City Council Initiates Process To Address Blight
The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16. Remote attendance was made possible by Zoom.
Bill Juve attended the meeting remotely to hear updates on efforts to address blighted properties in Wolf Point.
City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan shared the results of her research on the issue, which included a memorandum on blight and urban renewal. She told the council that other municipalities have approached the matter via the formation of planning committees capable of adopting a plan to address blighted properties. She said the planning option, which she recommended, must consider costs associated with urban renewal, as well as a series of public hearings and the possible implementation of imminent domain.
The council passed the resolution beginning the process, which includes identifying and designating blighted properties within city limits.
Juve thanked the council and said that blighted properties are, “affecting property values and the safety of children.” He also asked the council to look into trash accumulation at the north end of Custer Street.
City clerk/treasurer Marlene Mahlum said she has been home sick and hasn’t been able to keep up with minutes for the month or more most financial reports. She said she is feeling better and expects to have everything ready for the next monthly meeting. She also reported that Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority insurance rates will be decreasing by more than 25 percent following a policy change at the MMIA board level in January.
A motion was passed to approve closeout statements from the airport for the Federal Aviation Administration regarding CARES Act funding. Public works director Ward Smith said that new Cape Air planes should be arriving in May.
Mayor Chris Dschaak told the council that the sewer has been fixed at the fire hall. He said elections for the Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department officers will be held in April. Anyone wishing to join the department should contact him at the city.
During police and animal control committee reports, Wolf Point Police Chief Jeff Harada told the council that one application has been received for the open police officer position. He also submitted a letter of resignation from Officer Kahlil Wehbe. Chief Harada said Wehbe is leaving the department for personal reasons.
Councilmember Tina Betshismedicine asked the council to follow up on plans to remodel the pound facilities per an agreement with Health Promotion Disease Prevention staff and the Fort Peck Tribes. She said no progress seems to have been made. Dschaak said he would look into the matter. The council approved a substantial completion certificate for the BSNF watermain project and a small increase of approximately $200 in the annual contract with Barry Damschen Consulting. Dschaak said this was the 24th year in the city’s relationship with Damschen, who provides report preparation and other services.
Dschaak also reported a $20,000 donation from Keystone XL contractor TC Energy. He said the donation was used for boxes of sanitary items which were handed out to city residents.
The next Wolf Point City Council meeting is scheduled for March 15.
