November 7, 2023

CITY OF TOWNSEND

  City Council Meeting Minutes              

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Evans opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all. 

Council members attending the meeting were Vickie Rauser, Angie Wintrow, Nate Brown, Valerie Baraza, and Ken Urich.  Also attending were Shawn Simon, Vivian Boaz, Todd Rolfs, Cliff Wrobetz, Andrew Herrick, JB Howick, Heather Healea, Sharon Doig, Nancy Marks, Christine Ravndal, Eric Crusch, and Kari Williams. 

MINUTES:  Vickie made a motion to approve the minutes from Oct 17th, 2023, Val seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.  Vickie also made a motion to approve the minutes from Oct 24th, 2023, Angie seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried. 

  • Public Work’s Director Job Description:  Mayor Evans explained that the job description had been updated and will be posted for the internal job announcement.  No further comment was made.  The position will be posted on November 8th and will close November 15th. 
  • Growth Policy:  $15,000 grant award for the growth policy update.  Mayor Evans read the letter from the State of Montana Department of Commerce congratulating Townsend on the award.  The City of Townsend must send out an RFP (Request for Proposal) for any engineering firms wanting to work on this Growth Policy Update.  It will be advertised in the Townsend and Helena newspapers.  There are several other requirements that we must follow prior to moving forward and receiving the grant money.  Questions regarding how often this happens and what the money can be used for were discussed with the public.  Vickie stated that the growth policy should be re-visited every five years, and the result of the funds will be a growth policy document. 
  • Broadwater County Clerk & Recorder request for Special Meeting on November 14, 2023.     A letter from Angie Paulson was read requesting the meeting to canvass the votes from the election on November 7th.  JB Howick stated that there is another meeting in town on November 14th that people may want to attend.   A proposal was made for a Special Meeting to be held on November 15th at 6:30 p.m. pending Angie Paulson’s agreement.   The Special Meeting is scheduled for November 15th at 6:30 p.m.

This meeting will also be to review any letters of interest for Matt West’s council seat (Ward III) and vote on the applicants. 

  • MBAC support letter:  Vickie spoke on this on behalf of the MBAC program.  They are requesting a letter of support from the city of Townsend and other cities that they serve, as they are reapplying for certification as a regional development corporation through the Montana Department of Commerce.   Mayor Evans read the letter of support to the council for approval.  Valerie made a motion to approve the letter of support; Angie seconded the motion. (Vickie abstained from voting since she is on the MBAC board) All in favor, motion carried. 

Guests/Correspondence:

  • Matt West resignation letter
  • Fire Dept Quarterly Report:  Shawn Simon reported that numbers are up with phone calls to the Townsend Fire Dept; they are recruiting for members; and they are seeking bids to get the rear tires replaced; An inspection from DOT did not pass for safety updates on one of the fire trucks.  Shawn will bring a list of those safety updates needed at the next meeting. 
  • Email from WWC Jeremy Fadness to Steve Erban regarding White’s Annexation:  Mike read the letter that was written.  Various standards that the engineer needs to comply with per the city’s code need to be met before they can move forward with the project. 
  • Townsend area Chamber of Commerce Street Closure Request (Christmas Stroll)—no one from the Chamber was present to discuss this request.  Tabled until the next meeting. 
  • Water Court Information:  Mike Evans read various court cases regarding water rights and claims from citizens. 
  • Townsend Tree Board (Statement of Expenditures):  Mayor Evans read the Tree Board’s information and description of what they do to keep the trees around Townsend watered and healthy and the costs associated with it. 

Round Table: 

Ken:  Ken stated that he and his wife would like to put in a “dog poop station” at the Baseball Park on South Harrison.   He’d like to get the council’s approval.  Valerie suggested that we put this on the agenda for the next meeting.  Tabled for next meeting.   

Vickie:  Reported on the Penalty Revision Committee that met November 7th at 2:00 p.m.  They will have the draft resolution for the council by the next meeting to start that process. 

Public Comment:  Todd Rolfs thanked everyone for the safe environment at the Ghost Stroll.  He appreciates the sign that he purchased being placed on East Broadway by the city crew.  Nick Rauser reported on a new canine dog, various burglaries, thefts, and brought in a quarterly report.  Sharon Doig stated that she sees a patrol car going down her street at least once a day and she appreciates that. 

October Claims:  Ken made a motion to pay the October Claims; Valerie seconded the motion; All in favor, motion carried. 

Adjournment: Ken made the motion to adjourn; Nate seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.

Special Meeting:  Tuesday November 15th at 6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m.