Mayor’s Minutes: Osseo’s Duane Poppe
Osseo Mayor Duane Poppe talked recently with CCX Media’s Dave Kiser about changes in city government and leadership, possible expansions, and upcoming family fun events.
Osseo Mayor Duane Poppe at CCX Media studios in June.
Changes at City Hall
Poppe said many jobs are open at city hall after several departures, and that city council may even look to change the organizational structure of city staff.
City council voted to part ways with city administrator Riley Grams this spring, and in the wake of that departure, the city clerk and the community development director both left for other jobs.
“The council is looking to take this opportunity to look at all the staff, the positions, how does it all lay out,” said Poppe. “At this point, try to stabilize things and evaluate things at the same time.”
Councilmember John Hall was appointed to fill the remainder of a term after Ashlee Mueller resigned because she moved out of the city. That term ends at the end of the year. Poppe said his seat and two council seats are also up in November’s election.
Facilities
Work continues on a city level to identify ways to correct building and infrastructure needs at city hall, Poppe said.
“Obviously, we can’t build the grandiose, all-in-one (city building),” he said.
The city has purchased the old press building near city hall, and Poppe said the city is examining ways to incorporate it.
“To retrofit or whether to tear down–try to evaluate that and also where does the money come from?” he said.
Lions Roar
The annual Lions Roar is back the first weekend of September.
“Just a great community event,” said Poppe. “(It) brings everybody together. It’s a great parade, a lot of community activity going on. It’s just a great get-together for everyone.”
