WELCOME — During the Welcome City Council meeting on Tuesday, the 307 Hulseman Street property was discussed. It has been vacant for two years and is in very bad shape. There is garbage between the house and garage, a tree that blew down and damaged the neighbor’s property. The owners are a company in Mound, Minn. and taxes are considerable. There will be a certified letter sent to the company. If no contact is made, a citation will be issued. The council asked about an abatement in order to clear the property. They will wait to hear from the company.

Bolton and Menk Engineer Travis Winter explained the final things needed to finish the road project. Winter will report to the construction company to fix the issues. He is working on the Water Treatment Plant grant proposal. Things included are variable speed pumps, solar power on the roof, and LED lights, all of which would help lower the cost. He will send a report to Region Nine soon. The public employees have done a good job keeping the water treatment plant maintained.

The quotes from the company making the Pickle Ball Courts, Pickletile, were discussed and a phone call cleared the issue. The council approved the project at $56,440. The Park Fund will be billed and $20,000 from Valero will be used. There will be acrylic-covered concrete, netting and a fence put in at the Hansen-Keck Park, possibly this summer.

The Quarterline and First Street grading should be done to help the water get to the catch basin and pond. In some places, the gravel has been washed out. The engineer suggested cutting back on the gravel and thickening the wear coat. The council suggested putting up a “bump” sign and asking the public to drive within the speed limit, especially on that part of the roads. This will be investigated and action taken.

A request to fly the former Minnesota flag instead of the new one was proposed by Council Member Stauter. The council approved seeking a flagpole and solar lights to fly it. Possible sites include the Legion Park, Hansen-Keck Park or near City Hall. Costs and ideas will be brought up at the next meeting.

There will be a meeting to discuss the Welcome Summer Festival this year and in future years at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, at the Legion Park. This is spearheaded by Council Member Auringer. Questions about being a non-profit, the funds raised so far and what would be presented were discussed privately. The Fire Department chicken feed, Car Show and City-wide Rummage Sales are planned separately.

A resident called the City Attorney and the bill was charged to the city. The Council approved reminding the City Attorney to bill the city when the city contacts him. Residents calling about city issues should call the City and they will contact the City Attorney.

In other news:

During public comment one resident asked about walnut trees that are in bad shape on the right-of-way. The council told them that there are no funds right now unless reimbursement from the grant they used for emerald ash borer tree removal is received. One resident asked about the seeding of grass where the construction was done and the blanket on the grass was explained by council members and the engineer. The blanket is to be kept on and it collects due in the morning, so watering is not necessary at this time. The grass needs to grow tall with the help of the blanket. The city will investigate, but feels that it is the best option now.

In other business:

— The Welcome Ball Field arrangements for the 2027-2028 school year need attention from the council to meet with the School District representatives. This will be arranged.

— The council approved Wade Sagehorn’s request to have a car show on July 18 uptown and have the 1st and 2nd Street intersections blocked for two hours.

— The council approved the settlement with EDA and West Side Depot.

— The Mayor volunteered to contact 4H about planting uptown.

— The tree grant has complicated issues and steps need to be taken to finalize them.

The Welcome City Council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on May 5 at City Hall.