Mari Radtke spoke to council about “Healthy Hometown Powered by Wellmark.” The countywide project guides local communities to make healthier food and activity choices easier and more convenient. The program features “Eat well. Move more. Feel better.” Wellmark provides staff to assist communities engineering, ideas, finance, grant writing and more. The program was brought to O’Brien County by Kiana Johnson, O’Brien County Economic Development. Seven communities throughout the county have some form of committee to develop projects, most feature a walking/biking trail.
Mike O’Mahony followed with had written a letter to the council enquiring about an empty lot at the corner of Main Street and W 1st Street. His intention is to build a seasonal, permanent greenhouse and with Christmas tree sales. O’Mahony has been a gardener all his life. He and his son, Conner are both Master Gardeners. The greenhouse, according to O’Mahony is “to give back to the community.” He adopted the Sutherland Library throughout the summer for its outdoor improvements. Council expressed full support for the project. Final terms for the sale of the lot are under consideration by council members. Utilities were discussed revealing that all hookups should be available at the location.
Michael Hockey, along with his wife and her son attended to discuss with the council the condition of property owned by the City of Sutherland and adjacent to his on the east. The City’s property is known as the “Arboretum.” Hockey and City Councilman Patrick Nelson toured the 3.03 acres. Hockey offered to cleanup the property with his own time and tools. Use after cleanup, Hockey suggested it could be used for trails, flowerbeds or gardens, noting that he had understood that it was once used as a camping area.
Nelson was asked if he was willing to describe the property presently. He stated, “There were a lot of downed trees, garbage in the downed trees.” Nelson further explained that Mr. Hockey wanted permission to take his equipment in there to mow. Both agreed the dead animal smell would also be eliminated from the area. It was described by Hockey as a nuisance with Nelson adding the property has a lot of potential. Liability will be looked into to have Hockey do the work.
Council went on to consider Resolution 2022-23, which would propose an ordinance to vacate a platted alley in the city of Sutherland. The alley is located off Washington Street running north/south along the west end of the former football field. The vacation of the alley is positioning the property for residential platting.