WELCOME — ​​Welcome City Council met on Tuesday evening, Feb. 18.

The owner and manager of the Sunnyside Trailer Park in Welcome explained what they are doing to clean up the park. They have two or three more homes to remove. Some homes have been removed already. They have a contract and rulebook that each home resident signs and must follow. The manager is in charge of enforcement. The owner reported that he would like to bring in a newer home, no older than 10 years old, and make sure each lot is clean and in good repair. There was a water leak, and the water bill became considerably more expensive than usual. He asked that the water bill late fee be waived or reduced, and offered to pay the water bills on time. He mentioned that the water bill was around $800 and the late fee was around $600.

The city council approved offering a deal that the park would pay all water bills on time and some of the late fees already accrued each month. If for any reason they did not pay, the late fees would all be added and the park would pay the bills and late fees, both old and new. The council also asked for a copy of the rules that residents must follow. The owner reported that they were working on replacing old homes. They hoped to have that done by the winter of 2025. He said all homes should have pitched roofs, double pane windows, and vinyl siding at the least. He said they are working hard on improving their reputation. Drugs are prohibited. They will raise the lot rent to pay bills. The council asked that improvements be done quicker and more be made.

In other business:

— The Public Works reported a water leak/break that will be fixed tomorrow, necessitating some possible water shut-off.

— The ordinance concerning chicken raising in the city was tabled after some discussion and suggestions to follow the Sherburn ordinance or Ceylon ordinance. The Sherburn ordinance would help the Welcome and Sherburn Police enforce it if it is the same as Sherburn. The Council will discuss it at the next meeting.

— The council expressed its condolences to the family of Deb Hansen, former City Clerk for 17 years, who passed away last week. She will be missed by many.

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