TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY JULY 5, 2022 HOT SPRINGS CITY HALL, 109 MAIN ST, HOT SPRINGS MT 59845

MEETING WAS ALSO HELD VIA ZOO

CALL TO ORDER By Mayor Woods @ 7:00 PM

ROLL CALL Graham, Smith, Aldridge (via zoom) Woods, Gray

Also present: Stephen Sheffield, Steve Clairmont, Rube Wrightsman, Starla Rice, Matt Pavelich, Peg Winebrenner, Ladonna Vollmer, Mary Whitsett, Alice Mural, John Carlbom, Mikalya Durkin, Emmitt Tucker, Rich Reid, Holly Batt, Zen Perry, Eric Pfleger, Willima Richardson

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Smith/Graham 3-0 pass

PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS Claims discussed, Discussed Spring Street Autocare claim and Fire department expenses, Rex Olson was for transportation of genie lift, Wolfcom was an annual fee we pay for dash cams and chest cams for Police department.

Smith/Graham 3-0 pass

FINANCIAL REPORTS Were not available due to server issues. IT is working to correct the issue.

REPORTS

MAYOR Woods has been busy with the water and wastewater project. We have had multiple meetings with Morrison Maerle, Camas Creek Construction and Viking Paint. We are read to go on the projects and they will be showing up in the next week or two to get stated. We have completed the WW PER. We had a little trouble with the lending agency due to compliance issues but we have resolved those issues and that is now done.

PUBLIC WORKS We have had a few new installs, dealt with a plugged lines and repaired a line the contractor dug up. Street crew has been fixing potholes. They are trying to get more oil for the durapatcher.

FIRE DEPT fire and ambulance has been busy. Friday and Saturday alone we had 10 calls for emergency services. Traffic on the highway has been very busy.

POLICE report provided by Pfleger and presented by Woods

CLERK It is budget time so clerk and Mayor Woods will be working on the budget

LIBRARY Starla presented library report. Starla and the library board presented their opinion as to how the library will be able to sustain the budget with the wage increases that have been proposed. Woods expressed his concern about the budget and explained that increasing wages would possibly result in having to cut hours in the future. There is little wiggle room in the library budget. Starla explained she would eliminate the extra 100 hours the library budgets to use for fundraisers etc.  Gray asked how they would be able to do the fundraisers without the available hours. Peg Winebrenner commented that the library foundation and library board members would be stepping up.

ZONING COMPLIANCE Still working on the rodeo grounds property annexations. They are working with Carstens to get it Surveyed

PUBLIC COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM WILL BE ALLOWED

NEW BUSINESS

WASTEWATER PRERLIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT INVOICE– PER is being paid for in part by a reimbursement grant. We need to pay for it and then we will get reimbursed by the funding agency.  $45,000.00   Graham/Smith 3-0 pass

PAY RATES FOR EMPLOYEES FOR FY22 Discussed employee current pay rates and the need for raise rates for all employees.  Clerk asked to figure the budget with 10% increase and with $2.00 increase for comparison

LIBRARY EMPLOYEES PAY INCREASE Library board has voted and submitted approval for pay rate increases for library employees. Woods expressed his concern about the sustainability of the budget.  Vote to approve library pay raise  Smith/Graham 3-0 pass

ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF OFFICER JASON ACHESON- Officer Acheson has submitted his letter of resignation because he has accepted a Chief’s position with St. Ignatius.  Smith/Graham 3-0 pass

APPROVE JASON ACHESON FOR FILL IN AND RESERVE OFFICER Graham/Smith 3-0 pass

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Rich Reid read a statement about the parking situation in front of his house. He is unhappy and would like a solution to the congestion and lack of parking.

Steve Clairmont with Economic development presented information on funding programs and projects. He left a flyer and business card for anyone wanting more information.

Mary Whitsett talked about traffic concerns at the intersection of Spring and Broadway. She also asked if sump pumps were legal. Woods explained the problem with sump pumps that are connected to the sewer lines. She also asked about the time frame for setting off fireworks. We have the ordinance available for review. Alice Mural stated she didn’t think fireworks should be allowed in town at all.

Zen Perry discussed work from home opportunities available through the economic development program website.

Ladonna Vollmer thanked the town for letting the farmers market use the park. It has been growing and doing well

Amy Gray stated there would be a need for event insurance for the circus performer event at the park during the farmers market.

ADJOURN

8:11  Graham/ Smith 3-0 pass