7:00 PM

 

 

Mayor Richard Anderson called the meeting to order and opened with the Pledge Of Allegiance.  Town council members present:  Jim Perkins, Dave Flint, Tim Nottingham and Shirley Miller. PWD Mike Ventling, Chief of Police Ralph Dawson,  Town Clerk Brenda Kansala and Town Attorney Hope Freeman were present.

 

Review and Adopt Agenda: Motion by Flint and seconded by Miller to approve the agenda as presented. Approved unanimously.

 

Minutes: Flint said he would like added to the minutes of May 4, 2015, on page 2 at the end of paragraph 3: Regarding the Two Bear parking lot area discussion held on whether Harley Avenue extends through West River Street exit or if there is any other public right of way throughout the Two Bear parking lot area. Motion by Flint and seconded by Perkins to approve the minutes as amended. Approved unanimously.

 

Bills: Motion by Flint and seconded by Nottingham to approve the bills as presented.  Approved unanimously.

 

Employee Reports:

Clerk report was read aloud by clerk. Council received usage/billing summary, billing journal summary, accounts receivable summary and collections history from Black Mountain. Clerk gave to council new cost of postage stamps, stated Strom and Associates will be in office this week for audit review and presented to council letter from State of Montana Gambling Control Division stating Fromberg will receive distribution of  $1150. from Tomahawk Cafe and Casino which had been going County of Bridger is what was stated in the letter. Motion by Flint and seconded by Nottingham to approve clerk report as presented. Approved unanimously.

 

Public works report by Mike Ventling: Ventling included in his report a copy of the Sanitary Survey sent by Montana DEQ and discussion held. Discussion held on getting gravel from Don Schwend in Joliet, bulk water needs to be repaired and any changes will need to be engineered, fire hydrant at corner of West River Street and Montana was repaired today, fire hydrant at corner of West River Street and Harley Avenue will be soon and if water needs to be shut off notification will be made, will need asphalt soon for street repairs, lagoons full and will start discharging. Fromberg Improvement Committee paid for cement pad in the park and will be putting two permanent picnic tables there. Ventling said he will recall Master Meter to check on handheld. Mayor Anderson said public works clothing allowance is being discussed during budget meetings. Motion by Miller and seconded by Nottingham to approve the PWD report as submitted. Approved unanimously.

 

Police report by Chief Ralph Dawson: Discussion held on: welfare checks, trespassing, theft, vandalism, mischief, agency assists, alcohol sales and service warning, DUI, minor in possession and open container, animal control, disorderly conduct, animal control,  casualty call, speeding citations and registration/ drivers license inspections. A report of  ether scent on Lovers Lane. If anyone smells this odor need to let Chief Dawson know time, date and place. Discussion on debris complaint about pile and some of their  equipment stacked up behind The Little Cowboy Bar and neighboring area. Discussion on stop sign citations, parking and reverse U turn warnings. Dawson said June 15 will be anniversary of six years as Chief of Police with  Fromberg. Motion by Flint and seconded by Miller to approve police report as presented. Approved unanimously.

 

Correspondence: Mayor Anderson read aloud letter from State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) announcing House Bill 6 was awarded. The Town of Fromberg ranked 26th and we are to receive grant money in the amount of $125,000.  Mayor Anderson read a letter from Office of the Governor, State of Montana, notifying the Town of Fromberg that House Bill 11 was signed into law on April 27, 2015, by the Department of Commerce, Community Development Division, Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) awarding $750,000 to the town  to complete improvements to its wastewater system. Council also received notice of unemployment insurance tax rates for fiscal year 2016 (7-1-15 thru 6-30-16). Council received rates from MMIA. Mike and Diane Dalin, owners of the Two Bear Tavern, presented to council an event request for  their 10th Anniversary Pig Roast on June 27th with music from 8 PM to 1 AM on June 28th and June 29th outside on the patio area after approval of their floor plan from the state. If floor plan is not approved by that date they will postpone the pig roast to a later date. Discussion held. Motion by Flint and seconded by Miller to allow the live music event and lift the open containers on the public property immediately adjacent to the Two Bear Tavern not including the street as long as complies with their service license funding to the Department of Revenue. Motion by Miller and seconded by Nottingham to amend the original motion to include Two Bear to pay the $75. deposit for the officer on duty for the event by June 15. Approved unanimously. Chief Dawson will notify them in writing of the council decision. Dave Flint brought to council information on traffic speed signs.  Discussion held and will give council time to review this information and discuss at next town council meeting.

 

Carol Jones – Concerned Citizen: Mrs. Jones gave council a letter from herself regarding a burglary at her home. She spoke to council and council was unable to answer her questions as they do not have information of  the case as this case is still pending. Attorney Freeman said there are limitations under the law in  Montana as far as release of criminal justice information and on a pending or ongoing investigation and  council would be violating that law by even discussing it. Mrs. Jones will meet in private with Mayor Anderson and Chief Dawson Tuesday, June 2nd at 9 AM and have Shirley Miller as a witness.

 

Town of Fromberg Special Events Policy: Proposal by Town Attorney Hope Freeman. Council to review and bring to July council meeting.

 

Ordinance 261-Eligibility To Office: An Ordinance Amending 2-1-02 (Eligibility To Office) Of  The Fromberg Municipal Code To Make It Compatible With State Law. Mayor Anderson read this aloud. Discussion held. Flint suggested to add the word a  after the word not and before the word qualified to read: Eligibility To Office. No Person is eligible for any municipal office, elective or appointive, who is not a citizen of the United States, and who has not resided in the municipality or any area which has been annexed thereto for at least 60 days immediately preceding his or her election or appointment, and is not a qualified elector thereof. (Section7-4-4401, MCA) Motion by Nottingham and seconded by Flint to approve this first reading as amended. Nay by Perkins. Motion passed.

 

Carbon County Sheriff Dispatch Contract: Attorney Freeman is asking them for records and documentation as to how the decision was reached for cost. Discussion held.

 

Income Survey: Mayor Anderson said he received a letter from Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) regarding the income survey stating the town does qualify to apply for the CDBG grant in the amount of $400,000.   The original number of surveys sent out sent out 195, three were undeliverable or non residents. They received 141 completed income survey forms. From the 192 households on the final lists the survey results are 37 above income listed and 104 below income listed.

 

Wastewater Project: Discussion on TSEP documents to be signed and returned to Great West Engineering to complete the startup requirements. Council will set up a special meeting with him as he is on vacation at this time.

 

2015 – 2016 Budget Workshops and times: Council set up workshops for Tuesdays, June 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th at 7:00 PM.

 

Zoning Committee: No business.

 

Old Business: Will be planting memorial tree in park for Arthur Lee (Buddy) Holwegner from daughter Tara Lee Holwegner -  Bertucci from Reno, NV.

 

Other Business: Discussion on Kevin Berckmoes property.

 

Public Comment: (For those items NOT on the agenda): Mark Vargas will be making an offer to the town to purchase the 10 acres at the Barley Field. George Parsons told council he has had property stolen from his premises. He has heard nothing and would like to know what is going on. Mayor Anderson told him to discuss this with Chief Dawson or the county attorney. (Dawson was out of council chambers talking with Attorney Freeman when this conversation was taking place). Shirley Miller lead discussion regarding disgruntled persons.

 

Next Regular Town Council Meeting Date: Monday, July 6, 2015, at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall of Fromberg.

 

Adjourn: Motion by Miller and seconded by Nottingham to adjourn the meeting.  Approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned.