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WELCOME -- The Welcome City Council met on Tuesday and a discussion about the City Planning Project was held. Troy Nemmers from Bolton and Menk proposed a $15,000 yearly plan for 2027. The council wanted the ordinances to be enforceable and follow the current laws. They hoped the firm would look into statutory concerns to eliminate any possible lawsuits. Nemmers explained that this is the first step into upgrading codes, ordinances and building permits.
Council Member Stauter raised concerns about not knowing exactly what the firm would do for the money. Nemmers mentioned that the bills would be done on an hourly basis and that work sessions with the council would be needed. Some ordinances would be approved as written. Some ordinances are old or outdated and need to be changed, removed or wording may need to be changed. The council approved the planning project with a 3-1 vote. Public works proposed a 10 year maintenance schedule from McQuire for $15,000 a year for city equipment.
The council also discussed the Sunnyside Trailer Park with the manager. Some sites need repair or replacing. The gas connections will be taken care of soon. Some trees need to be removed. The council said that there is a Welcome Clean Up Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, and while garbage cannot be brought to the truck, some of the other items that need to be removed could be rid of for free.
The council asked about using Tiny Homes like those in Sherburn in the park but that was not something they favored. The city will head up tree removal. The council suggested that they, trailer park residents and the manager meet and discuss the issues.
Complaints about driveways and other issues from the Street Project were discussed. The city will have a walk through for a warranty list next week. The council agreed that there has to be a good reason for warranty work.
In other news:
-- The post office parking lot was blocked and the owner and the police resolved the issue with removal of the vehicles.
-- The litigation with West Side Depot LLC was discussed and the coats were moved to the EDA since they sold the property. The council did waive coverage from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
-- The council approved paying bills over $1,000, such as the last payment for the pickleball court and Bolton and Menk for the street project and election expenses.
-- Clerk Jodi Hemann requested training in the cities in November for several days which should cost less than $1,000. The council approved the request.
-- A question about who the contact person was if residents would like to help with the Summer Festival in 2027. The contact person mentioned was Jim Miller.
-- The council went into closed session regarding fire department issues.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20, at Welcome City Hall.