Broadus Town Council Minutes

TOWN OF BROADUS

Regular Council Meeting

November 14, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

In Attendance: Mayor Chad Gatlin, Public Works Cassidy Zimmer, Public Works Raymond Ragsdale, Councilperson Wanda Smith, Councilperson Cody Morris, Councilperson Lori Turnbough, Councilperson Raevyn Slovek, Clerk/Treasurer Josie Morris

Guests: Sheriff Devin Boman, Kurt and Cassie Copps, Margaret Scoles, as well as representatives from Range, Vantage, and Anderson Companies.

Mayor Chad Gatlin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Following the pledge of allegiance council reviewed the previous minutes. Councilperson Turnbough made a motion to approve previous minutes, councilperson Morris second the motion; motion carried.

Unfinished business began with Clerk Morris addressing the possible water/sewer/garbage rate increase as directed by the auditor. Bobbie from MT Rural Waterworks came on October 18th and completed a rate analysis of the Town, she will be back in early December to present the findings and suggested course of action.

New business began with Red’s Fireworks wanting further clarification on where they can set the firework stand. If not allowed in the park they requested the reasoning behind it. Clerk Morris and Public Works Zimmer explained what information was received from Montana Municipal Interlock Authority (MMIA) on why the “permanent structure” such as a Conex box is not covered by the liability insurance. The Town is not covered with liability to ensure a “permanent structure” on the Town right-of-way even though the Red’s Fireworks has their own liability insurance. Clerk Morris will reconvene with MMIA for further clarification on what is needed to resolve the issue and then be in touch with Red’s Fireworks.

Next, Margaret Scoles with the Tree Board came to officially establish who the point of contact for the Town would be since Peggy retired. Clerk Morris had stepped in as the point of contact and helped Margaret with the Tree City USA application and report on Arbor Day. Clerk Morris volunteered to remain the point of contact for the Town of Broadus in coordination with the Tree Board. Margaret discussed the need for support on locations that trees are needed as well as guaranteed assistance with managing the trees once planted. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Tree Board or offering your time to get in touch with Margaret Scoles. The Board’s main event each year is to plant trees with students for Arbor Day.

Then, Art, a manager with the fiber optic project along with John from Range, and Mark with Anderson Company began discussing their closing cleanup. Crews plan to leave for the Thanksgiving holiday and set to return the following week. “Cleanup” consists of maintenance to alleys and other areas where they have dug up the ground. Mayor Gatlin introduced the question of Anderson Company purchasing gravel and the Town handling the cleanup to our specs. Mark stated that this was a very possible outcome according to his boss. A meeting between Mayor Gatlin, Public Works Zimmer, and Mark will be set to determine quantity of gravel needed, cost, etc. Splicing crews will work for 3-4 weeks then things will be settled for the winter. The second phase of this project will happen in the spring of 2024 when Range comes to every individual house and/or business to connect the service inside each building. All exterior work should be completed by end of this year aside from minor work near the manor and NW of Town. The council was presented with a map showcasing what areas have been worked on as well as what areas will be for Spring 2024.

Public Works Ragsdale informed the council that he got the lagoon all set for winter and is successfully pumping into cell one. He reported on the water tap being completed for Kinzer’s as well as a new sewer tap for the Faith Bible Parsonage. Lead and copper tests were completed along with all necessary reports making us all set for another three years. Ragsdale then informed the council of the House Bill 355, State-Local Infrastructure Partnership Act of 2023 that allocated funds to cities and towns. The November 6, 2023 meeting with SEMDC to discuss the needs of the Town and County, Jim Atchison and Julie Emmons Stoddard informed the Town of the $51,370 that would be received from this bill. There is a cash match required but meetings will be set at a later date to discuss projects and paperwork needed.

Public Works Zimmer reported on finishing all the cold mix patching in October, drainage work in the park, as well as maintenance and repairs on alleys. Zimmer redid the wooden sign on the Town Office with hopes of replacing it with a metal sign in the next couple years as the wood continues to break down over time. The plow was installed on Snow-white (newer white dump pickup) and we were able to save money on the plow along with some suspension work by having it done in Rapid City, SD instead of Billings, MT. Zimmer and Clerk Morris also finalized a cleanup checklist to coordinate with the key points in the Community Nuisance and Decay Ordinance that was passed in January 2023. This checklist was created with the hopes of making it easier to list violations and offer a clear understanding to residents on the requirements. This checklist will be used in the Spring of 2024 to get an early start on cleanup. All town resources are available via request to aid in cleanup. Mayor Gatlin also approved the checklist for use. Two totes of emulsions were received and used. Lastly, Zimmer has been aiding Christine Appleman with organization of the new Recycling Center building.

Sheriff Boman requested copies of enforceable ordinances to aid the Town with enforcement. Digital copies will be given to Sheriff’s office by the end of the month.

With nothing further before the council, Councilperson Morris moved to adjourn, Councilperson Slovek second the motion. Mayor Gatlin adjourned this meeting of the Broadus Town Council at 7:24 p.m.

Chad Gatlin, Mayor

Josie Morris, Clerk/ Treasurer