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WELCOME -- The Welcome City Council met on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Bolton and Menk Engineer Travis Winters requested a down payment or beginning payment so the firm could start surveys and plans for design of the Dugan Street project.
He explained the need to begin this now so that the bids could be done by January and the project started in 2028. The county and the city will work together. Some of the cost of $25 million for the county and $ 2 million for the city will be using grants and assessments. TSA and Public Utility funds and grants will be used.
There are many permits to request, state and county permits and two railroads permits. The road will be dug up so that infrastructure such as water and sewer can be replaced since that road has not had new pipes since 1959. The contractor will have a contract with the city and the county will also be consulted.
The council suggested that the city will pay part of the city payments and assessments will also be made. The city will do a bond also. Rates for water and sewer may have to be raised. For now the engineers will be starting the ball rolling.
The council approved the $59,100 beginning payment to get Bolton and Menk started in the design stage.
The council also discussed using a portion of the memorial money from Larry Puhrman estate for new Christmas decorations since the current ones are not in the best condition. The council looked at the catalog Public Works Employee Max Longley brought to the meeting and suggested snowflakes or similar decorations. The council decided to let Longley decide as long as he doesn’t pay over $600 a piece for the decorations. Longley agreed to order them.
Moving to other business, the mayor read a resignation letter from Council Member Jon Auringer citing work schedule at the Martin County Sheriff Department and changes to hours. Auringer remarked that the council needs someone that will attend each meeting and he will not be able to fulfill that as he should and the city deserves. He will resign in January of 2027.
In other news:
-- A question of expanded Tree Dump hours was discussed and the council approved another Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 21.
-- An issue of an FREA sign being on the right of way was resolved before the meeting.
-- The Welcome Fire Relief payment issue was resolved with a payment that night.
-- The council accepted a donation of a small sprayer that could be pulled by a lawn tractor perhaps.
-- There were not two bids for snow removal so that was tabled to the next meeting.
-- The council went into closed session for discussion of personnel concerns.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Welcome City Hall.