Council Approves New Water Tank Agreement
Snow Bird Deadline Extended To March 16
The Wolf Point City Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 18. Council president Craig Rodenberg sat in for Mayor Chris Dschaak, who was absent.
During public comment, Jeff Adams said the Fort Peck Tribes are in the initial stages of instituting a recycling program. The city ended its own recycling program Sept. 16 by unanimous vote, citing budget concerns and disproportionate use by the business community as reasons for shutting the program down.
“We’re getting into the recycling business,” said Adams.
He asked the council to consider selling equipment used for the program, specifically a cardboard bailer, cages and a trailer. Adams told the Northern Plains Independent that tribes’ recycling efforts are in early stages, with an emphasis on serving the schools and select members of the business community. He said program facilities are being organized in Frazer and Poplar. Wolf Point residents interested in participating should contact director of public works Ward Smith at 6531852.
Minutes were approved for the April 18 special meeting, the July 15, August 19 and Sept. 16 regular meetings. Minutes are pending for the Aug. 21 special meeting, a May 29 community meeting and the Oct. 21 regular meeting.
The council approved a new fiveyear airport community investment plan for 2020-2025.
During the fire department committee report, the council approved Chelsea White Hawk to replace Michael Iwen as department secretary/ treasurer.
During police and animal control, councilperson Tina Betshismedicine introduced an offer from Fort Peck Tribes Health Promotion Disease Prevention program to fund improvements at the city pound. The group is offering $10,000 and plans to provide labor for the expansion effort. Square footage at the pound will remain the same, but the interior, heated areas will be expanded to include 12 new climate-controlled areas. The council approved the plan, pending an agreement between all parties to be drafted by city attorney Anna Rose Sullivan.
A maintenance agreement was signed with Maguire Iron for two of the city’s water tanks, a 500,000gallon tank and a 1,000,000-gallon glass-lined tank. Council canceled an agreement signed with Maguire Oct. 21 to handle interior and exterior paint and repairs for the 500,000-gallon tank at a cost of $189,500.
The water/sewer improvements committee recommended extending a final deadline of March 16 for snowbird accounts. The committee also recommended new procedures for disconnecting from the city’s water system, including a liability waver and a $1,000 reconnection fee for future use. For more information, contact the city at 653-1852. The council approved both recommendations. The council also approved resolution 926-2019, an agreement with utility services partners to offer residential property service line warranty plans.
Cody Cousineau was terminated for falsifying information on a job application. Duane Goodtrack was approved for hire as water/ wastewater operator, effective Nov. 6. Karla Williams was approved for utility billing clerk, effective Nov. 1. The council also voted to advertise a solid waste maintenance worker position.
City clerk/treasurer Marlene Mahlum presented activity and financial reports. The council approved revenue and expenditure reports and the treasurer’s cash reports for October.
During the city attorney’s report, Sullivan recommended moving forward with a new boundary/election map at a cost of $5,500. She also recommended a meeting between interested parties involved with the airport lease agreement to hash out finalizing details.
