WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met Tuesday evening. Cemetery Society members asked questions and discussed issues with the council. They thanked the council for the new door. Winter snow removal at the cemetery was discussed with questions aboutperpetual care. According to the City, perpetual care is taking care of the grounds, the roads and general maintenance such as mowing and tree trimming. The City plows the roads into the cemetery and marks the plot to be dug by the grave digger. They do not remove snow from the plot. If there is damage to the stones, the owner of the plot is responsible for insurance from their home owners insurance. The City had to replace two stones and the taxpayers should not have to pay for that stone damage. The City employee will take a picture before and after the plot is dug/used. This should give accountability to the City, the grave diggers and the family.

City of Welcome budgets between $16,000 and $20,000 on upkeep for the cemetery. The plots are sold and $100 of that is put in a perpetual care fund. The City uses the other part for paper work, notary expenses and city employees. The council mentioned that the City is not making a profit from the cemetery. The Society mentioned that the cemetery is a nice looking cemetery and they would like to keep it that way. The council agreed with that

statement and thanked them for coming to the meeting.

The policy about THC licensing was tabled for further information and investigation. Although the council would like to encourage new business they do not want to rush into a ordinance or policy that would not work. The rules and policies are not worked out yet for CBD sales or usage anywhere.

In other news:

— The council approved the land application requested by NuWay for a new part to the fertilizer plant.

— The council discussed the Emerald Ash Borer grants needed for the federal monies available. There are two grants available, one is for removal of infected trees and one is for replacement of trees already removed. Derek Behrens from Bolton and Menk engineers was

approved to write the applications for the grants for a fee of under $1,000. The grant applications are due on Sept. 18 and Oct. 2, so the applications need to be worked on now.

— The council reviewed the budget proposals with a 3.45 percent increase mostly from the police department and fire department which are needed and the increase in professional expenses due to audit expense. The cost of the replacement trees will also add to

expenses. The budget will be discussed at future meetings.

— The council approved transferring funds from the park fund to the general fund so that the tables at the park can be paid for.

— The date for the fall clean-up will be discussed at the next meeting.

— Police Chief Trevor Yochim reported that auditing of the department went well and their training and documentation passed. They received a certificate. The next auditing session will not be for another five years. The investigation into vandalism in the County is

progressing well. He thanked those who gave tips and had camera footage for their help.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Welcome City Hall.