Meet the Motley City Council/Mayoral candidates
About a dozen people came out for the ‘Meet the Motley City Council Candidates’ candidate forum Oct. 27, at Motley-Staples Middle School.
The event was sponsored by the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce, LEAP (Leadership Engagement Advocacy Positiveness) and the Staples World.
Participating candidates included Amy Hutchison and Al Yoder, both of whom currently serve on the council and are vying for the open mayoral seat; and Nate Douglas and Bob Follis, vying for the two open council seats. The third council candidate, incumbent Steve Johnson, was unable to attend the forum due to health issues.
Brenda Halvorson, LEAP member and Staples World general manager, served as moderator.
A series of questions were asked during the forum, addressing a variety of issues including industry, roads and the police department. Questions were provided by members of the public, as well as the forum sponsors. Candidates drew numbers to determine their speaking order.
Below is the list of the candidates, with a summary of their responses.
Amy Hutchison
Could we cooperate with Staples or Pillager to get little league baseball back at Ernie Converse Park? Hutchison stated that there are plenty of kids in the Motley community (including her own sons) and that something like this, in a safe, protected environment, is needed. She noted having several contacts in both Pillager and Staples with which she would consult.
What will be your top priorities if elected? Hutchison said she would like to focus on getting the community more united and to bring back that ‘small town feel.’ Hutchison believes that if residents are happy, industry will come to the town. “Let’s show people this is a great place to live,” she said.
MNDot has the say so, but we need more marked pedestrian crossings on Hwy 10. That was an issue that drove her to be on the council in the first place, Hutchison said, adding that she has wanted to see a crosswalk put in for a long time. She’s hoping that this might become a reality when the new Dollar General Store located on Hwy 10 is built.
How would you go about bringing more industry to Motley? Hutchison said she feels the city is doing its best to offer incentives. She mentioned the JOBZ program, the revolving loan fund and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), that have been set up to promote industries.
Can we look at more community events? She would love to have the city council be involved in this area. Outdoor movie nights; and little league baseball and basketball are some of the things Hutchison would like to see happen in Motley.
In response to the Staples World questions, many of you brought up the confidence you have in your current police chief yet also noted he can’t do everything himself. Would you be in favor of raising taxes to hire more officers and to make sure they receive the training they need to maintain the security of residents? Hutchison said that the city’s police chief, Ron Smith, “is an amazing asset to the city.” She noted that there is money in the budget to hire another officer and she feels the city should do this to support Smith.
Building a walking and biking trail system to take advantage of the rivers was identified as a short-term priority in the comprehensive plan adopted by the city council in Oct., 2014, one to be completed in the next two - five years. There does not seem to be any progress toward this goal.
What steps need to be taken to make this system a reality, how can you get this into the budget and what specifically can the council do to move this project along? That has been a big priority for the council in the past, Hutchison said, adding that these efforts have gotten derailed. She noted that the city owns property by the Mill Pond Townhomes, as well as other property that could be utilized for this. Unfortunately, much of the land by the rivers is privately owned. She would like to see a bike path between Motley and Staples.
Describe the strategies you would employ to improve meaningful communication within the city, i.e., between the residents and the council and employees, keeping everyone informed. How would you foster successful partnerships with residents and businesses? We (the council) are ready to get back to business and make our town great again, Hutchison said. She noted that at times the council seems divided; but they have to be and that makes them stronger. She is excited for the future of Motley, no matter the outcome of the election.
Closing statements “This is my fourth year on the council...I have seen what works and what doesn’t. Last year was very challenging and I want to help our community be united. We are ready to make changes.” She went on to say, “I know I focus a lot on community; but I think that is what will bring people and business in. People want a close-knit community; and we are in a great location...centrally located.”
Al Yoder
How would you go about bringing more industry to Motley? Yoder noted that new businesses are not building in Industrial Park and the city needs to think of new possible locations. The city presently has good industries and there is not a lot of room on Hwy 10 for new businesses. His plan would be to talk with other cities to get their ideas. He previously spoke with the City of Pierz who said that they sold lots to new businesses for $1 and now those lots are full. The increased tax base has since paid for the property.
What will be your top priorities if elected? He agrees with Hutchison that if the residents in Motley are happy, industry will follow. Yoder also feels that the city needs to work with residents that live on the edge to town, outside of the city limits and thus have no say-so in city matters. Perhaps some sort of coalition between the two entities should be established. Other priorities for Yoder include building a sidewalk near the Dollar General; and getting the new well drilled for water supply.
