CITY OF TOWNSEND COUNCIL MEETING

Minutes for February 18, 2025

Call to Order:  Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  In attendance with Mayor Rauser are council members Angie Wintrow, Nate Brown, Vivian Boaz, JB Howick, and Doug Sitton.  Also in attendance are Chris Hayes, Shawn & Nichole Simon, Mike Evans, Jeff Langlinais, Adam Six, Alex Potter, and Kari Williams. 

Pledge of Allegiance:  Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. 

Public Hearing:  Budget Amendment No 2025-R02; Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Budget for stated funds.  (General Fund, Urban Forestry Fund, Capital Water) Mayor Rauser read the Resolution in full for an increase to the General Fund for a transfer to the Urban Forestry Fund of $15,000 (from the reserves in the General Fund) that was approved for FY2024 but is being completed in FY2025; an increase to the Urban Forestry Fund for $15,000 (from the General Fund) that was approved in FY2024, but will be received in FY2025; and an increase to the Capital Water Fund for the construction of the Townsend Water System for $4,000,000 (from the reserves in the Capital Water Fund) in FY2025.

Public Comment:  Mayor Rauser asked for public comment.  Seeing none, she closed the Public Hearing. 

Minutes from January 21, 2025:  Angie made a motion to approve the minutes of January 21, 2025.  Vivian seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Minutes of February 10, 2025:  Angie made a motion to approve the minutes of February 10, 2025, Special Council Meeting.  Doug seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Budget Amendment Resolution No. 2025-R02:  Mayor Rauser read the final paragraph of Resolution No. 2025-R02, stating the amendments to the final budget of FY2024-2025 involving all funds listed above are hereby approved and adopted during the Public Hearing and will be effective immediately.  JB made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-R02.  Angie seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.

Bond Resolution No. 2025-R03:  Mayor Rauser read the Bond Resolution relating to the  $12,195,000 water system revenue bond through the DNRC Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Program which is comprised of a $5,000,000 2025 Series A Bond; and a $7,195,000 2025 Series B Bond. JB stated that he would have liked the public to view it prior to the council acting on it.  Mayor Rauser stated that it will be available for the public to read at any time.  She also stated that this is a standard bond resolution through the funding program and our city attorney has looked it over and approved. Angie made a motion to approve the bond resolution.  Doug seconded the motion.  Mayor Rauser asked for any further comment from the council and the public.  The clerk recorded each of the council members’ vote.  All in favor, motion carried.  Resolution No. 2025-R03 is adopted. 

Animal Control/Compliance Officer:  Mayor Rauser introduced our new employee for this position, John Stenzel to the council.  Welcome to the City of Townsend staff. 

Chris Hayes from RPA- spoke on the Townsend Water System Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.  There are two different contractors, CK May for Schedule 1, and Cop Construction for Schedule 2.  Some of the current work being done has been replacing fire hydrants and isolation valves.  Schedule 2 will begin in March with the new water tank completed at the end of 2025 but won’t be put into service until the early months of 2026.  He also spoke on upcoming work to Townsend Streets.  There will be two dig outs, one on North Maple, and one on Kolzak  There are also two allies behind commercial buildings, where the drainage will be fixed. There will also be some chip sealing on N Oak and N Walnut Streets.  The cost estimate is $539,466.  Funding for the street project will come from Capital Projects Streets Fund and the Gas Tax Fund. They will go to bid next week, and the projects will begin in June and be completed in August.  Doug Sitton asked about the events that are happening out at the fairgrounds in the spring and summer, and if the projects would hinder any of these events. Chris stated that the events at the fairgrounds have been considered, and there won’t be an issue.  JB stated that the businesses on Broadway were negatively affected by today’s water shut off today with the additional time it took to get the water back on.  He stated that between all of the businesses, they lost thousands of dollars, especially the bars and restaurants.  He asked how we avoid this in the future and learn from these mistakes.  Chris Hayes stated that the project is being managed very well, and the contractors are trying to minimize water shut-off times.  Adam Six stated that he felt that the water shut off took place on a good day since the weather was cold and there were minimal people out.  Angie stated that each business was given the same exact notice, and that communication is key.  She called the number at the bottom of the notice to verify times and length of the water offage.  She said that each business owner has a choice of how they want to handle the water turn off, however each business is being affected.  Doug stated that this is the biggest project that Townsend has seen.  We all need to be supportive of this and realize it’s for the greater good of our city.  Nate stated that every hole being dug is not the same, and different problems are going to arise.  Eric stated that it is true, and it’s not simple holes being dug.  We are dealing with old pipes and valves so problems arise, and water shut offs could be lengthened due to unforeseeable issues. Adam Six stated Townsend is fortunate to have the professionals that we do working on this project.  Montana is busy with projects, and we need to be gracious and appreciate that they are here getting the work done in a timely fashion.  Mike Evans stated that any construction being done on old equipment will result in issues arising. Chis Hayes stated that currently business owners are given a two-day notice with a sign on the door, and door-to-door visits.  Jeff Langlinais stated that he agrees with JB on this, and there’s always an opportunity to learn something new that might make the next time better.  Peter stated that maybe the communication could state that this work/water shut off should only take 2-4 hours, however there’s a possibility the water could be shut off all day.  Chris stated that all of the notices state the water will be off for 8 hours, and that anything less than that is a bonus.  Mayor Rauser asked if there are any comments on the Street Projects.  JB stated that if the streets are going to be torn up and closed for work being done, that he and other businesses will need at least a week’s notice as he has delivery trucks scheduled.  Chris Hayes stated that with street closures, the businesses will receive a week’s notice. Mayor Rauser stated that while it’s not our intention to have the entire town torn up by the middle of summer, it will be busy.  

