PUBLIC HEARING  MINUTES TUESDAY MARCH 7, 2023.

AT HOT SPRINGS CITY HALL

109 MAIN ST, HOT SPRINGS MT 59845

MEETING ALSO HELD VIA ZOOM

Meeting opened at 7:06 p.m. by Mayor Woods

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

Also Present: Steven Sheffield, Eric Pfleger, Cindy Chouinard, Kris Paro, Janet Bras, Deana Anderson, Deb Pier, Sher Loberg, Lauri Osborne, Jean Nemeth, Peg Winebrenner, Diane Prongua, Mary Whitsett, Kele Alden-Odekirk, Quannah Tunis, Jim Arestad

A public hearing was held to discuss:

SECOND READING OF FLOOD PLAIN ORDINANCE- REVIEW OF CHANGES- Woods explained the flood plain ordinance and that the guidelines are set forth by the Federal Government. This is the second reading of this ordinance. Woods asked if there was any comments or questions – there was none.

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE # 17.31 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF HOT SPRINGS, MONTANA, FOR CAMPER VEHICLE REGULATIONS– Woods explained the need for this ordinance. We have had some issues this past week and in the past couple of years with people violating our current ordinance. The current ordinance is vague and makes it challenging for  our officers to charge people for violations. This ordinance discusses RV parks which are licensed with the State. Some of the issues with RV in town is dumping them into our sewer system. The chemicals in RV tanks are designed to kill bacteria. We need bacteria in our sewer lagoons to manage our lagoons.  Too much chemical in the system kills our lagoon bacteria. Permanent human habitation in campers is not safe, not sanitary and is not conducive to a healthy living conditions. People are using insufficient extension cords as permanent electrical supply, they are not connected to water or sewer and are dumping directly on the ground or they don’t have a bathroom at all and they are peeing directly on the ground. These are all huge concerns and illegal. This is the first reading only. There will be three readings for this ordinance. Woods asked for questions or comments.

Winebrenner- asked if someone sees this happening are they supposed to file a report. Woods stated yes, the town crew may not know about the situation and can’t take action if they don’t know. People are dragging old run down trailers into their back yards and renting them out. This isn’t allowed under our current ordinance and will not be allowed under this new one.
Gray explained that it is extremely unsafe. It is a horrible fire hazard. We are seeing these campers catching fire and burning up all over in the news right now.

Whitsett asked about temporary living in RVs if they are taking care of someone on hospice. Woods explained that in these situations the person needs to come in to city hall and fill out a request of a rule variation for temporary situation. These will be case by case based on what the need is. There will be reasons for exceptions such as construction in progress, hospice help, family visiting- it just needs to be approved through town hall if they are planning to do something different than what the ordinance says.

The ordinance is available to view at city hall or you can request a copy via email.

Close public hearing at 7:22 p.m.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY MARCH 7, 2023 AT HOT SPRINGS CITY HALL

109 MAIN ST, HOT SPRINGS MT 59845

MEETING ALSO HELD VIA ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER By Mayor Woods at 7:22 p.m.

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

Also Present: Steven Sheffield, Eric Pfleger, Cindy Chouinard, Kris Paro, Janet Bras, Deana Anderson, Deb Pier, Sher Loberg, Lauri Osborne, Jean Nemeth, Peg Winebrenner, Diane Prongua, Mary Whitsett, Kele Alden-Odekirk, Quannah Tunis, Jim Arestad

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Smith/ Weatherly 4-0 pass

PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS- Weatherly/Smith 4-0 pass

Discussion regarding Beacon tire claim- they had to come here to fix a tire on the big loader. Stine electronics is for radios for the fire department. 

FINANCIAL REPORTS- Clerk has been out with surgery so financial reports are not complete.

REPORTS

MAYOR- Town has been a little quieter this past month. Mayor Woods met with subdivision people and they are moving forward with that project.

PUBLIC WORKS- Plowing and sanding. Streets are getting humps in them and more potholes are showing up. They will be working on potholes as soon as the ground thaws. We have gravel and will start on street edges and alleys soon.

POLICE- Eric gave report Woods advised council that Pfleger has resigned as chief of police. We have readvertised the open police officer position again and have started advertising for a chief of police. We will be considering applications for the police officer position from people who are not yet POST certified. They would then have to sign a 3 year contract.

CLERK- Mike and Amy will be going to water/wastewater school later this month. Jerry is retired now and we are having a few issues with payments and late fees Woods explained that we are seeing a few problems in the office on some things that haven’t been done quite right with the billing. People are getting upset because things that have been allowed to slide in the past are now being adhered to. The ordinances have been there for 20 years and have not been followed correctly. We have advised Stacy to follow the ordinances as they are written.

Gray reported that there is open burning in town limits during the months of March and April, but a permit is required. Burn permits are available at city hall and free of charge. They are good for 10 days and outline the rules and safety precautions for burning.

LIBRARY- Peg Winebrenner presented the library report

ZONING COMPLIANCE- Woods discussed the subdivision. The engineer will start surveying tomorrow at the rodeo grounds. The Engineer has a new computer survey system that they paid $500,000 for and they are excited to use it. The developer is considering town houses, maybe some decent size 3 bedroom stuff.

Woods was approached again by Sophia Springs about closing that section of Arlee Street N. Woods told them it is not the Town’s policy to close or sell streets. Maybe an option down the road would be to put bumpers or something to slow people down through there. The Sophia Springs properties are divided by the Street. They have stuff they want to do for development and the street is holding them up. We have sewer running down that street too and we need to keep that access. Also for fie and ambulance, we need to be able to get to the hot pools at Sophia Springs.

PUBLIC COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM WILL BE ALLOWED

NEW BUSINESS

SECOND READING FLOOD PLAIN ORDINANCE- REVIEW OF CHANGES- Woods asked for public comment or comment from the council. There was none. Smith/Aldridge 4-0 pass

RESIGNATION HOT SPRINGS CHIEF OF POLICE– Pfleger is resigning effective March 17, 2023. Woods asked for comment council members thanked him and said they were sad to see him go. Smith/Weatherly 4-0 pass

PICKLEBALL COURT – Sher Loberg presented information on pickleball and the that the club would like to work with parks and rec to develop a site for pickleball. They are willing to do the work for grants and fundraisers but are looking for a location. They have a board of 7 people and are in the process of forming articles of incorporation for the club. They would need a court 30 feet by 60 feet.  The cost to build it would be approximately $25,000.  Typically other towns have used old tennis courts, we do not have that option. The club was wondering about the site of the old sewer treatment property. Winebrenner stated that working with parks and rec gives them the best chance for grants and funding. Woods explained that Central extends through the end of the park to A Street. Approx. 80ft x 220 ft.  This may be an option to look into. It would require some fill and a lot of work. The Next pickleball club meeting is March 20 at 7pm.  No decisions were made. No vote.

STANDARD AGREEMENT WITH ENGINEERING FIRM MORRISON-MAEIRLE, INC. FOR TA GRANT APPLICATION PROJECT- Woods explained that last year we applied for this grant to add sidewalks to town and we scored really high, just not quite high enough. CR with Morrison Maeirle met with the funding agency and we are going to make a few changes and reapply. Smith/Aldridge 4-0 pass

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE # 17.31 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF HOT SPRINGS, MONTANA,FOR CAMPER VEHICLE REGULATIONS Graham/Aldridge 4-0 pass

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS     

Woods asked if there was any non agenda items- there was none.                                                         ADJOURN   8:23 p.m.  Smith/Graham