City Approves Law Enforcement Increase, Addresses Issues

The Malta City Council met July 11th at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Councilmember Bill Hicks was absent. After the pledge to the flag, council opened and addressed the following topics.

Minutes from the last meeting, the agenda for the current meeting and the audit were approved. The payroll for June was approved.

PWD Truelove said the crew had completed one dig on the west side and another was scheduled for Wednesday. A dike inspection had been conducted and passed inspection.

Trugreen had been in town and sprayed the parks and the M Trail as well.

The sweeper is once again making the rounds; work will begin on the west side of town. The weeds around the stop signs, street signs and hydrants will be sprayed and cut; things should start looking better.

He addressed a freezer at the Event Center which had a problem; he was able to visit with a tech that was in town and it was taken care of.

PWD Truelove said “the stoves are extremely old; the cook tops work but, and I have told Council this before, they have an open flame which scares the heck out of me.” The stove (was needed) last weekend for an event, he said he could not get to light. The last inspection on the stoves was in 1989. He recommended changing the two big stoves for a six or eight-burner stove; and after discussion it was agreed Councilperson Wiederrick would check with Art’s and report back to the Council.

The pool is operating fine. They have a couple of sponsor days. There are currently eight certified lifeguards. Councilperson Wiederrick commented she had been there watching her grandkids and was “very impressed” with the manner in which the lifeguards change stations. Every 15 minutes they rotate around the pool, so they aren’t watching the same kids over and over. No reports or complaints have been made to the office this year.

Clerk Lorie Bond reported there were no write-ins so there would be no primary election this year. There will be an on-line class on defensive driving that the City employees can take.

The lots down by Trafton Park will be surveyed for ownership. Mike Morris, a state surveyor, will conduct the survey. Following the survey, a fence will be put up.

The 14-day stay on a trailer in Trafton Park is up and the occupants will need to find a new parking place.

Clerk Bond stated she had sent out 21 lien letters, which are a result of non-payment for water bills for three to four months or longer. Those residents have 30 days to pay or the lien will go on their taxes.

In the absence of Compliance Officer John Wright, PWD Truelove gave a report. He said, he seems to have taken to his job,” stated Truelove. “Things appear to be going quite smoothly. “

Resolution 1332 dealing with Bear Paw Development was approved.

The City Council members had met with the County Commissioners and Sheriff Jerry Lytle. Sheriff Lytle was asking for a 15% increase for providing law enforcement services for the City. The City currently pays $252,788.32 per year, and the increase would raise it to $290,695.07.

Mayor Demarais asked if anyone has seen any flashing lights in Malta. Councilmember Sintler said the day after the meeting he heard lots of sirens going down Central, the next day everything was quiet. The two agreed they had not heard one since then.

“I am very disappointed in that especially since we had a meeting on Friday and said he (Lytle) was going to take care of that (increasing patrolling). I mentioned it to a commissioner that I didn’t think it was right they do have jurisdiction to run the highway. Why? We have a highway patrol. Why don’t we enforce the town and he couldn’t give me an answer.”

Councilmember Wiederrick inquired as to “where do you think they pick up the drug people? Not on 7th Street West! They pick them up on the highway.”

Demarais responded. “I know they do, and more power to them for that, but by God we ask for more traffic control…I don’t think we got it yet unless they are planning on it after July. I don’t know. But if it doesn’t happen I will recommend we have a meeting right in here and discuss on how come they said it would happen and it didn’t happen.” Councilmembers stated their concerns about various areas in town that could use some patrolling.

“I’m a little disappointed…but,” Mayor Demarais said.

There was discussion on the budget of the funds at the County level. All who had attended agreed it was a good meeting.

“So, in all actuality, we are probably getting a pretty good deal. I don’t know if we are or not. It just rankles me a little bit…I thought I would see immediate improvement.”

Councilmember Wiederrick made a motion followed by a second by Councilmember Rummel, to approve the 15% increase. Motion passed.

The Mayor stated this has probably been the quietest 4th of July in his life.

The City Council will meet July 25th at 5 p.m.