September 8th, 2026 Meeting

What?

Yes.

Okay, Saturday.

I pledge allegiance to the play. of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God.

Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Clerk, please call the roll.

Council person's accident?

Here?

Larson, here, fresh.

Here.

Crowder?

Here.

Okay.

In your packet is the agenda for today's meeting.

I was gonna say in a motion to adopt.

So move.

Seconded, gate, motion made, seconded to adopt today's agenda.

Any questions?

None, all those in favor.

I...

Okay.

Also in your packet or the minutes from the August 25th meeting, I would entertain a motion to prove these minutes as presented.

It's remote.

So that's good.

Okay, motion made and seconded.

Is there any discussion?

additions, deletions, corrections?

Okay, hearing none, all those in favor.

All right, fine.

Okay, and I guess at 8.31 we will close the city council meeting and open the public hearing for repealing and replacing chapter 15.16 fire limits.

Shauna, you're my public today.

No comment.

You live happily and blissfully out in the country.

That's exactly right, yeah.

Okay, well.

Did the door just open the clothes out there, Steve?

I don't think so.

Okay.

Yeah, it might be.

Actually.

No?

All right, well, at 8.32, we will close the public hearing and reopen the city council meeting.

So next up is public comment.

So we did receive...

We did receive an email that I'm going to read into the public comment.

Um, so this email was sent to myself.

Greg Crowder and Ashley Kent from MSU Extension.

So, um, so I'm just going to read this.

Good morning, not to be a thorn, however, I feel the city is treading in illegal territory regarding the last minutes that were posted by the Montana Frontier newsletter for your clarification.

No city ordinance can be above Montana code.

The city of Scobey only has general powers, not self-governing powers.

And then so we got the general governing powers explanation and the self-governing powers explanation.

And this was the part of the meeting where I was going to thank Jason for taking the city's side because that's exactly what we're trying to do with this ordinance.

That is exactly the only thing we're trying to do with this ordinance is he's exactly right.

The city does not trump the state.

So, He's not here to thank in person, I will have to get to him later.

So then further on, I would also like to add changing ordinances back and forth to fit the needs of the city or anyone is also likely, in my opinion, your attorney should know, be illegal as well.

So example, creating an ordinance that denies a property owner to build a shop on a lot with no house, then reversing that ordinance.

So the city can build a large shop.

So, I would like to clarify that it's always been illegal to build a shop on a vacant lot if you don't own the adjacent property, that the neighboring lot property, until recently, when Councilman Axman had the good idea of figuring out a way to do it.

And by God, we did it.

We figured out a way so you could buy a vacant lot in town, build a garage.

And it's a win-win for everybody.

So I don't know where he's getting this information, that it's illegal to build a shop.

It's been discussed in great detail over the last 12 months. 16 months.

Somewhere in there.

Something like that.

So.

Okay.

And then another point, denying residence, financial help with sidewalks, then reversing that ordinance.

Optically, while a business is being built that could be benefiting from that change of ordinance.

So that comment right there pisses me off.

Because there's an assumption that the Silver Star building that just poured a new sidewalk and a driveway is apparently potentially benefiting from this particular sidewalk project, and the 2 couldn't have anything further apart.

They have nothing in common.

Um, It's actually offensive that people think that.

And it shows how uneducated and how ridiculous people can be just because they hear tidbits of information and they piece together what they think is the right story.

And then they send an email to the state.

That's why I'm pissed off about this because a simple conversation.

At a meeting or offline with mayor, a council person, a city attorney, public works, city clerk, could have avoided this spectacle.

But here we are, dissecting an email that makes no sense.

And quite frankly, I'd be embarrassed if I if I sent this.

So, Steve, I kind of jump ahead a little bit there, but let's let's talk about the city shop that I just, it doesn't matter, but for the record was paid for by grant money, but nobody cares about that.

It's the zoning situation that apparently people are concerned about.

Yeah, the new zoning came into effect in 2013.

At that time, they zoned this residential.

We knew we wanted to build a shop at that time.

So, not even the next year, we worked on changing the zoning from this lot, and Danny Wolf's lot to tie into the light industrial that runs along the railroad tracks in that, like, 2014.

Because we knew we wanted to build a shop.

