City Council Talks Repairs to Vehicles, Compliance, and a Day for Myrtle Hould

Malta’s City Council opened on August 8th with the pledge to the flag, followed by the approval of the minutes from the last meeting, and the approval of the agenda for the night’s meeting. The audit of claims and payroll for July were then approved. In attendance for the meeting, in addition to the Council members, the Mayor and City Clerk, were John Wright (Compliance Officer), Willard Abrahamson, RJ Abrahamson, Shane Carnahan and his son, and Dennis Fitzgerald (YDI). Later Rhi Tharp of KMMR joined the session.

PWD Jim Truelove gave a report which included the recent dig at 3rd Ave. W. which was a mess and is now repaired.

The garbage truck is still down and the City is still using the loaner from Wolf Point. Mayor Demarais expressed his gratitude for the “small town cooperation” that exists that makes it possible to keep up with things when there is a breakdown such as the current situation with the disabled truck. He said, “When I called Morris Smith (Wolf Point) and asked if they had a spare garbage truck, he said they did and to give them two hours to get it ready. We were there in two and a half and it was ready, all gassed up and waiting for us. There’ll be a nice thank you going out to them when we return the truck. That’s just how we small towns operate, we help each other.”

Truelove stated garbage cans were in need of replacing, and he would take care of that matter when the garbage truck was back up and operating.

As of now, the sweeper that had been down is back in operation now and the route will start up where it left off.

Truelove reported that the service line in Veterans Park is being repaired; he stated that the Event Center stove/ovens arrived and he will get an electrician to complete installing them.

There was discussion from the Council members as to the sprinklers in Riverview Park working; there was also questions as to those at the Women’s Club House.

Clerk Lorie Bond presented her information to the Council members, and requested a meeting to address the budget. The meeting was set for Tuesday the 15th at noon.

John Wright, Compliance Officer, gave his first presentation to the council. He had sent 24 letters in June to vehicle owners and residents in regard to the condition of the lawn/yard. He said 14 letters went out in July; he is working with the City Attorney and one resident on a matter.

There were no reports or individuals present to provide reports on the landfill, safety, fire department, law enforcement, planning, or parks and recreation.

The Montana National Guard has arrived in town for extensive training and will be using the Event Center for housing while here.

The Trafton Lift Station was addressed as far as progress.

The Mayor opened the floor for public comment. Willard Abrahamson addressed those gathered and shared his frustrations on the matter of vehicles and yard condition. He continued, stating his vehicles were all licensed and insured and at any time they could be driven.

Mayor Demarais urged W. Abrahamson not to be upset with the Compliance Officer, as he is merely following the ordinances of the City. W. Abrahamson said he understood that and did not want to make an issue of it, he asked for understanding as he is still dealing with the overwhelming matters following the recent death of his wife.

RJ Abrahamson interjected that he is an over-the-road truck driver and is usually only home for a day and a half between runs. He added that at one point in time, there were 45 vehicles in their possession, and now they are down to 25 or so. Both Abrahamsons stated they have cleaned the lot extensively; they have some vehicles that have a special meaning and memory for them, and they have been looking at locating acreage to build a shop and move the collection out of the city limits.

W. Abrahamson said he would like to see the street he lives on get some care, stating he and Dale Kaasa have kept the street cleared of snow and it is in need of a maintainer to do some work on it. He said the street between his house and the pavilion hasn’t been cared for in quite some time, and that he and Kaasa are always pulling someone out of the snow that isn’t kept clear or the mud, which is due to lack of gravel and maintenance.

PWD Truelove stated he would get a crew over there as soon as possible.

All agreed that communication and working together is necessary.

R. Abrahamson asked if more reflective signs could be put up, and W. Abrahamson stated that the street they live on is lacking a street sign and that people can’t find the address. PWD Truelove said he would check out the matter.

As the Abrahamsons left the meeting they extended a handshake to Wright (Compliance Officer), a mutual understanding of wanting to work together.

Next, Shane Carnahan, of the Phillips County Motor Sports, addressed the Council and asked to use the City Hall on Sept. 16th for their annual banquet. He stated the Event Center did not work well for their function as they use the stage area of the gym for displays and viewing of the items in their raffle and auction are better showcased at the gym.

Carnahan added that the businesses benefit from their being located at the City Hall as well; when it was at the Event Center and was over everyone dispersed and went home. He said, when held at the City Hall, the crowd patronizes the local bars. The Council voted to allow the use of the City Hall gym for their event.

The final item on the agenda was a request to proclaim August 14, 2023, as “Myrtle Hould Day.” The occasion is her 100th birthday. The Council voted unanimously to do so.

There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The Council meets again on Aug. 22nd at 5 PM.