WELCOME– The Welcome City Council met on Tuesday evening and the first thing discussed was the tree and branch removal because of EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) infection. Stumps and branches also were removed. Nineteen trees are slated for removal with more next year or later this year. The City Works employees have cleaned up the area or will clean up the areas. The Council reminded residents that the trees affected on boulevards are the responsibility of the resident. If the resident cannot afford removal the city will do it and put the charge on the resident’s taxes. So far the city has had charges of $26,000 with about $600+ per tree. Trees in the park are being removed. It could take several more days to get the job done there. Trees affected by EAB will have to be identified. An informational meeting will be scheduled for the Council.

When asked about some grants or some other financial help the Council remarked that the federal and state coffers are dry for the rest of this year. Suggestions were made that some of the park funds be used and some of the sale of the squad car be used. This was tabled for further information. The Swenson family has offered to donate a tree for the Hansen Keck Park to replace some of the removed trees. The Council gratefully accepted the tree donation if the family will decide on a tree with the Council’s guidance as to the variety that would be hardy and suggested Drummers as the company with the best quality trees. The Council will investigate what location would be best at the park. The Council asked if the family would want a plaque to designate the tree as a memorial and some landscape around the tree. Council Glidden will contact the family.

Some future projects were discussed. Maintenance of the ball field may need a new mower. There is slow progress on the storage buildings east of the Welcome Meats. The box on the dump truck is unusable and not worth trying to fix if the cost is almost more than the truck is worth. The quonset should be insulated to protect the equipment housed there. The Water Treatment Plant needs some electrical repairs. Grant money can be applied for after the permit is issued that includes salty water parameters.

In further business, the Council approved the purchase of a snow plow for the lower bid of $10,000. The water main issue near the tracks was mentioned and the Council asked the City Works to schedule a time near the same time that M&G will be working on projects in Sherburn, to work on it.

The Police Commission met just before the Council’s time to meet and Chief Yochim reported some of the items discussed. The commission approved hiring a part-time officer and donating three AEDs, one will be at the Sherburn liquor store, one at Welcome Legion Hall. There is one at the ball field already so not sure where the last one will be placed. They will donate a rifle and the old rifle will be sold to a gun shop.

In Council reports, the Medallion Hunt was discussed with suggestions that hunting will not be on private property, the cemetery, the train track, and especially not near the water facilities like intake points.

There was a discussion about the shelter house repairs and the Council approved the bid for the tin with the color to be closest to the original. The Electrical repairs will be done after the tin repairs. The Minnesota League of Cities report included the Legislature approving an opportunity for the City to have an ordinance permitting the train whistle only during daytime and not after 10 p.m. or before 5 a.m. The Council felt it was a safety issue and had not had very many complaints about the train whistle. No action was taken.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m., August 1st. at City Hall.