Some concrete work needs to be completed around the State Farm building in Wells as part of the Broadway project.

The Wells City Council, at their meeting on Oct. 27, learned that the work is nearly complete on the Broadway project.

“The concrete work on the road itself is done,” city engineer Ben Rosol said. “We are waiting for the bituminous work to be completed before the road can be opened up.”

Rosol explained that the railroad does not allow concrete to come up to the tracks so the last panel on each side of the tracks is bituminous.

“There is also some concrete work that needs to be completed around the State Farm building,” he added. “I am hoping that is taken care of soon.”

Rosol also announced that the bid opening on the Highway 22/Highway 109 project had been delayed to at least Nov. 19.

“We have had conversations with the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the co-op agreement and they are looking at the cost part of it,” Rosol commented. “However, they are not budging much on the actual verbiage in the agreement.”

Rosol also reported that the application for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grant for the removal and replacement of ash trees in the city had been submitted.

“The application was turned in earlier today,” he stated. “We should find out the results in mid-December.”

The council also heard news regarding a damaged property on Seventh Street.

“It has come to our attention that the property at 189 Seventh Street Southeast has been sold,” city administrator Tiffany Schrader said. “The individual who purchased the property has stated that he intends to repair the home and clean up the property.”

Schrader also addressed another topic that her office has been receiving complaints about.

“We are hearing from many people about the all the stray cats in the city,” Schrader remarked. “New Chances Humane Society is pursuing a grant that would provide funding to spay and neuter up to 50 cats in Faribault County. Initiatives like this are an important part of addressing the issue. I have submitted a letter of support to New Chances in collaboration with their grant application.”

Schrader also reminded council members of the community survey which is now being conducted to help develop a strategic plan to guide the city’s goals for the next 5-10 years.

“The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete,” Schrader said. “It is being conducted by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) and the results will be incorporated into the final strategic plan.”

In other business, the council:

• Voted to renew their contract with Kennedy and Graven as the city’s law firm.

• Learned that MaKaia Dykema, the attorney who has been working with the city, is leaving Kennedy and Graven for a different job.

• Approved amending two different ordinances, one concerning the lower potency hemp edible wholesaler license and the other amending registration requirements for the sale of cannabis products. Both amendments were necessary because of changes made at the State level by by the Office of Cannabis Management.

• Reviewed and approved a cannabis retail business registration form.

• Confirmed the next regular City Council meeting will be held at 5 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Wells Community Center.