PHILIPSBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
August 21st, 2018
7:00 P.M. Philipsburg Town Hall
Council in Attendance: Mayor Daniel Reddish, DuWayne Ulrich, John Johnson, and Carl Sundstrom. Council absent: Nicole Nelch. Others in attendance: Town Clerk Reed Speegle, Public Works Director John Vukonich, Town Attorney Robet Medof, Derek Kuhl, Kerry Hatcher, Larry Holmes, and Doretta Bauer.
Derek Kuhl – Vacant Council Seat
Derek had submitted a letter of intent to serve on the Town Council. Mayor Reddish read his letter of intent. The Council asked him a few questions about his background, his employment, and his intentions for the future. Councilman Ulrich made the motion to appoint Derek Kuhl to the Town Council, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Mayor Reddish then swore in Derek Kuhl to the Town Council.
Kerry Hatcher – Water Hookup
Mayor Reddish recapped the situation to the Council and then asked Robert Medof for his opinion on the matter. Robert had looked through the information presented by Mr. Hatcher at the previous meeting and it was his opinion that the right to water did apply to the specific acreage owned by Mr. Hatcher. Councilman Sundstrom asked about the current lines on the property and their functionality. A short discussion was had among the Council, Mr. Hatcher, and John Vukonich about this issue but no one knew decisively what the lines were for. Mayor Reddish stated that while he agreed that Mr. Hatcher had the right to water, that the service of water wasn’t necessarily the Town’s burden. It was decided that the first step would be to look in to the condition of the existing lines on Mr. Hatcher’s property and then proceed from there.
Dave Benson – Road Access
Mayor Reddish gave his opinion that the Town retains access to a 30 ft. road in the right away. He had been in contact with Mr. Benson and instructed Mr. Benson to get a survey conducted if he needed more clarity.
Minutes of Prior Meetings
Councilman Sundstrom made the motion to approve the July 17th minutes, Councilman Ulrich seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Bills Payable
Councilman Ulrich made the motion to approve the bills payable, Councilman Kuhl seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Town Park Trail
Mayor Reddish reported that the construction of the trail was completed but that there was still administrative work that needed to be done for reimbursement. He would also be working to schedule at date for the tree planting around the trail.
Fred Burr Water Line Update
Mayor Reddish informed the Council that the County Commissioners had conducted the first reading of a resolution granting the Town PILT funds. Robert Medof said it would be important to get an ad in the paper for bids as soon as possible. John Vukonich said the cost of the pipe should be included in the bid.
RV Park Water & Sewer Policy
This was tabled.
Personnel Committee Report
Councilman Johnson reported of two meetings with the Town Crew concerning the retirement of John Vukonich and the subsequent transition. Councilman Johnson then recommended raises for Assistant Librarian Leslie Casey, Deputy Town Clerk Sherry Cotton, and Mayor Reddish to be included in the upcoming budget. Councilman Sundstrom asked that the finalized job description for the position of Deputy Town Clerk be included in the next Council meeting agenda.
Vacant Council Seats
Mayor Reddish gave some background on the topic and asked the Council if it was their intention to downsize the Council. Councilman Ulrich made the motion to have Robert Medof draft a resolution wherein the Council seats could range from 4-6 members, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Speed Limits in Town
Mayor Reddish said he was still waiting to meet with the Sherriff concerning this topic. Councilman Sundstrom said he would like to see a representative from the Department every month.
NEW BUSINESS
Set Mill Levy for FY18/19
Preliminary Budget FY18/19 Resolution
Town Clerk Reed Speegle said that a meeting had been scheduled on Thursday, August 23rd at 10 a.m. to set the mill levy and to approve the preliminary budget resolution for FY19.
NON AGENDA ITEMS
Council
Councilman Sundstrom asked about the status of Robert Medof’s development in Town. Mayor Reddish said he would follow up on the issue to get everything finalized.
Public Comment on Matters within the Town Council’s Jurisdiction
Larry Holmes asked about the asphalt patching on Granite St. Mayor Reddish informed that the Town had only received on bid of approximately $36,000 and that the Finance Committee was looking at the issue and how it would fit in to the budget.
Councilman Ulrich made the motion to adjourn at 8:35, Councilman Kuhl seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.