City Council Forms Urban Renewal Committee
The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Monday, March 15. An urban renewal ordinance was given a first reading. City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan said the ordinance will require a second reading and a corresponding committee will prepare an urban renewal plan to address blight and related issues in the city.
Bill Juve attended the meeting remotely and spoke to the council.
“My whole interest in this is to see what can be done about these and other properties,” said Juve.
Sullivan asked Juve to join a five-person committee with the goal of overseeing the preparation of a renewal plan and to seek fundraising options. Juve agreed to join the committee, filling one of two spots reserved for residents and/or property owners on the committee. Three spots for council members will be filled by John Plestina, Dean Mahlum and Laurie Evans. One spot remains for a local resident on the committee.
The council authorized preliminary specifications for snow removal equipment contingent on approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The council then authorized a call for bids, also pending FAA approval.
Mayor Chris Dschaak reported that elections for the Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department are set for May 1.
During police and animal control committee reports, Dean Mahlum proposed building a new pound facility. Plans for a remodel of the existing facility with assistance from Health Promotion Disease Prevention have stalled. Councilwoman Tina Betshismedicine said that as many as 40 stray animals were handled in a single night recently. She said high numbers of stray animals in the community have become a growing problem, despite regular spay and neuter clinic hosted by Wolf Point Pound Puppies.
Police Chief Jeff Harada submit- ted his monthly activity report. He said two applications for open positions with the department were withdrawn. He also requested approval from the council to request quotes for a new police car. The council approved his request.
According to Justice of the Peace Traci Harada, no fines were assessed to any local residents during February.
Delinquent accounts were abated after lengthy discussion.
Great West Engineering’s Greg Lukasik was in attendance to answer further questions about billing and expenses related to the water main repairs. An amendment to Task Order #5 was passed, funding preparation of a rural development wastewater funding application. The fee for Great West is $9,000.
Public works director Ward Smith submitted his monthly report. He said he will be attending a rural water conference May 19-21 in Great Falls.
Monthly revenue and expenditure accounts were approved for January and February. The treasurer’s cash report for January was also approved.
City clerk Marlene Mahlum said the city received notice that it has been awarded Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $450,000. She said more information would be forthcoming at the next regular council meeting April 19.