How will you Eliminate illegal drug use and ‘meth houses’ in this area? Yoder said that he is very proud of the efforts that the Motley Police Department has already made in this area. “They keep on top of it,” he said. Yoder went on to note that it’s important to give the police department tools, such as keeping track of the amount of water and electricity used by residents. If reports show extreme amounts of usage, that’s a sign of drug/meth usage. The more that drug users are harassed, the more likely they will leave, Yoder said.
Describe the strategies you would employ to improve meaningful communication within the city, i.e., between the residents and the council and employees, keeping everyone informed. How would you foster successful partnerships with residents and businesses? The city has policies in place that need to be enforced, Yoder said. He suggested getting volunteers to help the elderly that need assistance with cleanup efforts. He feels the council has made a lot of progress with communication and are cooperating with each other.
What do you think you can do about having some more indoor activities for families with children or teens? It’s unfortunate that the city does not have a community center, Yoder said, adding that Motley is primarily an elderly community. He noted that the City of Bowlus has a community center and he wondered why Motley couldn’t have one. A community center could be used by all ages and would hopefully inspire interaction between the various age groups.
In response to the Staples World questions, many of you brought up the confidence you have in your current police chief yet also noted he can’t do everything himself. Would you be in favor of raising taxes to hire more officers and to make sure they receive the training they need to maintain the security of residents? Yoder believes that Motley does need more police officers; but understands that, “it’s a fine line. Like (improved) roads, everyone wants them; but don’t want to pay for them.” Yoder also noted that additional work is needed on the budget to see what is available. He went on to say that city hall has been a mess; but he’s hoping that the new city clerk/treasurer will help them “get back on track.”
Why can we not fix the road by Augers gas station that runs from Hwy 10 to the Eastwood Apts and Harmony House? It is a mess and should be paved. Yoder noted that streets near East River Road were recently paved. He understands that other roads also need improvements, but that this is very costly to residents. Yoder went on to address a comment made earlier by someone who said there was no new housing in Motley. He pointed out the new Mill Pond Townhomes, as well as a new apartment complex.
How would you envision a community center being staffed? What would the city’s responsibility be? Yoder said he did not think the city could afford to staff a community center. He wondered if the elderly might volunteer their time in some way? Perhaps the community center would remain locked and people could sign up to use it, stopping by city hall for the key. It is definitely something to look into, as so many people would like to have a community center in town.
Closing statements “I agree with Amy...it starts with a positive council...there is a professional way to disagree and we need to run the meetings professionally.” Yoder went on to say that he would like to have the DNR clean up the area by the boat access in town, creating a usable space for people to sit by the water. He would like to continue working positively with the Staples-Motley School District. “My daughters go to Staples Motley schools and I’m proud of it,” Yoder said. If he is elected mayor, he would also like to foster positive relationships with all of the businesses in town. “I’ve talked with all of the business owners and asked them what they need. It’s important that they are acknowledged...we need to send them ‘thank you’ notes. The public will see that.”
Bob Follis
During your term, what is the most important issue facing Motley residents? What will you do about it? Follis said that Motley is a perfectly-located city and that the council needs to make it a place that people want to come to. He would like efforts made to fill up Industrial Park with businesses; make it a destination.
What will be your top priorities if elected? “The first thing we need to do as a city council is to find out what citizens want,” Follis said. He suggested sending out surveys; and inviting residents to attend meetings where they would be given the opportunity to voice problems and concerns.
How could the council work together more effectively? Follis acknowledged that people will have different views on things; but if the council has a common goal, they should be able to find a way to work together toward it. “We haven’t had any trouble so far with this group,” he said lightheartedly of the panel of candidates, after jokingly suggesting the council could “duke it out and see who comes out ahead.”
There has been no new housing in Motley in years. How do we change that? “I believe there are possibilities,” Follis said, going on to mention the possibility of a high rise being built in town. He suggested finding a developer who was interested in working with the city on a housing project. Mobile homes have been frowned on in the past; but perhaps they might provide an answer to the housing dilemma. “If we had good housing, people would come here,” Follis said.
