At its April 13 regular meeting, the Watkins city council determined that they will not be able to offer swimming lessons again this year, because of staffing issues. They have had 15 applicants for various pool jobs this summer, but only one is certified; four are in the process of getting certification, but the others will need to obtain certification, and there is not enough time to do this before lessons would need to be scheduled. Brenda Carlson and Sue Unterberger will interview the 15 pool applicants.
The council tabled approval of the purchase of a new ambulance.
An on-sale temporary liquor license and off-premises gambling request was approved for the Watkins Lions for their June 3 Adult Prom at Watkins Village Hall.
The EDA (Economic Development Authority) is working on finding property for commercial endeavors. They are looking for additional property to annex into the city, in order to have more options to offer businesses coming to Watkins.
The council approved the city’s spring newsletter that will accompany this month’s water/sewer bills. Included is a reminder to NOT flush wipes: even those that are marked “flushable” can and will clog the city’s pipes and sewer system. There have been several clogs lately, including one caused by a blue glove that had been flushed. Only toilet paper, and no other paper products, should be flushed.
A similar reminder about the city’s storm sewer was included in the newsletter. Leaves, dirt, and grass clippings must NOT be blown or swept into the storm sewer system. The storm sewer is for excess water after a storm, and lawn debris will clog the system possibly causing the very flooding which the storm sewer was designed to prevent.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at city hall. Meetings are open to the public.