WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met on Tuesday evening, following the planning and zoning meeting and public hearing concerning a variance in the 500 block of Homewood Drive.

Representative Bjorn Olson was present. Olson visits city councils, county commissioners and school boards in his district. He mentioned that things have been mandated, but the money to proceed has not been given. There were about $900 million worth of projects and taxes shifted to the counties, but the legislature called it budget cuts. He mentioned that the car registration decrease for one year was passed. He is on the Transportation Committee and would like to pass some road and bridge repair help for small cities. The veterans office in Fairmont will get a new office building, thus reducing the cost by eliminating rental payments.

The council asked about the Dugan Street infrastructure planned for 2028 when the county revamps that street. He asked that the information be sent to his office and he would look into getting some funds for that. The council asked about the water treatment renovation to reverse osmosis planned for 2030. Olson thought he might be able to help with that since he would have time to find funds and introduce the idea for a bonding bill in those years. When asked about penalties for not using the new Minnesota flag, he explained the law says the state agencies must fly the new one, but the counties and cities are not being penalized since that legislation was not passed. He made sure the clerk and council had his phone number and email address.

The council approved the variance as suggested by the planning and zoning committee and will look into future fines for those who do not follow the building permit rules. This was tabled until the next meeting. The clerk said that the county setback amount was 100 feet (more than Welcome’s 50 feet).

In other business:

— A question came during council reports, concerning the pickleball court’s installation. The public works employee said they would come in one or two weeks.

— It was said that the property on Hulseman that needs trees and garbage removed would happen on July 6.

— In police business, someone has been contacted to help Police Chief Travis Yochim. They said that grass mowing citations were ongoing but most were mowing. In the May report, he mentioned that there will be a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, June 27 in the morning in Sherburn and at noon in Welcome. The question about scooters and other modes of transportation was posed. Parents and children can ask any questions. Safety is always the priority. The bikes should follow the traffic laws. Helmets may be available.

The Welcome City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on July 7 at the City Hall.