And then our attorney at that time said we didn't have to change the zoning.

We could have just built the shop because the city does not have to follow us on the zone.

So, so this is this area zone, white industrial has been since 2014, which allows shops to be built on it.

Okay, so, that's, that's all I have to say about this, does the council have any comments on this particular written public comment?

I guess I would just stress that if anybody has any concerns, they're more than, you know, more than willing, I'm more than willing to talk to them about these issues at any time.

Feel free to give me a call because I feel that as of late, people are getting a lot of their information off of Facebook and everywhere else, and all it would take is one phone call and not necessarily explaining ourselves, but giving everybody the facts of what's going on and not gathering and gleaning all this information from somebody else.

Feel free to give me a call. and I'll sit down and chat with you or whatever.

But yeah, as of late, it seems like everybody's getting their information off of social media or hearsay and, I mean, in this example, Every point which he brought up is wrong.

I mean, every single one.

So, and then like you said, to CC the state, which it, whatever, you can do that, but it gets you nowhere, because, um, none of these are true, basically.

So, and like you said, he he made a point for what we're trying to accomplish.

We're saying that the state and federal fire laws trump the city's fire ordinances.

So, I mean, that's exactly what we're doing.

We can't enforce these.

No, you know?

So we lean on the state and the federal code enforcement to do the right thing.

And that's what we're trying to do.

You know, unfortunately, in this time of electronic sharing of information and immediacy, I've come to realize that it doesn't matter whether it's the truth or not, if it's told over and over again, it becomes the truth.

I want the truth, come to us. be happy to give you that.

Or show up to a meeting.

I mean, that's a, that's a, you know, usually I tell everybody is you're more than welcome to come voice your opinion at the meeting.

In fact, we invite it, you know, but again, with the fire code this morning, you know, nobody showed up.

Everybody was concerned over it, but nobody showed up.

But they'll sure, you know, jump on social media and batch the city for it.

So.

Yeah, we're just trying to follow state law.

Yeah.

Solid amounts to.

Not even that.

We're trying to find a smart, clear path for people to do things with their property.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

The garage on a single lock thing. building a new building on Main Street.

You know, it's funny.

I had people come up to me at the football game.

Huh.

You get a bunch of flap from the bank and they're wood framed, built, you know, wood framed edition. like, no, I said, actually, I think that quieted a lot of people up.

Yeah.

I said it couldn't have come at a better time.

Yeah, I noticed it, yeah.

Because everybody's supporting the bank, but yeah, there's but there's people who are offended that Matt Stenoff wants to dump half a $1000000 in the main street.

Yeah.

So.

Yeah, I mean, we're trying to, I guess, administer less government instead of more and people seem to be pissed off about that.

So I don't understand it, I guess, but that's my ¢2 Yeah, Morgan.

And also, there's a difference between a shop and a garage.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, I mean, so like, we could have spent an hour. because the one permit wasn't approved for a garage and then he went against his the one person, an example, went up, made the building taller than what it permit said, and that's when the city had issue, and that's when he was forced to connect them together and make them one unit.

Because you've always been able to build a garage on a lot with a house detached, but you have to meet the certain criteria.

When the criteria wasn't met, nuts, when the city got upset and so they couldn't do it, had to attach it.

And then last year, whatever, when we discussed the garages, the garage is, it still has to meet the criteria for a garage in our zoning and look.

So you still can't build a shop on an empty lot, but you can build a garage.

Okay, well, I think that covers it for public comment.

So we'll keep moving here.

Utility clerk report, did Janet or Sasha have anything to share?

Okay.

Uh, public works.

Oh, well, we're good.

Storm clean, of course, today, but I am going to shut the splash pad down this week.

This weather is getting close to 30s at night.

Yeah.

We'll drain it.

I get hold of AJ and blow it out.

Um, We got one more patch still, the patch on 1st Avenue, but it keeps running and getting wet, so, but, Mainly, checking streets and alleys today for storm damage and fishing trees up.

Okay, and we're able to haul garbage to plenty of today?

Yes.

The Holland garbage plan of the day as opposed to the public, but not us.

And then they all did tell me last week, they got their truck back at Landfill.

So we should only be down 2 trips a week to 21.

So.

Okay, and you won't have any questions, comments for the... public works director?

