ROYAL CITY — Lisa Villegas of SHOC (Strengthening the Heart of the Community) presented a plan for the beautification of Ahlers Road to the Royal City Council at its meeting of Sept.15.

The plan includes seven benches and 38 sage crab apple trees in addition to plants and bushes along the west side of the walking path that runs along Ahlers Road. The project will cost approximately $13,400, Villegas said.

Villegas said funding will be provided by private donations, a fundraiser – Sip of the Slope – hosted by SHOC, and the City. Approximately $2,000 will be contributed by the City for irrigation equipment, according to Finance Director Greg Pike.

Private property owners along Ahlers Road have been contacted, Villegas said, and they support the project. The Council approved of the project as outlined.

In other business, visitor Tony Webb, of Grant County PUD, presented a report on the PUD’s activities. He said the PUD is working to build up fiber access to the entire county.

The Council approved a consent agenda and included the minutes of the Sept. 1 Council meeting, a payroll of $18,514.46 for Sept. 15 and claims in the amount of $121,003.24.

Public Works Director John Lasen informed the Council that repairs were on-going at city water well No. 1. He said the motor was being tested and should be okay.

The pump will likely have to be rebuilt or replaced at a cost of approximately $2,000, Lasen said. Other improvements to Well no. 1 are being discussed with engineers at Gray & Osborne, he added. Lasen also reported that the motor on the street sweeper will need to be replaced.

Mayor Kent Anderson told the Council he will look into a work release program for litter clean-up.