City Council Applies for Grant to Research City Affordable Housing
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
City Council Applies for Grant to Research City Affordable Housing
MT 43 News Staff Reporter
At its February 6 meeting, City Council members approved the housing committee to apply for a Montana Department of Commerce grant that focuses on affordable housing needs in municipal areas. If granted, the $30,000 would go toward paying for a preliminary architectural report to develop a master-planned development that will address the need for affordable housing in Townsend. The city is obligated to put up a 20 percent in in-kind and cash match.
Council members Angie Wintrow, JB Howick and Doug Sitton worked on the grant application due February 9. According to Mayor Vicky Rauser, many people answered the email asking for letters of support for the application.
*Finally! Public Works Director Eric Crusch received the okay to have his broken-down garbage truck repaired. His department was short one truck all through the holidays when garbage pickup is above average.
The council approved a bid to fix the 2008 garbage truck for $17,563.00 with the understanding that Crusch can arrange a “piggyback” arrangement with SOS Equipment Repair of Spokane to set up the job when there is another job in this area. The arrangement would cut the high cost of travel and per diem.
*Georgia Wilbey was chosen by the council to fill the Animal Control/Compliance officer position.
*Nichole Brown asked for a boundary relocation of the 4 parcels of land she owns at the end of South Harrison. She has received Department Environmental Quality approval for septic and wells for as high as six duplexes on the parcels. The council approved the boundary relocation. Nate Brown abstained from the vote.
*Deputy County Sheriff Mark Wood received approval from the council for the Sheriff’s department to be reimbursed for the canine handlers training seminar in the amount of $1,193.92.
*A resolution to raise city water rates incrementally over a two-year period was passed by the council. The water rate committee is looking into grants that might be available to help low-income families meet higher costs for water. Former council member Ken Urich suggested the raises be noted on water bills. Mayor Rauser pointed out the council will hold a public meeting regarding the increases.
*Crusch presented preliminary information on repairing or replacing city tennis courts. The courts are built on a clay pocket, he noted. The tennis court surfaces need repair. “Some of the cracks are 4 inches wide and run the entire length of the courts,” he said.
Council members noted there were probably grants available from the U.S. Tennis and Pickleball Associations. The council took no action.
