City Council Meets, Harada Announces Retirement
The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Dec. 20. Longtime police chief Jeff Harada announced his retirement from the Wolf Point Police Department effective March 3. A committee will be formed to seek his replacement and the position was approved for advertisement.
During public comment, Carrie Manning spoke, expressing interest in the ward 4 vacancy on the council. She said she grew up in Wolf Point and discussed her professional background. Nourah AbuShaban also introduced herself and discussed her background, indicating her interest in filling the same ward 4 seat. Finally, Lance Fourstar introduced himself and expressed his interest in filling the vacancy. Mayor Chris Dschaak said the council will discuss the matter and a vote will take place in January.
Jeff Wozniak also expressed his interest to continue with the council in ward 2. He was appointed by the council.
Bill Juve spoke next. He thanked the council for their work on the Custer Street property the city acquired and asked for the demolition planned on the project be done during cold weather to keep rodents and pests from migrating to his property when the work is done.
Carly Tattoo was introduced as the new assistant clerk for the city.
Fourstar gave a report from the Wolf Point Community Organization and asked for clarification about perceived irregularities in water billing and other matters.
Briana Vine from the Great Northern Development Corporation spoke to the council about the statues of CDBG CARES grant application funds for demolition of structures and construction of a new family dwelling in Wolf Point. The amount designated for the project is $550,000, pending training and other stipulations.
A motion was passed to authorize grant funds totaling approx- imately $13,000 earmarked for the airport. Additionally, a task order was signed for Interstate Engineering to approve grant-funded improvements at the airport in the amount of $45,900.
Greg Lukasik from Great West Engineering spoke to the council. He said the heat exchanger for the city’s boiler is on the way. He added that an overpayment issue with a contractor is being resolved in the city’s favor.
Dschaak recognized a donation of $51,000 from the Wolf Point Lions Club for playground equipment and concessions areas at the baseball fields, bringing recent donations to approximately $70,000.
Tina Betshismedicine said improvements to the city’s animal impound facility are moving forward, with concrete being poured recently.
Public works director Ward Smith said work sites are being prepared for the Custer Street degradation project.
Revenue and treasurer’s reports were approved for November. Minutes were approve for the August and September meetings. Claims and payroll were approved.
Dec. 20 was outgoing clerk Marlene Mahlum’s final council meeting after decades on the job. A gathering is planned for Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. to celebrate her time with the city.
The next regular council meeting will be Jan. 18.
