City Council approves resolution for Malta's newest Historic Building

The Malta City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting last Tuesday, May 10, at City Hall.

At the meeting, the council voted to approve a resolution (Resolution 1312) that would allow SGS Properties, LLC, of Malta, property tax benefits after holding a public hearing.

The benefit would allow SGS Properties, LLC, of Malta, who is reconstructing the old Edwards and McLellan Building located in the City of Malta, to pay zero percent of their property taxes for that property during the construction period, 20 during the first year following construction, 40 percent the second year following construction, 60 percent the third year following construction, 80 percent the fourth year following construction, and 100 percent after the fifth year and every year thereafter. The resolution also says that the tax benefit will be revoked automatically if taxes become delinquent at any time.

The building, which is nearly fully reconstructed is now named to The Inn at Simanton Square, which was recently named to the National Registry of Historic Places. Simanton Square has even hosted Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, who commended Scott and Gina Simanton for their efforts.

At the council meeting, the Malta City Council and Malta Mayor John Demarais also commended the Simantons.

In department reports, City of Malta Public Works Director Jim Truelove reported that there was an issue with one sewer line in Hillcrest during the first week of May.

During the city crew’s jetting, or clearing of the line using a high-pressure water stream, the jetter machine stopped working after about three-and-a-half hours, and eventually, the jetter stopped working.

Truelove then called Lakeside Excavation of Havre for assistance in the project.

Truelove reported that the line is okay and properly flowing. He also said that Lakeside Excavation ran cameras down the city sewer lines to check for issues and that the lines were okay minus some root intrusion.

Truelove also said that the backboards for the basketball courts in Trafton Park have been redone and were waiting in Billings for pickup.

He also said that water will be going to Trafton Park and that bathrooms would be open this week.

According to Truelove, the city crew is working on the City Pool, and they are aiming to have it open on Monday, June 6.

The Lift Station came up briefly during the meeting and Mayor Demarais assured the council that things are moving forward as the mayor hopes they can start the building process soon so that they can install pumps later in the year. Mayor Demarais hopes that the building and completion of the station can be done before the winter.

A concerned citizen mentioned to the council that there has been a garbage truck speeding through town.

Truelove also asked the council if it was okay to place the grass cans out. The council agreed that the cans used for grass clippings can be placed.

Later in the meeting, Councilperson Bonnie Weiderrick reported that there have been many calls received in regards to the intrusive Juniper trees at the event center. The council agreed that the trees should be removed.

Bond announced that there are two Municipal Summits coming up in June (June 6 in Havre or June 7 in Glasgow) and said that if a member of the council and or Mayor Demarais wanted to attend either, she could sign them up.

Bond thanked the council for allowing her, Councilperson Weiderrick, and Mayor Demarais to attend the Municipal Summit in Bozeman earlier this month.

“You just learn stuff the whole time,” Bond said. “It was very beneficial.”

In the Landfill report, Director Truelove said that the community service had been completed and that things looked good.