A Changing of the Guard for Townsend City Council
 | Author:
Nancy Marks, Reporter
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
A Changing of the Guard for Townsend City Council
Nancy Marks
Reporter
Mayor Mike Evans pounded his last gavel at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Evans’ last day in office will be Dec. 29. Newly elected Mayor Vicky Rauser will preside over council meetings beginning in January 2024.
Townsend Hardware owner JB Howick was unanimously appointed to serve as Ward I representative. His was the only letter of interest received by the council. The Council position for Ward 2 remains unfilled. Council member Ken Urich has resigned from the position.
Council members debated the issue of who a new compliance officer would report to when one is hired. According to new Public Works Director Eric Crusch, the person has historically answered to the public works department head. Council member Vicky Rauser suggested the compliance officer should be under the supervision of the mayor and work out of City Hall. Major Evans pointed out he receives as many calls about loose dogs, weeds and abandoned cars as does the public works director. The council concluded that director Crusch should train the new person, and then turn over supervision to the mayor. The position, advertised as a part-time position of 20 hours, will be open until filled.
The Council approved a second reading of the ordinance to revise the penalties for violations within the city. City Attorney Peter Simon and a council committee had worked for several months to revise the outdated and inconsistent wording of the ordinance.
Council members voted to approve the cost of repairs for garbage truck number 2, which has a hydraulic leak and to replace the PLC (computer brain). Funds will come from cash in the current garbage fund. Public Works Director Eric Kroeger explained that the trucks are damaged from garbage in bins which is not kitchen waste, but instead items such as exercise bikes and refrigerators. Council members suggested the city include a notice on people’s water bills stating garbage bins are for kitchen waste only.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Vicki Rauser
Image 1 Caption: Vicki Rauser
Photo Credits: Vicki Rauser