Okay, zoning.

Just meeting in October.

Everyone's favorite subject chickens.

I notice a, uh, close by a city is gonna struggle with the same issues.

I saw that.

In the newspaper.

Yeah, I saw, I saw a quote that, that was, I laughed harder than you guys probably will, but I said, having chickens to save money on eggs is like buying a boat to save money on fish.

Yeah.

So it just, I know several boat owners and he's, you're not saving money on fish. busted another thousand, right?

That's what the list is for.

Those 2 were mutually exclusive.

So I'm pretty sure you could buy 10 dozen eggs for the price of a bag of tea.

Yeah.

Okay, moving on. pool manager, I guess it's it's closed.

We got the heater off, right?

The heater's off.

Yeah.

We're all actually, we were leaving it because Colin thought the firemen were going to use it, but he said they're not, so it will be drained this week.

And the bugs put in the bottom and those are all cleaned up and the boiler inspector was here and inspected the boilers. gave us our numbers in state.

Well, the only thing we have to do is put pressuring these valves on them.

Otherwise we're good to go.

Okay, so just for clarification.

Those are considered boilers, not heaters.

Montana state law and boilers.

Yeah, in other states, they wouldn't be.

And the only reason we have to, the one boiler inspector said, the only reason we have to put the pressure relief valves on them is because there are valves after the heater before they go back into the pool.

If there was no valve on there, we wouldn't have to put the pressure.

Awesome.

Because there's a threat that could be shut up.

Even though they say the schedule 40 pipe would milk before you got that much pressure anyways, but you still got to have them on there.

Once it's drained and shut down for the winter, we'll get those put onto.

So.

Okay.

Okay, so the pool manager, so fire chief, no fire chief.

I know there's a dinner coming up here, right?

November.

Yeah.

In November.

Okay Okay, so then we got the public safety commission report.

There was some stuff in your packets regarding that.

I think the next time Kurt comes and I visited with them a little bit, but wouldn't heard from the council to kind of bounce on them a little bit about, um, the motorized scooters and mopeds and fights, whatever.

We'll just... we'll just stay on top of that.

In fact, there was one, I was at cross-country practice yesterday and one of my runners has one, but then as we were working out, another one came flying by on the north side of the school and it was who I thought my kid was whatever. athlete was, but it wasn't.

So I don't know who that one is, had a helmet on, but it was a bike, not a scooter or whatever.

Good sized tire, so.

But those things must zip around about 30 miles an hour.

Because it was...

It was cruising.

But I guess he had a helmet on, that's good, if he crashes, but can't tell who it is to call his parents.

Um...

Public safety.

Okay.

Uh, council comments.

Did we have any council comments?

A lot of excitement by my place yesterday.

Oh?

Yeah, there was power line down on the corner there.

So, I think, uh, and we came and handled it, and that's about it.

There was a big branch in the middle of the road that belonged to clenched trees, so he drug it back and put it on his lawn.

But I have never in my life seen rain fall every way, including up.

And I'm pretty sure it happened in that storm.

Yeah, it was pretty wild for 15, 20 minutes there anyway, if not closer to 30 minutes.

Okay, any other council comments?

Steve, did you get called when, like, do you get a call and power lines go down?

I know the fire department respond.

Yeah, we got a page.

Only reason I knew it was because I seen it on Facebook.

I picked my head out my door.

Hey, oh, um, oh, never mind.

That's later on here.

Okay.

So hearing no other council comments.

We will move on.

So, 50-50 sidewalk, policy amendment to add handicap ramps.

Steve, you got some more numbers there.

Yeah, I met McGordy this morning.

I was on vacation last week, and I hit Gordy up before you headed to Fort Peck this morning.

And he said to change those, the curbing out to match would be 15 to $2,000.

So 1500, 2,000.

Just do the curve, but...

And then, because the rest of the sidewalk is, all right, getting replaced in the one project, I've always got to do with...

Okay, so.

So if that happens, we would add, you know, if that causes additional expense, the city shall pay that cost up to, and then we, I think that's what we talked about.

We need to visit.

You know, if we say 2000 or something like that or I think that's what we needed to add.

Okay, yeah.

A handicap caused that additional cost in the city would maybe contribute.

