November Commission Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 10, 2011
KENNEL LICENSE ADDITION TO ANIMAL ORDINANCE
6:40 P.M./ENNIS TOWN HALL
Open: Mayor Clark opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m.
Commission Present: Clancey, Bancroft, Vujovich and Vincent.
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Close: The public hearing was closed at 6:50 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
NOVEMBER 10, 2011
MUNICIPAL CODE
6:50 P.M./ENNIS TOWN HALL
Open: Mayor Clark opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m.
Commission Present: Clancey, Bancroft, Vujovich and Vincent
Public Comment: There were no public comments.
Close: The public hearing was closed at 7:00 p.m.
ENNIS TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 10, 2011
7:00 P.M./ENNIS TOWN HALL
Open: Mayor Clark opened the Ennis Town Commission meeting.
Commission Present: Clancey, Bancroft, Vujovich and Vincent.
Pledge to the Flag
Minutes: Bancroft asked for a word change on page 2, second paragraph, second sentence of the minutes. The words “all the” will be dropped and “flood” will be inserted.
Clancey made a motion to approve the minutes with the change as stated. Bancroft seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: All commissioners voted yes. Motion approved.
Public Comment: Susie Sprout, Wellness Champion for the Town, gave a brief explanation of the program and told the commission that 7 employees have joined Madison Square fitness center. She invited the commission to join also if interested.
Commission Comment: Vincent explained that Broadband program planning is very active right now. There is an official Montana group now and grants are coming available. He told the commission what may be coming in the near future.
Department Reports: Law Enforcement: Newell submitted his written report to the commission. He stated he would like to send “Good Luck” wishes to the Ennis Mustang teams on their quest for State Championships. Newell spoke of the narrow band radio change over, the new Reserve Officer (which is also a radio technician and has offered his services to the Town at no charge) and that the Sheriffs’ office has added 3 new channels so a lot of testing is going on right now.
Newell answered a question regarding a stop sign that was hit 2 times in a very short period of time. The person(s) that hit the sign will be paying for repair and replacement.
Public Works: Elser submitted his written report to the commission. He stated the leak detection results are in their packets, a couple leaks found at fire hydrants were fixed by tightening up fixtures and 2 major leaks were fixed prior to the leak detection taking place. The commission asked how long it will be before we know if there is a difference in water pumped. Elser told the commission the underground propane tank is slated to be installed on November 14th.
Zoning: Cross submitted her written report to the commission for review.
Clerk: Guinn submitted her written report to the commission for review.
Resolution #486: A Resolution to allow the submittal of a Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Grant and commitment to contribute funds.
Mayor Clark told the commission this is a planning grant for the wastewater system and gave the background for needing the study to be done. It is required we give the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) a plan of action and then report on how the action is working.
David Crawford, TD&H, explained further what has been done so far by the Town to correct the total suspended solids (TSS) problem. One thing being, running the aeration system less has helped. Another aspect of the planning grant will be TD&H aiding the Town with what will be needed in the future to comply with new regulations being handed down by the DEQ.
There was some discussion on this matter. Crawford went into some detail on how the Lagoon works. TD&H will also assist with applying for the new permit. The commission discussed the new regulations, land application, ammonia levels and the time frame for this study/project.
Clancey made a motion to adopt Resolution #486. Bancroft seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: All commissioners voted yes. Motion approved.
Safe Routes Program: Renee Lemon described the next project they are working on. This safe-routes trail will be from the Golf Course, over the North 40 development then to the School. Maps of the proposed project were given to the commission. Clancey questioned the location of the crosswalk. There was discussion in regards to the crosswalk location and safety issues due to its proposed location. Lemon stated she is also working with school officials to come up with a plan for bus/parent student drop off/pick up.
The general consensus of the commission is to see the crosswalk relocated on the safe-routes plan and they approved of issuing a letter of support for the project.
William’s Street Parking Lot: Commissioner Vujovich stated the Library Board had discussion regarding reserving some parking spots for the Library and decided they did not want to proceed with having designated parking spots. The commission discussed the matter and decided to drop doing any designated parking spots. The parking lot will remain as is.
Mayor’s Report: Clark went over a letter received by Roy Washburn in regards to the property he owns on the East side of Ennis. Mr. Washburn indicated he is interested in hearing ideas from the Town on what should be done with the property.
Clark went over a preliminary audit finding in which the Town was not in compliance with the bond resolution for the sewer and water loans. He stated we are working on a solution to rectify the mistake. (ie: some expenditures will be capitalized in the future). This matter will be put on the December 2011 commission meeting agenda.
Clark told the commission the Town was awarded a TSEP grant for $15,000 and a grant from DNRC for $10,000 for the water planning project. He asked the commission to set up a work session for further discussion. The work session was set for November 29, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.
Clark told the commission the county has decided to apply for grants to install new culverts on Moore’s Creek. The grant(s) would have a 75/25 cost split, construction could be out as far as 2013, the MDT has been contacted and are interested in the project, the Town needs to think about financial support and other grants are being researched.
Claims: Clancey made a motion to approve claims. Vincent seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: All commissioners voted yes. Motion approved.
Adjourn: Bancroft made a motion to adjourn. Clancey seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: All commissioners voted yes. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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John Clark, Mayor Ginger Guinn, Clerk