Williams Council Approves Park Improvements, Summer Hire

The Williams City Council addressed park improvements, seasonal staffing, and sewer system compliance during its regular meeting on Monday, May 11, at Williams City Hall.

Mayor Chad Lundsten called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Council Members Chad Lundsten, Jana Kukowski, Jill Klicker, and Alice Bastyr were present. Council Member Leslie Huerd was absent.

The council approved the April 13 meeting minutes with a correction, noting that Council Member Jana Kukowski seconded the motion regarding the generator service contract. The motion to approve the corrected minutes passed unanimously.

Under new business, the council discussed an underground tank located on an easement on Laurel Carlson’s property. Clerk Laura Nicholson informed the council of repairs needed to the tank. No action was taken.

The council also discussed the outhouses at the city park and directed Nicholson to seek estimates for constructing new outhouses similar to the facility at Blueberry Hill Campground.

For summer staffing, the council reviewed one application for the seasonal position. Council Member Jana Kukowski made a motion to hire Zach Brouse as summer help at a rate of $16.22 per hour. Council Member Jill Klicker seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Nicholson reported that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency conducted an inspection of the city’s sanitary sewer system and issued a warning requiring a standard operating procedure for responding to unauthorized wastewater releases. The city was given 30 days to address the issue. Nicholson reported that the procedure had been completed and submitted to the MPCA, which acknowledged completion of the corrective action.

The council also discussed upkeep of the benches at the baseball park. Following the discussion, Council Member Jana Kukowski made a motion to replace the benches with two 16-foot picnic tables to create a more multi-functional area. The motion authorized up to $1,000 for the project and passed unanimously.

Committee reports included no new business from parks, streets and sewer; ordinance; library; and finance, budget, and personnel committees.

The council approved claims as presented.

The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
Story based on information provided in draft minutes