The Austin City Council will be proclaiming Sept. 14-23 as Welcoming Week 2018 during its next regular meeting.

In an effort to embrace and celebrate the community’s diversity, Austin will commemorate Welcoming Week with several local events, including a Welcome Center-sponsored dinner, an ethnic business tour, a presentation from Riverland Community College students and faculty on their American journey, Hormel Institute tours and an Adult Learning open house.

The council will also be voting to set the date of public hearings for fall assessments for 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 1.

Austin Police Capt. David McKichan will be leading a discussion on a proposed ordinance regarding “special vehicles” during the council’s next work session.  The Austin Police Department was asked by the council to prepare an ordinance that details the specific requirements, terms and conditions to obtain a permit to operate a special vehicle on city streets based on Minnesota Statutes.

Minnesota Statutes identify “special vehicles” as motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles (UTVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and mini-trucks.

Public Works Director Steven Lang will give an update on the former Austin Gas Manufacturing site and City Administrator Craig Clark and Planning and Zoning Administrator Holly Wallace will discuss a proposed rural taxing district related to a petition for annexation of land currently located in Lansing Township.

Because Monday is Labor Day, the council will hold its next regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, in the Council Chambers located in the basement of City Hall. The work session will be held in the conference room directly across the hall.

For the complete agenda, visit www.ci.austin.mn.us/city-council.