5-17-22
CITY OF TOWNSEND
City Council Meeting
May 17, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Evans called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Council members present were Angie Wintrow, Vickie Rauser, Matt West, Ken Urich, and Nate Brown; Christina Hartmann was absent. Others present were Clerk Coleen Ward, Deputy Clerk Jenny Barnett, Public Works Supervisor Tim Rauser, Debbie Montoya, Jacob Coxen, John Roberts, Chris Roberts, Staci Meredith, Margaret Ruckey, and Adam Six.
MINUTES: Matt West moved to approve the minutes of May 3, 2022, as circulated, Vickie Rauser seconded, the motion carried with all council members present voting in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Airport Entitlements – Mayor Evans will sign the paper copies of the Airport Entitlements approved at the last meeting.
Sewer Ordinance – Matt West informed the council that Peter is working on the Building Codes Ordinance and when he is finished, Peter will move onto the Sewer Ordinance.
Skatepark Committee – The builder is scheduled to be here May 31, 2022.
Building Committee – Angie reported that Matt, Tim, Peter and herself met on Monday, reviewed the current ordinance, and made some adjustments and suggestions, we are scheduled to meet again on the 11th.
GUESTS and CORRESPONDANCE: Jacob Coxen with Montana Diggity Dogg, spoke to the council regarding the cost of the City Solicitor License in the City of Townsend. He has had to turn down a few events in town due to the cost of this permit; he has 3 employees which would cost him $300.00 for the permit and he just does not make that much. He referenced other cities that charge an annual fee of around $150.00 for vendors that wish to sell inside city limits. Discussion ensued and a committee was formed to look into our Solicitor Ordinance, Matt, Ken and Angie are on this committee.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (CONT): Pool Committee – Ken reported we have 8 lifeguards and 2 swim instructors; Amanda Hazlett is being trained as the instructor of Lifeguards and Swim Instructor. Clerk Ward stated that Amanda is attending the Rotary meeting tonight and should find out the amount they are donating toward the lifeguarding this year. Also, the Lions donated $700.00 for the pool this year. The pool will open on June 6, 2022, if all goes well.
Law Enforcement Committee – Still working on this.
Judge Agreement – Peter is working on this, Vickie asked how much we pay to the county for the Judge, Clerk Ward replied $19,092 per year.
Water Storage – Nothing new.
Basketball Hoops – Complete.
NEW BUSINESS: Roberts Family Land Transfer – Chris Roberts brought in the Certificate of Survey for the council to sign, as discussed at the last meeting. Vickie asked if there was a Mylar copy to be signed, Clerk Ward was unsure if they would need to sign a Mylar copy or not, Schauber should have the Mylar. Angie Wintrow moved to accept the Roberts Family Land Transfer, Vickie Rauser seconded, the motion carried with all council members present voting in favor.
Street Closure – We have a request from Broadwater County Public Health Dept. to close S. Pine and B Street at Heritage Park on Saturday June 11th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for the Bike Rodeo. Discussion ensued on insurance, Adam Six is working on that with the Rotary. Clerk Ward will have this on the next agenda.
BARSAA Resolution – Tim has a bid coming for chip sealing that can be done in June, everyone he has talked to will not be able to do it this year. We are able to hold these funds for 5-years if the council wants to save it for a larger job. Tim would like to keep up with the chip sealing and keep the good roads good, we are doing a good job keeping up with the potholes; the streets have held up rather good for the last 18 years. Ken was curious if there were any chip seal projects going on that we could get with, Ken will check into it. Clerk Ward needs a project to put on the resolution to request the funds.
Vickie Rauser moved to have Peter create a Resolution that designates our 2022 BARSAA allocation for the purpose of repair and maintenance of city streets to be completed by 2027, Matt West seconded the motion, the motion carried with all council members present voting in favor.
Hospital Amended Plat – Vickie Rauser moved to approve the amended plat for Townsend Health Systems, Angie Wintrow seconded, the motion carried with all council members present voting in favor.
Building Ordinance – Peter is working on this.
2nd Street Agreement – After discussion ensued on Section 1 Restoration, Vickie Rauser moved to approve the Street Restoration Agreement with the Townsend School Districts #1 and #7, Angie Wintrow seconded, the motion carried with a vote of 4 to 1: Nate Brown, Angie Wintrow, Vickie Rauser, and Matt West voting yes and Ken Urich voting no.
PUBLIC COMMENT/ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: Adam Six was present to review proposed changes in square footage of the pavilion to 24’ X 27’ for placement at Holloway Park. He is asking for permission from the council to proceed. Angie Wintrow moved to accept the change of the size of the pavilion to 24’ X 27’, Matt seconded, the motion carried with all council members voting in favor. Clerk Ward will write up a letter to the Canyon Ferry Trust Board.
Tim reported that they have been cleaning the pool, however we need to get some work done. The pressure washer is eating through the liner, the deck is crumbling, and the bricks on the building are falling apart. Tim will get it running in the next 2 weeks; Ken said maybe the Rec Board can help with a liner, Adam will look into some projects. Tim encourages any of the council members to come down and take a look at what he is talking about. Vickie stated that the BCDC is putting together a community survey, perhaps that will show us what and where the community wants for recreation.
Angie had someone ask what the age groups were going to be for swimming lessons, they should contact the pool.
Mayor Evans spoke to Peter about a noise ordinance with a quiet time. Several people have approached him about this. Peter will look through the ordinance. Matt also said he has received complaints; we do not have any teeth in our existing ordinance.
Cycle of America wants to use Heritage Park on June 28, 2022, also the showers and bathrooms. They used to be at the school but with the construction they cannot do it there. Discussion ensued; Clerk Ward will check with the pool manager.
Mayor informed the council of employee absences over the next few weeks.
ADJOURN: Ken Urich moved to adjourn the meeting, Nate Brown seconded, the motion carried with all council members present voting in favor.