TOWN COUNCIL MEETING  JULY 11, 2023

YOU MAY ATTEND IN PERSON AT HOT SPRINGS CITY HALL

109 MAIN ST, HOT SPRINGS MT 59845 MEETING WAS HELD VIA ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER By Mayor Woods at 7:15 p.m.

ROLL CALL Present: Weatherly, Aldridge, Smith, Woods, Gray absent- Graham

Also present: Eli Patten, Freddie Durham, Steven Sheffield, Deb Pier, Peg Winebrenner, Scott and Ladonna Vollmer, Gary Roe, Karl Treadwell, Craig Schaeffer, Andrew Buechel, Cameron Lingle, Gordon Paeyeneers, Laura Peyeneers, Tootie Welker, Ron Szmergalski

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Smith/Aldridge 3-0 pass

PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS There were more claims that usual. The police department had several due to the purchase of new equipment, new uniforms, weapons and ammo as well as new paint, lumber and flooring due to a leaking roof in the police department. There are fees for Mission Valley Power for installing a power pole in the park. Mike has placed a large order for water parts to restock the warehouse. We have been faced with trouble getting some parts we need in a timely manner so Randy had Mike order some stuff to have on hand. Weatherly asked about the street signs and asked if they will have street names on them.  Woods explained that we are currently putting in all new posts and putting stop signs in where they are needed. We will move on to the street signs next. Industrial supply claim is for a Chlorine injection system at the lagoons, Treasure State is for durapatcher oil. We were finally able to get some and will be patching more potholes. Aldridge asked if the stain was for the rodeo grounds, Woods explained it was a sealant for the bleachers at the rodeo grounds. Smith/Aldridge 3-0 pass

FINANCIAL REPORTS- Amy is behind and will be working to get them all caught up for the budget meeting

REPORTS

MAYOR- It has been busy at city hall. The subdivision that we annexed in last year has been taking up some time. They have an engineer working on some lot line changes. Woods explained some of the steps necessary for the subdivision to move forward. Karl from 406 Engineering presented a slide show presentation explaining what changes were being made to the subdivision. He explained that they are working with the town and engineers to make sure we have met all of the requirements for the subdivision review. There was a preaaplication meeting with Mayor Woods back in February. This is just an information presentation to get the information out to the public prior to a public hearing which will be held in the next month or two. There were questions about the impact to the town when the subdivision connects to the water and sewer system. Woods explained the sewer system was build to accommodate 900 users and we are currently only using about half of that. The water storage was also designed to allow for growth for the town. There are specific requirement for DEQ and we will have to get the numbers to have a for sure answer on whether or not the system can accommodate the subdivision. Aldridge asked about lot sizes and potential for multi family homes. Karl explained the lots are under half an acre and there was some discussion regarding the potential for duplex or 4-plex units within the subdivision. Tootie asked if there would be low income housing. Karl explained that all of this will be included in the agreement letter of approval with conditions of approval. Woods explained he has already talked about multifamily homes that would potentially be low income homes. Karl will be leaving the subdivision application with the Town as well as providing an electronic link for the documents. We will schedule a public hearing on the matter on a future date yet to be determined.

PUBLIC WORKS- The crew has been doing some street repair, tree trimming, working on signs as well as some other construction projects. We did bring on a temporary employee to help with some of the summer projects. Town clean up is the third Thursday of each month during the summer. You must call to get on list. They will pick up branches and trees, small stuff must be bagged, anything that is charged a fee to dump at the refuse site must be paid for in advance.

FIRE DEPT- slow month with just a couple of car accidents, 2 small grass fires. Fire season is almost here and we will be seeing more fires. Tribal fire management has a crew in the area. We have tall grass from all of the rain that is quickly drying out with the heat and wind.

