Town Council Meeting, February 3, 2026, Hot Springs, Montana (Text summary below in Description). скачать в хорошем качестве

Town Council Meeting, February 3, 2026, Hot Springs, Montana (Text summary below in Description).

Hot Springs Town Council Meeting – February 3, 2026 | Detailed Summary Opening & Zoom Participation The meeting opened with Councilman Ed Weatherly joining by Zoom from home. The mayor reviewed public-access rules to ensure remote participation could be heard by the public before proceeding. Approval of January Minutes Minutes were approved with minor spelling corrections. Claims & Major Bills A late claim from Montana Environmental Labs was added: $798 (water) and $32 (sewer). Notable expenses included: • Mission Valley Power bill of $5,391 — higher despite lower usage (rate increases noted) • Law Enforcement Academy training bill • Fire Department equipment purchases reimbursable by grants: – Northridge Fire Equipment $4,299 – Stein Electronics radios $6,773 All claims were approved. December Financial Report The only negative balance was tied to the sewer lagoon rehab project ($25,606), pending reimbursement. Grant funds from the State of Montana are currently covering design work. Financials approved. Mayor & Public Works Report Crews have been fixing potholes, cleaning ditches, trimming trees, and addressing sewer line issues caused by roots. Low snowfall reduced plowing costs, but freeze-thaw damage is increasing street repair expenses. Fire Department Report A minor structure fire caused ceiling damage. Another call involved a strong gas smell caused by a nearly empty propane tank. Emergency Preparedness Presentation (CSKT) Michaela Andrews from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Department of Emergency Services introduced herself and discussed disaster planning, evacuation coordination, and wildfire preparedness. She proposed bringing CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training to Hot Springs in late May or June — a hands-on emergency preparedness course with a required online component. Police Department Report • Regular court operations continuing • Participation in Sanders County DUI Task Force — including a new designated driver reward program being developed • Vaping awareness training with CSKT Tribal Education — leading to new partnerships with Hot Springs School for student education • Plans for online safety programs for youth • Monthly enforcement activity: citations, DUIs, bar violations, vehicle tows, and one arrest • Human trafficking awareness training — emphasizing that small towns are being targeted • Continued collaboration with Sanders County Coalition for Family Services (child victim support) • “Coffee with a Cop” community outreach program in development License Renewal Reminder Business, dog, chicken, and golf cart licenses are overdue for many residents. Reminder letters were sent. Library Report Upcoming programs included paper crafts, Chinese New Year parade preparations, and a returning presenter on Feb. 20. Library inventory will be done in February. Exterior upgrades include new siding, door replacement due to water intrusion (delayed to late March), window repair, and new dusk-activated lights. Library Board meeting: Feb. 18 at 5 PM. Stats reported: 398 walk-ins, 110 computer users, 93 children, plus circulation figures. Chinese New Year Parade Date Confusion Discussion noted conflicting dates — Feb. 14 vs Feb. 21 — though flyers list Feb. 14. New Business – Lot Line Adjustment A request to aggregate lots behind Main Street on Central Avenue lacked complete plat details. The council tabled the item until clearer documentation is provided. New Business – Well Replacement (406 1st Ave N) Approved replacement of a collapsed existing well, relocated further from sewer lines and the street, treated as a redrill rather than a new well. Open Container Waiver – Bandito’s Weekend (Feb. 20–22) Approved expanded open container zones along Main Street, Arlee Street, and potentially near Sassy Saddle if open. Plastic/cans only; $1M event insurance required. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Public acknowledgment of clerk Amy Gray’s business ownership in compliance with state transparency rules. Ordinance Book Review Process Monthly ordinance cleanup sessions have begun, removing outdated language and modernizing regulations. Public hearings will follow once revisions are complete. Next review meeting: Feb. 24 at 6 PM (City Hall & Zoom). Public Comment & Adjournment No public comment. Meeting adjourned.