Minutes

City of Townsend

City Council Meeting of October 15, 2024

Call to Order:  Mayor Rauser called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  In attendance along with Mayor Rauser are council members JB Howick, Vivian Boaz, Nate Brown, Heather Healea, and Doug Sitton.  Angie Wintrow called in as absent tonight.  Also in attendance are Peter Simon, Hannah Rauser, Nichole Simon, Andrew Herrick, Eric Crusch, and Kari Williams. 

The pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

Public Comment:  Anything not on the agenda, but under the city’s jurisdiction.   

Minutes:  Minutes from October 1, 2024:  JB made a motion to approve the minutes.  Doug seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Guests: 

  • Hannah Rauser requested permission for the ice rink to be set up at Holloway Park for the winter months.  JB asked when this will be filled.  This won’t be done until there are a couple of hard freezes.  Heather asked about the safety of the this.  Hannah stated that it opens in the morning and closes at night and is within a City Park.  Peter Simon also weighed in and stated that any individual participating in an activity within a park assumes the risk. Vivian made a motion to approve the request to set up the ice rink in Holloway Park when the weather is conducive.  Nate seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 
  • Townsend Chamber was scheduled to show up to request a street closure for the Ghost Stroll, but did not attend.  Kari stated that she emailed them the forms and told them when the City Council meeting was, however, that was the last she heard from them. 

Mayor Rauser read a letter from MMIA, awarding Townsend for the City with the least amount of money spent on liabilities for fiscal year 2023-2024.  Townsend had the lowest amount of loss control achievements for a third-class city in the past five years!  Congratulations to our Public Works Directors, past and present,  and to Jenny Barnett, our Safety Officer. 

Broadwater County Hazard Mitigation Plan:  JB questioned entering into a legal plan with no document in front of them.  Mayor Rauser stated that she will contact the Brittany Willis, who is the County’s Disaster Emergency Services Representative for more information.  This will be on the agenda for the next meeting November 5, 2024. 

Fire Department By Laws—Nichole Simone brought a copy of the revised Fire Department By Laws for review.  Council member JB Howick offered several revisions. City attorney, Peter Simon, also weighed in.  It was stated that a Municipal Firefighting Department does not have its own separate entity.  Council member Vivian Boaz asked several questions regarding the association officers duties.  Andrew Herrick explained their roles.  Peter stated he’d like to review the by-laws further and will be ready to discuss it at the next meeting, November 5th.    Mayor Rauser advised the fire department to take JB’s suggestions and email the revised document to Peter.  This will be on the agenda at the next meeting. 

Holiday Hours: Kari asked if the City may close early on December 24th and December 31st in preparation for subsequent holidays of Christmas and New Year’s Day.  JB made a motion to close the City at noon on December 24th and December 31st.  Vivian seconded the motion.  All in favor, motion carried. 

Unfinished Business:

Townsend Water System:  Mayor Rauser stated that opening bids are scheduled on November 6th at City Hall. 

Peter Simon stated that he did a lot of official research of the property on which Well #3 sits on.  He looked for a deed showing ownership to the City of Townsend, and to his best knowledge, it does not exist.  He spoke to the property owners Lloyd Poe and Linda Poe.  Lloyd stated he remembers selling the lot to the city, and Linda didn’t recall that.  Peter stated that he will write a letter to Lloyd Poe and Linda Poe asking if they will sign a Quit Claim Deed, giving the City ownership of the lot.  All other easements for the City are in place for the information Chris Hayes requested for the water system.  JB asked if Peter has contacted the State Library.  Peter stated that he didn’t think of that but will do so since the Montana Cadastral is operated by the State Library. 

Fireworks Committee:  Meets October 16th at 3:00 p.m.

Events Committee: 

Telecommunications Committee:  –

Peter stated that he’d be in touch with JB and Angie to get a meeting set up for both of these committees.  Looking at October 28th. 

Ordinance Review Committee:  Georgia has sent a draft for the Animal Ordinances and will meet with Mayor Rauser and Peter Simon to discuss October 23rd. 

Public Comment:  –

Clerk:  –

Public Works:  –

Council: 

  • JB:  Asked Mayor Rauser if she requested an updated Floodplain Map.  Mayor Rauser stated that she would do that.
  • Vivian:  Asked about dangerous dogs within the city.  Mayor Rauser stated that will be addressed in the animal ordinances. 
  • Mayor Rauser:  reminded everyone that the Mayor’s prayer breakfast is Thursday October 17th at 7:00 a.m. at Watson’s Event Center. 

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

Next Council Meeting:  Tuesday, November 5, 2024