WELCOME — Welcome City Council this week added a few items to its $1.1 million budget for 2020.

Additions included funds for grader replacement, tree maintenance in the park and street repairs.

The council approved a property tax levy in the same amount as for 2019. The council can reduce the levy but it cannot increase pending final approval in December.

The council discussed the wastewater treatment plant, which should be paid for from utility rates. However, in the past there has been a levy. The council approved increasing the debt service levies.

Turning to other business, the council heard from engineer Travis Winter of Bolton & Menk. He provided an update on street projects.

He said curbs and gutters are planned or done, and grading and boulevard restoration is planned.

Plans call for First Street to be completed right away to let the fire trucks back into the Fire Hall, and patching Dugan Street could happen soon too. The goal is to have the project completed in four weeks, barring weather delays.

The council approved extending the asphalt on Fourth Street and installing a concrete apron behind the fire hall to eliminate soil erosion. Cost is $28,000.

All sites on the alley behind stores and the Legion will be hooked to the system, thus eliminating much of the water/ice in the alley. The area needs grading and then asphalt.

In other action, the council:

o Approved a bid of $2,500 from Montana Tree Service to remove two trees and stumps near Hulseman Street, clean the area and fill in with dirt.

o Approved the fall cleanup day of Oct. 12. City officials offered a reminder that appliances are not part of this cleanup day.

o Heard a report from city staff, which requested a locator to be used with the camera that goes in the sewer. Staff says the current locator is 23 years old and does not work well. The price for a new one is $4,500. Council members asked about neighboring towns and whether Welcome could borrow one from a nearby city. The matter was tabled to find out.

o Discussed lawn mowing. Council members asked that residents keep their lawns trimmed. Cleanup around the quonset building was discussed and officials want to see city property mowed and cleaned up too.

o Learned the next City Council meeting will be 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at City Hall.