By Jean Doran Matua, Editor
Two letters have been sent recently to the out-of-state owners of the Watkins Trailer Park about the blight there, with abandonned and dilapidated trailers, and overgrown brush. The owners responded that they are bringing in a landscaper, asked for permission to crush on-site those that are not acceptable for transport away, and requested city assistance to pay for clean-up.
At their Oct. 14 regular meeting, it was pointed out that the owners continue to collect lot rent, so having the city also help pay for clean-up is not a reasonable option. The clean-up had been requested to be completed
The city is in the process of updating their ordinances, including those that govern mobile homes in the city. The trailer park owners asked if they could crush any of the homes before the ordinances are finalized, and the council agreed that the sooner they do that, the better.
The council also discussed the Central Avenue apartment building complaints follow-up. Some progress has been made in making the property safer, specifically the railing is now good.
The council approved a cooperative agreement with CentraCare Emergency Medical Services to provide electronic medical records services.
The council approved a petition by Matt Faber and Dean Pearson to vacate drainage and utility easements on their two properties in town. A public hearing has been scheduled on the issue for 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, before the next regular meeting.
The council accepted the quote from IT Solutions of MN in Avon to install and maintain a server to serve as secure backup for city office computers; total cost will be around $6,000.
The city is probably not ready to submit a letter of intent this year (due Nov. 1) for a trails grant. They are still working with a landowner for access, and may modify the planned location of a trail.
Mayor Chris Rowan will investigate possible Small Cities Development Program funds available for new and improved city street lights.
Appointments of Fire Chief Ron Kramer and Assistant Chief Chad Unterberger were approved.
The council approved renewal of the 2 a.m. liquor license for Gordies Bar, noting that this means no serving past 2 a.m. They also noted that Gordies received a citation in August for continuing to serve customers, at 3:23 a.m.
The Watkins EDA is now looking for a developer for the Glenshire lots, through Riverwood Realty.
Meeker County Deputy announced that Oct. 22 will be his last shift policing Watkins; he will now work in the county courthouse. Reggie Sandstrom will be the new Deputy to patrol in Watkins.
The council approved a $350 donation this year to Southwest Initiative Foundation.
Work on updating city ordinances is nearing completion.
The council approved hiring defense council on recommendation from the League of Minnesota Cities for a lawsuit brought against the city.
Public Works Director Steve Geislinger will have surgery in November and then will be out for some time during snow season. The council approved hiring Bill Hennen for back-up snow removal as needed.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, preceded by a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. (see above).