Mayor’s Minutes: Osseo’s Duane Poppe
Osseo Mayor Duane Poppe spoke recently with CCX Media’s Dave Kiser about staffing updates at city hall and the possibility for municipal cannabis operations.
Osseo Mayor Duane Poppe in the CCX Media studios in October 2024.
Staffing Update
In addressing a slew of recent staff turnover at city hall, Mayor Poppe said the city hired a new clerk, Natalie Santillo.
“She’s doing great. Really stepped in and really taking charge,” said Poppe.
He also said city council approved an assistant city administrator role to help out City Administrator/Police Chief Shane Mikkelson. Poppe said applications are already coming in and the process is moving toward interviews for that role.
Budget Process
Poppe said work continues on the city budget for next year.
“You can’t miss. There’s a lot of unknowns, like healthcare and you don’t know is going to take what kind of coverage,” he said. “Now, to the end of the year we have time to really understand and get some of that additional detail in so we can really hone down that number.”
Approval of the budget has to come before the end of the calendar year.
Election
Absentee and early voting is underway ahead of the November 5 general election. Two city council seats and the mayor’s seat are up in Osseo this fall.
“Understand who the candidates are and what they stand for and kind of their vision for the city will be long-term, and place your vote,” Poppe said.
Municipal Cannabis
The city is considering a proposal to operate a municipal cannabis dispensary.
“This is an opportunity that, frankly, is unlike anything in the country,” said Poppe. “There’s no other state that has allowed municipal dispensaries. We’re trying to understand that and what does it mean? How, most cost effectively can we deliver that? It’s going to happen, and if we have the opportunity to take advantage of that and create some revenue for the city–that’s really the goal.”
