October 18, 2022
City of Townsend
City Council Meeting
October 18, 2022
Call to Order: Mayor Evans called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Council members present were: Mayor Evans, Vickie Rauser, Angie Wintrow, Christina Hartmann, Ken Urich, Matt West, (Nate absent) Others present were Coleen Ward, Kari Williams, Tim Rauser, public works supervisor, Keith Hartmann, Nancy Marks, and Jessica Crusch.
Pledge: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
Minutes: Minutes approved by VR, Angie seconded, mentioned that there needs to be a typo change bottom of 2nd page regarding fall fest weekend, should be a topic of conversation next year.
Unfinished Business: Peter won’t be here tonight however Peter told Mike we received a letter from Copper Springs Subdivision Phase I—constructed and final plat applied for in 2022; We would like to request that Phase I schedule to be extended to the end of 2024. Planning board has okayed this. It will be on the agenda for next time. (scheduled for a public hearing November 15) Peter is still working on pool employee manual; And we had a meeting with the Sherriff’s office and contract.
Law Enforcement Committee: Matt said there was an initial meeting, in relation to the noise ordinances. We will have to go through things with Peter as there will need to be a change on the ordinances that we want them to address. Peter wants council to go through all of the fines and make sure they are in line with the offense. Brandon understands the financial constraints of the city and will come back with some numbers. Law enforcement committee meeting on 10/31 at 9:00 a.m.
Noise Ordinance Committee: Noise ordinance has been revised by Peter, but we don’t have printed copy. Fireworks has been brought up for hours to allow on New Year’s Eve and 4th of July. No time frame on when they have to stop shooting fireworks. Is there a difference from noise ordinance offense vs disturbing the peace offense. How many times can one person be fined. Peter needs to address these questions. Peter to get revisions to council.
Pool: Christine asked Tim about the pool; Tim has called a guy but doesn’t have any answers yet. Matt asked for clarification on if the pool can be fixed. Tim is saying that the pool can be fixed but needs attention now. No funding has been set aside for pool maintenance. Tim said the pool needs attention now, but it depends on how much cash we want to put into it now. Pool issue needs to be researched and go from there. Pool maintenance will be on agenda for next meeting.
Donation button on website: Coleen sent email to Paygov to put disclaimer disclosing donation button vs the payment button. There will be two buttons. Jessica had question on what 2nd button should say. Donate to City Projects (button)—the list of city projects will come up on next page.
Matt: Volunteered to sign up for committee that Peter wants to put together regarding ordinances/times/fines. Mike said that we will address Solicitor first and then Noise. Angie asked if we could do two hearing on same day, and Coleen responded yes.
Ken: Citizens have approached him on vaulted toilet. There is an odor; Lid needs to be closed. Someone said that they called the city office to report it. Matt asked if Mike could call company to see if there’s anything they can do with it, possibly a taller stack. Should it be faced differently depending on sun hitting it and wind direction? Tim said he’s looked at it, but not sure. There should be a sign stating to close the toilet lid after use.
Tim: He had Jenny send an email to the council regarding annexation of N Cherry Street. Brad Koenig looked at it and made some changes, and he wants a response. We need to get back to him. Vickie said to have him come down next week. We also received another email from Blackfoot Communications. Time read the letter which stated they h have an upcoming tower build for Townsend east of HWY 12 and needs to know what kind of permits needed. Coleen has told them they’ll need to contact the Highway department. Tim wants council to be aware of this.
Adjournment: Ken motioned to adjourn; Christina seconded.