WELCOME — Travis Winter, an engineer at Bolton & Menk, updated the Welcome City Council this week on progress of the streets project.

He said phase one is almost complete, with some concrete work remaining. Phase two has begun, with the water main almost finished and the storm sewer work up next.

In phase one, crews constantly fought water buildup because of inclement weather. Winter said the moisture problems have relented in phase two.

Crews discovered that a pipe in front of the fire hall was not connected as had been thought. The plan is to connect it to the Dugan Street piping.

Alley connections for each property owner downtown were discussed. Each owner will decide who completes the connection — privately hired firms or the company doing the work for the city. Each property must connect so that water does not freeze on the alley in the winter.

Turning to other business, the council heard from Park Board representative Dawn Jagodzinke. She said the tables at the shelter house have been painted, and the tennis net and poles were fixed. The park had been sprayed for insects, and the shelter house in the park uptown has been painted.

She asked that lights be erected at the basketball court and said repairs on shelter house are needed. There has been a donation related to the lights.

The council approved buying playground equipment for the ball diamond area for about $1,000.

Also, two stands will be moved to the ball diamond area, and the horse swings from the park will be painted.

Jagodzinke also showed the council a swing that can be used by handicapped children and an adult at the same time. The council will get prices for the swing and make sure it meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

In other business, the council:

o Approved a motion to put in curbs on both sides of Fourth street, from Montgomery to Campbell streets, for $5,000 each side. The city also will patch Circle Drive for $350.

o Learned two trees on Hulseman Street will be taken down because of liability issues. The city will get sealed bids for the job. The council discussed adding a tree removal/replace fund to the 2020 budget, in the suggested amount of $7,500.

o Learned that the fire department/township meeting will be 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Welcome Legion.

o Learned that the next meeting of the council will be 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at City Hall.