Forward Focus

It has been a while since I posted after the the last election.  I love this town and what everyone that lives here stands for.

While this summer is a bit crazy for those on the East side of town, look at it like this....Folks are investing in our town and we will begin to see more life around us.

Redevelopment raises the tax base-allowing your taxes from Osseo to remain in check.  Focus on spending, and increasing the teamwork of City Staff remains a focus with every staff transition.

All of us on the city council have listened, and a new Police Station is under construction. This will ensure that you continue to see low response times to medical emergencies (currently well under 5 minutes- as low as 1 minute much f the time), and consistent patrols to keep you family safe from the ever growing threat of crime.  Your Safety is of paramount importance to this city council.

Remember- as we saw a few elections ago- the future of YOUR city is one bad election/council away- be informed with your vote! Watch you city council meetings here- City Meetings

Most Single Family homes taxes from Osseo have DECREASED in Osseo for the past 5 years.  We desire to have new bodies, new business, and more traffic here.  Development is starting on the areas adjacent to Osseo with the primary destination being our Town.  We are finally moving forward- while careful focus is being had to keep the feel of Osseo the same.   Hang on folks - this will be a fun ride to take together!

Mark

Thank you for 4 more years

I wanted to thank the followers of this blog for following fr the past years.  I was grateful for the support of the voters in the City of Osseo and the affirmation that we indeed are on the correct path.

Please contact me with any concerns and issues hat you wish to moving ahead!

We currently have issues on the Horizon, and we are grateful that the leadership is also interested in n Osseo that is forward thinking and development friendly, all with the intent of preserving our way of life.

According to a recent email, we have also established ourselves as a city not to be messed with, which i take to mean that finally the surrounding governmental agencies respect us and are willing to consider our ideas, not just require for us to do whatever they want!

Progress, we will continue to watch $$, continue to cooperate to fill holes left in city services, and to mak our way of life superb to continue to recruit quality new citizens within our borders!

So exciting!!

Mark

Candidate Forum and Recent Attack update

I thought the Candidate Forum went well.  There is much to say in the 1 min or 30 sec blocks that we are given.

I have been told that I did pretty well, several people expressed that I earned their votes that evening - great to hear.  I look forward to serving 4 more years!

The biggest challenge to date is getting out to talk the truth about issues.  Amazing, isn't it, how much someones opinion can change in an election period.  Many people around town are more and more angry when approached with lies.

Here is the thing - people, just check the votes.  It is easy.  I have been steadfast in supporting our Police and Fire Depts, even when doing the right thing is unpopular.  I have been consistent with decisions that may have some short term pain, to ensure LONG TERM health for the City of Osseo.

The Police Dept issue is still hot.  People say, "When will this be decided", my response "November 6th" but, we all need to know that this issue is an annual budgetary issue - so it can go away at any time.  You need to vote for consistent leadership!  Again - look at the Voting Record!

The first vote came out of the blue to disband October 2011 - Motion by Bucky Hartkopf, seconded by Mayor Allan Lindquist.  All of the documentation showed different, and to this date we have seen nothing different than the Sheriff's original proposal (i will be adding that very soon - look on the Documents page.)

POLICE BUILDING

I will say it now - there are many other plans for the new police station than the 1.5 million one.  MANY options exist. 

With that said, it is interesting to me to hear the residents of Osseo speak out on this subject. They say, clearly, that we need to do what is necessary to guarantee their safety well into the future.

On these issues, I ask for you to vote on who you think is the most honest and with the most skin in the game in Osseo. - My home, my family and my business are here!

The worst time of the year for me is the Budget approval process.  I hate setting the budget and levying taxes on all of us.  So Many people with different needs, but we have to look out for this COMMUNITY, not just ourselves.  I take that responsibility very seriously!

Also just saw a new sign up at R&W Welding.  Right next to McDonalds on Hwy 81 and 85th.  Quite a statement regarding the Mayoral Race.

More to come - Stay Tuned - sign up to follow the blog for the fastest updates!

October Campaign Update

Great day yesterday,
The thing about Osseo is that people like to talk.  I was fortunate to talk with new people yesterday.  They all knew who I was, but it was great to meet new neighbors!  I very much enjoy Door Knocking for the campaign!

Special Thanks to the following people:

Linda and Steve for Hosting the Meet and Greet!
Kim and Bill for new sign locations

New links for campaign info-

Osseo Candidate Forum!!
http://youtu.be/btrYnhVYQas

I will be uploading my NW Community Politics Spot in a few days.   I also heard that the Candidate profiles should be up soon also.  I get to experiment with YouTube quite a bit with this campaign as well.

9-14-2011 update

Good Day all
Here is another update to the Mark Schulz for Osseo blog.

