WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met on Tuesday evening. A discussion of part-time help in the city hall office was held but not acted upon. The clerk may need some assistance for two or three hours a week. She will let the council know what she needs at that time. The Sherburn or Trimont office staff could help in an emergency.

The bathroom in city hall was discussed at the last meeting and the public works employee was asked to make up a list and the costs if he would do the work. The Council had that list and approved the employee’s quote of $1,100+ for the repair. Because there is no snow he thought he could do the work now.

The city attorney fees were also discussed with a $350 per time or a flat fee for a year. The amount used was discussed and some questions about the charge or no charge for telephone calls led to the council tabling that vote until the questions were answered.

Trevor Yochim, Police Chief, reported the December patrols and events. He mentioned that the part-time officer, Jared Schafer, was working well. The new squad car was detailed and now the equipment from the old squad car is being installed in the new one.

The public works employee asked about the amount asked for the lawnmower to be sold and the council directed him to consult the blue book for the item and request a price similar to that quote.

The council asked about getting the savings into an account with more interest. The clerk said some of that fund was bound to Welcome Bank and she would look into doing something with the other part of the savings. Some members said they thought the difference in interest was not that large in different accounts.

In other news:

— The council added proof of insurance to the Gigfire Contract for internet use of the water tower.

— The Clerk, Jodi Hemann, brought up some delinquent accounts since the end of November. The Council asked her to send a letter to the account owner.

— The council needs new iPads, especially for the council members whose iPads are broken. The clerk will look into the prices.

The next Welcome City Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Feb. 4, 2025, at the City Hall.