September 15, 2026

City of Townsend Council Meeting

September 15, 2026

Call to Order:  Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.  Council members present are Nate Brown, Angie Wintrow, JB Howick, and Peter Simon.  Vivian Boaz notified of her absence.  Also in attendance are Mike Evans, Eric Crusch, and Kari Williams. 

Telecommunications Franchise Ordinance First Reading:  Mayor Rauser stated that per our local government center, once the draft ordinance is approved and placed on the agenda for the first reading, that the only thing she needs to read tonight is the ordinance title and number, and that is sufficient to constitute a reading.  She introduced Ordinance number 2026-02, an Ordinance establishing procedures and requirements relating to construction deployment and deployment and maintenance of telecommunication’s networks within the rights of way of the City of Townsend, Montana.  Several representatives from various businesses interested in the Telecommunications Franchise Ordinance participated in tonight’s meeting via speaker phone. Questions and discussions were held between council and the representatives from Verizon and Visionary Communications.  One of the companies was waiting for his boss to join the conversation.  A motion to pass the first reading was placed on hold until later in the meeting in order to allow all parties to participate. 

Boundary Relocation for 316 N Spruce/314 N Spruce, owned by Mike Evans:  Mike provided additional information that was requested at the last meeting, and spoke on what he wants to do for the boundary relocation.  It was pointed out that there is a shed on property that extends into the City’s alley by 1.4 feet.  Mayor Rauser stated that an “encroachment agreement” may need to be completed, however, what the council has the option of doing is approving the boundary relocation pending final legal review.  The encroachment issue will be a separate issue.  JB made a motion to approve the boundary relocation request.  Angie seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.  pending the City’s Attorney approval.

Verizon Wireless Agreement:  A representative from Verizon Wireless called in via speaker phone to speak on this agreement.  He stated that he’d like to discuss the future of “Macro Cell Sites” and  Verizon Wireless’s network plans for the next several decades.  Currently, Verizon has equipment on the old water tower.  He stated that Verizon wants to cut costs and consolidate the amount of macro sites in their network.  He’s proposing to secure the site through 2055, which will provide security and control, however, Verizon is proposing a decrease in the rent amount they pay to the City of Townsend from $1292 to $715 per month.  Or their other offer is to pay a lump sum payment of $162,000.to the City of Townsend.  Peter Simon asked what the difference is between Macro and Micro sites as well as asking about the terms and payments to the City.   JB explained some of the Macro and Micro differences and asked some questions regarding the proposed contracts.  Mayor Rauser stated that any easements will allow for City access.  The Verizon representative will send an email in the near future to confirm City access and answer some of the questions from tonight’s meeting.  Mayor Rauser stated that our next meeting is October 6th. 

Jumping back to the Telecommunications Franchise Ordinance, the boss from the Visionary company called in to ask some questions.  He asked about the authority to construct the facilities, but it doesn’t establish the permitting process to review timelines, fee schedules, and the approval procedures.  He asked if Visionary can begin whatever construction processes there may be while the City is sorting those things out, since there is already other telecommunication’s companies operating with the City.  He’s wondering if that would be afforded to them as well.  JB asked if they object to abiding by the Ordinance and he stated no.  Visionary clarified that they are in support of the Ordinance, but they do want to move forward before the Ordinance is passed because they believe other companies have been granted that privilege.  JB stated there may have been companies in the past who have installed, however there are no companies at this time waiting or planning to install equipment that we know of.  Mayor Rauser stated that she will visit with the City’s attorney regarding this conversation.  Mayor Rauser asked for a motion to approve the Telecommunications Franchise, Ordinance 2026-02 First Reading.  JB motioned to approve Ordinance 2026-02 on First Reading.  Peter seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.  This ordinance will move to second Reading at the next council meeting and take into consideration the comments made tonight by the Franchise companies. 

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Report by JB Howick:  JB attended the annual conference and was nominated to serve on the board.  The focus was on the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, however this group is participating in and benefiting from a national resurgence of passenger rail.  That resurgence is supporting both people and services.  JB provided the number of various services that will benefit from passenger rail. He stated that if this transportation is approved by the public, it will need to work closely with cities, parks and recreation departments and trail committees to ensure it is an interconnected system of transportation, specifically for Broadwater and Meagher counties. 

Pending/Continuing Business: 

-Pool is still on hold

-Title I and Title II received the legal review and a clean copy that incorporates Ed’s recommendations.  The committee is scheduled in early October to complete a final review.  If it’s successful, the committee will be submitting it for implementation in the council review and public hearing process on the October 6th meeting. 

-Fire MOU-pending

-Wage/Salary Update-pending

-Animal Control Ordinance will meet next week. 

Minutes from September 1, 2026:  Angie made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Round Table: 

  • Public Comment:  Mike Evans commented on that he’s seen a lot of heavy trucks traveling on 4th Street.  Eric stated that it may be because of the work being done on North Cherry Annexation.                                                                                                                                                                 
  • Public Works-    
  • Clerk:  Kari stated that the “Garbage Flyer” will go out tomorrow.  Mayor Rauser reminded everyone that this is an informational flyer about what and what not goes in City canisters.    
  • Fire Department –              
  • Mayor:  Announced that we have a new Animal Control/Compliance Officer that will start next week.  Her name is Audrey Walleser.  Announced that we have a draft of the Housing Inventory Report that will be presented to the Planning Board at the next meeting.     
  • Council:  Nate asked Eric if our engineer approved for North Cherry to get asphalt.  Eric said no.  JB reminded everyone he’d be out of town Sept 23-28th. 

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