MINUTES FOR PUBLIC HEARING held on March 1, 2022 MEETING WAS HELD AT HOT SPRINGS TOWN HALL AT 109 MAIN STREET, HOT SPRINGS, MT and via Zoom

Hearing opened at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Woods

Present: Weatherly, Smith, Aldridge, Woods, Gray      Absent:  Graham

Also Present – Ron Szmergalski, Steven Sheffield, Jim Arestad, Starla Rice

A public hearing was held to discuss Resolution 2022-07R: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING DISTRIBUTION OF BRIDGE AND ROAD SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM FUNDS. Resolution was read aloud by Mayor Woods. Woods explained that the intent for these funds was to address the storm water along Michele Street. These funds would cover supply expense, not equipment or labor.  Mayor woods called for public comment. Arestad asked where the project would be. Woods explained the runoff at Michele Street floods the properties, streets and alleys near Michele Street. By putting in culverts along Michele Street near Lila Trombettas property, the water will be diverted so it doesn’t cause flooding.

Woods asked if there was additional questions and comments, there was none.

Public hearing closed at 7:12 p.m.

MINUTES FOR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING FOR MARCH 1, 2022

MEETING WAS HELD AT HOT SPRINGS TOWN HALL AT 109 MAIN STREET, HOT SPRINGS, MT and via Zoom

CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Woods at 7:12 P.M.

ROLL CALL Present: Weatherly, Smith, Aldridge, Woods, Gray      Absent:  Graham

Also Present – Ron Szmergalski, Steven Sheffield, Jim Arestad, Starla Rice

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Smith/Weatherly 4-0

PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS Cayla asked about they payment to Aflac. Amy explained that Aflac is generally taken out of payroll and has to be paid from the town directly to Aflac but is available to council as well as employees. Crystal has signed up for Aflac but because she doesn’t receive payroll she has to pay her Aflac policy fee to the Town and Town then pays it to Aflac. Woods also explained that Officer Acheson had to take the neglected dog to the Vet. The owner hadn’t paid the vet bill so the Town has to pay it and she will be held accountable through the court. Fuel bill is up due to Salt Lake City trip to get the new jetter and because the city crew has been sanding and plowing.  Motion to approve claims  Smith/Aldridge  3-0 pass

FINANCIAL REPORTS- Motion to approve January financial report Leslee asked if the money in listed under planning board could be moved to parks and rec. Gray will check with auditor.  Smith/Weatherly 3-0 pass

REPORTS

MAYOR- Woods reported he has been busy with water project and wastewater PER working with the engineers.

PUBLIC WORKS- Water flows are down but will increase with spring weather. PW crew has been cleaning and checking culverts and making a list of mud holes that need attention around town. They are not able to work on pot holes yet, we are waiting on oil. The parking lot at the senior center is flooded. The water in that lot comes from our buildings and the streets. There is an issue in the drain. We will be looking into this. Public works has also been replacing broken street signs and working on the street sign project.

FIRE DEPT- One fire call, a pickup burned out on Little Bitteroot Rd. The fire crew burned a house down for the Tribe. Five members of the fire crew did and advance fire and incident command training.

POLICE- Provided by Pfleger, presented by Woods.  Amy Gray, Jason Acheson and John Carlbom are in Butte right now for Critical Incident System Management CISM training. They have also been working on getting more public involvement and are have set up a Narcan training for the public on March 12^th  from 6-8pm. They will discuss opioid overdose issues and Naloxone training.After attending the class you will be able to obtain free Narcan. Banditos weekend was in February and our officers along with our reserve officers did fire arms quals before working. All three of the Hot Springs officers attended Ethics training in Libby last week.

LIBRARY- report presented by Starla. A council member had asked about Erate. Starla explained that Erate is the government entity that pays for the libraries internet. They hire a professional service that does this.

ZONING COMPLIANCE- One lady has requested to build a garage. She has an acre of property and more than enough room to build her garage and meet zoning requirements. We have annexed the property on Jaques Rd and they are hiring an engineer to put in road and lots. He is considering dividing into 5-7 lots and we are deciding the best way to extend the water line. Weatherly asked about fire hydrants. Woods stated there would likely be a hydrant at Winn property (mid Jaques Rd), possibly one at the edge of his property and possibly one at the top somewhere.

 

COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM WILL BE ALLOWED

 

OLD BUSINESS

WATER PROJECT UPDATE- We are scheduled for a prebid conference tomorrow at 2:oo pm Engineers and Bidders will be here. The engineers are working hard to get people to bid. We really need a tank contractor to bid on this project so we can get the tank redone. It sounds like there is a lot more interest in the water line project this time. The main thing is we need to get the tank rehab done and get the well hooked up.

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLUTION 2022-07R A RESOLUTION REQUESTING DISTRIBUTION OF BRIDGE AND ROAD SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM FUNDS- Resolution was read. Smith asked if this was HB473 to which Woods replied yes. Motion to approve resolution made by Smith, seconded by Aldridge  3-0 pass

ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR SEWER PER – Woods explained that a PER was a preliminary engineering report on the sewer system. A PER is needed in order to qualify for funding for projects. This PER is going to focus on the rehabilitation of the sewer lagoons.  There will be a little bit of focus on some sewer lines in town as well. The lagoons are almost two times the expected useful life span and we are starting to see liner failures at the of the liner above the water. The blower pipes are rotting, and the sludge is getting too deep. Woods would also like to look at different disinfection options such as UV and Ozone. Ozone takes the pharmaceuticals out of the water. We were awarded funding from ARPA pot B for $22,000. Coal tax MSEP $15,000. And ARPA pot A will cover the remainder of the cost of the PER which should be $44,961.07. We will have two public meetings for the PER.  Motion to approve Engineering services contract made by Smith seconded by Aldridge  3-0 pass

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEM

Woods called for comment on non-agenda items. There was none.

ADJOURN  

 

7:55 pm   Weatherly/Smith 3-0 pass