In the first article we discussed the desire of the Mower County Board to seek community input and involvement and the creation of the Long Range Steering Committee.

Monday, March 29, 1999

In the first article we discussed the desire of the Mower County Board to seek community input and involvement and the creation of the Long Range Steering Committee. In this article we will detail the committee structure and process to date. In the final article of this three-part series we will discuss the next steps for community involvement in county government.

Previously we noted the lack of community involvement in policy direction for our elected officials. This may have evolved over time due to the nature of society. We are busier than ever in this era of high technology and have less and less time to "get involved." For most people their spare time is set aside for family and friends. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything accomplished if "it affects me."

In an attempt to receive more community input the Mower County Board authorized and endorsed the creation of a community focused long range steering committee. Two county commissioners were appointed to co-chair the process. The two commissioners are Len Miller and Ray Tucker. Their first challenge was to appoint committee members that would serve in an oversight capacity. These people were selected not to represent a specific community issue or intent, but as "generalists" who could assist the board in an overall vision of the county.

The committee members selected are: Bruce Klaehn, Grand Meadow; Janet Anderson, Austin; Nancy Adams, LeRoy; Neal Ronquist, Austin; Father Paul Nelson, Austin; Eileen Hutchins, LeRoy; Dean Dykeman, Austin; and Larry Larson, Sargeant.

The first thing the committee did was to receive a general overview of county government. The overview included review the many services and programs the county provides. Some examples are: home care for the elderly; court services; law enforcement protection; social service programs; construction and maintenance of roads and bridges; recycling services; and many more.

After the committee had an idea of what county government is all about, they turned to discussing current and long-term issues facing our county. It was noted the committee cannot be expected to address all issues but to look at the most pressing issues.

The committee has targeted five main areas for future community input. These areas include:

Land use/economic development/housing – This committee will review the current status of Mower county services and policies to see if they meet the community’s needs. In terms of land use, feedlots have been the "topic of the day", but there have been a multitude of NIMBY (not in my back yard) issues ranging from demolition landfills, to development of small business in the rural area, to radio towers, to residential sprawl in the agricultural area.

The overall question and concern is can we develop policies and practices that provide for the community needs in a harmonious relationship that does not detract from economic growth or harm the environment?In terms of economic development, land use decisions have a direction impact on our ability to sustain or grow our local economy. The committee will look at what is our local economy or what should it be.

Housing issues have a link to economic development and land use as well. Do we have adequate housing to serve our population? What assets are available throughout the county to solve some of these needs? What level of public vs. private spending should occur? There are currently a multitude of agencies and programs to deal with housing issues. The City of Austin and Mower County previously commissioned studies this subcommittee will also wish to review.