September 1, 2026

City of Townsend

Council Meeting September 1, 2026

Call to Order: Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. All council members are present, including Nate Brown, Angie Wintrow, JB Howick, Vivian Boaz, and Peter Simon. Also present are Andrew Herrick, Nicole Simon, Mike Evans, Sharon & Jerry Davis, Doug Sitton, Anna Gluekert, Eric Crusch, and Kari Williams.

Public Comment: (None)

Minutes from August 18th: JB made a motion to approve the minutes. Vivian seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

CURRENT ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND DECISION

-Mayor Rauser stated that the third item on the agenda will be removed. Thank you to councilman Howick for stating that the Events Ordinance takes care of the Solicitors during Fall Fest.

-Townsend Chamber of Commerce: Three event applications for approval include Shakespeare in the Park September 6^th, The Ghost Stroll on October 30^th, and the Christmas Stroll on December 5^th. The Ghost Stroll & Christmas Stroll will require a Street Closure on Broadway/U.S. Hwy 12. The Christmas Stroll application will need to be amended for the parade route. Doug Sitton spoke and stated that Rotary will set up the street closures and barricades. Anna Gluekert commented that their insurance expires on October 10^th, so the only event with insurance at this time is Shakespeare in the Park. Once they receive their new insurance, they will send that in for the Ghost Stroll and Christmas Stroll. Angie asked if the council is going to waive the two million/four million insurance requirements since it was waived for the rodeo street dance. JB stated yes that should happen. A modification needs to be made to require the lower insurance amounts in the ordinance. For these that higher requirement is waived. JB made a motion to approve the three applications, pending the insurance for the Ghost & Christmas Stroll, Angie seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

-Boundary Relocation request by Mike Evans: Mike Evans spoke on this request and stated that he wants to place a garage on the side of the house, so he’d like to extend the boundary of his home at 316 N Spruce into his other lots that he owns at 314 N Spruce. Mayor Rauser stated that the City Attorney has requested a list of additional documentation for the boundary relocation. Mayor Rauser will provide the list of requested information along with State Law and Administrative Rules section so he can get all of the necessary documents in order for the council to approve the boundary relocation. This will be tabled until the next meeting.

PENDING/CONTINUING BUSINESS

-Telecommunications Franchise is scheduled for the first reading at our next council meeting. Letter notifications were sent to our known telecommunications providers, however, Mayor Rauser stated that she’s only heard from Northwestern Energy.

Eric, Public Works- stated that one of his employees received his CDL license and got it done in a timely manner. The new water tower is online and running well. Some of the street work in town will be starting soon.

-Fire Department: Pump tests were done on the trucks. There was some damage done to a fire truck and the fire hall garage door, so those will both need some repairs. They requested clarification on their role with the Clydesdale Horses on September 15^th. Kari stated that the organizer asked the fire truck to be on Broadway/Front Street.

-Nate asked if the donated car from the Sheriff’s Department would go to the Compliance/ACO Officer at the City. Mayor Rauser stated that it is going to the Fire Department.

-JB stated that he will be out of town September 23-28^th.

-Vivian stated that she’d be out of town September 10-20^th.

-Mayor Rauser stated that she will be out of town the afternoon of September 8^th and return on September 9^th.

CLAIMS FOR AUGUST: JB made a motion to approve the claims. Peter seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

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