PHILIPSBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 17th, 2018
7:00 P.M. Philipsburg Town Hall
Council in Attendance: Mayor Daniel Reddish, DuWayne Ulrich, John Johnson, Carl Sundstrom, and Nicole Nelch. Others in attendance: Town Clerk Reed Speegle and Town Attorney Robet Medof.
Cindy Standall - Utility Easement Resolution
Mayor Reddish read the resolution. Councilman Ulrich made the motion to approve the resolution, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Minutes of Prior Meetings
Councilwoman Nelch made the motion to approve the minutes from March 20th, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Bills Payable
Councilwoman Nelch made the motion to approve the bills payable, Councilman Ulrich seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Park Trail
Reed Speegle said that the ad for public bids had been put in the Philipsburg Mail and that he had submitted the first draw to ensure the grant was still active.
Sewer Lagoon/InterCap/CIP Update
Mayor Reddish said he was coordinating with engineer and that the leak test study plan was to be done by 4/30. Mayor Reddish informed the Council that the InterCap loan would not be finalized until the first draw. Councilwoman Nelch asked that the attorney review the bond resolution.
PERS Determination
Mayor Reddish stated the intention was to cash in a CD of which a portion of the proceeds would go towards the PERS fine.
Remove Personnel Policy Section from Town Code
Councilman Johnson gave some background on the issue. Robert Medof said that this had actually been done by Resolution in 2008. Robert stated that what needed to be amended was the language concerning the mayor. Councilman Ulrich made the motion to amend the language concerning the Mayor, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Dog Waste Stations
Mayor Reddish said he had talked with Craig Sorensen and he had agreed to make the signs.
Budget FY18-19
Councilwoman Nelch stated that she had distributed the budget memos to staff members which the finance committee would review. She also informed the Council that the budget schedule may need to be amended as there was a possibility she would be out of town for an extended period of time in May. Councilwoman Nelch had reviewed the Town’s Blackfoot contract and gotten quotes from MMIA for health insurance. She also posed the idea of designating someone as an authorized representative for the Town for public auction of surplus supply.
Water & Sewer Main Policy
Robert Medof wanted the Public Works Director and the Town Crew to review the policy before it is finalized. Councilwoman Nelch wanted to send out a public mailing with the policy included. Councilman Ulrich made the motion to approve the policy with appropriate edits as the Public Work Director, Town Crew, and Mayor see fit, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Town Website & Social Media
Councilwoman Nelch stressed that the Town needed the login information for the its social media. Mayor Reddish asked if it was the Council’s intention to give 30 days notice for the cancellation of the website contract with Quantum IT. Councilman Sundstrom made the motion to cancel the contract by giving 30 days notice, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Rural Economic Designs Contract
Councilwoman Nelch said it was the recommendation of the Finance Committee to terminate the contract with Rural Economic Designs. Robert Medof said that the reason was due to a loss of funding. Councilman Johnson made the motion to cancel the contract, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Electric Contract with School
Councilwoman Nelch wanted the Town to review its electric contract with the School. Robert Medof said it would be a good idea to talk with the School as well as NWEnergy concerning how our electric production and sale of electricity works. Mayor Reddish said a review would be good and that it may just require the Town to amend the contract.
NON AGENDA ITEMS
Council
Councilwoman Nelch asked for consent to leave from 4/23/18 to 6/18/18. The Council did not have issue with this.
Mayor Reddish brought up the fact the Council was still down two members and suggested advertising for it in the paper again.
Councilwoman Nelch suggested meeting in the near term with the Library and the PIA. Mayor Reddish said that that would apply to the Rotary as well.
Mayor Reddish stated that the potential water sale to Rio Tinto was no longer on the table at the prices previously discussed and they were seeking other parties to do business with. Councilman Johnson made the motion to reapproach Rio Tinto at 7 cents per gallon, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Public Comment on Matters within the Town Council’s Jurisdiction
Councilman Johnson made the motion to adjourn at 8:33, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.