WELCOME — Welcome City Council met Tuesday evening. Since City Clerk, Deb Hanson, will be retiring on Sept. 3, the council discussed the job description and Deb explained the changes she thought may be appropriate. The council agreed on the description and authorized a press release to seek applicants for the position. The plan is to advertise in April and interview in May.

The ash tree removal was discussed and the quotes for the job of removing at least 40 trees were reviewed. The quote from Schneider was approved if they have liability insurance. The emerald ash borer grant that the City of Welcome received is for three years at 40 trees per year. When one tree is removed another should be planted. They must be a certain kind of tree and there are other guidelines that they have to follow. The trees removed will be on City property only.

The seal coating was discussed with City worker Max Longley. The south part of town is targeted this year. The quotes were reviewed and the council approved a quote from M&R company. The council discussed grass seeding where the trees would be removed. Max will get quotes. The council requested that the garbage cans in the downtown area be put on a regular rotation to be emptied.

In other news, Police Chief Trevor Yochim had a yearly review for the council. Comparison to 2023 was fairly close and the review is on Facebook. The part-time officer is ready to be on duty.

County Engineer, Kevin Peyman, contacted the council about part of Hwy 263 not done when the new road went in. The county proposes the State fix the side by Guide Street and 4th Street and by Guide Street and Sewall. MnDOT should be responsible for that and the City should not have to pay anything for the repair.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 2 at Ceylon City Hall.