Watkins continues work to limit small box variety stores in town

At its Dec. 12 regular meeting, the Watkins city council adopted the 2025 final budget and final levy. The approved 2025 levy is $524,452, and the approved budget is $810,704.

The council heard from the Watkins Ambulance Service that the new ambulance, at a cost of $283,000, is expected to be delivered within six months. They will receive $53,000 on the current ambulance in trade-in, and the State has offered a grant of $107,000.

The meeting was paused for a Truth in Taxation discussion. There was no one in the audience attending for this discussion.

The council approved the 2025 Fee Schedule. The new schedule includes five different fees for cannabis retail businesses. The council approved a Cannabis Ordinance.

The council will look into MMDC energy-efficiency and conservation strategies grant program. 

The Watkins Planning Com-mission will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, regarding possible ordinance restrictions on small box variety stores. The council will hold a special meeting following that hearing in order to review testimony from the hearing. The one-year moratorium enacted by the council  giving them time to research the issue – will expire Jan. 11. The council had held a public hearing Nov. 13 to hear again from residents on the topic; several business owners and residents had comments for the record. 

The council also had held a special work session Dec. 3. Besides the council, city attorney Boe Piras, and developer Paul Abdo were in attendance. The current B-2 zoning of the land in question allows specific retail uses, but not “general retail.” Piras reminded the council that they may not act arbitrarily, but that the city is well within its rights to regulate industry. Possible regulations on a small box variety store should address industry-specific issues such as garbage containment, security cameras, lighting, outdoor storage, and these should be included in the city’s related ordinance. Piras will prepare various options for regulation of this business type, and the council agreed that such a business should not be allowed until the city’s population reaches 3,500. 

Both Marc Wirz and Duane Peterson will serve another three years on the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments, starting Jan. 1.

L.P. has three variances before the city for approval. Public comment will be heard at a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at City Hall.

Public Works director Steve Geislinger would like to trade in their two-year-old lawnmower for a new one, same model. The council approved spending $11,651.46 for a new lawnmower next Spring.

Geislinger also has requested three pieces of equipment for $8,087.50, to view sewer lines, to use sonar to identify pipes and drains (including those in the swimming pool), and to use with the jetter to clear blockages. This represents an improvement of equipment available to borrow from the city of Eden Valley. Cost will be shared with Eden Valley, and the $8,087 is Watkins’s share.The council approved this, pending Eden Valley’s approval.

The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at City Hall.