City Council Hears Updates, Fire Chief's Report

The first City Council of 2023 was held Tuesday, Jan. 10th; opening with the pledge to the flag, and with all Council members present.

Mayor Demarais informed the council that the City had received three applications for the Compliance Officer position. He asked for two Councilpersons to volunteer to attend the job interviews and help with the hiring process. Councilpersons Hicks and Sintler volunteered.

PWD Jim Truelove gave his report and updates. He said the City Crew has been busy blading the rough spots in the downtown area, they are currently working on one side of town at a time. Mayor Demarais requested that the crew avoid plowing snow onto sidewalks.

Fire Chief Josh Newman was present and provided a report for the Fire Department. The Department answered 63 calls in 2022, “…which was down by 25 calls compared to 2021.” In a breakdown he stated the Department responded to 19 vehicle wrecks, four structure fires, and 10 wildland fires. Two vehicle fires, eight equipment fires, eight mutual aid fires, and three harvested crop fires kept them busy. Included in the 63 calls were nine calls that were cancelled.

Fifty-four of the calls took the crews to locations within the county, while nine were within the City of Malta. The calls involved 392 firemen responses, utilizing fire trucks 135 times. Overall, firefighter’s response was 6.2 men and 2.1 trucks.

Newman also reported on the purchase of equipment and gear needed to bring the station up to compliance for service. He said donations that had gone into the slush fund were used for tools, a work bench, and scene lights.

Asked if the purchase of equipment will make any difference in the insurance rate for coverage, Newman stated insurance rates are determined by several factors, including equipment and response time. The response time takes into consideration the amount of time from when they leave, to arrival on the scene, and how long it takes to have the fire under control.

He inquired about getting large canisters on January 21, for a major cleaning day at the fire hall.

The City Council, as well as Newman, stated their appreciation to the business owners, for allowing workers to leave work at a moment’s notice to respond to a call. All felt the community support for the volunteer firemen was vital and an asset.

The report for the Law Enforcement was provided, merely through a statement by Councilperson Wiederrick. Phillips County has a new Undersheriff, Roger Has the Eagle. He had been a deputy in Phillips County earlier, has returned to the area, and resumed duties under the new appointment.

PWD Truelove said the pole for power to the lift station has been set by NW Energy. Things are on hold now while they wait for the electrician to finalize the hookup of the final phase of wiring.

PWD Truelove, switching hats to his ACO (Animal Control Officer) duties, said he has had one dog complaint most recently. He met with the individual who had filed the most recent complaint; the owner was unable to identify the dogs that had attacked his dog.

Clerk Lorie Bond said the public and dog owners need to know that licenses/registration are now due. At this time, there are only three dogs with fees paid. If you are not one of the three, please go to the City Hall Clerk’s office and register your pets.

Under new business, councilpersons reviewed the names selected for the appointment to various committees. A motion was made by Councilperson Wiederrick, followed by a second by Councilperson Sintler, to approve the individuals as presented. With a unanimous vote, the following were appointed to the listed committees: Zoning Administrator, and Bear Paw Development Board, John Demarais; Judith River Foundation Board - David Rummel; Law Enforcement Board -William Hicks; Phillips County Transit Board - James Sintler, and David Rummel; PhillCo Board – Bonnie Wiederrick; Trafton Arena Committee – Kelly Orahood, Guy Simanton, Ken Salveson, Ted Brown, Jerey McEwen, and Janni Wiese; Planning Board/Board of Adjustments – Alice Hofer, Bob Johnson, and Dale Enerson; Phillips County Conservation Board – Gary Knudsen; Fire Chief – Josh Newman; Assistant Fire Chief – Sean Estill; and City Judge – Gayle Stahl. Appointed for a two year term on the Planning Board/Board of Adjustments – James Sintler, and Don Voegel

There were no reports from the Safety Committee, Planning, or Parks and Recreation. Councilperson Wiederrick said the Event Center was being utilized by wrestlers. The blood drive will also be using the Event Center on Feb. 16th for a blood drive.

Clerk Lorie Bond reported she had received an inquiry about whether the City was going to lease out its grazing land in 2023 or rest it for another year. After discussion Council agreed that the grazing land should be rested for another year.

The council will meet January 24th for the next meeting, at 5 p.m. in the council chambers.