City Council Talks Water Billing, Loitering
The Wolf Point City Council held their regular meeting Oct. 21. The gallery was packed with visitors and members of the public. Questions were raised about the Triangle Park property and a variety of issues.
Tina Magnan spoke about water services billing issues for area residents and procedures for digging around curb stops, which she says may be problematic.
Mayor Chris Dschaak detailed some of the challenges of repairing a “100-year-old sewer system.” He also said public interest in the subject has been minimal.
Magnan said that residents behind on water bills face obstacles to bringing their billing current with additional debt service charges and other fees stacked on top.
“How can they ever catch up?” Magnan asked.
“I would have to go on a case-by-case basis,” Dschaak replied.
Several members of the public added their questions to the discussion around water billing.
Dschaak agreed to revisit the relevant ordinances and accounts.
Lois Red Elk addressed the council about “loiterers, panhandlers, harassers and inebriates.”
“The numbers are getting larger,” Red Elk said. She described crimes committed by vagrants and the efforts of area authorities to address the problem over the years.
Solutions to traffic and water collection issues behind the Faith Lutheran Home were discussed. A speed bump was recommended and property lines were identified. A motion was passed to approve work on a curb stop. The matter was referred to the streets and allies committee for further discussion.
City attorney Montana Wilson delivered an update on pending legal matters.
The council discussed the public hearing over use of Triangle Park. The response from the public was described as “mixed,” with only a handful of residents attending. Town Pump is seeking to purchase the property for the purposes of expansion.
The matter was sent to committee for a recommendation. Public input continues to be sought.
“Posting on social media is not a form of official public comment,” said Dschaak.
Cemetery expansion planning was also sent to committee.
A motion was approved for the drafting of a memorandum of understanding with the Fort Peck Tribes regarding road repairs on Fairweather Street, Greg Lukasik from Great West Engineering provided an update on wastewater system improvements. A task order for Great West was approved for storm water improvements, as was $30,000 for services rendered.
The Community Development Block Grant application was also approved.
Council member John Plestina asked Wilson about the possibility of having vacant properties within city limits currently posing a fire threat declared nuisances. Wilson outlined the procedures for pursing the matter.
Public works director Ken Luckow’s contract was extended for one month.
The cameras are up at L.M. Clayton Airport.
Minutes were approved for September, as were the treasurer’s reports. The next regular meeting is set for Nov. 18.
