City Council Talks Water Main Project Costs, Timeline
The Wolf Point City Council held their regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 19. Bill Juve spoke during public comment, requesting an update on efforts to clean up properties on the city’s south side. Mayor Chris Dschaak said that a written update will be presented by city attorney Anna Rose Sullivan at the next council meeting.
“You’ve been more than patient with us,” Dschaak told Juve.
Greg Lukasik with Great West Engineering told the council that contractors have completed most of the water main pipe installation and testing near the high school. A service line in the Amtrak building remains to be serviced. Lukasik estimated winter work on the project will be completed by early next week. Contractors are now well past twice their initial estimates for project completion and the project has run significantly over budget. Lukasik said paving will be completed in the spring.
“It seems excessive,” said Dschaak. “From my understanding, it’s the first time your company has seen this kind of money spent. [...] It’s worth asking a couple of questions.”
During airport committee reports, Dschaak reported that Cape Air flights are back up to two flights into Wolf Point and two flights out daily.
During parks/recreation/cemetery/ tree board, it was reported that swimming pool upgrades should be wrapping up within 30 days, depending on parts availability. Dschaak said city crews have completed approximately $2 million worth of repairs on city projects since 2019.
During police and animal control committee, Police Chief Jeff Harada submitted his monthly activity report. The fifth and final round of CARES Act funding is due Jan. 22. He said his department has been making contact and doing background checks on applications for the open police officer position.
Council member John Plestina asked to have “medical versus recreational” marijuana added to the agenda.
Dschaak said he would ask Sullivan to give a legal opinion on taxation and enforcement issues related to medical and recreational marijuana sales in the area at the next council meeting, but added that he doesn’t believe recreational sales will take effect until October.
Minutes were approved for the Dec. 21 meeting.
The city was awarded a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $450,000 for wastewater upgrades.
Lukasik said the city was denied their request for a CDBG planning grant.
Director of public works Ward Smith recommended WasteWORKS out of Butte for landfill compactor equipment in the amount of $9,725 (one time cost) and $2,400 per year. Dschaak said the costs should be under previous estimates and within the city’s budget.
A garbage truck fire was reported Jan. 11. The Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department put it out quickly.
“They saved us about a quarter million dollars for a new garbage truck,” said Dschaak.
The council has started preparations for completing the 2021-22 budget.
“It’s never too early,” said Dschaak.
Clerk/treasurer Marlene Mahlum gave the council an update on the city’s investments and interest rate returns. Mahlum submitted monthly activity and financial reports, including securities, investment and water/sewer/solid waste revenue reports, all of which were approved by the council. She said the office will be closed on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 15.
During concluding remarks, Dschaak said the city spent nearly all of the $20,000 recently received from TC Energy. He said the city will be handing out cleaning supplies purchased with the monies. The supplies are currently in a warehouse in Glasgow.
The next council meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 16.