Yep, yeah, we would we will cover that in addition to the up to 2,500.

Yep.

That's what I told Gordie.

I said, the one bill for the sidewalk, we'll go to the homeowner, and then we reimburse the homeowner, the 2500, and I said, the curb block will illustrations.

Oh, okay.

So, yeah, yeah.

But we need to see an itemized, you know, because before we approve it, I want to see the itemized curve because I don't want it to be a $6000 curve and then, you know, you're making up for it over here.

Well, and I'm just going to tell the contract, and I do it.

We don't say we don't pay any more than $2,000.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

I think I'll add up to 2000 for that.

Okay.

That happens.

Yeah.

Well, and I imagine there'll be some kind of an expense for, like, the braille pad on the ground too.

I don't know what that would cost, though.

You can use that roller that just makes the money.

You don't have to eat the pad.

Oh, sure.

Yeah, yeah.

You know.

I've seen some of those pads are starting to show some wear because they're getting either skid steers or like 4 wheeler plows or starting to, you know, tear them up a little bit.

Maybe the stitcher should stay off the sidewalk.

Yeah, they do a lot of damage, especially if they hit one where the sidewalks a little uneven.

Okay, so you have everything you need from us?

Yep, yep.

I will send that to you guys in word.

Okay.

And then maybe prove it the next, get that on the agenda for the next meeting, then, the 22nd.

Okay.

Okay, discussion on reviewing regulations.

Okay.

Yeah, I guess so, there we are with that.

I know we've kind of talked about it a little bit, but is there any further discussion we need to have?

Samantha, thank you for finding us some info.

I anticipate upcoming legislative cycles for the state.

It's gonna be addressed.

I'm guessing statewide just because they're becoming so popular across the state.

Okay.

I'm hopeful to see legislation, you know, because we really don't have much at all right now.

Okay.

I anticipate.

Yeah, that'd be a topic of conversation.

So as of right now, it could be they could be lumped into whatever ordinances we have on bicycles and golf carts and all that stuff.

Yes.

Yeah, the only one I kind of liked, I think I mentioned it, billings required helmets for anyone under 16, something basic like that.

Sure.

You know, but just something to think about, I guess.

Okay.

So I don't really think there's specific areas in town other than if you have a preference sidewalk or street or whatever, but a lot of other cities, larger areas prevented it in like business districts and things like that, and I don't really see that being relevant here.

Okay, so Sonia, this this would potentially be a second.

Like, ordinance update.

Did you, we still have the book coming?

It is what it is.

I have to do.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Okay.

Do we have any idea when that's coming?

No.

You want me home?

And that's going to be a fairly significant expense.

Are they?

Well, I haven't, I think we've decided that instead of ordering books are just going to send it in a, where I make the books.

Okay.

You just do it.

Because they didn't last very expensive to order the books.

Okay.

They send us a PDF or something like that.

You print it up.

Okay.

Well.

That works too.

Okay, so more to come on that.

Well, I guess it doesn't make sense for us to put the cart before the horse, especially if the state's going to be coming down. what I was thinking.

But we're talking about it.

We again, we realize there's an issue.

I feel like we're doing our part.

Yeah, if anyone in the community wanted to come and participate in the conversation.

Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah, we'd even we'd even read an email into the record.

Okay.

City sponsorship for the infrastructure project for the hospital.

Okay, so the agreement.

We're still no new news, right?

Yeah, I think it seems maybe the hospital's behind schedule construction wise, so the proceeds, you know, we don't really want to get lending until, they would actually need the funds, although now we have a bill at the hospital and stuff.

Yeah.

It worked.

Are they planning on breaking ground this fall?

I don't think so.

I don't know.

I had heard next spring.

Okay.

That's all I've heard from my contractors.

Yeah.

His next friend.

Uh-huh.

Did they accept a bid?

Yep, they did.

Came in below.

It was scary.

Yeah, radio silence from USDA.

So.

Okay.

Okay, well, I guess we'll keep that one on the radar.

Then next we got the right away, Grant, water Superman extension.

Bill here, this easement invoice, DNRC.

I guess, sign up sign, you just stepped off a minute, but...

I'm not sure.

Sonia, do we, is it cleaner if the hospital just pays for it versus us paying for it and then getting reimbursed from the hospital?

