The Watkins city council met Thursday, May 10, for a regular meeting.
The Watkins Pool is scheduled to open June 1, if all is ready. Additional lifeguards and water safety instructors are needed. Pool Manager Ashlee Lundberg has arranged on-site lifeguard training in Watkins Sunday through Tuesday, June 3-5, for $130 per person. The council discussed reimbursing half that fee to individuals who are hired and work through this season, and reimbursing the other half if they work through the end of next season. Lundberg will look into the availability of WSI training for applicants. Credit/debit card payments may be accepted for pool admission and concessions this summer, as available. Sign-ups for group lessons are still available, and private (one-on-one or two-on-one) lessons are available as well by calling City Hall.
The council unanimously renewed liquor licenses for Bud’s Bar, Gordies Bar, Red Goat Bar & Grill, Legion Club Room, Watkins Liquor Warehouse, and Keeks.
The council approved the final version of the land lease with Landwehr. Meanwhile, IPS solar contacted the city about leasing the same parcel of land as Landwehrs. The city decided to forgo the more lucrative offer because they’d already leased that land for pasture to the Landwehrs.
The wastewater pond needs to be dredged. Quotes are $17,000 or $12,500 plus the expense of a crane. Public Works director Steve Geislinger will pursue whichever is the least expensive way.
The city will rent a handicap-accessible Mini Biff for McCarthy Park, and a regular one for the north park for the summer season.
The city plans to participate in National Night Out in August, and passed a resolution allowing them to solicit and receive donations.
The city may need to change the ordinance before Watkins House can apply for a Conditional Use Permit. They had hoped to be able to use the previous CUP, but they cannot.
The city discussed a clean-up day. A date has not yet been finalized, but it will be a Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m. (Watch for details here.)
The council agreed that unapproved minutes may be posted on the city’s website as such, unapproved.
There is a persistent gas smell in the Village Hall. The commercial stove/oven pilot lights keep going out. The council discussed replacing it (at a cost of more than $3,000) to prevent liability. They will look into pricing.
The PLC at the wastewater plant will be replaced at a cost of $4,460; it is essential that it run.
The council discussed use of ATVs and golf carts within the city; this was tabled for decision next month.
A special meeting has been called for 7:15 Wednesday, May 16, with the Clear Lake Subordinate Service District.
The city received a quote of $500 for metal garbage cans for main street. The Lions want a written proposal (to pay for them). The city will also pursue having them made locally for less.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14.