Osseo Roar Parade
We has a great showing at the parade.  A huge thank you to me members of the campaign committee and the volunteers for not only decorating the "float" but tearing down, and to Chuck for getting the trailer.  I do not know who he got it from - but a huge thanks to that guy too!

Meet and Greet the Candidates
We have scheduled 2 meet and greet events, but are putting the times and places solidified, more on that in the future - stay tuned.

Current Issues in the Community
Osseo Trolley
I have recently heard something quite disturbing yesterday.  Some of the Seniors in town are very concerned about the Osseo Trolley going away in the event of a change in leadership at the Mayoral level.  I personally would like to know where that concept is coming from, because in spite of my personal feelings in regards to some of political dynamics of the OBA (Osseo Business Association), I find it hard to believe that such a retaliation would be possible.  In such an event, I can reassure everyone that a plan is currently in the works to augment or replace the current Trolley through a City wide Transportation initiative.  Again - STAY TUNED

If you have an specific questions regarding a City Issue, or want more info on a specific topic - either general or specific, please feel free to contact me.  The info is available on our CONTACT tab.

We are also still accepting Campaign Contributions and taking Sign Requests!

Mark Schulz

Re Election

The updates to the website have been completed!

This is my official blog announcement that I will seek re-election this fall for City Council.  I am very excited and will file ASAP on July 31.

I am gladly accepting donations for my re-election campaign, any amount would help up to what I believe is the maximum of 300$.  Additional signs, re-election stickers, literature for the lit drops and of course- candy for the Osseo Lion's Roar Parade need to be purchased.

A forthcoming blog announcement will present the major platform issues, but keeping with the results of the recent city survey - keeping the residents safe is the utmost concern, along with assuring the future viability of our community by working the created Capital Improvement Plan, Financial Management Plan, and keeping city expenditures at the lowest reasonable level are key!

Stay tuned to this blog, and like me on Facebook -

Mark Schulz for Osseo

for future campaign updates!

Mark

Osseo Police Dept

Last evening we took action at the city council meeting to request a grant from DEEDS in the amount of $750,000.  Our new city admin - Doug Reeder, was alerted to the possibility of this grant - and after researching the viability  and possibility of getting it, has taken the necessary steps to acquire it.

At a recent Public Safety Advisory Committee - a Committee that I chaired for 2 years - votes unanimously to recommend attempting to secure this grant.  The Council representatives to the Committee are Rick Weber and Allan Lindquist.

Last night - the vote at the Council was 3-2 - with Lindquist and Hartkopf voting against.  I am still scratching my head on this one.

You all thought the overwhelming response on behalf of the city survey in support of the current structure of the Osseo Police Department was enough to convince Lindquist and Hartkopf that they residents wished for this to continue.

Mr Weber, Poppe and myself have been fighting to keep our budget and investments at a consistant level with long term growth in mind.  Apparently they others still wish to take away Police Dept.

I stand behind my homepage post regarding my support of the Osseo way of life, and desire it to be a safe place to live well into the future.

I would appreciate your VOTE in November.

Election Filing just around the Corner.  Yes, I will be running for re-election.  I will be posting some facts, answering the criticisms, and the dishonesty, and continuing to give the citizens of Osseo the best return on investment for their tax dollars!

I will also be accepting donations for this re-election campaign - feel free to call if you are able to give - regardless of the amount.  Any amount helps!

Feel free to contact me at drmarkschulz@gmail.com, at home 763-425-7457.  You will have to leave a message as I am out representing or working so that I can give my Fair Share - lol

Osseo Happenings

I see it has been a while since I posted to the blog. Alot has been going on - I will try to recap and talk about future things on the Horizon.

The City is currently looking into several options. The buzz words of the times are Shared Services. There was a pretty hard push by the Mayor and a Council Member to attempt to Share Policing with Hennepin County Sheriffs Dept. That is currently somewhere in Limbo as the motion did not pass to move on the issue, and apparently my lack of support for such a transition at the following meeting was insufficient to move ahead.

I did spearhead a study by the City when I was first in office, and the numbers did not support such a short or long term change with significant cost savings. The preliminary numbers came back as more expensive and the costs climbed higher than they had in the recent previous years. I would bet this topic to resurface within the next several months, as it is a community hot topic that people are very passionate about. Whenever a constituent comes to you and says that they would voluntarily be willing to pay additional taxes to support a program, I have found it prudent to listen.

The Osseo Community Survey is currently underway. The survey was commissioned by the council at recent meeting as a way to get an unbiased feedback from the community. Look for caller ID to read Decision Resources to validate this call.

