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Welcome seeks housing grant

WELCOME — The city of Welcome is applying for state funds to help homeowners and landlords improve single-family housing in town.

Judd Schultz of the Minnesota Valley Action Council this week discussed the grant application with the City Council.

There have been 51 parties (four rentals) interested in applying should the city receive funding. Loans to Welcome properties would be for zero percent interest for a specified number of years, with no payment if a house is owned and occupied during those years.

The city is considering loans to rental units that would be repaid to the city. These funds would then be available for other improvements.

The council decided to apply for the state grant.

Schultz reminded council members that funding depends on federal and state budgets and legislation. He is pleased with the grant application and glad to see so many in Welcome interested in doing improvements.

In other business this week, the council:

o Accepted a donation of $1,000 toward the defibrillator fund and thanked Manyaska Township for the funds. The council passed a motion to match the amount to the defibrillator fund.

o Discussed the rate charged for bulk water, and decided to raise the amount from $6 per 1,000 gallons to $12 per 1,000 gallons. Among other things, the council noted that surrounding cities charge more for bulk water.

o Learned Spring Cleanup Day is set for April 29.

o Set a work session for 5:30 p.m March 13 for a drive-through of the city, water treatment plant and other city sites to assess things that need repair.

o Accepted a donation of a tree from the Fox Lake 4-H Club.

o Approved the purchase of replacement parts for the bar screen repairs at the water treatment plant. The council also approved purchase of two masks and canisters to use at water plant for chlorine protection, four tires for the skid loader and a lighter-weight chainsaw, since the city only has one saw and employees have been using their own in the past.

o Reminded city workers to repair cracks and potholes on streets and to spray stumps. The council will contact Thate Tree Service to get quotes for high branch tree trimming.

o Discussed damage to grass at the cemetery. Mayor Jack Newville will talk to the cemetery society in April, while city workers will rope off paths to prevent more ruts and damage. The council will contact area funeral homes and explain this action.

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