"Grand Dog" Sitting

As I am writing this, we are watching our “granddog”, Cali. She has her head on my leg as I work on the computer. There hasn't been a dog in our house for quite a few years, but previous to that I could count on one hand the number of years I've lived without a dog. When one gets older and the children have moved out, it is nice to be only responsible for yourself. No rushing home to walk the dog or let the dog out or feed the dog. No dog hair on the carpet, no tripping over tennis balls in the kitchen. There are many reasons to enjoy the freedom of not having a dog. So why do we do it? After spending a few hours with this pooch I think I have some of the answers. Never have I been greeted with as much enthusiasm as this dog gives me. I just went outside to hang clothes on the line and am greeted on my return as if I was gone for months. How could anyone not love an animal that is so absolutely crazy about just seeing you? This dog just likes to be in the same room with you. The first days, she followed me everywhere. From the sink to the stove, there she was, from refrigerator to table, there she was. I've never felt so important to anyone like this. She seems to enjoy just being in our presence, what a compliment. I can once again understand the joy of dog ownership, even with all the responsibilities. Of course Cali will have to go back to her own home next week, and our home will once again be without water dishes, tennis balls on the floor and dog hair on the carpet. It will be very nice and neat, but I will miss my pooch and all her love and attention.   

thoughts from League of Minnesota Conference

I attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Rochester earlier this month. It was a great conference and I saw old and new friends and elected officials. It was great to see Pierre Willette who works for the city of Minneapolis. He has lost none of his performing skills learned at Olivia High School I am sure. He and his group did an entertaining wrap-up the State Legislative session.

The keynote speaker was author, David Horsager. His book is “The Trust Edge”. David states, “Everything of value is built on trust, from financial systems to relationships.” Lack of trust is the number one reason for loss of productivity and increase in cost in business. He outlined a couple of his eight Pillars of Trust and their applications not only for business but for personal relationships and indeed life. The Pillar I found so intriguing is consistency. I know in all parenting manuals the mantra of consistency is emphasized, but I didn't always see it in the larger picture of a person's relationships and work. In the public sector work, consistency to all is vitally important, even public service to children should be consistent with public service to adults. Shouldn't we try to maintain those standards with all our relationships? David went on to explain that it is consistency in the small things of everyday life that have the greatest impact long term. Not everyone has the time or resources to gives away vast amount of money or dedicate hours to a worthy case, but everyone has the capacity to be friendly and pleasant and greet each other with a cheerful hello. It is the small gestures in life that may be difficult to do some days, but perhaps those are what a person ultimately will be remembered for. A life goal definitely worth striving for.  

PSA: Remember, Social Media Is Serious Business

PSA: Remember, Social Media Is Serious Business

More Snow & technology committee

We have a 3 &1/2 foot St. Francis statute in our backyard and it is now completely covered by the snow. I thought we might make it through this winter with snow only up to his chin. With our week-long thaw he was doing well. Then the snow event of 2/20-2/21 happened and St. Francis has disappeared. With the March sun and more minutes of daylight, it is hoped that St. Francis will soon reappear.

The city is creating a technology committee and citizens who have an interest in computer technologies and the Internet are invited to apply. I believe the city should be looking at connecting with our citizens in as many channels as possible which would include the Internet and perhaps social media. It would be the charge of this committee to make recommendations to the council on the future direction of technology. I would like the city website and cable channel to be part of this conversation. All interested citizens should stop by city hall for an application or contact me via email (smhilgert@gmail.com) and I'll email an application to you.

Congratulations to Brent Richards on the re-opening of Hi Tech Services. I was at the ribbon-cutting and noticed the latest titles are in and available. It is bright and clean and the staff is very friendly. So when the snow falls and the wind blows, stop by and pick up a couple of movies. Making popcorn and watching flicks is a great way to spend a cold winter night.

