Fire in Olivia

Here's a link to KARE 11 story

http://www.kare11.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1833143158001

New technology

One of the first initiatives I began when I became Mayor in Jan. 2011 was to start a Technology Committee to develop an overall plan than would include website, cable, and future digital connectivity with Olivia residents.  As I write this column each week I realize I am continually seeking that communication with people.  I have written a column for this newspaper for many years.  25 years for the library and now over 1.5 years as mayor.  This is a popular, but somewhat one-side mode of conversation, much like a lecture or sermon.  With new technology we can improve on that conversation. 

I realize that some people are very comfortable with these traditional modes of communications but I am a closet geek and if time and money permitted I would have every new tech toy available.  I could get lost in all that new technology and forget the mantra that “all these new tools should work for you not you for them”.  As the city moves toward the optimum methods to connect with residents as conveniently as possible, looking at all options is in our best interests.  Some people use cell phones, not land lines.  More people use the internet for information not necessarily newspapers or television.  How do we reach all these people with timely city information?  The city has to keep up with all these technologies and peoples busy lives. We will be exploring all those options.  The city’s technology committee has been working updating the website and the city council chambers.  All this research takes time.  We look forward to this improved communication soon.  Stay tuned for updates.  

I'm Farming and I Grow It

 Great Video from farm guys,  Enjoy!

Discovery Through eLearning: A Small Collection of Free eLearning Tools

Discovery Through eLearning: A Small Collection of Free eLearning Tools:

'via Blog this'

Corn Capital Days

The old saying about seasons in Minnesota including “road construction” is certainly true this year for Olivia.  Residents have been especially patient and understanding as their streets are torn up, services are relocated and accesses to their homes are temporarily limited.  The city appreciates everyone’s cooperation.  Construction is moving along well and will continue through the summer.  May the good weather continue.

I have been asked about Corn Capital Days and the parade route.  The usual route of the parade is 11^th street but due to the construction, the parade route will be moved this year to 10^th Street.  I am sure there will be proper notification of the change so everyone will be aware of the fact of the change.  This change will be for this year only.  It only a minor change.  The parade route will be change from 11^th Street to 10^th Street from Park Street to Chestnut Street for the 2012 Corn Capital Day Parade. 

Corn Capital Days will be a fun celebration as always.  Many people and community organizations work very hard to showcase our community and it is fun time to see and greet family and friends. Corn Capital Days and its tradition will continue in Olivia.  They are too many people, organizations including the city that value what it adds to our community to allow it to see it go away.   

Olivia, Corn Capital

This Friday I am heading to the Minnesota Mayors’ Conference.  The speakers are excellent but I enjoy talking with other mayor about what is happening in other large and small cities.  A few months ago at the midwinter conference a mayor of a metropolitan suburban city was sharing with me the process and cost they were having in “branding” their city.  That is giving their city an identity.  They need a logo, a phrase, something to be identified with.  It was costing them thousands of dollars.  We chatted a while and then after exchanging businesses cards she said to me, “You are lucky, everyone knows about Olivia and the Corn Capital.  Your city may be small, but you have no branding issue.”  Olivia has no identity problem.  We know exactly who we are and where our strengths lie.  We are fortunate indeed.  No city is without its challenges.  Olivia is an agricultural city and always will be.  It is the Corn Capital because innovators of corn research recognized the area and chose to locate here years ago to advance that research.  It seems the multinational companies followed them.  The legacy continues.  

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Renville County is beginning an effort to create a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program.  This starts with a steering committee of which I am a part.  The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program unites keys areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of meeting the needs at the local level of Servicemembers, Military Families and Employers across Renville County. If you would like to get involved in this project you are invited to a meeting on Thursday, May 10 at 5:00 at the Olivia Armory.  If you would like more information please contact me.

Jayson Rothmeier

Congratulations to Jayson Rothmeier for achieving his Eagle Scout Award on Sunday, April 15, 2012.  Jayson’s project was the Beautification of Flag Park in August, 2011.  He organized over 114 hours of work.  A job well done to Jayson, his parents, Dan and Carol, his mentor, Travis Lubitz and the many others who assisted him in his journey to become an Eagle Scout.  Olivia is certainly honored to be home to the Rothmeiers who now have the unique distinction of being a family with three Eagle Scouts.  Kudos to everyone involved in this effort.

