Minutes 10/05/2009

 

 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE TOWN OF COLUMBUS,

COLUMBUS, MONTANA, HELD OCTOBER 5, 2009 AT 7;30 P.M.

 

The meeting was opened with the Pledge with Mayor Woltermann presiding. Council persons present were Gary Anderson, Patty Sundberg, Terry Nystul, Jon Brown, Paul Edwards and Harold Houghton. Officers present were Fire Chief Cowger, Chief Pronovost, DPW Holten, Attorney Howard and Clerk Barndt.

Irmgard Houghton, Tom Arrowsmith, Forrest Mandeville

The Mayor asked Council if they had reviewed the minutes of the 9/21/09 meeting and were there any additions, deletions or corrections? Houghton moved to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Nystul, roll call; all-yes.

The Mayor asked for approval of the September claims. Nystul moved to approve the claims, seconded by Brown, roll call; all-yes.

Petitions and Communications

Tom Arrowsmith, AHO Construction, and Forrest Mandeville, Planning Office, were here again regarding the Mourning Dove Subdivision Concept Plan and the Subdivision Improvements Agreement. Forrest told Council that he, Cal Cumin, Tom Arrowsmith and Doug Howard had worked on the language of the conditions of the proposed 113 lot subdivision. Arrowsmith stated that he had read the letter and agreed with all conditions. Attorney Howard referred Council to the letter to Tom dated 10/5/09 which describes the conditions to be met for AHO to continue the process. Doug recommended a motion to have the Mayor sign the letter. Edwards moved to have the mayor sign the letter, seconded by Nystul, roll call; all-yes.

Attorney Howard stated that the Subdivision Improvements Agreement is still being reviewed and will be ready to be signed at a later date.

Reports of Officers

Rich asked for a motion to approve Rich Hayner as the latest member of the Fire Department. Nystul moved to approve the request, seconded by Houghton, roll call; all-yes.

There were no questions for Bill.

Dennis reported that work on the water tank will start next week, weather permitting. The company has the ability to put heat inside the tank if necessary. If they get shut down by weather, there will be no additional mobilization costs.

He asked for approval of a late claim for putting rain gutters on the Public Works Building (shop). Houghton moved to approve the claim, seconded by Nystul, roll call; all-yes.

Nystul asked Doug about the sale of the old CVFD siren tower as it has been declared surplus. Doug stated that Council can sell property with a 2/3 majority of the Council. Council discussed the matter and asked Rich if he was in favor. He was. Edwards moved to sell the tower for $200.00, seconded by Houghton, roll call; all-yes.

Ron stated the obvious, there had been no public hearing on the budget. It was discovered that two notices were required and there had been only one. This will require a Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Unfinished Business

Ron pointed out two corrections on the budget document, the first was an increase to part time wages in Cemetery, the second was a like decrease in part time wages in Pool. These changes did not change the bottom line total in the General Fund.

The Mayor asked if there was any further budget discussion? Dennis stated that he would like to comment. His point was on the personnel side of the budget. He said that he was shocked and disappointed with the result of the wage increases. He said that he was concerned about the process or lack of it. The Department Heads had gotten together as usual and decided what they would ask for in increases. He faulted himself for not being forceful enough in that area. We had all agreed that we would ask for COLA and a step as we have in the past. This needs to be discussed at a meeting, but if a quorum is present, then it must be done at a Council meeting.

He asked, are Town employees at their limit for wages? He would like to change the process for next year. Edwards agreed that we should look at it next year

Dennis wondered how Council came up with the 1/5% increase? Anderson stated that they had followed the County’s lead. Dennis reminded Council that the Town is not the County.

The Mayor stated that he will appoint two Council members to meet with the Department Heads to work out wage details early in the process next year. Anderson said that he would like to see a long range wage plan. The Mayor stated his dissatisfaction with the high cost of health care. Sundberg stated that this was the second time she remembered hearing Dennis talk about a better process.

Comments not on the Agenda

The Mayor reported that Council had now received three letters regarding the (rumored) removal of the lilac hedge at the Railroad Park. Civic Groups want them to remain and we should replace the dead one the railroad killed with weed spray several years ago. As far as noise goes, the hedge or a fence will not stop the train noise, but a quiet zone will, which is in the works.

Council thought that if these groups want the hedge, they should help to keep it clean. The Mayor said that Project Hope had received quite a bit of money as a memorial to Linda Kurtz and they want to plant flowers around the light pole bases. Nystul would like to see a plan for improvements for that park.

The next item was a conversation the Mayor had had with Melissa Kramer regarding complaints about the pool. Some, who don’t live in Town, would like to see an Olympic size indoor pool. Council discussed the cost for that suggestion, including maintenance, upkeep, wages, etc.

The next item was a question from Nystul. He wanted to know if all employees were turning in time cards? Ron stated that we don’t use Time Cards, but all submit a time sheet to him which is signed by the employee and supervisor.

Irmgard Houghton stated that if the Park hedge were trimmed, it would be easier to keep clean.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

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GARY WOLTERMANN, MAYOR

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RONALD D. BARNDT, CLERK-TREASURER