City Council Approves Wastewater Improvements, CDBG Request
The Wolf Point City Council held their regular meeting Monday, Aug. 17.
Several members of the public voiced complaints about the city’s handling of the cancellation of snowbird billing procedures. Some speakers itemized bills they feel have been unfairly apportioned. Among the commenters, Jerry Neumiller reiterated his concerns about punitive billing practices for property owners. Wolf Point’s Dave Parsley said it’s wrong to assess fees for unused properties. He suggested freezing city wages.
Mayor Chris Dschaak responded that property owners have largely been absent from related committee meetings and planning sessions.
“The committee has met and decided at least three times on this,” said Dschaak.
Dschaak said he did not feel comfortable sending the issue back to committee, but agreed to do it anyway. He advised that interested parties look out for the relevant dates for committee meetings and attend them.
Minutes were approved for two public hearings July 20 and the regular July 20 meeting.
Tori Matejovsky gave a brief report from the Great Northern Development Corporation. She stressed the importance of local residents participating in the 2020 census.
Under new business, city clerk/ treasurer Marlene Mahlum reported that the city’s taxable valuation went up $30 per mill. The council approved a clerical agreement with the justice of the peace for $15,253 worth of services.
During the park and recreation committee report, it was noted that the pool officially closed Aug. 16. Dschaak thanks the Wolf Point Community Organization for approximately $23,000 in support during the 2020 pool season.
During fire department reports, councilman Jeff Wozniak reminded the council that stage 1 fire restrictions are in place. Dschaak reminded city residents to do their watering early on hot days. He also said property owners should cut weeds to increase fire safety in the community.
During police and animal control, Mahlum said shortfalls threatening a vacant city police position may be offset by unused CARES Act funds. She said more will be known at the regular council meeting in September.
The council unanimously passed a task order for wastewater improvements with Great West Engineering. Prior to the meeting, approximately $5 million worth of water and sewer improvements projects were discussed at a public hearing required for the passage of the task order. No members of the public attended or offered comment.
Another public hearing was held prior to the regular meeting in preparation for passing a resolution authorizing a request for Community Development Block Grant funds from the state. The resolution passed unanimously.
The council approved an extended probation period for employee Duane Goodtrack due to the pandemic. A motion to promote police officer Alicia Morales to the rank of lieutenant was tabled until an Aug. 26 special meeting.
Mahlum presented treasurer’s cash reports, which the council approved.
City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan confirmed that more than 60 nuisances letters and weed notices have been sent out to area residents who are out of compliance with city ordinances.
Public works director Ward Smith said street crews have been out with cold mix patching trouble spots. He said no hot mix has been applied yet, due to scheduling difficulties with personnel and the pandemic. He said crews will be applying hot mix as soon as possible.
Dschaak reminded the public that a council seat remains vacant for Ward 2 of Wolf Point’s south side. Interested parties should contact the city at 653‑1852.
A public hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. in council chambers. A special meeting is set for Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. The purpose of the hearing and meeting is to establish and fix a municipal budget for fiscal year 2020-21. The city will also be making budget appropriations.
