Culbertson Town Council Declares Local Emergency
The Culbertson Town Council approved a resolution for a declaration of a local emergency during Monday night’s meeting.
Attorney Greg Hennessy told the council that the League of Cities and Towns and Montana Attorneys developed the form for emergency situations. The town council meeting was held through video conferencing.
“Obviously, this situation everywhere is almost on a war time footing to keep up with things,” Hennessy said.
Hennessy said the resolution gives Mayor Larry Crowder authority ranging from buying supplies to closing certain areas. The council establishes budget restrictions.
Council member Dave Solem asked if every city or town is adopting such a measure.
“The short answer is yes,” Hennessy said. “Everybody is doing this, otherwise you couldn’t spend for anything that isn’t in the budget and won’t qualify for federal stimulus bills so far. It’s basically to qualify for the federal money to get your hands on reimbursement or equipment.”
Council member Nick Oelkers made the motion to approve the resolution. Council member Abe Rumsey seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The council received applications from Interstate Engineering and WWC Engineering to develop a growth policy and capital improvement plan. Crowder said council members can pick up a copy of the bids at town hall or can receive them electronically. The council will decide between the two firms at next month’s meeting.
The council approved a motion to advertise for summer help at the pool. “We will try to get the pool open in June, if we’re allowed to,” Crowder said.
Plans to paint the pool were put on hold.
Crowder said a preliminary budget meeting needs to take place sometime in May.
