November 1, 2022

City of Townsend

City Council Meeting

November 1, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Call to Order: 

Mayor Evans called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Council members present were Mayor Evans, Vickie Rauser, Angie Wintrow, Christina Hartmann, Nate Brown, Ken Urich, Matt West, Others present were city attorney, Peter Simon, Coleen Ward, Kari Williams, Nancy Marks, Jessica Crusch, Brad Koenig, Neal Lavang, Jeff Langlinais, Mike Delger, Ed Shindoll, JB Howick, Cliff Wzalet

Pledge:   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

 Minutes:  Vickie Rauser made a motion to approve the October 18, 2022 minutes, Christina Hartmann seconded and the motion carried.

Guests and Correspondence: 

  • Jeff Langlinais:  Addressed the council and said that the issue that got him on the agenda is not really an issue anymore.  He stated that the Rotary learns every year with Fall Fest, and they will continue to work with the city on parking and come up with a plan for next year. 
  • Brad Koenig and Neal Lavang:  Brad Koenig addressed the council about the North Cherry Annexation Project; the first concern he presented was that instead of a cul-de-sac turn around, the developers are now proposing a hammerhead turn around and the engineers need to make sure that it works with the city’s ambulance and fire services.  A drawing was passed that showed the revision to the plan.  It appears that there are more condominiums that have been added to the plan than before.  The condominiums are supposed to be multi-story single family residences.  It was brought up that the developers should be coming to the planning board with the changes.  There are definite concerns about water services, separate taps, meters, sewers, level of insulation for the sewers and a wider alley that is graveled for emergency and city services to access.  This hasn’t made it to the planning board yet because it’s still in the infrastructure stage.  Outcome of the discussion is that the council would like to see the street be a cul-de-sac instead of a hammer-head-turn around.  Curbs and gutters are necessary in this annexation because the city foresees this happening throughout the city, so it should be done now.  Until the developers have everything lined out, they cannot move forward with the plans.  The name of the developer is the Brad White family.  Steve Erban is the architect. 

Mike Delger asked at what point does the city contact the county regarding the annexation.  Peter stated that the county is not involved in this preliminary planning process.  Point of the actual resolution to annex is when the county gets involved.  Mike is concerned about the flood plane.  Peter stated that he will have to do some research on that and county involvement. 

Noise Ordinance and Solicitor Ordinance:

The Noise Ordinance and Solicitor Ordinance updates have been sent to the clerk and will be scheduled for a 1st reading on November 15th and December 6th, 2022 respectively. 

Peter reviewed the language, definitions, general prohibitions, specific prohibitions, exemptions, permits, fees, liabilities, and penalties per the Noise Ordinance 2022-03. 

Vickie Rauser made a motion to approve having the 1st reading for the Noise Ordinance 2022-03, Matt West seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Peter Simon then reviewed the Solicitor Ordinance definitions, amendments to the license requirements, fees, application, issuance of said license, license to carry and exhibit license rules, suspension of license, revocation, exemptions, and penalties outlined in the Solicitor Ordinance 2022-02.  There was a discussion regarding licenses for the Farmer’s Market vendors and what they fall under to be an “exception”.  Also discussed were businesses such as Schwan’s, Snap on Tools, and Mac Tools, and there were questions amongst the group if they all fall in these solicitor guidelines.  JB Howick said that this ordinance explicitly defines Fall Fest and Christmas Stroll and nothing else.  Example given was Flying Flamingo “donating” their time at Jeanne Steele’s Ghost Stroll—should have been required to have a license under the “solicitor” guideline.  He would like to propose that the City has the opportunity to provide a moratorium for events other than the few stated.  Peter Simon said that he will amend Section 5 to state that the City can provide a moratorium at its discretion for various events and in Section 7 that all licenses will be temporarily suspended for the entire duration of any events provided by the City.

*The Solicitor Committee agreed to set up a separate meeting time to further discuss the changes. 

Fees were also discussed for Food Trucks.  Peter directed the council to Section 3 where the ordinance states the City shall establish and adjust a schedule of fees by resolution of the City Council at least once per fiscal year. The solicitor shall pay the appropriate fee upon application for the desired license.

Donation Button on Website:  Per Jessica, the website is done!!  There are now two buttons.  One stating “Pay my Utility Bill” and the other saying “Make a Donation”.

Vaulted Toilet:  Mayor called Levi DeMartin with Kerplunk and Levi said that the best way to handle the smell is to set it up on a schedule to have the toilet pumped.  The toilet has been pumped with fresh water added as of end of October. 

Pool Maintenance:  The mayor went with Tim Rauser and looked at the pool.  The mayor stated that there is a pipe that goes through the concrete and to deck.  There is a crack in the pipe that’s in the well, but at the end of the pipe, about 5 feet out, it connects to PVC pipe.  Tim Rauser has discussed the issue with a contractor, and it can be fixed.  It’s been determined that the pool will most likely need a new liner soon.  A new liner will be very costly, and it hasn’t been included in the budget for several years. 

 Mayor’s Roundtable: 

Mayor Mike Evans: Breeann Johnson, the water court lawyer from West Roots Law, sent a letter stating that she has requested expert assistance for our Water Rights and Objections for the upcoming Water Court Adjudication.  She recommends DMS Natural Resources, a firm specializing in water rights.  Deborah Stephenson is the managing director and has determined that they will be able assist us with our needs. If the City wants to move forward with this company, the City needs to approve and send a retainer of $5000. 

Angie Wintrow made a motion to accept Debra Stevenson of DMS Natural Resources for the            scope of our Water Rights.  Ken Urich seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Vickie Rauser:  Stated that we have an opportunity to apply for a grant to help us with the water storage project.  This opportunity has already been forward to Chris Hayes at RPA Engineering per Kari & Coleen, and they will update with any correspondence and updates. 

Matt West:  Asked about a complaint that the city received.  The complaint was from a citizen regarding overgrown weeds on a lot.  The weeds were sprayed but were not cut down, so there is still an issue.  Peter Simon is addressing this and foresees as not becoming a big issue. 

Peter Simon:  Peter gave an update on the Law Enforcement Committee; they had a meeting Oct 31st with Brandon Harris, Deputy Sheriff.  They talked about what ordinances the City wants the law enforcement to be involved with and to what extent.  More information on this will follow the first readings of the Noise and Solicitor Ordinances.   

Motion was made by Christina Hartmann to pay this month’s claims.  Ken Urich seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

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