WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met on Tuesday evening and approved a resolution brought up by County Highway Engineer Kevin Peyman that would designate the road that used to be State Highway 263 from Ceylon to Welcome as County State Aid Highway 27. Peyman reminded the council that some things were not fixed after the road was reconstructed and that the County received $125,000 to mend problems, and the County did improve the road. He said the County does not mow the road side like the city would but it would be mowed.

After the council approved that resolution, Peyman and Bolton and Menk Engineer Travis Winter discussed the Dugan Street reconstruction project between 5th Street and Weaver Street as a local road improvement program road. They suggested Welcome reapply for a loan or grant to fund that improvement to be a 10-ton road. Both of the engineers suggested the city decide if they are to build a new road or overlay it for the time being. The city has applications for funding in the works at another source. The underground infrastructure, such as storm sewer and water mains, is older and probably should be improved. There needs to be an initial study done and then pursue grants and county funds.

Peyman named some other roads that are applying for funds (Highway 13 south of Sherburn, Highway 26 between Welcome and Fairmont and others) and reminded the council that Dugan would not be done soon but maybe by 2028 or 2029 depending on the funds available. The Bolton and Menk engineers will begin the study. The council asked if the turning lane on Highway 26 could be marked and be an official turning lane when the road is worked on. The council approved getting a study done.

In other business, Chief of Police Trevor Yochim told the council about the Shop with a Cop program that will be done Dec. 11. He hopes to have enough donations to help 20 children shop for their families. They will use the school bus for transportation and the Sinn Family Celebration of Life Center in Sherburn for a space to wrap gifts. The Temperance Lake Ridge clients will help wrap. Donations should be given to the Welcome Fire Department Relief Association. The Ceylon and Dunnell Fire Fighters offered to help if needed.

The council reports requested a 30 miles per hour sign on the road going east to west on the west part of the city. The West to East side has one. The Public Works employee thought he could install that sign. The Police also discussed the problem of people going too fast on the new road. The council approved putting up a 30 miles per hour sign on the east to west side of that road.

The public works employee, Max Longley, reported the quote he got for the snowblower equipment that could be attached to the payloader as $14,000 from Yeager Implement at Blue Earth. The council discussed the uses for that and that the budget had enough funds. The council approved the purchase with a three to two vote.

Councilor Holm asked about the wastewater cleaning and the spreading of the slough. It can not be done before the harvest and it is scheduled for the same time this year as last year. The council went into a closed session.

The next meeting of the Welcome City Council will be at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the City Hall.