Emergency Phone Alerts

Last Wednesday at 5:00 pm the city tested its new telephone emergency notification system.  If you have a telephone landline you should have received a phone call.  This is another way the city will notify its residents of emergencies.  As we are heading into storm awareness time, it is important to review all these safety issues again.  Sirens are in working order, but are only required to be heard outside of one’s home.  If you are in your home, everyone should have a weather radio and be aware of weather conditions.  

Construction Begins Again

Spring and Easter has arrived and along with it comes construction season.   The construction crews and city are making every effort to keep residents informed as to what is happening in their streets.  The neighborhood meetings will continue as the project continues.  There are construction meetings every Wednesday afternoon at city hall at 1:00 and 3:00 with the contractors and any resident is invited if they have concerns.  I would encourage residents to share their thoughts with foreman on site, if there is some issue that can easily be resolved.  This is a very large project and it will be with us for the entire summer so let us work together as we improve our city.

Infrastructure Update

The weather has been cooperating so the city may see the beginning of the infrastructure project sooner than anticipated.  The construction firm working on the south of town may be starting by the end of March if all other aspects of the project are lining up properly.  This certainly would be good news. 

Residents with property along the east/west alley from 8^th street to alley from 212 to DePue approached the city council about water drainage issues.  We asked the city engineers to explore this issue and create a report for us.  They discovered the problem also included the alley from DePue to Fairview so that information was included in their report.  This report was shared with the council.  The next step was to have the engineer share his reports with the residents it would impact and what current assessment policy would look like for those residents.  That is what the council did at the March 5^th meeting with continuation of that meeting to the April 2 council meeting.  There has been no vote taken, no money promised.  We are looking at different financial options.  The council is doing the work requested by the business owners/taxpayers. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the Olivia Irish.

10 Free Google Chrome Apps to Increase Productivity : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum

10 Free Google Chrome Apps to Increase Productivity : Technology :: American Express OPEN Forum:

'via Blog this'

Senator Gary Kubly dies

The second event is much more difficult to reflect on.  Senator Gary Kubly passed away on Friday, March 2, after suffering from ALS.  Gary was first diagnosed in summer 2010 and lived his final years with grace and dignity.  I knew Gary from my work at the library and personally.  He was an inspiration to me.  He was a politician who represented all his constituents.  He was an advocate for rural issues and was easy to talk.  The Capital was a better place with his presence and he will be missed.  I will miss his common sense and down-to-earth attitude, but mostly I will miss him because he was just one of the good guys.   My prayers to his family. 

Library paid off

Two events happened this week that illustrated my connectedness with Olivia.  The first was a positive one.  At the February 27, 2012 Olivia City Council meeting the last payment was made for the library.  15 years of payments for that beautiful building and it is now owned by the city.  That building was opened in 1997.  It was renovated and expanded primarily because a grant was available for $235,000 from the federal government administered through the state.  It was an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) loan.  The following year that loan program was capped at $50,000 per library.  It was through a lot of hard work we were able to bring that loan program to Olivia with the renovated and expanded library building the result.  I am truly pleased I was able to participate in the final payment of that building for the people of Olivia and Renville County. 

I believe that building illustrates our commitment to the future of our learning, our city, our county, and our citizens.  A community that builds whether it is a library or a school or infrastructure shows it is forward thinking and believes in its own future and its children’s future.  I am so honored to be mayor of such a community.

Internet safety

A little over a week ago I visited the BOLD school in Bird Island as Officer Michelle Jensen was talking to the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders about Internet safety. She asked the kids how many had a Facebook page and about half the kids raised their hands.  She then asked the kids how many were 13 years old.  The response was none.  She then wanted all the kids with Facebook pages to line up because it is illegal to have a Facebook page unless you are 13 years old.  The room was silent for a moment.  Obviously we need to do more education our kids, parents and community about the internet. 

Officer Jensen will be traveling to Savannah, Georgia in March to participate in the Internet Crimes Against Children Under Cover Investigations Task Force.  She is one of only 36 officers from across the United States to be chosen for this training.  This is quite an honor.  Officer Michelle will return to the Olivia Police Department with additional knowledge and networking to assist our community as continue to learn about internet safety.  I am sure we will be hearing more about it from her in coming months.

We have many more methods of communication with each other these days.  Lots of kids have cell phones.  Laptops, tablets, wireless are more common. It seems almost everyone is texting. But with each new form of communication comes responsibility to be aware of how to use it properly and safely.  I love new technology and with family in distant places it is a wonderful way to stay connected. But, please remember, as Officer Michelle told the school children during her visit, digital information, either emails or pictures on Facebook can stay there forever.  It can truly never go away, so be cautious about what you say and post.  

