Earlier this year, the city of Watkins identified several properties in town that are in violation of ordinances, for various reasons.
Some properties have been cleaned up, had cars or debris removed, lawns mowed, and so on. Other property owners have not been so cooperative.
One owner who had received a nuisance letter attended the Nov. 12 Watkins City Council meeting. He came to explain that he didn?Äôt realize he had a specific time to clean things up between the first letter and the most recent letter. He explained that he?Äôs had no help, has been moving the cars and other vehicles as he?Äôs been able to, and that all are operational and have current registrations. The council okayed him to leave his RV parked behind his garage, as power lines are in the way of parking it further out of view; he plans to fix it and sell it in the spring.
In the case of another property, the house has been knocked down, but it hasn?Äôt yet been cleaned up. The water is disconnected at the curb, but the sewer was never disconnected. Ownership is another matter of dispute, as it is in the process of being sold, but the former owner is still the owner of record, and the new owner has never picked up the nuisance letters from the city. The city will send a letter to the both the old and new owners giving them ten days to clean it up completely before the city does (and charges them).
In a third property, where numerous violations go unimproved, the council will work through the city attorney to take the next step toward having the property condemned and the house removed. The council voted unanimously to proceed.
Housing study
David Krueger of the Meeker County EDA came to the meeting to discuss the housing study being planned by the county. Last month the Watkins council voted to not participate in the study which would cost the city $1 per resident. They heard Krueger?Äôs explanations that the study will be good for about 12 years or so, and that it?Äôs good for investors looking to invest in the community. Having this study in place will be good for both growth and retention of families and seniors. Such a study will help the council plan infrastructure, senior services, and workforce needs. It also will open up small cities grant opportunities. Krueger suggested websites where council members can view the study done for Paynesville by the same company that will do this one. The council agreed to look at this first before making a decision.
Other business
The city office will be closed both Nov. 29 and Dec. 24 for Holidays.
Sheriff?Äôs Deputy Ernie DeFries said it?Äôs been pretty quiet, with nothing extraordinary to report.
Parking on lawns was discussed; the city will hold to its ordinance allowing parking on driveways, not on lawns.
The rental fee for the Lions skating rink warming house for events will be $50, payable to the Lions.
Tanya Cronen was voted in as a new member of the Watkins Ambulance Service; they council also approved Mike Knisely and Jen Browald. The ambulance squad stands at 21 current members (but they?Äôre still open to applications).
The next meeting of the Watkins City Council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.