Chris Allen selected as Plains' interim mayor

Tracy Scott Clark Fork Valley Press, Clark Fork Valley Press & Mineral Independent, Plains, Mont.
·2 min read

Jan. 11—The Plains Town Council meeting last week had a different feeling without longtime Mayor Dan Rowan's leadership. Rowan has moved on to help shape the future of Sanders County government as a newly elected County Commissioner.

Change is inevitable and Tuesday's Plains Town Council meeting was all about change.

Council president Chris Allen opened the meeting reading the last mayor's report from Rowan. The report touched on the new sewer lagoon odor caused by colder winter temperatures. As warmer weather arrives, bacteria grow, and odors will subside.

The next item on Rowan's report covered the replacement of the public library's heating and cooling system. The project came in on time and on budget.

The last item on Rowan's report covered the repairs on the community water system. The repairs of the water main replacement reduced the water loss by 50%.

Police Chief Brian Josephson reported during the month of December there were 34 calls for service and 16 calls to help other agencies. The department wrote 129 citations. Reserve officers volunteered 213 hours during the month. Josephson is also working on grant funding for two new police vehicles.

The balance of the meeting consisted of appointing an interim mayor, electing a new council president, reassigning committee members and filling an open Planning Board position.

Three individuals were interested in the interim mayor's position: John Roesler, Charles French and longtime council member, Chris Allen. Each was given an opportunity to highlight their qualifications.

After discussing the candidates, the council unanimously voted to appoint Chris Allen as the interim mayor. He will serve until the next election and would need to run for the position during the next election to continue.

Allen said that he wanted to continue down the same path that Rowan started. He said, "Dan put his heart and soul into being mayor."

Filling the position that Allen left as Ward 3 council member will be addressed during the February council meeting.

Council Member John Sheridan was elected as the new Council president, and local resident Vicki Evans was appointed to the Plains Planning Board.

The town of Plains is also looking for another volunteer member for the Planning Board.

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