Wolf Point City Council Joins Purchasing Co-op
The Wolf Point City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, April 20. Mayoral and council elections are coming up. Filing for the race opens April 22 and closes June 21. There are five spots in play, with a mix of two- and four-year terms. The mayor is also up for reelection. To inquire, visit the Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The filing fee is $10.
The council approved joining a regional purchasing cooperative called Sourcewell, pending consultation from state auditors. Representatives from the Minnesota-based company explained the cooperative’s role in streamlining the bidding process for vehicles and other purchases. The council plans to use the company to assist in the purchase of a garbage truck.
City clerk/treasurer Marlene Mahlum provided an update about an audit from the Montana Public Employees Retirement Association. Mahlum said the city is in compliance.
Tom Romo will begin work at the airport April 16.
Greg Lukasik from Great West Engineering said the pool will be ready to open on schedule. Improvements to the baseball field sprinkler system are expected to begin soon.
Building permits have been purchased by the hospital in Wolf Point (NEMHS) and Faith Home.
Fire department elections will be held May 1.
Mayor Chris Dschaak said conditions are tinder dry despite recent precipitation.
“It’s really, really dry out there,” he said. “In my 20 years with the department, this is the worst I’ve seen.”
He said a burn ban is in place for the Fort Peck Reservation and Roosevelt County. Fireworks have been banned across the reservation. Dschaak also reminded attendees that fireworks are prohibited in the city 365 days a year.
During police and animal control, Wolf Point Police Chief Jeff Harada provided his monthly activity report and gave an update on nuisance letters. The council approved the purchase of a 2020 Dodge Durango for the department from Northern Prairie Auto at a cost of $31,861. Two police officer positions remain open. Harada said the department has received applications from two locals and several applicants from out of state.
A resolution was passed to formally request BaRRSA funds in the amount of $61,074. Dschaak said street repairs will begin in earnest when warmer weather returns.
“We do understand the condition of our roads,” he said.
During sanitation committee, dates were shared for the Clean-Up Wolf Point Days community cleanup drive. It will run April 22 through May 8. The Wolf Point landfill will accept clean-sweep trash at no charge during applicable dates.
An urban renewal ordinance intended to tackle the subject of blight in the city received a second reading. Fort Peck Tribal member Erin Ricker was appointed to a corresponding committee. The committee now includes council members Dean Mahlum, Laurie Evans and John Plestina. Bill Juve is also on the committee. The group plans to meet in council chambers May 12 at 7 p.m. with city attorney Anna Rose Sullivan.
Mahlum gave the council an update from the investment committee and submitted her monthly activity report. The council reviewed and approved monthly financial reports, as well as quarterly securities, water/sewer/ solid waste and investment reports. Minutes were passed for the regular Feb. 16 meeting, a March 15 public hearing and the March 15 regular meeting.
Sullivan gave the council an update on pending changes to the city’s drug policy. She advised waiting until the state legislature settles on the implementation of rules for medical and recreational marijuana before finalizing any changes.
Public works director Ward Smith provided his monthly activity report. He will be attending a rural water conference in Great Falls May 19-21.
The next council agenda meeting is set for May 11 at 8 a.m. and the next regular meeting is set for May 17 at 7 p.m.
