MINUTES TOWN COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026
HOT SPRINGS CITY HALL 109 MAIN ST, HOT SPRINGS MT 59845
MEETING HELD VIA ZOOM
CALL TO ORDER By Mayor Woods at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL Smith, Welker, Carr, Woods, Gray, Weatherly (zoom)
Also present: Mckenna Andrews, Brenna Schaible, Judy Norgaard, Ladonna Vollmer, Scott Vollmer, Steven Sheffield, Leon Robbins, Nathan Dilworth, Yuriy Kotenko, Kon Shiva, Bev Bangen, Deana Peters, Josh Davis
MINUTES Welker pointed out that laundromat was spelled incorrectly. Clerk will correct error. Smith/Carr 4-0 pass
CLAIMS Gray explained the Montana Environmental Lab invoice came in late and added it to the claims list. Smith/Carr 4-0 pass
FINANCIALS December 2025 financial presented Smith/Welker 4-0 pass
REPORTS
MAYOR Woods reported he has been busy working on the sewer project budget.
PUBLIC WORKS has been filling pt holes, cleaning up trees, and dealing with several sewer issues. They are finding roots in sewer lines. There has been no snow, so no plowing and very little sanding. He explained that the streets are taking a hit with all the freezing and thawing
FIRE DEPT One structure fire and one report of gas smell which ended up being an empty propane tank. Woods also stated that Welker had asked for information on planning for emergencies. He contacted McKenna Andrews, the CSKT disaster emergency coordinator. Mckenna explained her role as disaster coordinator. She works to connect emergency services to the Tribe. She does planning for worst case scenarios. Her goal is to build better relationship with Sanders County, specifically Hot Springs. There will be training coming up for fire and disaster safety training this spring and summer. Woods asked Starla if the library would be available for training? She replied yes and Woods stated he would put Mckenna and Starla in touch so they can set up training days.
POLICE – Ludeman provided police report. He explained some of the programs he is working with throughout the county and with the school. Several officers did training this past month. Gray announced the upcoming coffee with a cop program that will be rolling out this month.
CLERK Gray reminded everyone that all licenses were due to be renewed January 1st. Letters will be going out to remind those who have yet to submit their renewal.
LIBRARY report presented by Rice. Gray asked if the library had a claim to submit for the siding work that was being done on the library. Starla explained the job was not yet done and that she had very little information on the financial part of the project because it is being handled by the Library Foundation. She will check into it. Chinese New Year parade and activities will be February 14th at 1 pm.
ZONING COMPLIANCE- There are some lot line adjustments and a replacement well on this agenda. Phone company is still working on the alley abandonment stuff.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD- Nothing to report
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM WILL BE ALLOWED
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
REQUEST TO AMMEND LOT LINES 317 MAIN ST- Kearney surveying was unable to get connected for zoom. Council and Mayor had questions that were unable to be answered. Carr made a motion to table the issue until the next meeting, second by Smith 4-0 pass
REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING WELL 406 1st AVE N -SHIVA – Request to replace an existing well on the property because the old well has some structural issues. Motion to approve Smith/Carr 4-0 pass
OPEN CONTAINER WAIVER FOR BANDITOS WEEKEND – Request from Judy Norgaard for open container and fire pits for the weekend of February 20-22. Smith/Welker 4-0 pass
CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AMY GRAY Smith/Carr 4-0 pass
ORDINANCE BOOK REVIEW MONTHLY UPDATE Woods reported the council had their first meeting for ordinance book review. Recommended changes include changing he/his/him to be inclusive and removing jail verbiage. Next work session will be February 24th at 6pm and will start mid way through chapter 2. Woods stated the work session will last one hour. Gray explained there will be public hearings and proper procedures followed prior to any changes being made to the ordinances. Work session will also have a zoom link going forward.
PUBLIC COMMENT NON-AGENDA ITEMS Woods called for public comment on non-agenda items. There was none.
ADJOURN 7:49 p.m. Welker/Carr 4-0 pass
