Thursday, May 9, 2024 @ 7:00 PM
Regular Meeting
Mayor Shaud Schwarzbach called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Council members present: Krystyl Kulbeck, Rich Jespersen, Danielle Weaver and Jon Sheehy
Staff present: Leslie Gregory, Wendy Kleinsasser and Tim Labuda
Public: Luke LaLiberty and John McDunn of KLJ, Dennis Hale, Vern Burdick, Jeremy Echols, Clete Ophus
Approval of Meeting Minutes: Rich Jespersen moved to approve both sets of the February meeting minutes. Jon Sheehy seconded and the motion passed.
Sheriff’s Report: Sheriff Burdick attended the meeting to discuss the issue of open burning in Big Sandy. He gave the Council an update on the state codes regarding fire pits and reckless endangerment concerning people who have fires that are not in compliance with the codes. Should someone see evidence of open burning, he advises the call 911 and sign a complaint and a deputy will called to assess the situation. If necessary the fire department will be called in.
Public Comment: None
Pivot: A drill has been rented to be used on the test sites. PWD will seed next week and we need some sample results from the lab on the irrigation if they use it.
New Pool report: Rich had a conference call with the grant contact and the grant has been unofficially approved.
Old Pool report: Pool Manager Leslie Gregory is having a meeting will potential lifeguards. Council member Rich Jespersen expressed interest in helping out at the pool.
KLJ: PWD Tim LaBuda reported on the pump station being overwhelmed during the recent heavy rain storm. He will order extra pumps to have on hand if needed.
Gary Johnson is working on an updated budget for the SCADA project.
Bear Paw Development: The public comment period for the Old Hotel ends April 22 so there was nothing to report.
New Business
BSMC pass through grant: Rich Jespersen moved that we serve as a pass though for their storm drain planning grant. Krystyl Kulbck seconded; motion passed.
Pool pass rates: Rich Jespersen moved that the family pass rate be raised to $150.00 and the individual rate be raised to $75.00. Open swim rates to remain the same. Jon Sheehy seconded and the motion passed on a three to one vote, with Krystyl Kulbeck voting against the motion.
RFQ selection: The Council interviewed two firms to act as the engineers/architects for the new pool. They were Architects Alaska/KLJ and Interstate Engineering. The Mayor opened it up for discussion, with the Council expressing their opinions and asking questions of the representative from KLJ who was in attendance. Changes in the size of the pool and pool house were brought up as the estimates came in higher than expected. After much discussion, a motion was made by Krystyl Kulbeck to select Interstate, Danielle Weaver second, which passed by a three to one vote, with Jon Sheehy voting nay as he had not been there for the entire interview process. After more discussion, Kyrstyl Kulbeck moved to amend the motion to hold off on a final vote until the pool committee met with the Council for more discussion. Danielle Weaver seconded and the motion passed. It was pointed out by KLJ that after you enter into negotiations if things don’t work out, the Town can opt for another firm.
Old Business
Community Decay: There is a hearing scheduled for May 23 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council meeting room.
Firemen’s Agreement: Krystyl Kulbeck reported that she and Jon Sheehy had met with the fire department as is agreed upon in the Interlocal Agreement.
Emergency Preparedness: Krystyl Kulbeck asked that the town designate Dusty Allderdice as the town’s representative for DES, with Krystyl being her back up. It was suggested that Tim Bahnmiller, as fire chief, be included. The Clerk will notify them when another meeting is scheduled with DES.
Committee Reports: None
Mayor: None.
Public Works: None
Clerk: The shut off list was distributed electronically.
The correspondence was distributed.
Claims: Jon Sheehy moved to accept the claims; Rich Jespersen seconded; motion passed.
General Journal Voucher: Rich Jespersen moved to accept JV 2024-10. Danielle Weaver seconded; motion passed.
The next meeting will be June 6
Anything to be brought before the Council. A local rancher came to the Council to report that he had lost a cow and two calves and was concerned that it may be from discharge from the lagoons. He is having tests run and a vet is trying to determine the cause of death. The Town has sent in samples to the lab and is waiting for results. It was pointed out that any discharge is run through the UV system but both parties need to do their due diligence.
Rich Jespersen moved to adjourn. Danielle Weaver seconded and the motion passed.
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