Plains Council postpones Ward 3 appointment

Several important issues were raised at last week’s Plains Council meeting, which drew a standing-room-only response from area residents as acting Mayor Chris Allen was sworn in.

During public comment, Charles Bickenheuser asked for time to respond to a concern he had with the appointment of John Roesler as a council member to the Ward 3 opening vacated by Allen. Bickenheuser alleged that the council did not follow state laws concerning the advertising of the open council position. He requested that the council postpone the appointment of Roesler that evening and broaden their search for a candidate. Bickenheuser continued his concerns and said that if the council did not follow his suggestions, that he would take legal action against the town.

Later in the meeting, Council member Connie Foust raised the motion that the council should postpone the appointment of Roesler. She said the council should consult with the town attorney about the advertising requirements for the position before proceeding.

The motion to table the appointment was voted on and accepted.

Earlier in the meeting, the council accepted the treasurer’s claims and payroll reports, followed by Allen’s reading of the judge’s report. Currently 73 active warrants are on the books. The town collected $2,855 in fines.

Allen, during his mayor’s report, raised several concerns and upcoming projects.

The town is still waiting for a backup generator to be delivered for the new sewer lagoon, he reported. The backup generator from the city offices was relocated to the lagoons until the new one arrives.

The town is interviewing several companies that sell computer monitoring systems for the lagoon that can notify off site maintenance personnel of any malfunctions.

Allen proposed that Plains have a town cleanup day project and was looking for someone to be in charge of the event. He said that in the past, the town supplied garbage bags and dumpsters with a possibility of offering a light lunch for those helping with the cleanup.

The town had only one water leak this past month.

A new procedure has been put in place at the city office. Visitors wishing to speak with the mayor are now required to stop by the clerk’s office before proceeding.

A new furnace was installed this past week in the city office. The last cold spell was too much on the old unit.

The week of Jan. 31, the town put out a pre-bid on two water projects. One was near the Town Pump and the other was on First street.

The Council reappointed Matt Jaramillo to a two-year term on the Planning Board. Also, Ron Robinson was reappointed to a two-year term and Dennis Evans to a three-year term on the Police Commission.

The council tabled a discussion on reinstating the dog kennel ordnance until next month.

The last item on the evening’s agenda sparked a heated discussion on the sale of surplus property that the town owns bordering the river. It was originally a 44-acre property, and over the years, the Clark Fork River has eroded it down to its current 27 acres. The town has put it up for sale with a minimum price of $195,000. Two offers were made, but later were rescinded.

The property is in the floodplain and is zoned as recreational or agricultural. Local resident John Patterson offered to purchase the property, but not at the asking price because of issues with the easements to the location. Patterson owns property bordering the land in question.

Patterson said that he was concerned about the ability to access the property if he purchased it and would challenge the easement in court if needed.

Allen said he will be requesting additional information about the easement issue from Realtor Mary Helliwell with Montana Skies Realty.