WELCOME — During the meeting of the Welcome City Council on Tuesday evening, Derek Behrens reported on the street project for Bolton and Menk. Progress is on time and probably will conclude at the end of October or first part of November if all goes well and the weather is good. Other concerns were brought to Behrens’ attention such as the pond having some leaves and branches in it from tree removal and some driveways on Kruse Street need attention. The council approved payment of $442,500 toward the street project.

There is a sewer tile problem south of the tracks where 10-inch clay tile is in rough shape. The council approved the $2,000 needed by Holtmeier to do that extra fix with tile and manhole now while they are working on the streets. Another spot on Harrison to Quarterline Street was mentioned and Behrens will get bids to replace that for the next meeting.

Three properties were discussed as forfeiture land and will be up for bids on the auction. The city was reminded that they may have to purchase those to demolish and assessments would be part of the sale price for residents. LMC Security did an analysis of city hall and made some recommendations/suggestions about things that should be repaired or addressed. Some have already been addressed such as not having smoke detectors. The fire department installed those. A resident reminded the council that the roof leaked in 1992 and the bank repaired with a rubber matting. There are leaks and mold in the upstairs part of the building now among other concerns. The council approved getting bids for roof repair and gave Clerk Jodi Hemann some ideas of what companies to contact.

Hemann, reported about the PERA dues that may be needed for part time employees. The part time employees should work under six months and not earn more than $450 a month or they should be part of PERA. Discussion on several employees was held. The council will take this into consideration.

In other business, three questions were asked during the public comments time. A resident asked if there would be fill dirt for the property by the storage buildings. There will not be dirt available. The gas line next to the city hall building was mentioned for the city to investigate and repair. The council agreed to look into that. A resident asked if the city was planning any events for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America next year. The council agreed that would be appropriate and will look into that concern, too.

The council also had a discussion with a resident about a large water bill that occurred when a workman left the outside faucet on. The council discussed the bill with the resident and they both agreed that the sewer charge could be removed but the water bill has to be paid. The bill could be paid in installments over six months with no late penalty provided the regular water bill is also paid promptly during that time.

In other news:

— The council approved liquor licenses for Casey’s and the Welcome Legion Club. It also approved the license for the THC store. A question from a property owner about having to pay a MVAC loan in full was discussed with the whole loan needing to be paid (10 years contract signed) not just three years.

— The Public Works employee reported that there are three holes on western streets that need repair and that M&R Paving would do that for $5,200. These holes were from sink hole and water main breaks. The council approved that repair and payment.

— Council Member Lynda Stauter thanked the mayor, and public works employees for the help with the cemetery board and Janzen Greenhouse to refurbish and replant the circle at the cemetery recently.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council will be at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 at City Hall.