Monday, August 5, 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 and Jon Sheehy
Staff present: Wendy Kleinsasser
Public: John McDunn of KLJ, Luke LaLiberty, KLJ,Paul and Bonnie O’Gorman, Lorrie Merrill
Approval of Meeting Minutes: Rich Jespersen moved to approve the June meeting minutes. Krystyl Kulbeck seconded and the motion passed.
Blaine Ophus was sworn in as Council Member Ward 1.
Sheriff’s Report: None
Public Comment: None
Pivot: John McDunn reported that the discharge permit should be done by next week. He took some samples to test for nitrogen. The test areas that were irrigated looks good and he advises that at least an inch be used each time they irrigate. The alfalfa, barley and one grass look good. He recommends prepubescent wheat grass.
New Pool report: The Council received an agreement form from Interstate Engineering. It was decided that the pool committee meet and review the agreement.
Old Pool report: The school will use the pool for a couple of weeks when school starts.
KLJ: SCADA: They are still waiting from DEQ.
Big Sandy Medical Center planning grant: KLJ will be sending out a flier inviting the public to an informational meeting on September 5.
Bear Paw Development: Sara Strissel of Bear Paw Development gave the council an update on where things stand with the Brownsfield project (the old hotel). There needs to be testing for lead paint. There was much discussion about having local volunteers help with the project. At least one volunteer each day is needed for a 2-3 week period. They would receive 8 hours of training but will not be in direct contact with what is called friable materials, only what is called clean materials. Also needed to be supplied by the town would be an excavator and side dumpers to haul the contaminated materials to the land fill in Hill County. Any liability coverage would have to be provided by the town. The Mayor will reach out to the County commission to see if they can provide any assistance. Various ideas were exchanged as to how to make this happen.
New Business
O’Gorman’s requested that the town reimburse them for the flood damage to their basement June 21 after a very hard rainstorm in June. As there is a question as to which entity is responsible for the maintenance in the area where the rainwater breached the dike and spread throughout the south east section of town, it was determined that the clerk reach out to the Town’s insurer and request they investigate.
Preliminary budget: The clerk handed out copies of the preliminary budget for the council to review. There will be a work session/council meeting held August 21 at 7 p.m.
HB 355: The clerk will send out the information on this grant. The town is eligible for $71,000.00, with a 25% match.
Resolution 2024-01-Bear Paw participation: This will be held over until the meeting August 21 as the clerk wanted to check into some wording on the resolution.
Airport application for federal assistance: This is a request for the city/county airport. The town is not responsible for any costs or grant management. Jon Sheehy moved that the Mayor sign the application, Krystyl Kulbeck seconded and the motion passed.
Triangle Telephone capital credits: Jon Sheehy moved that the town not accept the settlement amount. Rich Jespersen seconded and the motion passed.
Old Business
Community Decay: Rich Jespersen reported that he will get in touch with the Judge and county attorney for an update. This will be on the agenda August 21.
Emergency Preparedness: There is nothing new to report.
Committee Reports: None
Mayor: None
Public Works: None
Clerk: The shut off list was distributed electronically. The Clerk would like to look into the possibility of created a special assessment that would help cover the cost of equipment replacement.
The correspondence was distributed.
Claims: Rich Jespersen moved to accept the claims; Krystyl Kulbeck seconded; motion passed.
General Journal Voucher: Rich Jespersen moved to accept JV 2024-01. Krystyl Kulbeck seconded; motion passed.
The next meeting will be August 21 and the regular council meeting will be held on September 5.
Anything to be brought before the Council.
Krystyl Kulbeck moved to adjourn. Rich Jespersen seconded and the motion passed.
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