Interview for New Administrator

Last Friday and Saturday the city interviewed the four candidates for the position of city administrator.  We had lunch and dinner with them and their spouses; we took them on a tour and interviewed them individually on Friday.  Saturday morning the city council and the city department heads interviewed each candidate as a group.  It was an intense and exciting few days.  They are four outstanding individuals and candidates.  It also was a time I was so very proud of Olivia and our citizens. 

I wish to express my gratitude to Master’s and Max’s for excellent dining and customer service as always from these wonderful local eateries.  Each event was handed beautifully.  Thank you to Nancy Standfuss, our tour director for an excellent presentation.  Each candidate I visited with commented on the friendliness and pleasantness of Olivia residents.  This is the primary reason I choose to run for mayor of this community. 

The city staff and workers put in extra hours getting ready for the candidates’ visit in addition to working on a Saturday until 3:00 pm which illustrates their dedication to our city.  Thank you hardly seems sufficient.   All in all everything went very well and as the final details become complete, more information will be available. 

I want to thank everyone involved in the search process from the city council to the city staff to the citizens who offered encouragement to every person who just greeted a stranger with a smile.  Remember, an act of kindness, a gesture of friendliness can be just what that person needs at that moment in their life and how easy was that. 

Back from Blandin

I’ve just completed the Blandin Community Leadership Program.  I feel like the astronaut who has come back from an amazing space experience.  I can just say WOW!  What fabulous resources we have in these Renville County people.  It was “amazingville!”  I want to thank all the people who encouraged me to participate in this program, Chris Hettig and Bob Porath especially.  It is a privilege to attend this superb program and we in Renville County have a core group of outstanding people who are posed to lead our community into the future.  Among the many practical applications of framing issues and ideas, mobilizing resources, and building relationships we were given the opportunity to understand ourselves and our personalities and communications style.  Understanding how one’s style of communicating may be interpreted by another and how that plays out in small groups, is an educational experience.  After all, most of us do our work in small groups. How we interact in small groups is vital is to their success.   There were also some new friendships made, some old friendships renewed, acquaintances that became stronger, bonds than will never be broken, memories that will last a lifetime and learning that will benefit each individual and each community, but especially Renville County. As I said the night of the banquet, when I see this group of people and what they have to offer and what they are willing to share I am so confident of the future of our community and Renville County. I am honored to be among them.  Thank you to all who participated. 

Meet the Candidates

The City is in the midst of the search for a new city administrator.  We have narrowed the field to 5 excellent candidates and they will be interviewed the weekend of February 17 & 18.  On Friday night there will be a social hour at Max’s for the public to meet the candidates.  The tentative time is 6:00 but the final schedule is not completed so if may vary by half hour or so.  The public is invited to meet the candidates at this event so mark your calendars for Friday, February 17^th at Max’s.   All the candidates are excellent and come with very high credentials; it will be very enjoyable to meet these outstanding people.

Blandin Leadership Week

As you are reading this column I along with 23 other members of the Olivia, Danube, Renville and Sacred Heart Communities will be at the Blandin Community Leadership Program in Grand Rapids Minnesota.  We will be working and studying to become better community listeners, workers and leaders.  The challenges our rural communities face are great but with great challenges come great opportunities and this week will prepare us for meeting them with the positive resources that our communities possess.  I believe very strongly in the people of Olivia and this leadership program will give me additional tools to promote growth and challenges the future will bring. 

League of Minnesota Cities Conference

Last weekend I attended a League of Minnesota Conference in the Twin Cities.  It was for Experienced Elected Officials and the program topic was Shared Leadership during Challenging Times.  There were close to 200 people attending from all over Minnesota from all different size cities.  As we met in small groups and visited at breaks and meals it was clear that no matter what the size of the city the issues are remarkably similar.  All cities have to provide more services with less money, do more with less.  All cities have land use issues.  All cities have challenges engaging residents in issues and inviting citizens to participating in boards, commissions and other volunteer activities in their communities.  All cities have to be aware to not let civic policy be determined by the most vocal but smallest majority of the populace.  We as elected officials have the responsibility to provide for all the citizens and sustain the quality of life that we have come to expect in our community. 

This was a most insightful workshop as the city starts on the process of selecting a new city administrator.  The Council will be reviewing the screened applications this week.  We are scheduled to interview 5-6 candidates in mid-February.  There were 70 applicants for this position.  

