WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met on Tuesday evening. The first matter of business was to have a public hearing for truth in Taxation and Clerk Jodi Hemann explained the increase of 6 percent due to inflation. A question about the value of houses was directed to the assessor’s office.

The regular meeting and Paul Hein, the new Fire Chief, explained that some firemen moved up to fill the first and second spots and some were captains. He submitted a bill for a new LED light, eight sets of gear and six more handheld thermal imaging cameras so every frontline firefighter would have one. Only one firefighter will need training/school this year. He said the Fire Department had budgeted for the items he mentioned and the expenses should be covered. The council approved the purchases. He mentioned that the ISO evaluation went well and just a few improvements have already been started.

The clerk explained the Mutual Aid agreement with all the cities from Alpha to Winnebago and the council approved the agreement.

Derek Behrens from Bolton and Menk Engineers presented the agreements for general engineering services and an agreement for Cash Order about the 2025 street improvement project for the south side of town. The final design is in the works and soon bidding information will be done. There is a public meeting on Dec. 17 at the Welcome Legion concerning the street improvement project design and if that is approved the project will go ahead. The council approved the two agreements.

The council discussed the city employees contract which was negotiated with the mayor and council members, they recommended approval. After the discussion and explanations, the Council approved the contract.

The police report was discussed and Chief Yochim reported the Shop with a Cop on Dec. 13 will have around 16 children this year and funds have been donated. The Welcome and Trimont Fire Department will help with shopping. Mayor Schmidtke asked about children from Welcome that go to Fairmont and Chief Yochim explained that Fairmont has their own Shop with a Cop and Elf Shelf programs.

Law enforcement putting loose dogs in the pound was asked about and the clerk and Chief Yochim both reminded residents that dogs need to have tags and then the law enforcement would know where the dog’s home is immediately. That would save time for them and the dog’s owner. The tags are only $5 at the City Hall.

In other business, a school board member asked a council member about exchanging the football field for the baseball field but the council feels the land by the baseball field is more valuable than the old football field. A council person showed the council the agreement between the Mortensen family and Welcome as the old football field was deeded to the city and school. If not used for school the land reverts to the family according to the agreement made in 1940.

The demolition of the old school was also discussed and the council agreed the school needs to be demolished.

The LTD using the Water Tower for $25 was discussed and since the city is not using LTD but is using Bev Com the cell phone provider should remove their tower connection or pay a lot more since the city is paying maintenance and electricity.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council will be at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Welcome Legion Hall. It will also be the public meeting regarding the street improvement project.