PHILIPSBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 6th, 2022
7:00 P.M. Philipsburg Town Hall
Council in Attendance: Mayor Daniel Reddish, John Laigaie, Gary Fujinami, Carl Sundstrom (video), Jason White, and Scott Lyons. Others in attendance: Town Clerk Reed Speegle, Public Works Director Sam Dennis, Grant Writer Maureen Connor, Barbara Cahill, Kendrick Richmond, Justine Richmond, Lorraine Dell-Bishop, Gwyneth Hyndman, and Elena Gagliano (video).
STANDING REPORTS
Sheriff
Report submitted.
Library Board
Barbara Cahill talked about the ALA grant the Library receives annually as well as future plans for the building. She then talked about upcoming events.
Chamber of Commerce
No report.
Parks Board
No report.
Fire Department
No report.
Grant Writer
Maureen Connor talked about the MCEP grant for drinking water that would have to be approved by the State legislature. She discussed the Mayor and Council testifying in the near future in Helena. Maureen then informed the Council of the RDG grant that was awarded to be used as match for the previously awarded WRDA funds. Finally, she talked about solutions for the distribution line in the Stockton alley.
Director of Public Works
Sam Dennis gave a recap of the Red Lion Road project. He stated that recent wastewater testing results were looking good. There was then a discussion between Sam and the Council on DBP and organics in the water distribution lines. The margins on those tests were very thin.
Town Attorney
No report.
Town Clerk
No report.
Minutes of Prior Meetings
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the minutes from 11/15/22 with an edit from Councilman Sundstrom, Councilman Fujinami seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Payroll and Bills Payable
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the payroll, Councilman Fujinami seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the bills payable, Councilman Fujinami seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Water and Sewer Adjustments
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the water and sewer adjustments, Councilman Fujinami seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Project Request Payments
Councilman Fujinami made the motion to approve Triple Tree invoice #22-65-001, Councilman White seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Councilman Fujinami made the motion to approve Triple Tree invoice #22-56-002, Councilman White seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Councilman Fujinami made the motion to approve Great West invoice #27963, Councilman Laigiaie seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Councilman Fujinami made the motion to approve Pioneer Technical invoice #18781, Councilman Laigiaie seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Financials
Councilman Fujinami made the motion to approve the financials, Councilman Laigiaie seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Journal Vouchers
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the journal vouchers, Councilman Fujinami seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Sewer Lagoon Update
Maureen Connor talked about grant reimbursement for the sludge hauling project. She also said that Great West was working with DEQ on final design approval for the lagoon revitalization project. Councilman Lyons asked about the size of the new ponds. Sam Dennis said it would be two smaller ponds.
Growth Plan Update
Mayor Reddish said that Bruce Sunram was still working on the fire protection portion and that Tyler Gentry was going to start work on the historical district mapping.
Water/Sewer Policy
Mayor Reddish reminded everyone of the public hearing scheduled for December 20th.
ARPA #2 Strategy
Mayor Reddish said the State had granted an extension on determining the plan but that the preliminary plan was still the filtration pilot project, an additional holding tank, and distribution lines. Maureen talked about other funding opportunities that could be available in the near future.
Council Vacancy
Mayor Reddish stated that the Town had received two letters of interest and that the Council should schedule interview in January for the candidates.
Code Enforcement
Mayor Reddish talked about a conversation he had with the Sheriff regarding code enforcement. There was some discussion and debate among the Council as to when to bring the Sheriff in to the conversation. The Council determined they would have one meeting prior to meeting with the Sheriff.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
NON AGENDA ITEMS
Council
Mayor Reddish talked about having a Christmas party on December 22th.
Public Comment on Matters within the Town Council’s Jurisdiction
Elena Gagliano talked about a water compact and its’ potential effect on Flint Creek.
Councilman Lyons made the motion to adjourn at 8:45, Councilman Fujinami seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.