One of the things that has frustrated me since my taking office was the Osseo rumor mill. You hear about things 2nd, 3rd, or 4th hand, when it would be much better for me to hear about it first hand. I CONTINUE TO ASK THAT ANY FEEDBACK ON ISSUES BE DIRECTED TO ME FOR CONSIDERATION. i appreciate the opportunity to present all sides of an issue for consideration, which I rarely get the opportunity to do. Comment on this blog, email to mschulz@ci.osseo.mn.us or calls directed to 763-425-7457 will be answered in as timely manner as possible.

Planning will start soon on the next fiscal year budget. I was quite pleased with our investment to Capital issues through our Capital Improvement Plan, and Financial Management Plan. We also are investing more money to decrease the eventual financial burden through unexpected financial assessments on Property Tax holders. the projects are currently planned out for several years. This will give the property owners of Osseo the chance to plan ahead to avoid interest on the improvements - there by saving them money. I will continue to push for the City to save the funds for the projects in advance, rather than issue bonds for the same reason. If we could give a little more up front - to avoid Interest and Fees associated with Capital projects - that is Money in the pockets of the City Of Osseo. My analogy is to save for the new TV vs putting it on credit card.

I will try to be a little more regular with this blog - also offering explanations as to voting whenever possible (sometimes in Government there are things you just have to keep confidential as to avoid the possibility of Litigation against the City).

Have a great March Sunday and I will be checking in with you all soon!

Public Hearings

On Dec 20th - hearings will be held regarding an impacting change within the City of Osseo.

Independent School District 279 has submitted a request for a Conditional Use Permit to move the OALC - an alternative format learing center for High School aged Youth into the now Vacant Osseo Elementary School.

The city leaders needs you to be vocal on this one. Please plan to be in attendance for the Planning Commission meeting - Dec 20th - 7p in the City Council Chambers at Osseo City Hall to give your feedback.

Please also pass this on the all who may be affected by this change - attendance needs to be good as to give an opinion one way or the other to the PC

Decenber 2010

It has been 2 months since my last post. Many things have transpired in Osseo. 1 new council member voted in, and one returns, and a New Mayor as well. Much contention regarding the new Mayor - but he managed a victory.

Budget is almost done and approved with a decent amount of Capital dollars devoted to keeping Osseo solvent into the future - was a part of Osseo's first ever Capital Improvement Plan - that is in year 135 of it's existence. We ordered work to begin on a Financial improvement plan as well. Our main budget decreased 3% including the new capital monies - but we are considering a levy that will amount to aroud 40$ on a 180k property - to pay for the Central Ave Project - after finding out that the payment for last year seemed to have been payed out of the contingency fund for the project. Good new is that is only for 1 year - then forecasts are for that levy to disappear.

Proud of the past year - had to tackle a few tough issues - but Osseo is in a good place moving into 2011. As usual - i am working toward the positive growth of our community. I know that everyone does not always agree with the decisions - but we hope to leave our city in a better place - with new businesses filling our storefronts.

Funny though - people have been saying through the election - Osseo needs a Pizza Place. I must say that we do have a great one already - Duffy's. Honestly one of the best thin crust Pizza's.

I continue to say - support local business every opportunity that you can. Please feel free to email me you thoughts. Respectful emails will certainly be given attention. Happy December...

Osseo Community Feedback or Small Group Meetings

I encourage any resident or business owner in the City of Osseo to share your views with me. I am open and will listen as a basis for an eventual decision on an issue. Feel free to contact me - email is the most direct - at

mschulz@ci.osseo.mn.us

or

Leave a message for me to return your call at 763-425-7457.

OALC

I am sure many resident know of the proposal of the School District to Relocate the Osseo Alternative Learning Center to the empty Osseo Elementary.

In this time of elections that can determine the fate - once again- of our city - it is important to get your opinion heard.

I encourage you to PUBLICLY share your views and candidate positions ( City or Board elections) that you know are either for or against the move in open forum. Matters from The Floor seems to be a good venue to express your concerns with the issues facing your way of life in Osseo.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Osseo Public Safety Committee

The Osseo Public Safety Committee met for the first time on Tues July 27, 2010.

This Committee was created to ensure more input and communication between the Police and Fire Departments, to share more information with the stakeholders in the City of Osseo, and to facilitate more citizen input and limited oversight into the policies and actions of the Public Safety departments.

Future meeting will be held the 3rd Tues of the Month through 2010 at 7p at City Hall.

Agendas are to be posted on the city website www.discoverosseo.com and all meetings are open to the public.

Committee Members and their contact info will be available soon on the City Website.

Osseo Elementary

The City of Osseo had issued a letter of Intent to ISD 279 to purchase the empty since Fall of 08 Osseo Elementary School amidst considerable Citizen feedback against the School Districts current plans to re-purpose the facility.

The City Council voted 5-0 to issue the letter. Why - many people feel that a better use for the property has already been expressed to the Board, one that would add to the future of Osseo vs the addition of another High School in a .9 sq mile town.