What do you think you can do about having some more indoor activities for families with children or teens? Follis said he agreed with Yoder that a community center is needed that would serve both the elderly and young people. In addition to wanting to work toward making a community center in town a reality, Follis said if he were on the council, he would want to address the need for additional street signs/lights along Hwy 10 to help slow down traffic.
What do you think would be the best use of Industrial Park? Follis said that he thinks two different options could work. The first one, because of the location of the city, would be to bring some sort of industry related to transportation, such as the Burlington Railroad. The second, due to the ample amount of space, would be to put in a nice housing development or a water park. “When people come in to spend money, we’ll have more for police officers,” Follis said.
Why can we not fix the road by Augers gas station that runs from Hwy 10 to the Eastwood Apts and Harmony House? It is a mess and should be paved. Follis wondered if this might be private property and perhaps that’s why nothing has been done about it. Would the city have to buy the property, or get an easement? It’s something to look into, he said.
Building a walking and biking trail system to take advantage of the rivers was identified as a short-term priority in the comprehensive plan adopted by the city council in October 2014, one to be completed in the next two - five years. There does not seem to be any progress toward this goal. What steps need to be taken to make this system a reality, how can you get this into the budget and what specifically can the council do to move this project along? Follis said he agrees that this is a priority. He would also advocate for cross-country skiing on the trails, which would be a draw for the community.
Closing statements. The Staples-Motley School District is one of the great assets to the community, Follis said. He feels the city needs to work with the school; and that perhaps more older people could volunteer at the school, such as at athletic events. He noted that Brainerd has 1,200 volunteers that work on various problems. “Let’s bring the two generations together,” Follis said, adding that the city council could help lead the volunteers.
Nate Douglas
Motley has properties with abandoned automobiles, dilapidated buildings, trash, etc. How will you address that? Douglas agreed that this is a problem in Motley. He was not sure on his own what a good solution would be, Douglas said; and believed it would be discussed as a group at city council meetings. He feels the best solutions will come when the council works together to figure things out; but not by arguing at meetings.
What will be your top priorities if elected? Motley is a growing city and its roads are in bad shape...this needs to be addressed, Douglas said. He also feels that Police Chief Ron Smith needs more support from the city; and cited public safety concerns such as noise ordinance and animals.
There has been no new housing in Motley in years. How do we change that? Douglas wondered about the possibility of grant money to help with this; or to figure out a way to market the community to young people. He apologized that he did not have a definite answer to that question.
What do you suggest as ways to encourage the council to work together? Communication is key, Douglas said. He also feels it’s important to understand the issue being voted on; and then to move on once you have voted or decided to table an issue.
Why are bars not allowed to be open on Sundays at least during football or other sport seasons? Douglas said he believes it would be good for business to be open on Sundays. “There’s not much else going on on Sundays,” he said. He wasn’t sure what the laws were, however, and would have to look into that.
In response to the Staples World questions, many of you brought up the confidence you have in your current police chief yet also noted he can’t do everything himself. Would you be in favor of raising taxes to hire more officers and to make sure they receive the training they need to maintain the security of residents? Public safety is his number one concern, Douglas said, adding that, “I’m all for supporting Ron (Smith). It would be terrible if something went wrong in town because of lack of officers,” he went on. “I don’t want to raise taxes; but I’d consider it.”
Building a walking and biking trail system to take advantage of the rivers was identified as a short-term priority in the comprehensive plan adopted by the city council in October 2014, one to be completed in the next two - five years. There does not seem to be any progress toward this goal. What steps need to be taken to make this system a reality, how can you get this into the budget and what specifically can the council do to move this project along? A biking trail is a great idea, Douglas said. He noted that this project got shelved in the past due to some staffing problems; but he urged the city to push forward and bring the project back to life.
Describe the strategies you would employ to improve meaningful communication within the city, i.e., between the residents and the council and employees, keeping everyone informed. How would you foster successful partnerships with residents and businesses? Douglas feels there needs to be more festivals and neighborhood night-outs...ways for people to come together in positive ways. He would advocate for setting aside money for this in the budget. As far as council relations, he would stress addressing issues, voting and then moving on.
Closing statements Douglas wanted to talk about an issue that hadn’t been addressed during the panel...the city’s water infrastructure and how to pay for it. He noted that the two factories in town use an enormous amount of water and that he has concerns about wastewater issues as well. Douglas believes these two factories should pay more for future developments of water infrastructure. He would like to be more involved with the city; and said he “would like to learn to art of disagreement on the council.”
