Tri-County News

Watkins awaits workforce housing grant results


At its Jan. 9 regular meeting, it was reported that everything has been submitted now for the workforce housing grant for the proposed Western View Apartment project. The city will hear in March if the grant application is successful.

At a special meeting Dec. 12, both Scott Mann and David Tysk representing Meeker Leased Housing LLC were there for a hearing on the project. It is estimated that the project will have a tax value of $1,239,000. The project consists of a 20-unit multifamily residential rental housing facility. This is not a low-income housing project, but rather a workforce housing one: providing needed housing for those working in the area. The city’s contribution toward this project will be reimbursing property taxes paid by Meeker Leased Housing, for up to $235,000 over a period of not more than 15 years; the city is obligated to match 1:2 the grant amount. (Without the grant, the project most likely will not move forward.)

The council approved Jan. 9 the Ambulance Service to replace a high-pressure washer at $1,728, and the office to replace a color printer for <$100.

The council approved the following appointments: Kathleen Tschumperlin acting mayor and street commissioner, Jason Laumer water commissioner, Marc Wirz sewer commissioner, and Sue Unterberger police commissioner; Tri-County News as official newspaper; Deb Kramer election clerk; Frank Eder weed inspector; Daniel Zimmermann and Boe Piras city attorneys.

There is an open seat on the Economic Development Authority. Anyone interested in serving should contact city hall.

Trails

Marc Vaillancourt spoke at the Dec. 12 meeting as chair of Friends of Meeker Trails. Meeker County has adopted a trails plan, and he hopes that the city of Watkins will adopt a resolution in support of it. The Eden Valley-Watkins School District’s Safe Routes to School plan will fit with the county’s Trails plan. More information about the Friends of Meeker Trails can be found at www.meekertrails.org.

At the Dec. 12 meeting, the council approved a change in the fee schedule to reflect a penalty fee for starting work without a permit of 4 times the permit fee (rather than a flat $250).

The council approved a 2019 tax levy (collectible in 2020) of $540,349.

The next regular meeting of the Watkins city council is at
7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.

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