This opinion is especially passionate amongst the residents of the surrounding blocks whose real estate values could be further impacted by this move.

My thoughts - while now is not the time to add additional city obligations without an incredibly good reason - I feel that this is an incredibly good reason. One action that will bring new families to Osseo that could increase our home ownership v rental ratios, increase business, increase property values, and give Osseo what we need - a destination identity!

The Chair of the School Board and Superintendent Maguire have already sent me a response to an email stating that they do not wish to consider our offer - but have sent it to the Property Committee for Review - that CLOSED meeting is 7/22/2010 at 5p. Email me if you wish to receive copies of the correspondence from the District

Please send your appeal to the School board directly: schoolboardmembers@district279.org


How about your thought?!

Farmers Market Starts Tuesday, July 6

The Osseo Farmers Market will be located next to Veterans Memorial Park along Central Avenue, downtown Osseo. Join us at the market each Tuesday afternoon from July 6-Sept. 14. More vendors are here this year!

June 28 Council Packet

June 28 Council Packet Link

for some reason the link is not up correctly - view it here

http://www.discoverosseo.com/docs/agendas/june%2028%20cc%20pkt.pdf

Jefferson Highway closure begins Tuesday, July 6 for Highway 610 construction
Revere Lane in Maple Grove scheduled to open July 2

As construction of the new Highway 610 segment continues, Jefferson Highway will close early Tuesday, July 6 and motorists will need to follow a detour. Jefferson Highway will be closed from just north of 97th Place to just south of the new Highway 610
through November 2010 as crews construct a new bridge to carry traffic over new Highway 610 in Maple Grove.

Posted Detour:

• Southbound: Go east on 109th Avenue to Highway 169; south to 93rd Avenue/County Road 30 and west to Jefferson Highway

• Northbound: Go east on 93rd Avenue/County Road 30 to Highway 169; north to 109th Avenue and west to Jefferson Highway

In addition, Revere Lane in Maple Grove is scheduled to open on Friday, July 2. The road has been closed since November 2009 for construction of a new bridge to carry traffic over new Highway 610.

The new Highway 610 alignment includes nearly three miles of four-lane highway from Highway 169 in Brooklyn Park to County Road 81 in Maple Grove. The project includes two interchanges, three overpasses, a pedestrian bridge and noisewalls. Construction is scheduled to be complete in July 2011.

For more information on the Highway 610 project, call the project information line at 1-800-610-5480 or visit www.mndot.gov. A complete project schedule and layouts are available on the project website. To sign up for e-mail updates about the Highway 610 project, go to www.mndot.gov and click on the orange “Sign up for construction e-mail updates” button.

For real-time traveler information anywhere in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org.

Spring

The flowers are up on Central Ave, the Ave is almost complete.

Movies in the Park start soon. Did you know how much visibility Osseo has on Facebook?

Recently the council voted on hiring an Interim Police Chief while we sort out the city Budget.

Grass is growing faster than the potholes - yes - there is a plan coming up on that. I think it took longer because of a new council and all of the other distractions within the City. Summer is our time to shine - Osseo - shine on!

The biggest thing I can think about discussing is the recent Move by the School District to express their desire to place the Osseo Alternative Learning Center - another High School, into our east side neighborhood.

Initial response that I have heard has only been by a few people - but it is NOT in favor of allowing such a move. I am BEGGING residents communicate your desires to the Council so that we may represent your true wishes. I have heard proposals from a Charter School that has a strong wish to use the Osseo Elementary property. That seems like a win -win for the community and the district - but i doubt the District has opened it's eyes to the possibility.

We shall see. PLEASE SHARE ANY COMMENTS!

Spring is in the Air - EDA - MyOsseo

We all have a chance to get around Osseo and see what Winter has left behind. I am excited to see the buds come onto the trees.

Spring means change for the Community.

Osseo is in a pivotal time of it's history - we all need to pull together to ensure our community stays alive and well. Please check out our new businesses in town that you may not have seen. There are quite a few - with a sporting goods store coming to Central Ave in May I believe!

Please encourage your friends to look at Osseo - commercial rental rates are still quite reasonable with several recently updated spaces of all shapes and sizes. Help us all bring business back to our town, and stop in to our merchants to see what they have for us for Springtime!

As always - please email me with your discussion items - we can post them and see what everyone thinks about it.

My recent question for Comment from a city resident- Should the EDA be as active in real estate acquisition as they have been. Is it necessary to buy a property, and then let it go for a fraction of the price to stimulate development? Has what we have done so far actually benefited Osseo or just given us more empty space?

Another Comment - Should Osseo continue the MyOsseo wireless initiative - does the benefits outweigh the cost to he residents?

Please share you thoughts - more next week!