AARP Grant:  Mayor Rauser stated that this grant application is due on March 5^th.  This opportunity is in connection with the possibility of resurfacing the tennis courts.  There was also talk of placing benches in Holloway Park.  Vivian stated that she’d like to see some of the other groups pursue this grant and doesn’t want to compete with the other groups.  JB stated there’s no intention of competing with the other groups wanting to pursue this grant.  Mayor Rauser stated that this topic will be re-visited once  we hear from the Big Sky Big Leadership representative. 

Revised MCR Grant Proposal:  We received a revised submission from Jeremy Fadness at WWC Engineering.   According to the grant application, the scope of work was for a “Preliminary Architectural Report” to assist with affordable housing.  The proposal is for obtaining a “Housing Inventory.”   After some discussion, council stated that the “Housing Inventory” would be more helpful.  Kari will check with the grant program specialist and see if the scope can be altered.  If not, the proposal will need to be amended. 

Big Sky Big Leadership Project:  Alex Potter was here to represent the group and speak on resurfacing or repairing the tennis courts in McCarthy Park.  She asked if the City is at risk if they do not do anything at all with the tennis courts, and Mayor Rauser stated yes, although the use of city parks is at your own risk.  An application to the AARP Grant might be the way to go.  The grant proposals are due by March 5^th, and the work has to be done by December 15^th of this year.  Alex Potter asked if the City would be okay with a temporary fix just to keep the tennis courts open.  Discussion was held.  Angie made a motion to give permission to the Big Sky Big Leadership to pursue grants in order to repair and resurface the tennis courts, with the City writing letters of support of the project and assisting in grant applications .  Vivian seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Adam Six, Townsend Rotary:  Adam requested to reserve Heritage Park for Townsend Fall Festival for October 2-6, 2025.  Angie made a motion to approve the request.  Vivian seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.  The second request was a street closure on Broadway from Front St to Harrison St for the Car Show on Sunday, October 5^th, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  That request is tabled pending the Street Closure Application that contains all of the information.  JB stated they are working with the Event Ordinance, and Rotary should be involved in the process.  Mayor Rauser stated that committee meetings are open to the public.  Mayor Rauser said that work on well 2 is scheduled during Fall Fest, and this was communicated to the contractor.  She doesn’t think there should be any issue.

Shawn Simon, Fire Chief:  Shawn stated that they are planning for next year’s budget.  He said that their operating budget will more than likely be the same as they requested last year.  He stated that they need to purchase new tanks.  They didn’t purchase new tires as they don’t have enough in their budget this year, but the tires are thirty-six years old.  Mayor Rauser asked if they will work with Kari for next year’s budget in order to get everything covered.  Nate asked if we can find money for new tires for the Fire Department in order to keep everyone safe.  Mayor Rauser stated we can take a look at the funds.  Shawn also stated that there’s a motor home across from the firehall.  He’s wondering if that can get moved.  Mayor Rauser stated that she’ll have the compliance officer to look into it.  Shawn stated that if anyone wants to visit the firehall to look at the inventory, to let him know. 

Pending Business:

-Ordinance Review:  Angie stated that we need to move forward on these into the 2025 section, but they are still lagging on the 2024 section.

-Events Committee/Ordinance:  Angie stated that they will schedule a meeting date tonight and communicate that to the Mayor and City Hall.  

-Fireworks Committee/Ordinance:  Vivian spoke on this and stated that they’re waiting for some emails from several people.  JB has drafted an ordinance.  Shawn Simon said that the Fire Marshall advised the fire department not to host a safety class on fireworks, because it places more liability on the City. 

-Broadwater County Hazard Mitigation Plan:  Mayor Rauser asked what the council would like to do.  The document can be updated and changed as needed.  Mayor Rauser said she’d entertain a motion to participate in the Broadwater County Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Angie made said motion.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Public Comment:  Peter Simon said thank you to the City Council for the opportunity to work with them.  Mayor Rauser thanked him for all of his work.   

Mayor Rauser stated that budget meetings will begin in April this year. 

Round Table:

Angie- spoke on the growth policy, which will be presented to the planning board March 13^th in a Public Hearing. 

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