Committed to Hometown Pride

The City of Royal is officially committed to participating in a program to help further the community's economic and cultural vitality. The city council approved the final contract on Oct. 9

Royal is one of nine communities in Clay and adjoining counties participating in the Hometown Pride program. Each community is assessed an amount per resident to support the cost of a community coach. Royal's assessment is $395.20 per year for five years.

"That's our part of this for 380 residents," Mayor Josh Toft explained. "I think $395 per year is very reasonable."

According to online information, participating communities' financial commitment goes toward the cost of a Hometown Pride "coach." That person engages local leaders and volunteers to complete projects that address pressing needs in each community.

Previous council discussion indicated the Royal Visioning Committee will act as the Hometown Pride Committee and work with the coach.

"We've laid out plans. We've got projects with paperwork of how they are going to be done," Toft said. "The first time this person helps us out it will be worth it."

• Dry weather impacts lagoon levels

After experiencing the effects of excessive rainfall earlier this year, the city's wastewater system is now showing the impact of recent dry weather.

Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen said the number of gallons pumped at the lift station is the lowest of the year. Lagoon levels have also dropped 1-3 feet.

"It's evaporating faster than we're putting it out there," he noted.

Council members were asked to pass on any comments by residents regarding sewer-related issues. Nielsen will check manholes to see if the issues are due to current conditions or if the problem is with the resident's service lines.

Nielsen also plans to obtain prices for a new pump for the lift station. He expects the lead time for delivery will be several times longer than when he last suggested obtaining one.

The council discussed a building permit application that was not accompanied by the required fee. Letters have been sent explaining the process. Toft was asked to contact the applicant and explain that the fee must be paid before the permit is approved.

Curbing for the new street access into the Royalty Addition has been removed, and the Clay County Engineer's Office will install a stop sign at the west end of that street.

In other business, City Clerk Jill Hickey will contact Home State Bank for information regarding the city's Super Saver account, and determine if some of the funds should be invested in certificates of deposit.

Halloween trick-of-treating hours in Royal will be 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.