City of Townsend -City Council Minutes

April 7, 2026

Call to Order:  Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Council members in attendance were Angie Wintrow, Nate Brown, Vivian Boaz, JB Howick, and Peter Simon.  Other attendees included Tom Shindoll, Nichole Simon, Todd Kitto, Jake Balliew, Shawn Simon, Eric Crusch, and Kari Williams.

Public Comment:  Any matter not on the agenda, but under the City’s jurisdiction. 

Minutes:   Peter made a motion to approve the minutes from March 17, 2026.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Fire Board Mutual Aid Agreement and MOU:  Discussion was had between members of the rural fire and members of the council.  The council agreed to separate the MOU related to fire station facilities from the mutual aid agreement related to emergency response, as they govern distinct issues:  The MOU covers shared building use, maintenance, and ownership of Lots 17-19.  The mutual aid agreement outlines inter jurisdictional emergency response cooperation.  Concerns were raised that mandatory language in the mutual aid agreement could compel abandonment of active emergencies, endangering lives, and creating a liability.  It was emphasized that responsibility follows the apparatus:  firefighters are under the jurisdiction of the entity operating the vehicle they respond on.  MOU revisions involved ownership clarification.  The City owns Lot 17, and Lots 18-19 are jointly owned with 50% owned by the City and 50% owned by Rural Fire District.  Council recommended verifying this via deeds held at the courthouse.  The next steps on Fire Agreements will  take place.  Mayor Rauser authorized to finalize the “building-focused” MOU, removing the mutual aid language.   The mutual aid agreement discussion will take place separately, led by the Fire Committee.  They will focus on flexible response protocols during simultaneous emergencies, clear liability assignments, and jurisdictional prioritization, and command coordination.  Financial and operational clarification will be made.  The City and Rural department have informally shared costs and leadership for years, which has led to blurred operational lines.  Councilman Howick estimated that only 25% of shared duties are properly documented.  City Fire volunteers, Shawn & Nichole Simon are working on clarifying responsibilities for billing. 

Public Comment:  Jake Balliew, who owns Lakeside Distillery, reported that vehicles are blocking access to his distillery’s roll-up doors, especially the one by the alley.  There was one abandoned vehicle that remained there for days.  Sheriff’s office enforces after five days.  Jake requested a local ordinance that limits parking for 24-48 hours during business hours during business hours 9am to 5pm.  The current ordinance prohibits parking within 18 feet of alley center, but enforcement is insufficient.  Since this issue was not on the agenda, Mayor Rauser stated that it would be on the April 15^th meeting agenda. 

Mass Park Lease Agreement-Property Discussion & Decision:  The lease agreement for Massa Park is ready to send to the Massa family for a signature, however there is a request from Jake Beliew of Lakeside Distillery to purchase Massa Park in order to expand his business.  The parcel behind Massa Park is privately owned by Jeanne Steele, after declining six offers that Mr. Balliew made.  Currently the family consensus from the Massa Family remains unresolved and only wanting to lease the property to the City.  Council had a discussion about the park, stating that the park is seldom used by the public and that it may draw more people using it if there is a distillery with outdoor seating there.  A motion passed unanimously to send a letter to the Massa family expressing support for Lakeside Distillery’s expansion, inviting reconsideration of a sale, and noting that the City has no plans to purchase the property.  The letter will respectfully acknowledge the family’s rights and historical connection.  Concerns were raised about the Massa  family’s perception of pressure, so the letter needs to be carefully worded.  Council members Vivian and Peter emphasized downtown economic growth and tourism potential.  The lease agreement was still approved, while termination clauses to be placed in the agreement allowing for future flexibility.  The letter to the Massa family will clarify ongoing lease while supporting business opportunity. 

Audit Report:   The final printed audit report has not been received yet but has been submitted to the Department of Administration.  The preliminary audit report includes an unmodified clean opinion for the independent auditor, confirming accurate financial statements as of June 30, 2025.  The management letter identified no material weaknesses with only one recurring recommendation to improve cash/bank reconciliations.  Kari and Jenny are implementing steps to improve the process through the accounting system, Black Mountain Software.  The City was found to be compliant with federal requirements and is in a strong financial standing. 

Townsend Water System Update:  Mayor Rauser stated that there is an issue with Well #1, and there are some repair options to consider.  First of all, she stated that Well #1 is 66 years old and has a casing hole, risking contamination.  The options for repair are as follows:  1.)  Drill a new well which is $3 million but would be a long-term solution.                 2.) Replace the screen, which is $20,000 but has a high contamination risk , but would last ten to twenty years.  3.)  Install a blind flange, modifying the current pump for $5.000, which is recommended for minimal risk and a temporary extension.  Council unanimously approved Option #3 pending annual maintenance and inspections every 2-3 years.  This was also recommended by engineers at RPA in order to fix now and save for a new well in 5-10 years.  Long term planning for a new well would be planning in 2027, submitting funding applications in 2028,and designing and drilling in 2029 and 2030 pending funds.  A new well will require the entire system to meet modern standards, likely mandating chlorination at all well houses.  A legal review on water rights adjudication may delay the project and attract public objections. 

Claims for March:  Vivian made a motion to pay the claims.  Peter seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. 

Pending / Continuing Business:                                                                                                                                                        The wage/salary matrix update is in progress.                                                                                         Telecommunications is ongoing and city attorney provided materials that were distributed via email.                                                                                                                                                                                       Animal Control Ordinance:  Mayor Rauser provided the draft, and several council members  found some issues.  There are some undefined terms and inconsistent language.  A committee was put in place to review.  The committee will be council members Peter, Vivian, and Angie.

Round Table:    

Fire update:  Shawn stated that the new recruits are approaching certification pending council approval.  They are also pursuing a FEMA  grant for $360,000 for turnout gear and SCBA to ensure interoperability. 

Planning Board:  There are two vacancies; one council member, Vivian, will serve. 

North Cherry Annexation:  Water loop complete and passed pressure test.  First bacteria test was successful; second one is pending.

Public Works (Eric):  McCarthy Park playground nearing completion; Parks are being prepared for spring;  Pool covers have been received; Tennis courts access is through a coded padlock, and the code can be given from Sheriff’s office.  The blower unit replacement at the sewer lagoon has been more costly than expected. 

TJ Steele expressed interest in returning for the Certified Pool Operator position and assisting with recruiting high school students. 

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