January 3, 2023

CITY OF TOWNSEND

COUNCIL MEETING 1/3/2023 6:30 P.M.

  • Mayor Evans called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  In attendance including Mayor Evans were Ken Urich, Matt West, Vickie Rauser, Angie Wintrow, Nate Brown, Christina Hartmann, Peter Simon, Tim Rauser, Kari Williams, Nick Rauser, Jessica Crusch, Eliza McLaughlin, Jake & Carolina Balliew. 
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
  • Minutes of December 20, 2022:  Vickie Rauser made a motion to approve the minutes of December 20, 2022, seconded by Angie Wintrow, motion carried. 

Guests and Correspondents

  • Jeremy Fadness, WWC Engineer email was read regarding “Growth Policy” read by Mayor Evans.  Vickie Rauser stated that she thinks the city should move forward with updating the City’s Growth Policy.  Mayor Evans offered to call Jeremy to answer a question that was presented.  Matt West asked how long it would take to apply and receive the grant funds.  Jeremy stated that the first application will be March 1st,  and then it takes a while to get approved, so will probably be late 2023 to be approved for the grant and receive it six months later.  Vickie Rauser made a motion to update the city’s Growth Policy, Christina Hartmann seconded the motion, motion carried.  This will need to be put in the budget for 2023-2024. 
  • Notification and Certification of City Judge, Kirk Flynn to be voted in beginning 1/1/2023.00Vickie Rauser made a motion to affirm Kirk Flynn as city Judge, Matt West seconded the motion, motion carried. 

     Unfinished Business

  • Peter Simon would like to set a meeting for updating the city’s ordinances/penalties.  This meeting will be Monday, January 9th at 10:00 a.m.   This will take place prior to involving the Law Enforcement.  Peter will also follow up with Townsend Rotary’s Laura Obert regarding the Solicitor’s Ordinance and set another Solicitor’s Committee meeting after that. 

New Business

  • Agreements coming up for renewal:  Peter Simon looked these over.  Montana Internet’s termination should happen prior to April 15, 2023, if we are wanting to end the contract with them.  Matt West questioned why we would want to terminate the contract with Montana Internet.  Mayor Evan’s explained that the owner has been difficult to work with.   Christina Hartmann said we need to clean up the contract and possibly re-negotiate with them and then decide.  This will be discussed further in the next few months. 

Peter stated that the Interlocal Agreements for the Judge and Law Enforcement will be reviewed, as well as the Weed Agreement.  There’s also an Agriculture Lease on sites adjacent to the city’s Sewer Lagoon that Mayor Evans said would need to be reviewed. 

  • Nick Rauser introduced himself as the new Sheriff.  Everyone applauded.  Nick said that if anyone needs anything to please let him know and offered that if anyone wants to tour the jail to just reach out to him.   

     Mayor’s Round Table

  • Mayor Evans asked if the city had received any other quotes on getting a new server.   Vickie Rauser asked to see the report for the Revenue vs. Actual for 12/22.  The city clerk will provide that for the next meeting. 

     Adjournment

  • A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Ken Urich, Nate Brown seconded the motion.  Motion carried and meeting adjourned.