CITY OF TOWNSEND-110 BROADWAY-TOWNSEND, MT 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

December 20, 2022

Call to Order:  Mayor Evans called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  In attendance with Mayor Evans was Christina Hartmann, Nate Brown, Vickie Rauser, Ken Urich, Tim Rauser, Peter Simon, Nancy Marks, Shawn Simon, Jessica Crusch, and Andrew Herrick. 

PLEDGE:  The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

Mayor Evans closed the meeting for the Public Hearing on the Draft Amendments to Townsend Subdivision Regulations dated 8/8/2022.  Mayor Evans read the email from Jeremy Fadness, WWC Engineering stating that he would not be in attendance tonight due to the weather.  He stated that the amendments to the regulations were straight forward and needed to be made to comply with state law changes from the last legislature.  The Planning Board held a public hearing October 13, 2022 and did not receive any public comment and recommended approval of the revisions to the City Council at that meeting. 

Vickie Rauser asked about the amendments in a few different sections.   (Review and Approval for Minor Subdivisions, and Review and Approval for Major Subdivisions sections)

Peter Simon, City Attorney said but that he’d be happy to review the terms and references within the document.  After reviewing the said regulations, he agreed that corrections needed to be made.  The City Council then called Jeremy Fadness about the corrections needed.  He said he would update the regulations per the corrections stated, and send over the updated regulations reflecting the corrections. 

Mayor Evans said he would entertain a motion to approve the Amendments to the Subdivision Regulations with the changes made.  Vickie Rauser moved to accept the Amendments to the Townsend Subdivision Regulations with corrections discussed.  Christina Hartmann seconded the motion, motion carried. 

Minutes from December 6, 2022:  Christina Hartmann made the motion to approve the minutes, Nate Brown seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

Growth Policy:  Mayor Evans explained that it has been 13 years since Townsend has had an update on its growth.  Jeremy Fadness, WWC Engineering.  The cost is $20,000 and Jeremy said via email that we can put together a CDBG planning grant application that will pay for 75% of the update.  The budget breakdown would be $15,000 CDBG funds and $5000 City funds for the update.  Christina stated that it would be interesting to see more details on this and what the benefit will be.  Vickie Rauser stated that she would like to defer the decision on moving forward with the Growth Policy pending more information as well.  *(A copy of the 2010 Growth Policy was forwarded to the City Council after the meeting)

Mayor Evans said that the City Hall has received a quote for a server from Morrison-Maierle for $7000.  Currently the City Hall does not have its own server which has caused computers to have issues, delays, and shutdowns.  The City of Townsend currently has a contract with Morrison-Maierle to provide IT services.  Several members of the City Council stated they would like to see other quotes before they consider a new server. 

Solicitor’s Committee Meeting Update:  Peter Simon reported that the committee met on December 19, 2022.  He was in attendance as well as Rotary members, Laura Obert and Jeff Langlinais, Chamber President, Tim Pool, community member/business owner, JB Howick, Mayor Evans, and City Council members Matt West, Angie Wintrow, Ken Urich, and Tim Rauser.  Peter stated that there will be another meeting once he gets some more information from the Rotary.  Ken Urich stated that it was a good discussion regarding solicitors and the Fall Fest. 

Old Business:  Tim Rauser contacted an engineer for a quote on the pool repairs but has not heard back yet. 

New Business:  Shawn Simon introduced himself as the new City of Townsend Fire Chief and stated that he will be taking over for Ed Shindoll beginning in January.  He asked for the City Council’s approval on his new role.  Christina Hartmann made a motion to approve Shawn Simon as the City of Townsend Fire Chief, Nate Brown seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  Andrew Herrick was introduced as the new Fire Captain.  Other officers of the Fire Department were stated.  Vickie Rauser made a motion to approve all the officers for the Fire Department Christina Harmann seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

Peter Simon said that he would like to form an “Ordinance Penalty Revision Committee” as the City of Townsend’s is out dated.    Matt, Vickie, and Angie will be the council members on the committee to update the Ordinance Penalties.   

Mayor Round Table:  Vickie Rauser requested a budget status report by fund for the January 3^rd meeting.  The city clerk will provide this. 

Adjournment:  Ken Urich made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Nate Brown seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Next Meeting will be Tuesday January 3^rd, 2023!