City Council Faces Garbage Pickup Woes
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
City Council Faces Garbage Pickup Woes
MT 43 News Staff Reporter
Garbage Truck breakdowns and holiday waste pickup were some of the problems reported by Public Works Director Eric Crusch at the first 2024 meeting of Townsend City Council. Crusch said the department’s newest truck broke down. He called Tri County Disposal of Helena to help until he could repair the truck as the city’s backup truck was not working either. He was not sure when the parts would arrive to repair the truck. Crusch said with the abundance of holiday waste, gathering garbage became even more difficult. “We even found the school’s dumpsters full of garbage. The dumpsters should have been empty since school is out on Christmas vacation,” he noted.
Doug Sitton was approved to fill the vacant seat in Ward II. In his letter of interest, Sitton explained he is a Townsend native who recently moved back to town in 2023. He pointed out his background in business management and his continuing involvement in Townsend's activities over the years. Since moving back to Townsend he has joined the Chamber of Commerce and is president-elect of Townsend Rotary.
City Attorney Peter Simon reminded the Council and Sitton his involvement with both the Chamber of Commerce and Townsend Rotary may present a conflict of interest for Sitton, should he sit on the Council. Both organizations come before the Council for various permits. Sitton’s application was unanimously approved.
A vacant seat remains in Ward II of the Council. Advertisements for the seat will be circulated again. Residents who live in areas from the east and one-half of Cedar Street to the east and south of the city limits are eligible to apply for the position.
The animal and compliance officer position remains vacant. Attorney Simon reported he has received one application. The deadline for applications is January 12. Mayor Vickie Rauser said the Council will try to fill the position by the end of the month.
Council members approved the Steve McCullough 5-year land lease with adjusted language. McCullough has leased the two lots owned by the city south of the wastewater lagoon for five years. He owns land adjacent to the two lots and has sprayed weeds on the vacant ground to encourage grass growth during that time. Wildlife has moved into the area now. Both areas are fenced and have locks on the gates. He pointed out the city office has the combination of the locks and if someone wanted to enter those areas, they need only contact the city office. Council members asked Attorney Simon to set up a policy procedure for leasing city-owned land.
The Council will request the new owner of the White Annexation located on North Cherry Street to come before the Council to update changes with the subdivision. Brad and Debbie White have sold the White Subdivision to Out-Of-Box Design, LLC. The owner is Steve Urban. Whites have been in negotiations with the City of Townsend to have the development annexed to the city to access water and sewer.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: Mayor Vickie Rauser swears in newly appointed Ward II representative Doug Sitton.
Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
Image 2 Caption: City Council members including some new faces: Back from left: Nate Brown, Valerie Baraza, JB Howick, Doug Sitton and Front from left: Angie Wintrow, Mayor Vickie Rauser and Vivian Boaz.
Photo Credits: Nancy Marks
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