Froid Council Addresses Property Sale, Noise Concerns
The Froid Town Council approved the sale of two town-owned properties, discussed late-night noise complaints and considered what would be needed to operate the community’s water depot yearround during its Aug. 10 meeting.
The council unanimously approved a resolution declaring townowned properties at 203 First St. N. and 205 First St. N. as surplus. The resolution authorizes town staff to sell the properties.
Mayor Sheri Crain also reported receiving complaints about a resident working on loud motorcycles and other vehicles late at night and into the early morning. Crain contacted dispatch and a deputy was expected to patrol the area.
Council member Laurie Young suggested updating the town’s noise ordinance to establish quiet hours.
Public Works director Alan Engelke updated the council on several projects and maintenance concerns. A resident with climbing experience recently volunteered to secure an open hatch on the town’s water tower without charging for the work. Council members discussed whether the resident should receive compensation for the service.
Engelke also reported continued difficulty getting monthly water samples to a Billings laboratory within the required 30-hour period. Four of the last six mailed samples did not arrive on time. For the past two months, Engelke has driven the samples to Astro-Chem in Williston, N.D.
Annual maintenance was recently completed on the town’s two lift station generators, including oil and battery changes. Engelke also ordered a new transducer for the water depot, but problems with the equipment required him to reinstall the old unit while he seeks assistance from the manufacturer.
Crain said she contacted Mark Ellerkamp about a leak in the town shop roof, who agreed to inspect it.
Council members also discussed the possibility of operating the water depot throughout the year. Engelke said the north well would need a new pump. After reviewing the depot’s monthly revenue and expenses, the council tabled the matter until its September meeting.
No representative from the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Department attended the meeting, but council members reviewed the department’s July call summary. Town Clerk LeAnn Johnson said reports showed an unusually high number of rural calls associated with the Froid area.
After the report was run a second time with the same results, undersheriff John Summers said he would review the rural Froid mapping zone to help determine where the calls originated.
The council received an update on the town’s American Rescue Plan Act project. Staffing changes delayed the final funding draw, but the town received documents prepared by Great West Engineering for signatures on the day of the meeting.
Council members reviewed delinquent water, sewer and garbage accounts. Crain said the town will not file tax liens at this time.
The council also approved its August claims, including additional payments of $146.95 to Montana State Fund and $241.41 to Agland Co-op.
In other business, Crain said the Froid Fire Department would like to install an internet booster at the Community Center. She plans to contact resident and Nemont employee Joseph Kohl about the installation.
The council scheduled its fiscal year 2027 budget hearing for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31.
