feature in Minnesota Cities magazine from the League of Minnesota Cities that included the Olivia Armory.
Pam updated the council on an abatement action for a property on Ash Avenue. She said the process required publication because multiple lienholders — including out-of-state parties — had to be served; staff filed and recorded the required notices and are allowed to call the court after a five-day waiting period to set a motion. Pam said she expected to call the court next week to set a motion date.
George John reported on the Economic Development Authority’s priorities for 2026, including seeking an infrastructure project (sewer and electric) at the old hospital grounds to attract a builder and discussing preferred housing types — patio homes, townhomes, duplexes or quadplexes — to guide infrastructure design.
Staff also said new utility bills due to be mailed by month’s end will include a stormwater fee for vacant lots. Staff estimated the change will affect about 80 to 100 vacant properties and said the city expects an influx of calls from property owners as bills go out.
The council also shared notices of community events, including a Jan. 31 “winter warm-up” at Max's Girl from 6 to 8 p.m., a partnership among the Olivia Liquor Store, Olivia Chamber and Olivia Sons of the Legion, and a Community Ed parents’ night in Bird Island.