Retirement Extension

The City Council has decided to honor our current city administrator’s request for an extension of his retirement date.  He has asked to delay his retirement until February 29, 2012.  The Council has granted this to allow him to work on the infrastructure project and other projects that are not yet complete. 

Blandin Community Leadership

I have been chosen to participate in the Blandin Community Leadership Program.  There will be 24 of us from Olivia, Danube, Renville and Sacred Heart travelling to Grand Rapids, Minnesota for a week-long retreat.  This will take place February 6 – 10, 2012.  Other community members who have participated in this program in previous years have all have found it personally beneficial and also good for identifying community potential and growth.  I am looking forward to the experience, not only for my own personal growth but also what I can bring back to our community and how I can share that experience with the City of Olivia.

Winter Weather

Winter has arrived and after this week’s snowfall and the 500+ accidents in the Twin Cities, I urge all drivers to remember the rules of winter driving (which we all seem to forget).  Please slow down and allow plenty of space between cars to stop at lights and stop signs.  Remember it is better to arrive at our destinations a few minutes late than not at all.  Also, allow lots of room for snow removing equipment to do their work. 

Daniel's Farewell Party

Everyone is invited to join us the Olivia City Council and Staff’s Farewell Gathering for city administrator, Daniel Hoffman on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the city council chambers from 3:00 to 4:30.  Daniel will be retiring the end of January.  He has been city administrator for the City of Olivia for four years and has been instrumental in bring the current infrastructure project with its $7 million grant portion into the city.  This project would not have happened without his leadership.  His keen eye and attention to detail will be missed.  Please join us for coffee and acknowledge his contributions to our city.

Colleen Revier retirement

Retiring this week after many years of service to our city is Colleen Revier.  Colleen was the cable access coordinator for many years and is retiring from that position as of January 15, 2012.  Cable access will be now be handled within the city office.  The phone number is 320.523.2361 and email is oliviacableaccess@gmail.com .  There will be some transition so we ask everyone to be patient.  The City Council and the entire city staff and community appreciates the contribution Colleen has made these past 20+ years.  She has been a reliable worker and has seen many changes in the technology field.  There will be more to come as the city looks to a new city administrator in the coming months.  

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks & Trails Coalition

There is an organization that lovers of outdoors in our area should be aware of.  I attended an ITV meeting of the Great Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Coalition this last week.  This group is a young organization which has joined together to provide networking opportunities for regional parks and trails throughout Greater Minnesota.  It also believes by joining together we will improve the quality of life for our citizens outside of the Metropolitan area.  Areas of focus include providing legislative support and promoting funding opportunities.  In our area, the City of Olivia is the only governmental agency supporting this effort.  I look forward to other cities and Renville County supporting this regional effort in addition to townships and regional development commissions.  Please contact me if you would like more information. 
Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Coalition

RADkids Committee to Start

At the last City Council meeting there was established a RADkids committee.  This organization is a nation-wide program.  RADkids stands for “Resist Aggression Defensively”. It is a personal empowerment safety education program that includes bullying prevention through the eyes of our children, while breaking the cycle of violence in our children’s lives.  This program has been discussed and presented at numerous community service groups.  Members of our community have been learning about this program for a year or so and now it is time to move to the next step.  If you would like more information or are interested in being part of this committee please contact me or Brian Stenholm at the Olivia Police Department. 

Olivia Community Center for Family Gatherings

If your family needs a bigger space than your house for hosting any type of gathering the Olivia Community Center is available at a very reasonable cost.  It is a smoke free handicapped accessible facility that is available for gatherings and celebrations, such as anniversaries, receptions, class reunions, etc.  The center accomodates 102 people and has a full kitchen with a dishwasher and large coffee pots.  There are tables and chairs, cable TV, a DVD player and on-site parking.  Please contact city office (320-523-2351) or cityofolivia@olvia.mn.us

Getting ready for winter!

Happy 2012 to everyone!

We all knew winter would eventually come.  Now is the time to make sure our cars are equipped with those winter survival kits, items that we took out of our cars in May.  You know, that extra pair of mittens, hats, scarfs, snow pants, wool blankets and that coffee can with the candles, matches, flashlight with new batteries, colored ribbon or emergency tag, that shovel that is somewhere in garage, an extra pair of socks and extra boots.   We need to find all that stuff and put in back in our cars for our future travels.  Better to be safe than sorry, hopefully we will never have to use any of it, but if we do, it will be there.