Johannessen Joins City Council For Ward 2
Fireman’s Ball Canceled
The Wolf Point City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 19. The meeting began at 7 p.m.
During public comment, Wolf Point resident Bill Juve spoke up again to call attention to a lack of progress at blighted properties on the south side of town. City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan discussed the matter with Juve, explaining that the legal process for holding landowners accountable can take a long time but said she would explore alternative options for motivating improvements at the properties.
Mayor Chris Dschaak agreed to help brainstorm about potential gentlemen agreements with landowners and possible involvement from area utilities.
Minutes were approved for two public hearings and a regular meeting on Aug. 17, an Aug. 19 public hearing, an Aug. 26 special meeting and the Sept. 21 regular meeting.
During special committee reports, Dschaak said newly installed lighted speed signs at the west and east entrances to town were proving helpful in slowing drivers down on the highway as they enter the community.
During airport committee reports, it was noted the Ed Bach returned to work effective Oct. 16. A potential new hanger at the airport was discussed briefly. A task order was approved for snow removal by Interstate Engineering. An audit comment dispute with the FAA was reported as adequately addressed and the council approved policies and procedures for FAA grant management.
During park and recreation committee reports, the swimming pool upgrades were described as ongoing. Twelve thousand dollars was approved for use from the set-aside fund to pay for irrigation improvements at the baseball fields.
During fire department reports, Roosevelt County disaster and emergency service coordinator Lindsey McNabb asked for help with a form required for the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding the new fire sirens planned for every town in Roosevelt County. She said each town needs to submit their portion of the documentation before September 2021.
Dschaak reported that the Firemen’s Ball has been canceled due to the pandemic.
Wolf Point Police Chief Jeff Harada submitted his monthly activity report. He said efforts to enforce nuisance letters and weed notices are ongoing.
Public works director Ward Smith presented his monthly activity report. He said water tank repairs are ongoing. A pre-construction meeting for the BNSF water main repairs has been set for Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. A call-in number is available. The project start date is Oct. 26.
City clerk/treasurer Marlene Mahlum said city offices remain closed but transactions are being handled on the phone. She presented monthly financial and activity reports, including quarterly securities, quarterly water/sewer/solid waste revenue reports and quarterly investment reports ending Sept. 30. All reports were approved by the council.
A letter of interest for the vacancy in Ward 2 was discussed. The council approved Erik Johannessen pending swearing in.
The next regular council meeting is Nov. 16.
