The Wells Police Department has been patiently waiting for the arrival of their new squad car. Now, they have learned the wait will be longer.

At the Wells City Council meeting on Sept. 12, Chief Tim Brenegan told the council members the Ford Explorer, which was ordered back in March, was to have been delivered in August.

“We were notified by the state that Ford had canceled all squad orders,” Brenegan stated. “Then, we were informed we had one day to submit a new order.”

It wasn’t just the delay that was causing some dissatisfaction with the situation.

“The squad we had ordered back in March carried a price tag of $34,000,” Brenegan explained. “When we reordered the vehicle the price had jumped to $42,000.”

Brenegan said the city, which leases the vehicle, will now see its monthly lease payments increase by $300 per month.

The chief said the number of options available to order a pursuit vehicle is also shrinking.

“Dodge is going to stop offering the Charger so we will be down to the Dodge Durango or the Ford Explorer,” Brenegan shared.

He also told council members he is checking to see if the equipment to go in the new vehicle will still be compatible.

Brenegan also brought a recommendation to the council asking for the removal of officer Shaun Willaby’s probationary status.

“He is doing a great job,” Brenegan stated. “I look forward to seeing him continue to grow in his career.”

City attorney David Frundt was at the meeting and shared with council members the need may arise for the city to review their policy on animals needing to go to the pound.

“We have been in a joint powers agreement for kenneling services with Blue Earth but the building which was being used as a pound is being closed down by the end of the year,” Frundt explained. “Blue Earth will be contracting with the Humane Society for pound services and Wells may have to look at doing something similar.”

Also at the meeting, city engineer Ben Rosol mentioned the sod will be put down soon where the construction is complete.

“I have also been told the Department of Transportation will be placing temporary speed limit signs on the south end of town on Highway 22 as part of their continuing speed study on that highway,” Rosol commented.

During his report, city administrator Connor LaPointe had news to share about the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA).

“The EDA is working on the sale of a south industrial park lot and on a revolving loan fund application for the potential business. They also created a COVID business relief grant program that they are hoping to receive ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding for,” LaPointe said. “The HRA sold the second of its twin homes in the City Center addition last month. They are also in the process of selling dilapidated homes to developers that wish to restore or demo them.”

Moving on to new business, the council accepted the resignation of Amanda Buendorf as a part-time library clerk and approved opening applications for the position.

In other personnel matters, the council approved the hiring of Jinger Woodring for the clubhouse attendant position at the Wells Golf Club. The council also set the requirement for operating a golf cart on the course. Drivers of golf carts at the Wells Golf Club must be at least 18 years of age or have a valid driver’s license.

A discussion was also held on a damaged mailbox policy.

The council compared the policies of many neighboring cities but did not put a policy in place at this time.

In other business:

• Approval was given for a request from United South Central Schools to paint certain sidewalks as part of their homecoming celebration.

• The council accepted a donation in the amount of $250 from the Danny Voigt Golf Memorial to be used by the Wells Park Board for the baseball lights at Thomson Park.

• A donation in the amount of $50 was accepted from Sharon and James Mead.

• A donation in the amount of $1,000, on behalf of the Wells American Legion Troska Post No. 210, was accepted to be used to replace the American flags in town.