Because of a lack of swim instructors, the Watkins city council made the decision to not offer swimming lessons in 2022. Now in March, it was determined that it is too late to do anything about it. The Watkins Swimming Pool will be open for the 2022 season, as usual, except that there will be no swim lessons.
Public hearing
The March 10 Watkins city council meeting began with a public hearing regarding replacement of the lift station on the south end of town, and the wastewater treatment pond force main that runs along Highway 55 for about 3.5 miles. The system has had frequent failures in recent years.
The city’s engineer, Kent Louwagie of Bolton Menck explained the current status of the system, and he presented three alternatives to repair/replace it: replacement of both the lift station and the force main for a cost of $3,189,650, reusing existing wet well structure and install submersible pumps for a cost of $3,034,130, or reuse both existing structures and replace pumps in the dry well at a cost of $2,900,210. Because of the similar up-front costs, Louwagie recommends replacing it all.
Louwagie also explained that the replacement system should be able to accommodate city growth in the coming years.
The city would apply for funding of the project from the Public Facilities Authority in a multi-step process, with monies possibly available in early 2023.
The council approved the first alternative, replacing the lift station and force main.
Other actions
The council approved 2022 Ambulance Service offers as follows: Chief Jeff Hilsgen, Asst. Chief Bonnie Holthaus, Secretary Heidi Donnay, Treasurer Jody Bauer, and Training Officer Julie Hilsgen; Relief Association Officers Pam Loch and Teresa Carlson.
The annual city audit presentation has been rescheduled for the April 14 meeting.
On the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the council approved a Conditional Use Permit for 341 4th St. N. to be used as an assisted living facility.
Tony Faber is looking to build behind his current building (Faber Building & Supplies), but there is question about city easements on the property that he’d like answers to before building.
The owners of Watkins Trailer Park are sending out violation notices, and moving forward with plans to demolish and remove some of the mobile homes there (although still without specific dates and timeline).
The council approved the quote from Faber Building & Supplies for the baseball hitting shed at Clippers Field.
The city is considering a short-term vacation rental ordinance.
Resolution to reestablish precincts and polling places was passed, as required after each census.
Off-site gambling and liquor licenses were approved for the Watkins Lions, and a 3.2 malt liquor on-sale license was approved for the Softball and Baseball Associations for the season.
The consumption and display (set-up) permit was renewed for Keek’s Restaurant.
The council approved appointment of Sarah Krone as Deputy Clerk.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14. There will be a Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7.