Culbertson Council Hears Update On Ike’s Pond, Ice Skating Party Plans In The Works

The Culbertson town council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 8. Ken Forbregd gave the council an update on Ike’s Fishing Pond and Walking Trail. He said fundraising efforts are ongoing. “We’re still getting generous donations,” he said. He said that organizers are planing another ice skating party for area residents. “We’ll be watching the weather,” said Forbregd. “The last party was a big hit.”

Forbregd speculated about dates for a fishing event tentatively set for the end of April, beginning of May. “We want kids out there catching fish,” he said. Forbregd said the pond will be stocked with trout by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Forbregd also spoke to cost estimates for lighting options at the parking lot at Ike’s. He said appropriate lighting would cost the town approximately $25-35 per month. The issue was tabled for further information gathering.

Jeremy Fadness with WWC Engineering told the council that repairs to the water tank won’t be completed until May or June. He said contractor Pittsburgh Tank is responsible for finishing the project, whatever the additional expenses and/or time outlays. He also reported that a draft growth policy and accompanying maps have been prepared. The next planning board meeting is March 4. A public hearing will likely be set for March 31. Fadness said the Capital Improvement Plan is on track for a final hearing at the council meeting in May. Public Works director Bob Jasper told the council that 40 used dumpsters were purchased from the City of Williston at a cost of $50 per dumpster. The cost included delivery.

Mayor Larry Crowder said that it was his understanding, per conservations with the town’s legal counsel, that Judge David Cybulski in Wolf Point may not have actually set a schedule for the Legion Park case. He said efforts are being made to bring the matter to the judge’s attention, as the case has been awaiting ruling for approximately six months.

During reports on Big Sky Airport, the council approved a grant oversight risk assessment as part of pending applications with the FAA. Several grants for work on the airport runway and improvements to equipment were also approved pending legal.

Town clerk/treasurer Tiffani Jasper told the council that $5,700 of CARES Act funding remains in town accounts. She said the balance will be applied to ongoing town utilities costs.

Minutes were approved for the Jan. 11 meeting. The council also approved treasurer reports, general journal vouchers, payroll vouchers, utility billing vouchers and January bills.

The next council meeting is scheduled for March 8.