City Council Considers MMIP Awareness Walk, WPPD Loses Another Officer
Prior to the regular public meeting, members of the Wolf Point City Council heard an update from Great West Engineering’s Greg Lukasik. He provided eligibility information for rural development and community block grants for use on city projects. He also discussed nuances of applying American Rescue Plan Act funding to city projects.
Following the pledge, Brianna Vine and Shelli Isle from Great Northern Development Corporation addressed the council regarding demolition projects on Custer Street. Vine said there are four projects under development; two basements (demolished properties) and two standing buildings. Environmental testing found asbestos at the two standing structures. Vine said two processes are moving forward independently in pursuit of asbestos abatement and $121,000 is needed to remove the roof from one and of the properties. The other property will be fully demolished. Isle said sub-grants are available involving a twenty percent match. Bids for construction on the GNDC piloted projects will go out Monday, April 25. “We’re on track to have our portion demoed by May 20,” said Isle.
May 5 is a national day of awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous people. There were inquiries from the public about the permitting process for a possible awareness walk.
Mayor Chris Dschaak invited the organizer to stop by the city office for assistance with the process, but indicated that a walk is a possibility.
There was an update about the poor performance of the fuel incentive program at L.M. Clayton Airport. Cape Air is no longer housing a plane in Wolf Point overnight, impacting fuel sales dramatically. Dschaak said he believed the airline may go back to old schedule in July.
Cemetery expansion was discussed at an April 13 committee meeting. Their report discussed three possible phases of construction and possible costs involved. Leveling efforts are expected to be competed by fall of 2022.
Clean Sweep is active April 18-30 reported the sanitation committee. See the current Clean Sweep article in this issue for more information.
The urban renewal committee discussed options for working with the Fort Peck Tribes to address blight in the form of tribally owned vacant and/or damaged properties.
Another member of the Wolf Point Police Department has resigned following the recent resignation of Officer Dave Betshismedicine. Officer Erik Bridge is no longer with the department. No explanation was offered.
Applicants for the police chief position were also discussed, including a mix of local and out-of-state applicants. It was the recommendation of the hiring committee that the position continue to be advertised as applicants are evaluated.
The next regular meeting is set for May 16 at 7 p.m. An agenda meeting is scheduled for May 10 at 8 a.m.
