City Council Welcomes Troops & Cubs

Young energetic faces of youth attended the March 14th City Council meeting at the City Hall. The Boy Scout Troop 1429 and Cub Scout Troop 4432 joined Council members and awaited their turn on the agenda.

PWD Jim Truelove provided the update on the snow removal, which is an ongoing project. The crews have been busy and despite the added snowfall over the last week, things were progressing nicely. Mayor Demarais is using social media to let residents know of the snow clearing process, this method seemed to be working well for communication.

Clerk Lorie Bond said Utility Clerk Glenda Knudsen from the City Office had attended the rabies clinic at Dr. Anne Johnson's last weekend and had licensed 25 dogs/cats.

Clerk Bond also reported that Jaycee Stolem from Phillips County Motor Sports had informed Deputy Clerk Barrett that PC Motorsports would be holding their banquet in the City Hall on September 16th because the Event Center is unacceptable and stated if there was a problem with them using the gymnasium the City could fight it out between the Mayor, City Council and Lorie Bond because the PC Motor Sports had to use it.

Mayor Demarais informed the Council that there had been a variance request and a Planning Board Meeting would take place in the future.

PWD Truelove gave an update on the new Trafton Lift Station; it is fully operating and he is still working on the punch list.

No one was present to offer reports from the Fire Department, Sheriff's Office, or Parks and Rec.

There was no public comment offered, either.

Mayor Demarais called the young Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to the floor. Those present were David Schaldack, Kasen Boardman, Emmet Harms, Gabe Oshio, Ben Schiffbauer, and Oakley Carnahan. Their leaders Mark Knudsen, Jay Boardman, and Karl and Jackie Harms were present. The Troops asked the Council to please waive the fee for the use of the Event Center for the Pine Wood Derby that is being held on March 25th. A motion to waive the fee was voted on and passed. Mayor Demarais presented each Scout with a City of Malta Centennial Commemorative coin. Councilwoman Wiederrick expressed her appreciation that the City had purchased the Event Center.

Under new business was Resolution 1326 – A resolution calling for a primary election to be held September 12, 2023, for the open Malta City Council positions and notifying the Phillips County Clerk and Recorders office of the City's desire to conduct the 2023 primary and general elections by mail ballots. The mail-in ballots make the election more accessible to most voters.

Councilmen Bill Hicks and Jim Sintler are up for re-election this year. A motion was made and approved to adopt Resolution 1326.

Mayor Demarais presented the Council with the information to participate in the SFY 2024 Rest Area Program; a motion was made to participate in the program, it was voted on and passed.

The next order of business was the 2023 BigSky Turfworx Weed Control Contract in the amount of $8,600; motion was made and carried to approve the contract.

The Trafton Lift Station Draw for $3,422.71 was approved as well.

Mayor Demarais presented the Council with Trafton Lift Station Change Order 5 for $113,136.66 and this was put into motion; approved and passed.

At the close of the meeting Councilwoman Wiederrick reported she had attended the recent PhillCo meeting and stated that Tony and Emily Simanton from Sheridan, MT, had attended the meeting as well. They expressed an interest in purchasing the old Hi-Line Retirement Center and the building was listed at $848,000. The Simanton's had opened small Assisted Living Facilities in Sheridan and Townsend, MT. and were interested in opening one in the HLRC. The Simanton's asked the PhillCo members to write letters to the USDA requesting they lower the price of the HLRC. Councilwoman Wiederrick said she would be attending another PhillCo meeting on Tuesday and would have more to report at the next meeting to share with the Council. There being no other business the meeting was adjourned. The Council will meet March 28th at 5 p.m. in the City Chambers.