City Council Meeting

October 6, 2026

Minutes from September 15, 2026:  Angie motioned to approve the minutes from September 15^th.   JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Telecommunications Franchise Ordinance-Second Reading with Opportunity for Public Comment-Discussion and Decision:  Visionary Rep, Chase Likes has phoned in to participate in the meeting.  Changes have been made to the Ordinance, so this is an additionalFirst Reading of the Ordinance.   Mayor Rauser read the changes made by the City’s attorney.  Angie made a motion to pass the Ordinance to the Second Reading, which will take place at the next council meeting on October 20^th.  Vivian seconded the motion.  All council members voted in favor, and motion carried. 

Trail’s Committee Activity Update by Al Christopherson:  Al Christopherson gave a brief overview and introduced Trail’s member, Carol Hatfield.  She distributed information on the committee and the work that’s been done, and the work they’d like to continue to do. They are currently in the pre-planning stage taking into consideration “Tourism” through our community.  They’d like to put in a pedestrian bridge north of town as well as additional parking, walking paths, etc.  Their goal is to have pedestrians to travel from the south end of the county to the north end of the county.   DES has identified Trailhead Christian Church as the only American Red Cross center in case of an emergency, so a pedestrian bridge is necessary since the church is north of town in the Lakeview Manor Subdivision.  They’d also like to look at giving businesses a face lift to attract more tourism.  She’s asking someone from the City council to be a representative and support the Trail’s mission.  They will also ask members from various organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce and different business owners to brainstorm and assist in the grant writing.  The grant will promote outdoor recreation and tourism as well as assist with the planning and design.  Council member Vivian Boaz agreed to help and be a representative from the City. 

Global Net Contract-Discussion and Decision—Eric spoke on that and stated that Global Net requested more money for services with the Scada System.  A current vendor, John Nash, can provide internet service. This service would also come with radios that the City is  able to purchase.  Eric stated that this would be beneficial to the City, as we could get everything paid for within a year and would not have to worry about it.

Jamie Buck from the Sheriff’s Office stated that they have a vehicle for sale.  Eric was able to look at the vehicle earlier today and learn a little bit of information on the vehicle.   It’s a 2019 Chevy Tahoe with approximately 130,000 miles on it, and they are asking $7500. It will need new tires, and it will need to have the K9/Sheriff stickers and decals removed.  Vivian asked if it would make a good animal control vehicle.  Eric stated yes because it has temperature control which keeps animals cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Eric stated that it also has four-wheel drive.  Mayor Rauser stated that administratively, we’d have to look at completing a budget amendment because we did not consider a vehicle acquisition during the budgeting process.  We would also look at how to finance it internally by borrowing the money from another fund.  We’d be looking at the total cost with new tires soon at approximately $9500-$10,000.  Vivian made a motion to move forward with acquiring this vehicle including looking at the budget and possibly doing  a budget amendment or a loan from another fund.   Angie seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Verizon Wireless-Townsend Water Tank:  Mayor Rauser stated that we have had some back-and-forth discussions with Verizon, and at this point we are not ready for a decision on this just yet.  To summarize the discussion, Verizon is looking at reducing costs and they have submitted several proposals for the City of Townsend to consider in regards to the amount of rent they are offering to pay for their equipment to be on top of our water tower.  One proposal is a reduced monthly rent, and the other one is a lump sum buyout.  They’ve also proposed some permanent easements, so we are in the negotiation process.  Mayor Rauser stated that because this is a telecommunications business, she will continue to involve the Telecommunications Committee members. This will be tabled until the next meeting. 

Montana Department of Labor, Building Codes Division:  Mayor Rauser stated that there is an amended Administrative Rule that will require amending our Building Codes Ordinances section prior to January 1, 2027.

Claims:  Angie made a motion to approve the claims for September.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Pending/Continuing Business:

Title I and II—committee meeting was delayed due to illness.

Animal Control—Vivian stated that they had a great meeting with our new animal control officer.  They will meet again in another week or so. 

Round Table

Public Comment:  (None)                                                                                                                                                                    Public Works:  Eric stated that Fall Fest went very well with minimal issues.   JB asked about North Cherry Annexation.  Eric stated that they have passed their compaction test, but there are other things that are not in compliance.  Mayor Rauser stated that our engineering company on contract is informing the builders on various compliance issues and gave them a list of elements that needed to be completed prior to moving forward. 

Clerk: 

CO/ACO:  Audrey Walleser introduced herself and gave everyone a brief description of her background, education, and experience, including here experiences working in Billings in this same role.  Audrey is eager to jump into this role for the City of Townsend.  Welcome Audrey!

Fire Department:  Shawn Simon spoke and stated that they had one issue at Fall Fest at the Car Show with a vehicle leaking gas.  One other person had a seizure, and they assisted EMT with that person. 

Mayor:  Montana League of Cities & Towns conference begins tomorrow.  She will be attending Thursday and Friday.  She also put her name in to serve on the Board of Directors of the Montana League of Cities and Towns.  The Planning Board will look at the Housing Report and then the Council will receive that report in order for it to be complete.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Council: Nate asked about the bulk water rate. Mayor Rauser stated that she is still working on this and is looking specifically at our metered customers and how much they’re paying and for how many gallons. 

Angie-stated that there are black marks on Main Street from the Fall Fest Car Show, and there is a video posted on social media from some of the cars having a “burn out” session.  In the video, there are also children on each side of the street which is concerning.  She said that this may need to be addressed to Rotary next year.       

JB- stated that there are charcoal marks on the street from the BBQ Vendor on Pine Street and it’s the second year in a row that this has happened. Damage to a City street is concerning to him. 

Vivian-

Peter-

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