PHILIPSBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 5th, 2023
7:00 P.M. Philipsburg Town Hall
Council in Attendance: Mayor Daniel Reddish, Gary Fujinami (video), Carl Sundstrom, Jason White, Scott Lyons, Lorraine Dell-Bishop, and John Laigaie. Others in attendance: Town Clerk Reed Speegle, Clerk-in-Training Rachel Parret, Ed Roseboom, Grant Writer Maureen Connor (video), Sue Sweeney, Dannis Panish, Barbara Cahill, Jim Lochridge, and DuWayne Ulrich (video).
Dennis Panish – Septic Variance Request/Kearney Sewer
Dennis explained that his sewer line had been blocking up at 31 Business Loop and then runs under the highway and then several blocks before connecting to the main. Ed Roseboom said that it was a unique situation and that he didn’t think Montana DOT would grant a variance to Dennis to replace the line. Ed was in favor granting the variance but then requested that Dennis fill the old line with concrete. The Council asked a couple question about specifics. Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the septic variance request, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
STANDING REPORTS
Sheriff
No report.
Library Board
Report submitted. Barbara Cahill explained that there was an open board position for the Library and requested that the seat be filled by Sue Sweeney by appointment from the Council. The term would last for 5 years from 7/1/23. Councilman Lyons made the motion to appoint Sue Sweeney to the open Library Board position, Councilwoman Dell-Bishop seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Barbara then talked about ongoing programs and events at the Library. Mayor Reddish then read a letter from Gina Vale requesting funds from old mills that had been allocated to the Library. Reed Speegle explained how much money it was and where it came from. Councilman Lyons made the motion to disburse the funds to the Library, Councilwoman Dell-Bishop seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Chamber of Commerce
No report.
Planning Board
Jim Lochridge thanked the Council for his appointment to the Planning Board and said that meetings were on the 1st Thursday of every month.
Fire Department
No report.
Grant Writer
No report.
Director of Public Works
Ed Roseboom talked about water main leaks and plugged sewers. He said the water filtration pilot project was underway and going well. He said the crew was getting the E Broadway water line project lined up as well as working on roads and culverts around town. Mayor Reddish talked about vacuuming the storm sewer. Ed talked about going up to Fred Burr and doing some maintenance as well as the ongoing Blackfoot fiber project. Councilman Fujinami asked about wipes clogging sewer mains. Councilman Lyons asked about trash removal downtown. Ed said he would like the businesses to pay for trash removal in the future.
Town Attorney
No report.
Town Clerk
Reed Speegle said that his replacement Rachel Parret was in the office and in training.
Minutes of Prior Meetings
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the minutes from 6/20/23 with edits, Councilman Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Payroll and Bills Payable
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the payroll, Councilman White seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the bills payable, Councilman Laigaie 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 Sundstrom seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Project Request Payments
Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve Pioneer Technical invoice #20051, Councilman Laigaie seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Councilman White made the motion to approve HDR invoice #30968, Councilman Laigaie seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Sewer Lagoon Update
Maureen Connor said that the Town was advertising for bid for the project. She informed the Council of a pre-bid walk through meeting on July 17th at 10:00 a.m. and a bid opening meeting on July 27th at 2:00 p.m. These would both be special meetings.
Water ARPA Update
Ed Roseboom talked further about the pilot project. Maureen Connor said the Town should expect larger bills from HDR in the near future. She said the water holding tank study would be upcoming and then talked about federal grants for electric generation.
Triple Tree Task Order RAC Road
Not received by the Town.
NEW BUSINESS
MCEP Stormwater Application Resolution
Mayor Reddish read the resolution. Maureen Connor said the Town had already acquired a smaller PER grant for the stormwater system. Councilman Lyons made the motion to approve the resolution, Councilman Laigaie seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.
Justice of the Peace Contract
Reed Speegle gave some background on the contract. Mayor Reddish said he would speak with the judge.
School Electric Contract
Mayor Reddish gave some background on the topic. Councilman Lyons said he would reach out to the school and to NW Energy to get more clarity on the issue. Reed Speegle talked about the issues with the Electric Fund.
Budget Schedule
A meeting was scheduled for July 12th at 10:00 a.m.
Leash Ordinance
Councilman Sundstrom wanted to talk about the existing leash laws downtown. The Council had a brief conversation about the current ordinances and enforcement. Mayor Reddish said he would send the Ordinance to the Sherriff.
Treasurer Consultant Contract
Mayor Reddish told the Council that Reed Speegle was willing to stay on in a consultant role with the Town and he would speak to the Town Attorney about drafting a contract.
NON AGENDA ITEMS
Council
Mayor Reddish informed the Council that Blackfoot would be paying for the replacement line locator.
Mayor Reddish thanked Councilman Laigaie for his efforts on July 4th. Councilman Laigaie gave a recap of the events.
Public Comment on Matters within the Town Council’s Jurisdiction
No comment.
Councilman Lyons made the motion to adjourn at 9:02, Councilwoman Dell-Bishop seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.