The Watkins City Council met Thursday, Dec. 8.
Truth in Taxation
There was no one present for the Truth in Taxation hearing, and the 2017 budget was unanimously approved for $666,767 in revenues and 666,767 in expenditures. The 2017 total levy of $542,147 also passed unanimously.
Housing study
David Krueger from Meeker County EDA presented the housing study that includes Watkins. Using a number of sources for the study, here are some of the findings:
?Ä¢ Watkins population has a good age distribution (except the over-55 age group is getting larger quickly, as in the rest of Minnesota).
?Ä¢ Housing needs in the 55-74 age group will change the type of housing needed in Watkins; ?Äúservices housing?Äù may be needed after 2020 with 90 new people in that age group. Some in this age group may be in the market for higher-end homes.
?Ä¢ There was growth in Watkins up to 2010; after that, building was in surrounding townships, not in Watkins.
?Ä¢ Good news: growth in 20- to 24-year-olds and children <19; and there?Äôs a good number of ?ÄúBrain Gainers?Äù (age 35-50) with kids in Watkins.
?Ä¢ The ?Äúsweet spot?Äù for housing sales is in the 35-44 age group.
?Ä¢ 25 percent of Watkins residents are renters; there are 135 rental units in Watkins (including Gardenview Apartments). More subsidized rentals may be needed in the future. The market may demand lower-priced and higher-priced rentals; mid-level pricing market is covered.
?Ä¢ There are loan programs available (through FMHA, GMHA and USDA) to enhance possible housing remodels and new construction.
Krueger found that, with the right kind of incentives, it is possible to build five or six new homes each year for five years, with more than 30 new homes to be built.
He also recommends developing 4-6 ?Äúmarket rate?Äù rental units over the next five years. Rental housing for low-to-moderate-income residents is most needed. (Krueger pointed out that most in this income bracket are older widows and not so-called welfare moms.) The need for such housing will increase as our population ages.
SCDP funding is available to rehab existing housing, such as downtown above-store rentals, and pre-1940 houses (for affordable rental or purchase).
He also added that upgrades are much needed in the mobile home park in town. There may be EDA loans available for park improvements, or other loan programs to move its residents to first-time home buyer programs.
Problem properties
The council discussed distressed buildings in town, again, and further action with them. One property owner, Robert Diffley, was present to discuss his property on Central Avenue. There is more progress inside the house than is visible outside, and work is progressing. He hopes to be finished by March or so.
Another property, on Church Street, is getting worse. There is now a mattress in the pile of debris in front of the house.
The city continues to work with its attorney on these issues.
Trail grant funding
The council discussed applying for a grant for a walking trail in Watkins. One question is where to put it, and they are still looking at those options; one location discussed was from Glenshire Estates along Highway 55 to the veterinary clinic. They need to have a plan before applying for funding (or risk losing future grants if the project is not completed), so they are now looking at applying in October 2017 for possible funding in 2022. having a biking/walking trail in Watkins would benefit kids getting to school, playgrounds, and the pool.
Fee schedule revised
The city revised their fee schedule. They discussed and set rates for renting the Village Hall: $75 for private parties plus a cleaning deposit; civic organizations may use it once a year for free.
School Street at Hwy. 55
The council agreed to have the city?Äôs engineer check into altering the intersection of School Street where it meets with Highway 55. There have been several near-accidents there. The yield sign can be changed to a stop sign now, if the council so orders. It is unclear whether MnDOT approval is needed.
Other business
Street signs twisted in the tornado are being replaced, and the old ones are available for $10 each. There are a total of 44 signs from 11 intersections, and they are available first-come, first-served.
The council approved spending up to $5,400 for a hand-held meter reader to replace the current one which is no longer supported after Dec. 31. It still works, so they will continue to use it, and replace it when needed.
When putting up the Christmas wreaths this season, four of them fell and can?Äôt be un-bent. They were purchased from Main Street Designs in 2006, and cost $360 each. Replacements are still available, but they will be 40-percent off after Christmas so they will wait until then to decide.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins City Council will be at
7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12.