Blashack day in Waldorf

At the July 12 Waldorf City Council meeting, Mayor Rob Wilkening declared August 18 will be “Catherine Blashack Day” in Waldorf. Blashack, who grew up in Waldorf and became a military pilot, will be visiting her hometown to finish the mural located across the street from the town’s community center. On August 18, Blashack will receive a plaque; a community potluck is also planned.

The council officially accepted a donation of land from Charles Barnes. The intended future location of a memorial park honoring veterans, the property is located across the street from the community  center and is overlooked by the mural. Barnes was appointed director of a new park committee, and has plans for the park’s design. “I am delighted that you've approved the creation of this park,” he told the council. Along with guiding the development of the new facility, committee members Barnes, Wilkening, Missy Sorbo and Scott Kelling will oversee the maintenance of all city parks.

In response to a concern raised by a resident, the council voted to engage the Waseca County Extension Office of the University of Minnesota for soil testing in areas in town where there is no plant growth. The expected cost is $25-50 per test.

A fee of $50 was set for the clearing of grass clippings, weeds, leaves and other vegetation property owners allow to accumulate on city streets. City ordinance #60 declares it unlawful to deposit plant waste in the street but does not specify a penalty if city workers must clean up after residents violate the ordinance.

Four bids were received to replace the furnaces in the community center, but the council wishes to replace the furnaces one at a time for budgeting purposes. The issue was thus tabled until the next council meeting to allow for updated bids. Council members voted to purchase new rugs for the community center and city hall at an expected cost of about $660 The council also considered hiring a cleaning service, but found the cost for this service to be more than replacing the rugs, which are considered worn out. Council members also voted to allow Papa Olie's to take ownership of the signage on city property, which was put in by the city but ties to the bar's utilities.