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Owensville aldermen approve equipment purchase, review I&I progress and address sign complaint
Summary
At its April 6 meeting the Owensville Board of Aldermen approved a Parks & Recreation Gator purchase, cleared the consent agenda, heard updates on the I&I sewer project and MDNR abatement reporting, and advised a local business to remove temporary signs to comply with zoning rules.
The Owensville Board of Aldermen on April 6 approved several administrative items and heard departmental updates, including a Parks & Recreation equipment purchase and progress reports on the city’s I&I sewer project and MDNR abatement reporting.
During visitors and presentations, Garrett Witte of All Service Insurance asked the board for clarification after receiving a violation for temporary, off-premises signs. The City Engineer advised that sign rules depend on zoning districts and sign construction; the mayor suggested Mr. Witte contact the City Engineer and the Code Enforcement Officer about permitting. Mr. Witte told the board he would remove the signs to comply.
The board approved the consent agenda — minutes from March 16, accounts payables and the March collector's report — on a motion by Alderman Cathy Lahmeyer seconded by Alderman Denise Bohl. No dissent was recorded.
Parks & Recreation Director presented a Sourcewell contract quote from Heritage Tractor for a diesel Gator HPX85E priced at $15,582.08 with a $2,200 trade-in for the department’s budgeted purchase. Alderman Matt Kramme moved to accept the quote and Alderman Cathy Lahmeyer seconded; the board approved the purchase unanimously.
The City Marshal reported the Easter egg hunt had lighter participation this year and noted a piece of equipment or vehicle called 'Durango' will be placed in service April 13. The Water Park staff have completed paperwork and drug testing; lifeguard training remains the next step before seasonal operations.
The City Engineer updated the board that Donald Maggi Construction is expected to finish work on the north side of town around Marvin and 3rd Street in two to three weeks as part of the inflow-and-infiltration (I&I) project. The engineer also said changes to the RIT district ordinance are nearly finalized with the city attorney and that the First Street lighting project received approval to waive the 45-day cooling period so a pre-construction meeting can proceed next week.
The City Administrator reported that, after the first phase of the I&I work, roughly $3 million will remain on an approved bond; if a pending grant application is approved it would reduce the bond amount needed and help bring the city into compliance with the MDNR Abatement Order on Consent. The next MDNR quarterly report is scheduled for the second quarter (April–June 2026).
Other administrative items included Public Works’ plan to solicit bids for salt, concrete and a 60" zero-turn mower, and continuing Code Enforcement efforts to remove unpermitted vehicles and address complaints about chickens and roosters. With no further business, the board adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
