WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met Tuesday evening and heard a remark that the ball field agreement is in the works. A meeting with Athletic Director, Tom Elliot, or a MCW representative is coming up. The City spent approximately $11,000 last year and it was a slower year. Water rate increases were suggested by the auditor and the council approved a 25 cent increase to $12.25 per 1000 gallons this year and one next year to $12.50. Bulk customers raised will make their rate $20 per 1000 gallons.

Police Chief, Travis Yochim, said there was some progress on the ordinance violations of junk on property and that some needed more time, some had progressed well and some may be getting a citation if the clean up is not done soon. There is progress but it could be better. He also reported that the old squad car was sold for $8,000+ and they were happy with that price. There will be a bike rodeo on June 10 in the morning in Sherburn and the afternoon in Welcome. He will show elementary students the car and equipment and meet them on Friday, May 19, for Law Enforcement Day at MCW.

Travis Winter from Bolton and Menk reported on the EDA property and discussed the sewer going deeper and easements needed. He said they should be ready for permits to be filed and bids to be gathered soon. He said there was a possibility that some work may be done in July on the property.

The assistant City Works employee reported that mowing was being done as weather allowed.

The cemetery committee has asked that mowing be done early for Memorial Day. He was asked about cross training so he could do some water and other tasks in case the City Works employee could not do it. The council agreed that he should be trained. Comments

that the City Works employee and union representative should be at the next city council meeting or a closed session of the council to discuss needed training and how that could be done.

The Parks committee asked about the shelter house repairs and will contact the company to do repairs again. The community garden sign was discussed and the council did not approve of the sign at this time. They would like to wait and see if it is needed.

There are five people interested in the 6six plots so far. The rules about the community garden were given the people when they signed up for a plot.

The council also discussed the many trees that have ash borer problems in the City. They decided the Keck Park should be the first place to remove trees because of safety concerns. The City Works employees will do that removal unless the tree is too big. Then a professional will have to be used.

Two residents used the time for public comments/questions at the council meeting. One wanted to know if bids were near for the EDA property east of the storage sheds. The council replied that they were close but not ready yet. The second comment was about

standing water standing on his property on Weaver Street and not going down. The council remarked that the water should drain south west to the retention pond and that the whole area is low so it may take time. The City Works employee will check to make sure that there is no blockage.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is planned for 6 p.m. on June 6 at Welcome City Hall and the public hearing about the USDA grant will begin the meeting.