Wolf Point Council Hires Police Officer
The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Monday, June 21. Mayor Chris Dschaak started the meeting by stating that of six open seats available on the council (plus the mayor’s seat), only three have been filled, leaving critical vacancies in several wards. The deadline for filing was June 21. Dschaak said he is still accepting letters of interest from city residents who wish to serve the community, Approximately half of $648,000 has been received by the city via the American Rescue Act. Dschaak said the other half is due in October.
Minutes were approved for the April 19 and May 17 regular meetings.
Ward Smith told the council that mowing and spraying is underway at the airport. He also said air conditioning units were replaced last week. Smith added that the municipal pool opened June 7. He said that repairs to the pool’s boiler are pending.
Fire Department officer elections were listed and approved. Clint Bushman was again elected chief, as were captains Wayne Kegley and Anthony Benton. Justin Parker was elected secretary/ treasurer; David Schultes was elected safety officer.
Investment CDs were itemized and discussed. Approximately $25,000 in abatements were reviewed and approved. Greg Lukasik gave the council an update on paving on 6th Avenue. He said crews would be working next week.
Formal parade route requests were approved from Erin Ricker for July 9-10, pending insurance waivers and deposits.
Dean Malhum updated the council on meetings held by the new urban renewal committee.
City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan said, “I think we’ve made progress.”
She said an alternate revenue stream has been identified for managing blight and helping individual businesses with signage.
Six blighted properties were identified as coming up for tax deed sale, according to Dschaak. He said Roosevelt County has offered to hand the properties over to the city. Another meeting of the committee is set for July 6.
Sullivan said she was monitoring other municipalities regarding growth policy updates and changes. She said she will be bringing an update to the next council meeting.
A new police officer was retroactively approved for hire. Nicholas Portra officially started June 7. A position for a water/wastewater operator remains open. A meeting of the personnel, policy and wage committee was scheduled for June 22.
The treasurer’s cash report was approved.
The next meeting is set for July 19.
