At its Feb. 9 regular meeting, the council approved moving forward with a $1.144 million lift station project. According to city engineer Kent Louwagie, the project would not be grant-eligible (although the state legislature may allocate more funding that could change that), and at this time would need to be financed 100% by a loan. Because the city is already down one pump, this project has been singled out from a larger (and more expensive) project in order to move forward with it.
The council had only three members at its Feb. 9 meeting, so they will wait for the next meeting when they have a full council to discuss and approve the Code of Ordinances.
The council did approve the 2023 fee schedule, and agreed to cash in a CD with American Rescue Plan funds.
They approved an application form to be used when applying for TIF/tax abatement with the city; any application will require a $13,000 escrow.
The council also discussed a request by a homeowner to have a portable storage unit parked on the street in front of his house for up to six months; a dumpster may be required as well. The council approved one or the other to be parked on the street (but not both), for up to three months, at which time it can be reviewed again.
The next regular meeting of the Watkins City Council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9.