City of Townsend Council Meeting

September 3, 2024

Call to Order:  Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance:  The pledge of allegiance was recited by all. 

In Attendance with Mayor Rauser are council members Angie Wintrow, Vivian Boaz, JB Howick, Heather Healea and Doug Sitton.  Nate Brown was absent.  Also in attendance are Cliff Wrobetz, Eric Crusch, and Kari Williams. 

Second Reading of the Floodplain Ordinance 2024-01:  Mayor Rauser stated that this ordinance will repeal the current ordinances and replace it with a reference to a document titled the City of Townsend Floodplain Hazard Management Regulations Ordinance Revised and Adopted September 2024.  Mayor Rauser stated that she’d entertain a motion to adopt Ordinance 2024-01. Angie made a motion to adopt the ordinance.  Heather seconded the motion.  Discussion from council:  JB asked if the issue he addressed at the last council meeting of the  “default condition if no appointment is made” was corrected.  Mayor Rauser stated it had been addressed.  No further comments.   All voted in favor, motion carried. 

Minutes from August 20, 2024:  Heather made a motion to approve the minutes.  Angie seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.

Minutes from August 26, 2024, Public Hearing on the Budget: Angie made a motion to approve the minutes.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.

Public Comment:  None

Resolution 2024-R08, A resolution approving and adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 whereas, the Clerk of the City of Townsend, Montana has regularly and lawfully submitted the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to the City’s Council and, whereas, proper notice was published stating that:  the Council completed the preliminary municipal budget for said Fiscal Year; said budget was placed on file and open to inspection in the City office; the Council would meet to finally determine, approve, and adopt the budget, and any taxpayer could appear at said meeting and be heard.  Therefore, now be it resolved that:  1. The expenditure budget for fiscal year 2024-2025—as detailed in the budget report and amended by the council—is hereby finally determined, approved, and adopted.  A copy of said budget is attached as Exhibit A and made a part of this resolution.   JB made a motion to adopt Resolution No 2024-R08.  Doug seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Mill Levy FY2024-2025:  Mayor Rauser went through the Determination of Tax Revenue and Mill Levy Limitations for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025.  Mayor Rauser stated that the format to determine the mill levy is an exercise in arithmetic.  It starts with the tax accessed and provides an adjustment for inflation at 2.8% for Fiscal Year 2025.  The taxable value of the city to create revenues from the property taxes exceeded the allowed amount, so the revenues were reduced accordingly in the  appropriate funds.  The current year authorized ad valorem tax revenue assessment total $199,980 with the current year actually levied/assessed coming to 52.92 mills, leaving carry forward mills that may be levied in a subsequent year of 3.59. Angie made a motion to levy the 52.92 mills.  Heather seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.  JB asked if the council could be better educated on this process next year during the budget meetings.  Mayor Rauser stated yes. 

Broadwater County Airport Zoning Regulations-Permit Application:  Angie reported on this since she serves on the Airport Board.  Angie stated that both the city and the county previously adopted Airport Zoning Regulations, however they did not adopt a “permit application.”   The permit application is based upon the Airport Zoning Regulations. The Airport Board has recommended the adoption and use of the Permit Application for use by both the City and the County.  Even though the City doesn’t have any ownership, the City still needs to approve the application to ensure protection and compatible land uses surrounding the airport.  (The new Townsend Water System). The Airport Board recommended that the County Planner and City Public Works would determine approval of the applications, but Angie stated that she recommends the City’s zoning administrator approve the application with the County since they know the city’s  zoning ordinances.  JB asked I who approved the district and if the FAA was involved.  Angie stated that she assumes the City and County approved it and that the FAA was involved.  Mayor Rauser asked if we are approving the application or the form.  Angie said the form.  Angie made a motion to approve the Broadwater County Airport Zoning Regulations Permit Application form with the change that “ Zoning Administrator” replace “Public Work’s Director” for the approval of permit applications.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

City of Townsend Logo for new water tower:  Mayor Rauser showed the council the logo that includes a picture of the mountain, water, and trees that’s also displayed on the City Hall sign.  This will be the logo on the new water tower.  Heather made a motion to approve the logo.  Doug seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Guest:  Elementary Principal, Steve Cook, gave a report on the temporary street closure on North Pine Street from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. during each school day.  Mr. Cook stated that it’s working very well.  Eric agreed and stated that he’s also heard from various people that it’s working well.  Vivian made a motion to continue authorization for the remainder of the school year with the requirement that Mr. Cook reports back at the January council meeting.  Heather seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried.    

Unfinished Business: 

Ordinance Review:  Angie stated that everything in the ordinance review is in the works. 

Fireworks Ordinance Committee:  Vivian stated that they will try to have another committee meeting at the end of September.

Events Committee/Telecommunications Committee:  Angie stated that they have a meeting on September 9^th with Peter Simon at 2:00 p.m.

Townsend Water System:  We have heard that we have the permit application in for the zoning Mayor Rauser stated that the estimated loan forgiveness was going to be at 3 million dollars, and she stated that now she’s received notification that the loan forgiveness will be 5 million dollars. 

Garbage Cans on Broadway: 

August Claims:  Vivian stated that there is a claim that was submitted by the Rural Fire Chief, not the City Fire Chief, so she asked if we could look into it before paying it.  Angie made a motion to approve the claims with the exception of the Enviro Safety Claim from the Fire Department.  JB seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Public Comment:

Round Table: 

Angie:

JB:  Asked Eric about purchasing pool chemicals this fall to save money.  Eric stated that the company did not have a sale like they normally do, so he didn’t purchase the chemicals yet. 

Vivian:

Doug:  Asked if everything is okay for Fall Fest as it’s only three weeks away.  Vickie said yes. 

Heather:

Clerk:  Kari stated that we received a copy of the Audit Report for FY2023 that she’s set for anyone who wants to review it. 

Public Works:  Eric thanked the council for approving the budget. 

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

Next Meeting:  September 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.