WELCOME  — Welcome City Council this week discussed proposed changes for sump pump inspections.

Possible changes include inspecting all newly built homes as well as those sold within 10 days before the closing and setting a limit of 60 days for the owner of property to comply with sump pump regulations.

The city is concerned about extra water getting into the sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps that drain to sanitary sewers may be a cause.

The recent deluge of rain taxed the sewer system even more. The city has used smoking systems and other inspection of mains but has not found the source of the extra water.

There is a company that uses a camera from each house to the street. The city clerk will look into the company and will compile possible revisions to the ordinance. The council tabled decisions on the issue until next meeting.

In other city news, engineer Travis Winter from Bolton & Menk reported that Phase 1 of street and infrastructure work is almost complete. Welcome is undertaking a massive $2.4 million improvement project this summer.

Winter reported charges for widening Fourth Street between Campbell and Montgomery and for a drain for more curb and gutter in the future. The council approved the construction.

Winter noted that the valve for the water main near Highway 263 is actually under the road. He said the road should be repaired in 2021 and the main could be moved to the shoulder. The council took the information under advisement.

Members of the public appeared before the council to ask about the cemetery mound not being planted. City employee Max Longley told the council he will take care of the issue.

Another resident asked about the possibility of placing benches in the downtown area, by the post office and perhaps across the street. Council members said they could take two benches from the park and ask the Fox Lake Conservation Club to donate some.

In other action, the council:

o Approved a zoning variance for Keith Winter.

o Approved a temporary liquor license for the Welcome Legion to sell beer at the Welcome summer festival.

o Approved beginning the raze and remove process for the Speckman and Johnson property.

o Learned the next council meeting will be 6 p.m. July 2 at City Hall.