City Council Holds First Meeting of 2024

Members of the Malta City Council met on Tuesday the 9th of January, with Councilperson Bonnie Wiederrick (Chairman) presiding over the meeting in the absence of Mayor John Demarais, who was recovering from Covid. Newly elected councilperson, Laura Pankratz was welcomed, as was re-elected council member, Bill Hicks. Also present for the meeting were Councilperson David Rummel, PWD Jim Truelove, City Clerk Lorie Bond, Compliance Officer John Wright, and Laura Gouker. Following the pledge to the flag, members made motions with each being seconded and the agenda, minutes from the last meeting, payroll and claims were accepted.

PWD Jim Truelove stated that the transmission for the garbage truck had been installed, it took about a day and was completed; afternoon garbage routes were resumed. They are still looking for a replacement for the long box pickup.

Truelove said the crews are continuing to work on vehicle maintenance; they also worked on flushing the sewer lines last week.

Truelove updated the council on the grant that he and Councilperson Pankratz have been working on for the trails around town. If selected, the grant would be run through the City for workman’s comp, etc.

City Clerk Lorie Bond opened her report with a thank you to Councilperson Wiederrick for stepping up and assisting with details that needed to be completed with the absence of Mayor Demarais.

Bond stated that an item on the next council meeting agenda will be the government review, which is completed every 10 years. She provided a reminder of a five-week webinar for newly elected council members. The training in Libby, the Foundation of Government, was also discussed.

Compliance Officer John Wright addressed the council and discussed Ordinance 422 – and asked for clarification as to what vehicles are considered to be included in the description of vehicles for the ordinance.

This led to a lengthy discussion, with varied options and opinions as to what would be governed by Ordinance 422. The discussion level raised questions, as well as voices with the matter being settled in a neutral manner, hopefully to the satisfaction of all council members as well as residents of the city.

It was reiterated that the main focus and duty of the Compliance Officer was to address yards and junk vehicles, not to harass those who are trying to make a living.

The biggest concern to come from the debate was keeping the streets cleared in case of a three foot accumulation of snow, vehicles (vehicles not being used, campers, trailers, boats, etc.) do not block the State Highway or City crew from snow removal. Residents are reminded that if they have a vehicle that isn’t moved and gets plowed in, it will not be the responsibility of the City to come remove the snow. Vehicles are not to be left on the street when not being used and they will be responsible should an accident happen due to their negligence. Safety is the concern of the City.

Homeowners need to keep the corners on streets visible and hazard-free. In other words, just common sense, coupled with safety.

Laura Gouker addressed the council looking for an update on her inquiry to buy a vacant lot owned by the city. Councilmembers shared the steps that are needed and approximate length of time involved in the process. It takes an appraisal, input by the zoning committee and other measures that take time.

The next order of business was to elect a President of the Council. After discussion, Councilperson David Rummel was elected for the position, which is voted on each year.

The final action of the evening was to appoint councilmembers to various committees. Approved were Zoning Administrator and Bear Paw Development – John Demarais; Judith River Foundation Board – Laura Pankratz; Law Enforcement – William Hicks; Phillips County Transit Board – David Rummel; and PhillCo Board – Bonnie Wiederrick. Public appointments included Trafton Park Arena Committee – Kelly Orahood, Guy Simanton, Ken Salveson, Ted Brown, Jerey McEwen and Janni Wiese; Planning Board of Adjustments – Alice Hofer, Bob Johnson and Dale Enerson; Phillips County Conservation Board – Gary Knudsen; Fire Chief – Josh Newman; Assistant Fire Chief – Sean Estill; and City Judge – Gayle Stahl.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned; the next meeting is Jan. 23, at 5 P.M.