POLICE- Chief Durham discussed a few issues in town. He explained that they spent an afternoon targeting stop sign violation with the goal to make things safer in town. They also spent time addressing some compliance issues with town ordinances regarding debris and parking and storing things in the town right of way. Violations in town ordinance may result in fines. If you have a vehicle in the town right of way with flat tires or tall grass growing all around it, it is clear this vehicle is not being used, it needs to be removed from the right of way. They are also addressing vehicles that are parked the wrong directions on the streets. We want to do the right thing and keep things safe. We are seeing theft crimes increase and will be doing more 2^nd shift patrolling. Eli and Freddie are getting through their training and able to work a little more independently. Weatherly expressed that he would like to see action in a little less aggressive manner. Adridge agreed that drivers may feel they are stopping enough. Eli explained that although they pulled over many people who failed to stop there were only a handful of citiations written. Most often the drivers were given warning. Freddie explained that there are 3 officers and officer discretion is something that is approved at the supreme court level. The Chief can not tell the officer that they can or can not give a ticket on their stop. Hopefully by being out there and taking action, this will improve. Peg Winebrenner explained that one day while working at the bank they counted 34 people run the stop sign in short period of time and felt that just because we are small doesn’t mean the rules don’t apply. Durham explained that they are learning and trying to do the right thing. Woods explained that there is more to all of this than just a stop sign ticket. Everyone keeps asking why we are not worried about petty theft or meth heads etc. If Hot Springs is known for traffic laws, these guys aren’t going to come to town with a car load of meth or stolen stuff in the back seat. If the cops are out and active and being seen these other people will learn not to come here.Vollmer thanked the town for putting up the additional stop signs.

COUNCIL Aldridge stated we are excited to have these officers and want a positive presence.

CLERK Gray reported construction will begin on the perma bridge. There will be one weekend where the bridge will be closed completely with no detour. The remainder of the time it will be one lane only.  

LIBRARY Report presented by Peg Winebrenner

ZONING COMPLIANCE  Zoning compliance has been busy with a lot of questions.  Several people are wanting new water and sewer lines. We have put a couple new water lines in.

PUBLIC COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM WILL BE ALLOWED

NEW BUSINESS

DISCUSSION ON ZONING MAP CHANGES Woods stated we will discuss the zoning map changes a little later but he wrote down a few ideas on a map presented to the council to take a look at.  No action taken

AFR 2023 CONTRACT Magda wasn’t able to get the contract out in time for the meeting. We will look at this at next month’s meeting

RESERVE OFFICER POLICY Durham explained some changes to our reserve program.  He wants 20 hours per quarter of volunteer time from Reserve officers.  Smith/Weatherly 3-0 pass

POLICE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR POST ACADEMY TRAINING FOR PATTEN Eli has extensive law enforcement training, military training and security experience, he is just missing a few key items for POST certification. He will be attending Montana POST academy this fall. The town will pay for the academy and his wages and in exchange he will work for the town for 3 years. Durham explained this is pretty standard across the board and provides the town some protection on their investment. Smith/Aldridge 3-0 pass

CONTRACT FOR BLOWER CONTROL PROJECT MORRISON MAEIRLE-

Smith/Aldridge 3-0 pass

HOT SPRINGS REFUSE- DUMP Woods explained nothing has been done at this point. We are still waiting on the legal documents to make sure everything gets done correctly. Amy spoke with Loren, he has written an interlocal agreement, it has been sent to MMIA attorneys for approval for review and then it will need to be passed on to the county. The county has lawyers that specialize in contracts. Tootie asked if the recycling will come back. Woods explained the plan would be to build an appropriate structure that would allow for the collection of cardboard for recycling.

PICKLE BALL COURT LOCATION The pickleball club looked at the area discussed a few months back and decided that area is too swampy and wet. They are asking about ownership of the property behind the library. Montana cadastral shows it as county land. Woods explained he believes it is owned by the town and we need to look into it. The club stated they will approach the commissioners about the land if it is county owned. The pancake breakfast fundraiser over Homesteaders was well supported.  They will do it again next year. Not action taken

PAY RATES FOR EMPLOYEES- Woods wants to look into what the county is doing with wages and get a better idea of what our budget can support. No action

WATER/WASTEWATER BILL DISPUTED CHARGES- Granlund has submitted a request to have the water bill forgiven on his rental property. The renter was in the house at the time he bought it a few years ago. There was never a renter form filled out for the Town with him or the renter once he purchased it. She has been evicted and he has been presented with a bill for unpaid fees. He would like them completely waived. Woods explained our policy is that owners are responsible for any and all unpaid fees. Granlund got caught in an unfortunate situation as there wasn’t a rental agreement with this tenant once he became the owner. Woods recommended waiving the late fees Motion to approve waiving late fees only. Smith/Weatherly 3-0 pass

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Woods asked for public comment on non agenda items

L Voolmer- asked how people are notified of ordinance changes or new ordinances. Woods explained the are posted per MCA requirements

Woods announce Kontos was back to work at city hall filling in for Stacy who is on maternity leave.

Vollmer thanked the town for putting gravel on Main St next to the park.

Woods- The park is on the list to have power installed. All of the paperwork has been done and payments have been made.

Woods asked if there are any other comments, there were none.

ADJOURN 8:40 pm Weatherly/Aldridge 3-0 pass