Plains Council looks at water loss, parking, new equipment purchases

Nov. 15—November's Plains Council meeting addressed several important issues.

Council members approved the treasurer's and claims/payroll reports with Mayor Allen reading the judge's report. The town court saw 191 new cases, 99 cases pending, 150 cases disposed of and has 87 active warrants.

Allen's report started out with a discussion brought forward from a previous council meeting pertaining to the request from Plains Volunteer Ambulance for assistance with acquiring a new ambulance. That request was put on hold because of the current high interest rates. Those high rates would have added an additional $120,000 over the life of the loan. The estimated cost of purchasing and equipping a new ambulance would be over three hundred thousand dollars.

The next item covered during the mayor's report was on the purchase of a new 9-cubic-foot cement mixer that would be able to attach to the town's current skid steer. Costing under $6,000, the money for the purchase was already budgeted during the new lagoon construction project. The purchase will lower costs for future concrete projects, such as sidewalks.

The lack of opposing candidates for Ward 1 seat 1, Connie Foust, Ward 2 seat 2, John Sheridan, Ward 3 seat 1, Chad Cantrell, and the mayor position, saved the town the expense of distributing and counting ballots with an estimated savings of $5,000.

Council member Joel Banham, currently representing Ward 1 seat 2, was one of two individuals interested in the mayor position. The second, unnamed individual was unable to file his paperwork with the state in the required time. Banham will take office Jan. 1, 2024. The swearing-in ceremony times will be announced in the December Town Council Meeting held on Dec. 4.

Next on the agenda was a discussion about the town's water system. Last month a total of 3.45 million gallons of water were pumped through the system. Town residences and businesses were billed for 2.938 million gallons for a loss of 14%.

"I can't remember the last time we had under 14%," Allen said. "As of late it's been anywhere from 18-29%. So, we are obviously making some headway, or it at least appears that way on the leaks we have been having."

The Lion's Club approached the town about donating a Christmas tree in the greenway area along Montana 200.

Plains is looking at acquiring a new IT computer company to handle the town's computer systems and will also be switching internet providers from Big Sky to Blackfoot fiber. The contract with the new IT company, First Call, is currently being reviewed by the town's attorney. Contracts with the town need to be approved by the town council.

A new grant the town is looking at applying for requires a prioritized project list in the grant application. The grant would give the town $87,000 and requires a 25% match. Eligible projects include drinking water systems, wastewater systems, fire suppression systems, streets, roads, bridges, landfills, streetlights, airports and public grounds and buildings.

Under unfinished business discussions, council members were concerned about the wording and procedures with the proposed parking of motor vehicles on public streets within town limits. Council members voted to have the proposed ordinance reviewed by the town attorney.

Plains is looking at implementing restrictions/limits for wintertime parking along Railroad Street/Montana 200 during overnight hours. Those restrictions would increase the safety and ease of snow removal for the snowplow operators.

The new business discussion revolved around several items. The first was about the violation fines for animals within town limits. Allen said that the town does have fines in the books for residents that are in violation of animal ordinances.

Plains is looking at replacing the aging riding lawnmower which is currently broken down. Allen asked council members to investigate the types of mowers that are available and the costs. Two manufacturers are being considered, John Deere and Kubota, and the hopes are to have a new mower for the upcoming season.

During the public comment segment of the council meeting, Josh Weedeman representing the Harvest Church in Plains, discussed the ongoing dispute with the town over their construction project. The dispute revolves around a planned addition to the Harvest Church located in Plains.

On July 31, Top Notch Construction submitted a building setback compliance application, noting that the project was not within a floodplain to the town. Construction started the same day and proceeded through Aug. 24, incurring construction costs exceeding $34,000.

On Aug. 24, Ron Warren from Rocky Mountain Surveyors, who did the initial survey of the proposed construction location noted that the project was different from the initial proposal and was in the floodplain.

After reviewing the setback permit submitted by Top Notch Construction, town officials found this location was within the FEMA flood plain. An order to cease and desist was issued for the project.

In an email from Weedeman he stated, "The mayor had the authority to grant a variance and chose not to do so. I have been previously denied twice to be put on the agenda for a council meeting. The property meets all the requirements for a variance as outlined on page 140 under special considerations in the floodplain regulations. We had followed all the guidelines in the first place to obtain our permit to then be shut down mid project."

Allen said, "A variance to the extent they would need is probably beyond the liability the town would want to take on."

Council members voted unanimously to place the issue on the agenda during the December meeting.

Josh Weedeman from Top Notch Construction speaks with the Plains Council last week. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)

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