Notes from Mayor

A very heartfelt good luck to all the high school students participating in end-of-season playoffs and tournaments. The BOLD Divas start the action with their appearance at the State Tournament this last week. There are so many extracurricular activities during this time of year, it is impossible to take them all in. It is so enjoyable to watch our young people participate. The enthusiasm they show illustrates why I enjoy high school activities so much. Good luck to all.

A huge thank you to all the local people who sang for the local Kiwanis Valentine Days Singers. They always do wonderfully and all the money raised goes back to our community in a variety of ways. Of course, I am prejudice because I belong to Kiwanis. It is a marvelous service organization and meets every Thursday at noon at Masters (week 1 & 2 of month) and Pizza Ranch (week 3 & 4 of month). Please contact me if you are interested in joining us.

Infrastructure Update: Community members have asked about expanding the holding pond into a body of water that would be deep enough to stock fish and create a fishing pond with a nature area access. The idea definitely has merit but of course the cost is a consideration. The city council is weighting this option along with the entire project. A decision on this project will need to be approved by the council with a vote coming sometime in the first weeks of March.

David Palm's Presentation

David Palm's Presentation on Olivia Street Project 2011-2012

Bolton and Menk Preliminary Assessment Roll & Feasibility Report

Here is link for complete report:
Preliminary Complete Report
 
Here is link for preliminary assessment by Name:
Preliminary Assessment by Name

Here is link for preliminary assessment by Street:
Preliminary Assessment by Street

Assessment Hearing

I would like to thank everyone that attended the Public Improvement Hearing on Wednesday, January 19. My goal for the evening was threefold. First, I wanted our excellent engineer, Dave Palm to explain this expansive project in its scope, range and purpose. He did an admirable job. Secondly, I wanted to answer all questions from those in attendance. That also was accomplished. Thirdly I wanted the entire evening to be a respectful example of democracy. Each citizen has the right to be heard in a sensitive and courteous manner. We, speaking for council and city administration, do not have all the answers, but we shared those answers we did know and will make every effort to investigate the questions we were unable to answer Wednesday night. As I stated in my opening remarks, these is the largest infrastructure project the city as undertaken and we are in the citizen input phase. No decision has been made about the project yet. The discussion to do all of it, a portion of it, or none of it is still very much on the table. As mayor, I truly appreciate people sharing their thoughts. That being said, I and the rest of the council have a responsibility to all citizens to make our best decision taking into account all these remarks. I especially appreciate people who can see past their own personal interest and discuss the project and what is represents to the entire city and its future. This project has been discussed and reviewed for many years. We will make the best decision possible for all the citizens of Olivia, using all the resources available to us.

Renville County Register first column

Renville County Register - 1st column
It was just one year ago I was writing the last of my weekly library news columns for this paper. Here I am again writing another column from a different perspective. I said when I retired from the library that it was my privilege to be librarian for the last 25 years. I feel the same way in my new role. It is truly my privilege to be mayor of this city. I am humbled and honored by it. I am not a native Olivia resident. I was born and raised in St. Paul, actually I am a big city gal who has come to love the small town rural lifestyle. Olivia has many wonderful people, especially our outgoing mayor, Bill Miller and city council person, Chuck Brown. If not for their hard work, I doubt I would have considered getting into this position. We owe them a great deal of admiration and respect.

Speaking of respect, I laud all our city crews who have plowed us all out during this winter of weekly snowfalls. They were out working hard even in the rain of last week. I can't imagine how much worse our streets would be. I regularly visit St. Paul, Minneapolis and a couple of the suburbs and I am always happy to get back to Olivia where the streets are plowed so well.

As we hit January cold weather please check on your neighbors as the elements might make it difficult for some to get out. Also remember our pets are just as sensitive to cold so don't leave them out too long. This winter has been a beautiful one as long as everyone takes the precautions we know we need to in cold and snowy weather.

Happy New Year and I look forward to being mayor of our wonderful small town.

Hilgert Wins

Hilgert wins mayor with 57% of the vote.  Thanks to all who supposed me.  I look forward to representing the city and all its citizens in the coming years.