PHILIPSBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 16th, 2019
7:00 P.M. Philipsburg Town Hall
Council in Attendance: Mayor Daniel Reddish, DuWayne Ulrich, John Johnson, Scott Lyons, Nicole Nelch and Derek Kuhl. Council absent: Carl Sundstrom. Others in attendance: Town Clerk Reed Speegle, Director of Public Works Sam Dennis, Town Attorney Robert Medof, Jesse Mullen, Tom Mullen, Grace Silverstein, and Ed Silverstein.
Jesse Mullen – Solstice Celebration
Jesse Mullen told the Council of his intention to revive the solstice celebration in town. It would start with community yoga at 9 a.m at Winninghoff Park. Then a kid’s bike parade at 11 a.m. from Granite Sportland to downtown. Then an outhouse race from 2-5 p.m. downtown. There would also be bands at the pocket park, behind the coffee shop, and at the Brewery. Mayor Reddish told Jesse he would have to contact the MDOT concerning the state highway section of Broadway. Councilwoman Nelch asked that alternative routes be set up for traffic as well as some type of contingency for parked cars downtown. Councilman Johnson made the motion to approve the requests, Councilman Kuhl seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Minutes of Prior Meetings
Councilman Johnson made the motion to approve the minutes from 3/19/19, Councilman Ulrich seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Bills Payable
Councilman Ulrich made the motion to approve the bills payable, Councilman Lyons seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Councilman Johnson asked about the composition of the Firehall Fund.
OLD BUSINESS
Robin Morrison – Alley Abandonment Resolution
Robert Medof informed the Council that there had been two notices in the paper, that a survey had been conducted, and that there were no objections from the adjacent landowners. Councilman Ulrich made the motion to approve the resolution pending the attorney’s sign off and the payment of associated fees, Councilwoman Nelch seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Winninghoff Park Stage
Mayor Reddish said a resolution would be drafted for the Town to assume ownership over the stage. He informed the Council of a scheduled public ceremony on May 30th. Mayor Reddish also noted that the management agreement with the Philipsburg Ice Assocation (PIA) was up for renewal this year. He said he would distribute a copy of the previous agreement.
NEW BUSINESS
Event Application
Councilwoman Nelch stated her intention to formalize the process for events at Town facilities. Mayor Reddish said that most of the discussion up to this point was concerning Winninghoff Park. Councilwoman Nelch thought it was best if this issue went to committee. Sam Dennis was in favor of coming up with a more formalized process.
Internet & Phone Proposal
Councilman Kuhl gave some background and logistics on his proposal to reduce the costs for phone and internet for the Town. Councilman Lyons asked about potential downsides to the proposal. Councilman Kuhl said the only potential downside would be Blackfoot changing its designation for how it bills the Town. Councilman Kuhl stressed that the SCADA radio proposal was entirely separate from this proposal. That proposal would need to be discussed with Joe Mullaney. Sam Dennis said the current system is functional but that it was recommended by Joe Mullaney that the SCADA radios be replaced over the next couple years. It was determined that Councilman Kuhl would meet with Joe Mullaney the next time he was in town on May 8th. Councilwoman Nelch said the internet and phone proposal should be discussed at the next Finance Committee meeting on April 23rd.
NON AGENDA ITEMS
Council
Councilwoman Nelch said she had received budget goals from Councilman Sundstrom, Councilman Kuhl, and Councilman Johnson.
Public Comment on Matters within the Town Council’s Jurisdiction
Tom Mullen expressed his dissatisfaction with the Town abandoning property instead of selling it. There was a discussion as to why the Town had adopted this policy. Tom Mullen said he would call around to other Town’s to see what their policies were.
Councilwoman Nelch made the motion to adjourn at 8:22, Councilman Lyons seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.