TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY DECEMBER 9, 2025

AT HOT SPRINGS CITY HALL

109 MAIN ST, HOT SPRINGS MT 59845

MEETING WAS ALSO HELD VIA ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor Woods

ROLL CALL Weatherly. Smith, Welker, Carr Woods, Gray

Also present: Mark Dodge, Bobbi Reiche, Brenna Schiable, Deanna Peters, Val Sidmore, Judy Norgaard, MaryKay Wedgwood, Lance Hartsong, Stephen Sheffiled, Kevin Hein, Mike Geddes, Shanna Camenzind-Weatherly, Charlene Diesl, Scott Blangeres, Lindy Larson, Eric Larson, Justin Ludeman, Cody Scott, James Arestad, Lucky Howser, Starla Rice, Shawn Visintin

MINUTES Smith/Carr 4-0 pass

CLAIMS Gray explained the check written to Wyspianski was because a check had been issued from court to her and had then been deposited into the town account. A check had to be written out of the town account back to her. Morrison Maeirle would be reimbursed from grant funds. Future draws will be requested and paid in advance instead of reimbursed. Smith/Welker 4-0 pass

FINANCIALS Smith/Carr 4-0 pass

REPORTS

MAYOR Woods explained that as we come to the end of the year he has been working to finish up projects. The blower building project came in way under budget and we have funds that we need to use before the end of the year. We were given approval to use the funds remaining to purchase a sewer camera $30,000. He has also been following up on the Community Wildfire plan.

PUBLIC WORKS has been plowing, sanding and clearing sewer lines. 2 new installs North Side of town. Tootie reported leaves in drain by Tribal senior center. Woods also explained the gravel supply is low right now and the town is keeping what they have for the projects we are working on.

FIRE DEPT 9 motor vehicle crashes, 2 structure fires, 1 house and 1 chicken coup, significant damage to the home was an electrical fire from heaters. Weatherly explained a lot of houses have old run down electrical outlets.

POLICE Larson presented police report, and explained that Hot Springs Police haven’t been able to transport criminals to detention because the jail has mechanical issues.

CLERK Open burning season is closed. Dog licenses, business licenses and chicken licenses are due first of the year.

LIBRARY presented by Starla

PUBLIC COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM WILL BE ALLOWED

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION 2026-04R A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY OWNED BY LUCKY HOWSER AND MARGARET HOWSER- Smith/Welker 4-0 pass

Marykay Wedgwood asked if claims are available for the public to view. Gray stated yes. Wedgwood then asked if the Bars charts are available Gray stated yes

FY 2025 AFR ADJUSTING ENTRIES Smith/Carr 4-0 pass

FY 2025 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Smith explained that a third party person that used to work for the state creates the report. Mary Kay asked who our auditor is. Gray stated it was Noonan. Smith/Carr 4-0 pass

OATH OF OFFICE RANDAL A.WOODS Oath done by council president Weatherly

OATH OF OFFICE JENNIFER L. CARR Oath by Mayor Woods

OATH OF OFFICE LESLEE BALSLEY-SMITH Oath Mayor by Woods

LIBRARY BONUSES Weatherly/Smith 4-0 pass

PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Norgaard read a letter to council about community

Welker asked if the town used to have a police commission. The council voted to abolish the polish commission. There was discussion on role of the police commission and MCA requirements. Welker asked how police complaints are handled. Woods explained they are to go to the chief and then to the Mayor.

Peters asked what if there is a complaint about the Mayors wife or his son. Gray explained the complaint could then go to the council president.

Wedgewood thanked Smith for explaining the AFR procedure.

Woods explained the hiring procedure for the water/sewer operator.

ADJOURN 7:59 p.m. Smith/Carr 4-0 pass