2023 Ambulance Service officers were approved: Chief Jody Bauer, Asst. Chief Bonnie Holthaus, Sec. Heidi Donnay, Treas. Shawny Kramer, Training Officer Julie Hilsgen, and Relief Assoc. Pam Loch and Abby Nistler. The medical director, Dr. Lawrence Strate, has resigned as he soon will retire from practice, and a replacement will be named as Dr. Jeffrey Holt.
Duane Peterson spoke about the new ambulance (a 2023 or 2024 Ford) they want to order. Total price today is $274,000, and it won’t be ready for a year and a half. It should be equipped pretty much the same as the previous one. The council approved paying $220,000 now to place the order.
The city lift station project was approved to put out for bids.
Applications have come in for all positions at the Watkins Pool this summer, but more are still sought. The city is looking into the option of having on-site WSI training for staff. (See ad on the classified page for details, or contact the city office.)
Work continues on cleaning up the trailer park. Although much remains to be done, the council is appreciative for what has been completed so far.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13.