Cascade Town Council Hearings/Meetings Recap

Bulk Water Hearing

The Hearing took place to discuss the increase of the bulk water dispenser from $1.50 for175 gallons to $2.00 for 175 gallons.

According to Mayor Moore: “We did a lot of math and as far as we can tell the $2.00/175 gal is about what most residents are paying. The bulk water guys were getting water cheaper than the people who live here. So, we’re just trying to get it equalized. No more, no less.”

Community members commented that the last time the bulk water was discussed, Joe Voss commented (with regard to Prairie Water discontinuing bulk water service in Cascade) that people were going to need more water and that is the reason we are trying to get ahead.

Another statement was made by a different community member that there had been an understanding that the equipment needed to be updated.

No further discussion was brought forth from the attendees.

Buying a house for the Resident Deputy

Mayor Moore stated that there has “Been a lot of talk about that. We thought we should have a meeting so people can express their opinion on this.”

Concern was expressed about the city purchasing the house because it gives us another piece of infrastructure we must maintain in addition to our streets and water and all the other things. The other consideration discussed is how it is going to result in a substantial fee decrease in the services from the sheriff's office. Is the deputy going to have to pay rent and maintain the facility? How is that all going to be handled?

The Mayor stated, “The county would lower our fee to make the payments on the house. The details of who pays for the maintenance and the bills have not been addressed yet. If we get into a 30-year contract with the home all the folks will be gone before it’s ever paid for. “

Council member, Kristin Riley, stated that, “it had been previously decided that purchasing a home was not an option, but that renting a home for the deputy was a more viable option for the reasons stated of liability. (For example: things go south, we don’t renew contract with county.)

The Town and the county would need to work out who would be responsible regarding the utilities and maintenance of the home.

The cost of deputy housing would be taken out of what we already pay. We pay $68K/year to CCSO just to have a deputy, and they would take whatever the rent is out of that. It is not costing us additional; it will come out of what we already pay them.”

The council decided we are not going to purchase a home. They will go in a rental direction.

“Will having a resident deputy give us more “deputy time, more presence?” asked one community member. The current community resource deputy, Shane Turner, lives between GF and Belt and spends 2 hours of work time driving to and from Cascade. The rental would allow him to already be in the community, saving the drive time.

Cascade receives 20 hours of coverage time with 8 hours toward the school. Cascade community pays $68,000 in taxes, which goes toward Cascade and Ulm Schools and community patrol: 12 hours for the town and 8 hours toward the schools.

The question “Does $68G cover travel time?” posed by one community member was responded to by Mayor Moore stating, “I think it is only when onsite, but we will need to get that clarified with a new contract.” Cascade would benefit from an immediate response if the community resource deputy lived in Cascade and was home.

Council member Wood stated about the new contract: “We can write it how we want it, and they (the county) can either accept it or not. Statistics have proven that law enforcement living in any community is beneficial and makes a big difference. There are things going on in this town that are not good. Drug busts not too far away. The issue of utilities could be written in the contract. As a rental, it’s a win-win.”

A show of hands was called for by Mayor Moore “rent vs buy”. “Rent” is the consensus.

Election Outcomes

Becca Wood won for Ward II

Kristin Riley won for Ward I for 2-year term

Ralph Schnider won Ward I for 4-year term

Mayor Moore expressed, “Welcome aboard, there will be another election in 24 months. It’s nice to see the interest.”

Town Clerk, Jodie Campbell stated: “With regard to the meeting agendas: if someone wants something on the agenda, they must go through the mayor, not the town Clerk. It is up to the mayor what can go on there.”

Container site discussioin: The county is going to propose a lease that isn’t going to include a brush pile. More discussion needs to take place on this issue.

Rae Grulkowski, Cascade County Commissioner, who was present, stated “All contracts with Republic are being renewed. We are in the final stages. The brush pile, in their last discussion, is that they don’t want the responsibility of the brush pile, but they don’t mind it staying there. Don’t fix what isn’t broken. The possibility of the brush pile being moved off county property exists, to eliminate county responsibility.” The issue was tabled to the next meeting until further discussions have taken place. Current Republic contract doesn’t expire until June 2024.

Zoning Committee: Channing Hartelius expressed interest to be on the board. Mayor appointed him on the spot and received Council approval. This was passed unanimously. According to Mayor Moore, “The zoning board needs more members to function properly. Five members would be ideal to function well.”.

Douglas Clinger put his hat in the ring for the zoning committee and was approved on the spot. The committee currently has 3 members.

The recent mobile home ordinance had questions from the lawyer. The modular/mobile home language is being confirmed and re-worded by the attorneys for clarification purposes.

Committee Reports:

Water/Sewer: Joe reports all samples from the new well have all been approved and are online.

Sidewalks and sewer projects will be going out for bids. The sewer project will be replacing multiple mains on the south end of town.

The Cascade Courier, Facebook and direct mailing will be used to post meetings going forward. Committee meetings to be established in January 2024

The town Clerk brought STIP Short Term Investment Program for the consideration of the council. Community Investing is at 5.6%. Choteau earned $60K last year. Meeting attendee interest was high enough for the town Clerk to gather information for the next meeting in December.

A concern about camping on city streets and alleys was mentioned. A request has been made of the mayor to pass an ordinance to prohibit camping outside of the designated areas. A working meeting will be set to discuss this topic.

Nuisance Ordinance effecting 101 Front St N has been ordered to be cleaned up. The town hired someone who hasn’t shown up and isn’t returning their calls.

NW Energy Easement Request: Paid $1000 in the past twice before. Request for $1000 to be requested of NW Energy for easement they request. Motion passed.

Library gutter repair bids: water is running down into the basement, video evidence offered by Library. Motion passed for repairs to commence.

Mayor Murray Moore is available at Cascade Town Hall, to talk to community members, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.