WELCOME — Welcome City Council had a March meeting Tuesday evening. A report from the park board meeting was given with news that the zipline equipment was here and inside tables were here. One basketball court was finished in the fall and one more is to be done this year. The repairs on the shelter house at Keck Park are ordered and after the facia is installed, there will be lighting, then doors will be installed. The council approved the letting of bids for the electrical work for motion lights.

Discussion of a fenced in dog park and a pickle ball court was held. The council felt there was not enough need for the dog park and the park should be used for family activities. The pickle ball court was considered and the park board will get bids to renovate the courts there and will look into grants. This information will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

The land west of the park was also discussed as a community garden spot with six plots. The park board will look into some 4×8 plot markers and grants that may help with expenses. The plots must be apart enough so that the city can mow between them, the water must be brought in by the plot gardener, and the plots must be maintained and that the City is not responsible for theft of produce or equipment left there. City residents interested should contact Welcome City Hall for further information and reservations (first-come, first-served).

The public works employee report included a bid for sealcoating from three companies and the council approved the low bid from Pearson Company for $96,000. It was mentioned that sealcoating for 2025 would be Quarterline Street and First and Second Streets.

The plowing of alleys was also discussed. The ice and snow is hard yet and when it thaws it should be able to be moved. The employee mentioned that there is one water meter left to install. They discussed the house to be sold and what price they should ask and information that the old lights on the Ceylon ball field may be up for sale for the ball field.

In other action, the council:

— Approved an ordinance concerning sale of edible and beverage products infused with THC was approved with a reminder that they are not to be sold near schools and parks.

— Set fees at $240 for off-sale liquor.

— Approved Smith Nursery to fill the downtown flower baskets. The City owns the baskets and the public works employee will take them to the nursery this week.

— Approved a few small revisions to the personnel handbook concerning bereavement leave, cell phones and employees dating each other. It decided to follow the state guidelines for the most part.

— Approved the public works employee to supervise the AWAI R, bloodborne pathogens and employee right-to-know manuals. This would include container labeling, hazardous materials handling, informing the council and street safety.

— Heard a question about the parking of police officers with no lights on. The council asked that at least parking lights be used unless it is a surveillance situation.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 21, at the Welcome City Hall.