Council Hears of Progress and Vandalism, Dog Owners Urged to License Pets

Tuesday, Sept. 27, the City Council meeting was opened by Council President, Bonnie Wiederrick, in the absence of Mayor John Demarais. Mayor Demarais was attending the National Rural Water Conference in National Harbor, MD.

As president of the Montana board, he had his trip expenses paid to the conference and was unable to be at Malta’s Council meeting.

Jim Truelove, Public Works Director, shared updates and news from his branch of the City. The north side of town is having issues with grease build-up in the sewer lines. He stated he would be making visits to the businesses connected to the problem and checking for issues. Fifty 300-gallon garbage bins are in and will be replacing some that are busted. The sweeper will be making rounds directly.

PWD Truelove reported that the Dike Inspection had gone well.  He still had to camera the storm drains under the dike forward the footage to the Corp of Engineers.  

Truelove stated that dog owners need to get their dogs licensed and citations are being written. He cited one incident where two dog owners were cited for no license. One dog owner was cited for the dog running at large; he stated “the owner plead not guilty in City Court and requested a trial on the matter.”

As of this last week, Riverside Park is closed for the season; it closed early as a result of vandalism. Toilet paper is being wet down and thrown on the ceilings in the restrooms, as well as on the outside of the building. Vandals are also flushing paper towels down the toilets in an attempt to clog the lines and flood the premises.

City workers are winterizing sprinkler lines now that fall has made an entrance. The landfill is closing soon, will depend on the weather.

Truelove stated the lift station is progressing nicely. The gas company is finishing up their work soon, as well. Again, vandals have been entertaining themselves by causing issues at the site. It was stated damage or serious injury could result from the senseless acts.

Clerk Lorie Bond stated there are only 43 dogs licensed in the City, PWD Truelove stated he is citing those that are found to not be licensed. Before kids are witness to their family pet being hauled off in a cage, owners are encouraged to get the proper license and shots.