Town Council Meeting Minutes November 14

Call to Order: 6:03 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance: Was said.

Attendance:

Mayor Wes Seabolt, Councilor Becca Wood, Councilor Ralph Schenider, Councilor Kristin Riley, Councilor Scott Clinger, Public Works Director Glen Howendobbler, and Town Clerk Melanie Bissell.

Minutes

Review and approve the following:

October 10, 2024, Regular Meeting

October 17, 2024, Special Meeting on Floodplain Ordinance

October 22, 2024, Streets and Sidewalks Committee Meeting

October 22, 2024, Water and Sewer Committee Meeting

October 9, 16, 23, 30, and November 6, 2024, Wastewater Weekly Meetings

Motion:

Councilor Schenider moved to approve.

Councilor Clinger seconded.

Ayes: All. Nay: None.

Motion approved.

Public Comments

Public comments are welcomed during agenda item discussions.

Mayor Reports/Updates

Attorney:

Container Site Contract: Commissioners approved the contract on November 12, 2024, and will send it to Town Hall for signing.

De-annexation: Town Attorney Andy Newcomer is still reviewing the issue.

Sheriff:

Monthly Reports: Presented.

Deputy Sheriff Logan Livingston introduced himself and was welcomed by the Mayor, who informed him of an office available in Town Hall.

Fire Department:

Pancake Supper Results: No representatives present to report results.

Pancake Supper Dates: Discussed during the Wedsworth Trust meeting. Trustee Cornelius suggested reserving the last two Fridays and Saturdays of September.

MLCT Updates (Jodie Campbell):

Analyzed donation trends for pancake suppers, with no significant changes across different weekends.

Spoke about a potential grant to raise the Fire Hall roof.

Planning Board: No scheduled meetings.

Zoning:

Ordinance Updates: None.

Short-Term Rentals (STR):

Grandfathering: Consensus to allow existing properties to remain under previous regulations.

Fees: Suggestions ranged from $500-$1000 annually for enforcement.

Percentage Limits: Concerns over using percentages vs. allowing a set number of homes.

Specific Cases: Questions raised about classifying certain property types.

Clarity and Documentation: Emphasis on clear written guidelines.

Outcome: Discussion tabled for more information.

Committee Reports/Updates

Water-Sewer Committee:

Utility Billing Adjustments and Past Dues: Presented by Clerk Bissell.

Wastewater Project: On track with minimal adjustments. Compliance confirmed by MCEP & CDBG walkthrough.

Resolution 2024-25: Intent to raise sewer rates.

Motion: Councilor Schneider moved to approve. Councilor Clinger seconded.

Ayes: All. Nay: None.

Motion approved.

Well Updates: Public Works Director Joe Voss reported progress on debris removal and neutralization.

Finance Committee:

Claims 12914-12963 presented.

Motion: Councilor Schneider moved to approve. Councilor Riley seconded.

Ayes: All. Nay: None.

Motion approved.

Parks & Recreation Committee:

LWCF/CDBG Grant: Another round of grants available for park updates.

Streets-Sidewalks-Alley Committee:

TA Grant Project: Next phase begins in January. Suggested meeting to decide on sidewalk priorities.

Unfinished Business

Nuisance (101 Front St North):

Vehicles cannot be removed without titles. Clerk Bissell will explore alternative removal options.

Tree Board: No updates. Dead trees in Railroad Park will be removed on December 4.

Swimming Pool: No updates on fundraising.

Fireworks Ordinance: Drafted corrections presented to the council. Approved for attorney review.

New Business

Floodplain Ordinance: Second reading scheduled for November 18, 2024.

Senior & Community Center Handicap Parking:

Discussed ADA requirements and engineer approval for compliance.

Decided to proceed after approvals are obtained.

MDT Speed Limits: Recommendations reviewed.

Public Works Director Hire:

Glen Hoendobbler approved as Public Works Director.

Motion: Councilor Clinger moved to approve. Councilor Schenider seconded.

Ayes: All. Nay: None.

Motion approved.

Resolution 2024-24: Amend FY24 Budget.

Motion: Councilor Schenider moved to approve. Councilor Clinger seconded.

Ayes: All. Nay: None.

Motion approved.

Great West Engineering Amendment: Approved amendment expenditure.

Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items:

Mailers sent to residents regarding potential lead lines.

Public Works Director Joe Voss confirmed regular testing shows no issues.

Employee Reports/Updates:

Town Hall will be closed November 28-29 for Thanksgiving.

Financial Update: Monthly reports distributed.

Adjournment:

Motion: Councilor Clinger moved to adjourn. Councilor Riley seconded.

Ayes: All. Nay: None.

Motion approved.

Next Regular Meeting: December 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.