Watkins approves Snow Emergency parking ordinance, dollar-store moratorium

At their Jan. 11 regular meeting, the Watkins city council approved an ordinance to allow for a snow emergency to be declared, and vehicles in violation could then be towed from any city street, avenue, alley, or other public way in the city. Custom Towing would tow, store, and collect fees for such.

The council approved a moratorium on chain dollar-store developments for one year (the maximum). A public hearing will be held at 7:15 p.m. at the Feb. 8 meeting. (Both ordinances are printed on page 12.)

Kathleen “Tootz” Tschumperlin was appointed Acting Mayor, and the Tri-County News the official newspaper for 2024.

Chuck Unterberger reported that plans are proceeding to build two pickleball courts in town. 

The council approved renewal of the land and gravel leases to Steven and Tom Landwehr for another five years. 

The city is gearing up already for staffing the Watkins Swimming Pool, and preparing for swimming lessons this year.

The council would like to take a tour of Brodin Studios, particularly if rezoning will be needed for the land in Watkins they plan to use. 

The gas stove in the Village Hall “is on its last legs.” It has been shut down as it could be dangerous to operate as it is now. Meanwhile, the search has begun for a replacement stove/oven. 

At their December meeting, the council appointed Frank Eder to the Planning Commission, and Marc Wirz to the Board of Adjustment, for terms through Jan. 1, 2027.

The city’s Truth in Taxation meeting was at the Dec. 14 meeting. There were no members of the public there for that purpose. The council approved its tax levy for 2024.

The council approved a property on Cedar Avenue to be cleared of a concrete pile and other nuisances after the property owner ignored several formal notifications to take care of. 

The council approved $15,000 for Legacy Building Solutions to render project shop drawings for a roof over the skating rink; Watkins Lions has the funds for this.

They approved a needed upgrade of software for reading water meters, and $12,000 for purchase of a mobile data collector.

The city received 19 submissions for its logo contest and narrowed it down to four, suggesting edits to each. After email voting during the month, entry #3 was selected at the January meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. The fire protection meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Fire Hall.