Town Council Meeting Discusses Madison Well 3 Fix and Zoning Updates

There was a special meeting of the Town Council Wednesday at the Town Hall. On the agenda were two items: Discussion on Madison Well 3 Fix, and Discussion on public hearing for short term rental zoning updates.

Public Works Director, Joe Voss, addressed the council and those in attendance explaining the steps he took to insure that the public was protected and that the problem was identified and fixed. It happened on MLK Weekend, and the temperatures had dipped to below 30. Because it was a holiday, no one was answering the phones. Believing that the new well source that had been placed into production was the problem, they immediately had this new source shut down, taking it off line, flushing the system, and collecting bacteriological samples, as well as additional volatile organic and inorganic contaminant samplings, and notifying DEQ. They actually did more testing than what was required. The water system has returned to normal and the health advisory has been lifted. Both reservoirs are full with good quality water. The official report of the results can be viewed at:

http://www.cascademontana.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-01-Madison-Well-3-Test-Results.pdf

Zoning Committee members Channing Hartelius, Scott Clinger, and Ron Flink were there to discuss short-term rentals, with Mr. Hartelius making a motion that the zoning ordinance 11.20.070 be amended to add "single family detached dwelling units." Currently, the ordinance reads: "Tourist homes as well as long term rentals of 30 days or more, defined as Airbnb's, VRBO, nightly rental, short term rentals, are permitted, as long as there is no commercial use. All guests and owners will be bound by the laws of the city, to include, but not limited to noise ordinances, what types of vehicles can be parked on the street, public intoxication, rules on signage, nuisance, noise pollution."

Criteria and Guidelines for Zoning Regulations 76-2-304 Reads that Zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a "growth policy." This, they said, was "a whole different animal." They needed clarification as there was a lack of definitions. The Zoning Committee is requesting a public hearing for short-term rental zoning updates, giving the people the opportunity to give input. A public hearing will be held on February 22nd at 5:30 pm at the school cafeteria. At that time, the City Council will listen to what people have to say on the resolution, and make their decision.

Captions: #351 - Zoning Committee members, L-R, Channing Hartelius, Scott Clinger, and Ron Flink. #350 Joe Voss addresses the meeting.