March 17, 2026

City of Townsend Council Meeting Minutes

March 17, 2026

Call to Order:  Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.  In attendance are council members Angie Wintrow, JB Howick, Vivian Boaz, and Peter Simon.  Nate Brown called in absent.  Also in attendance are Eric Crusch, Kari Williams, Dela Chatriand, and Nichole Simon. 

Minutes from March 3, 2026:  Angie made a motion to approve the minutes.  Vivian seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Public Comment: 

Lion’s Club Event Application/Reservation:  Dela Chatriand, Lion’s Club member,  spoke about this and stated that they’d appreciate the opportunity to host the Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, 2026, at Heritage Park.  The event application was late, so council members needed to waive the current Events Ordinance requirements this time.  Vivian made a motion to waive the Event Ordinance Requirement for this year and approve the request of the Lion’s Club.  JB seconded the motion.  Angie abstained from voting on this motion as she is a Lion’s Club member.  JB, Vivan, and Peter voted yay.  Motion carried. 

Hatch Act:  JB stated the Hatch Act imposes social media restrictions for Federal Employees and elected officials who are funded by Federal funds.  This will need to be incorporated into the City’s Ordinances. It will go into Title II.   JB referenced a sample Resolution put out by the Montana Department of Commerce.  The Department of Administration also summarizes the restrictions.  JB is asking for the council’s approval to incorporate the sample resolution into our employee’s employment manual, where the clerk is the administrator to get this information to all current and future employees.  Mayor Rauser stated that she sees a consensus of the council members to incorporate this information into the current City’s Employee Manual.  Angie stated that there are some issues while posting on social media.  JB stated that there is an overlap between posting on social media and the Hatch Act.  (Keep your personal life/opinions out of the City’s business on social media and be professional).  Mayor Rauser stated that there is also another aspect.  Do not post things about your position as an employee or elected official on your personal social media.  Angie also brought up when commenting on social media, sometime by using “we” make it seem like it’s the overall group’s or business opinion.  Do not use words such as “we” or “our” but instead use “I” and “my.”  

Water Pressure Letter:  Mayor Rauser stated that she’s included a letter to go out to all water users.  JB asked if this would be before or after the water tank goes on line.  Mayor Rauser stated that not everyone’s home will be at risk.  JB stated that everything that’s connected to the pipes will need to be updated for the water pressure as well.  The letter will include the following. 

1.  Locate your water shut off valve and curb box. 

2.  Check your water pressure before and after the water system goes online. 

3.  Schedule a plumbing inspection to determine if the pressure-reducing valve is necessary. 

4.  Install or inspect a pressure-reducing valve before the water system goes online. 

5.  Monitor for leaks in service piping and around faucets, toilets, and appliances. 

6.  Schedule a plumbing inspection if you notice unusual noises, water hammer, leaks, or sudden changes in flow after the water system goes online. 

The City will provide a specific day that the new water system will go online.  JB stated that it would be beneficial if the Public Works crew would locate the curb stops for residences and businesses who need assistance. 

PENDING/CONTINUING BUSINESS

  • Massa Park Agreement:  Mayor Rauser stated that she located the deeds related to Massa Park.  She will get the updated lease between the City and Massa Park to Peter for review. 
  • Wage/Salary Update:  Mayor Rauser stated that we are waiting for some updates from the League of Cities and Towns and then we’ll get that updated. 
  • Ordinance Review:  Angie stated that Title II met Thursday and they’ll have one more meeting. 
  • Telecommunications-Mayor Rauser stated that she received response to emails on this topic that were forwarded to council and the City Attorney in order to proceed with franchise agreements. 
  • Animal Control Ordinance:  Mayor Rauser stated that she emailed the ordinance for the council to review.  Once reviewed, it will be moved to current business.   JB stated that there is a lot of duplicate information, and he feels that it needs to be revised.  Mayor Rauser stated that it’s up to the whole council to decide if that ordinance needs to be revised.

ROUND TABLE

  • Public Comment:                                                                                                                                                                    Public Works (Eric) -spoke on one of the wells which is not functional yet. Well 2 is being tested and hopefully flushes itself out.

Mayor Rauser stated that we have two new Maintenance workers. 

Peter asked Kari about Municode.  He asked if we have anyone in the office who’s familiar with creating proposals and ordinances through Municode.  Kari stated that she has a better understanding of the process now.  Peter offered to help Kari with additional training.

Clerk (Kari) –

Fire Department:  Nichole Simon stated that they’re working on a five-year plan.  They provided a letter to Search and Rescue and to the Sheriff’s Department.  They do not have the current budget yet.  Kari will provide the current budget to them.                                                                                                                                                                            Mayor Rauser

Council-

Angie-There is a big concern about the speed that vehicles are driving on Broadway. 

JB-Jake Bellew asked about putting up a sign stating “Do not block door” on North Pine Street by his business.  Eric stated that if council chooses, there could be a sign placed there stating, do not block door.  JB asked about the alley with the North Cherry Annexation.  JB asked about assistance programs for the utility services.  Mayor Rauser will follow up on that and get back to council. 

Vivian- asked about the hazard of the curb stops on Broadway that has caused people to fall.  Eric has sprayed the lifted curb stops with paint.  JB stated that a public repair should not fall on the adjacent residence and business.  Vivian asked about the vacant council position.  She asked if we can put another ad in the paper. 

Peter-apologized for missing the Budget meeting tonight.   

Adjournment:  Peter made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.