WELCOME — During the Welcome City Council meeting on Tuesday, the Ash tree bids were opened and the council discussed which trees were covered by the quotes. There are 10 trees and the bill would be about $6,425 to remove trees from city property (right of way). The council approved the quote with a 3-2 vote. Residents contacted the city about the trees dying or being dead on city property.

Council Member Lynda Stauter reported from the Parks Committee meeting. A quote for $41,000 from Pickle Tile Company was approved for the pickleball court. There were two quotes. The quote included finishing the court with a net, painting and a fence on a regulation court, 30 by 60 feet. The Park Committee was sure there would be enough money to purchase the court with the help of the $20,000 grant from Valero and the Park fund. Several other projects were mentioned, such as mini golf, frisbee golf and a dog park.

The council approved purchasing the parts for the ball field scoreboard at $2,100 and locating a local electrician to install them. When the ballfield purchase agreement is made, the maintenance of the ballfield equipment should be part of the agreement with the MCW school district.

Clerk Jodi Hemann requested clarification on the part-time employee eligibility for PERA (Public Employee Retirement Association) and the council approved it, since the employee works at least 450 hours per year and has worked for six months.

In other news:

— The Environmental Systems Research Institute software renewal was discussed and after Public Works employee Max Longley explained the connection to the locators and map used with the federal copper and other water issues, the council approved the renewal for $1,211 for a year.

— The council discussed reimbursing the Shaws for a mailbox replacement. The council approved the reimbursement of $112 for a new box.

— Hemann proposed holding the Clean Up Day in Welcome on April 25. The tickets and times will be the same as last year.

— Police Chief Trevor Yochim said two candidates for the police department were being considered

— The AED directional signs have arrived. Public Works will install them.

— The Hail claim from C. Holm was discussed, and the council approved the insurance payment of $187,000. The rest would be the owner’s part.

— In council reports, the FREA was notified to remove the Hansen-Keck Park meter because there will be no Welcome Festival and vendors this year.

The Welcome City Council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on April 21 at City Hall.