Wolf Point City Council Approves Grant Apps, ARPA Funding
Malhum Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award
The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 18.
City Clerk Marlene Malhum said she had the city’s boiler inspected, as it is 28 years old, leaking and needs to be replaced. She added that there is a need to remove some records to make space.
The council approved a second round of records removal/ destruction, including claims from 2011-13 and other records dating back to 2002 including customer files and time records.
More vandalism at gazebo has been reported. Mayor Chris Dschaak suggested that it would probably be best to wait until spring to make the repairs. Council Member Erik Johannessen said he helped pick up glass and litter in the area recently. He wondered if bushinesses could be asked to clean their respective areas. It was suggested that the council look into ordinances for businesses to encourage them to clean up their gutters and drains.
Wolf Point Police Chief Jeff Harada provided his activity report. He said nuisance letters are still going out.
Wastewater improvements funding was approved in the amount of $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. A task order was approved for Great West Engineering in the amount of $513,900 for planned sewer improvements. Dschaak said the work will be funded entirely by grants with no cost to the city.
A Community Development Block Grant application was signed by Dschaak and approved by the council.
The council also approved a low income energy assistance contract for the purpose of supplementing water bills for residents in financial need. Details are pending.
Progress continues from the planning and urban renewal committee. Members gave a report including two local residents who spoke to the committee about the state of local blighted properties, residents at the addresses and squatters in and around the area. They reported that as many as 15 people may be living in the areas covered on Wolf Point’s south side. They discussed pending walkthrough of properties, to be conducted by the police department. City attorney Anna Rose Sullivan said illegal occupants and squatters do not have legal rights to stay in blighted properties, but notice will be given regarding evictions and due process will be employed. The council passed a motion to authorize Great Northern Development Corporation to have their inspectors do testing on various properties for toxic substances.
“We’re moving forward,” said Dschaak. “Not at the speed of light, but we’re moving.
During personnel policy and wage, the council approved an increased wage for Jhona Peterson by $3.50 in two phases while she prepares to take over from Malhum as clerk/treasurer. Peterson has accepted the clerk/treasurer position. She will be subject to a six-month trial period.
Malhum presented her activity report. Expense reports for September were approved, as were treasurer’s cash reports for July and August. The council also approved the city’s investment report.
Malhum said she was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Montana League of Cities and Towns virtual conference. She has served the city for more than 40 years.
Public works director Ward Smith provided his activity report. He discussed the possibility of employing cameras at different locations around the dump for security and oversight. He said theft has been an issue.
The next full council meeting is set for Nov. 15. The planning and urban renewal committee will meet Nov. 9.
