At their March 13 regular meeting, the Watkins city council approved the Watkins Ambulance Service 2025 officers. They also approved an increased stipend for the Chief. The council approved an ambulance service billing agreement with Midwest EMS Billing LLC. And they approved a memorandum of agreement with Ridgewater-Willmar, participating in the training of qualified students in the AcuteCare Paramedic Program, Paramedicine Program, Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Program, and/or Emergency Medical Technician program.
Sewer rate
Rich Fuchs wonders why his sewer bill has increased yet again, and why he pays the same for a single user as families do. (He has his own water.) He most likely pays the base rate that is the same for everyone. The increase is $3.44/mo.; it was last increased in 2022, and it had been many years before that since it was increased. Councilmember Brenda Carlson offered to look into other cities and whether they have rates that fluctuate based on occupancy.
Pickleball courts
Chuck Unterberger reported that the Lions plan to install pickleball courts this year in the V.F.W. park. It could be $156,000 to do the installation. The Lions will be required to get two bids on the work.
Fire on Luella Street
The council heard from the Fire Department an update on the house fire at 400 Luella Street Tuesday evening, March 4, that destroyed the family home. No one was home at the time.
The property had no insurance. The building is unsafe to inspect at this time, in order to find the cause of the fire. The Fire Marshal suggests that the city tear it down, using its funds, with the Fire Marshal inspecting the pieces as they are removed. It could cost $50,000 for removal. Ownership and responsibility are unanswered issues at this time, as it was under a contract for deed. In the meantime, some kind of fence or barrier may be needed as a safety measure.
Dollar General fallout
The city has heard from Bassford Remele, the law firm representing AMH Properties LLC which sought to build a Dollar General along Highway 55 in Watkins. The letter claims that the city’s one-year moratorium, and later rezoning of small-box variety stores were invalid and arbitrary, and aimed solely against AMH. The letter demands, on behalf of AMH, reimbursement of $200,000 in costs and expenses; a figure that will grow as they add lost profits.
The city’s attorney responded with his own letter to the council stating that he disputes the facts laid out by Bassford Remele, and that he disagrees with the legal arguments and conclusions in their letter. His advice to the city, both then and now, is that the city is within its rights to study and regulate this type of use. He also reiterated to the council that the city has defense counsel insurance coverage for any litigation that may ensue.
Next meeting
The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10. Meetings are always open to the public.