Like, is there a preferred auditor away?

Yeah.

I haven't included in the budget.

Yeah, that would be my preference without the agreement in place us not putting their bill quite yet.

Okay.

And this was sent to Cody, right?

This was sent at the city.

They want the city to sign me right away.

Okay.

Did we, but did we then send this to Cody?

No.

Oh, yeah, yeah, okay.

Well, so but regardless, we we have to approve this on the city side regardless of who's going to pay for it, right?

Well, because it's technically our project.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And our wallet lines.

Okay?

I have the full version here.

Sure.

Well, I'd entertain the motion that we approve this easement so we can get it signed and keep this process going.

We'll make emotional, we approve the ease.

Second.

All right, we have a motion made and seconded.

Just a prove and sign this real estate easement from DNRC.

Is there any... questions, any further discussion?

Okay, hearing none, all those in favor.

Hi, all right.

Okay, motion carries.

Um...

Okay, then we got this amendment to...

Public safety commission.

I did not really go through this.

I was more worried about, uh, the other things on the agenda.

Are you, did a little bit look you into this?

No.

Okay.

So I'm not.

I just...

We removed a sentence regarding the county contribution.

But I think it's just a tension between the public safety commission and the county and for strings, is what it comes down to.

Okay.

I know they were really questioning the $10,000 vehicle maintenance, stipend or payment, but I don't remember was that.

Was that in the original agreement?

I don't recall that, being the line I'd be in the original.

Yeah, so that'd be...

I'd say it's been very clear how much this single contribute for a long time.

Yep.

And I feel like we did that because we were kind of finishing off one fiscal year jumping into another, but we're finally at that clear breaking point where we can.

We can make the changes that are.

Like I was beneficial to us, I guess, on an accounting.

But I guess the other change is that it's requiring at least an annual city county meeting of the minds regarding budgets, because it said as necessary before, and now they're removed as necessary.

So which makes is probably a good idea for everyone to get together, at least.

And I haven't heard anything of when that might be, like, an asshole.

Okay.

All right, so is this more of an FYI?

All right.

Do we need to, I guess, prove that we...

We need to, that we approve this...

I think FYI, as of now, and I'll visit with Logan about it, and let him know the point we'd be given on the agenda for the 22nd, because I feel kind of out of the loop.

Okay.

On it.

Yeah, 'cause I...

I'd like to see the...

The total, yeah, the period.

Yeah, the total the total agreement.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Then we'll we'll just vote to to approve that.

Yeah, I think we get an actual item of 20 seconds.

Okay.

And I'll be what we're gonna mention, guys, now.

Okay.

So, hopefully, they meet between now and the 20 seconds.

They say when they're September meeting ends.

Because they met August 24th, so if they meet that late, it might be...

Did they cancel all the 24th time?

Thanks.

Very good.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, at the last minute there.

Because they kind of posted it in last minute, too.

Yeah, I need to also follow up with Logan on that, how they publish that agenda and where they do it.

Okay.

Because I think there's been some confusion there too.

Okay, well, no action taken on that will...

We'll go through it at our next meeting.

Um, okay, state budget reports.

So I think we'll just start at page one.

I was going to say, do you want me to start reading?

Yeah, yeah, if you would, please.

Yeah, go through this like we did the employee handle.

I know, Emily took.

Is it 2 years?

My whole 1st term.

We had to hurry up and finish it before Paul.

We just broad brush in the last half of it.

I worked 20 years ago. good enough back.

But yes, that was, it's proved off on the side of the state.

I also got my draft form, my SL sheets, definitely.

Okay, so do we need to approve both?

The budget report and the annual estate.

Yep, they're 2 separate.

Okay.

Okay, well, this time, I would entertain a motion that we approve the state budget report.

So moved.

So I can...

Wait, we have mostly been seconded to approve the state budget report?

Any questions, any discussion?

Sonya, was there anything in particular, you wanted to point out that might have been...

No, I think the truth was included there, but I'll...

Okay.

The only thing that I am concerned about is the hospital project, but there just wasn't enough information in the data.

I have to hear that.

I agree.

Okay.

Any other discussion?

Or questions?

Okay, you're in none of those in favor?

Motion carries?

Then I would entertain a motion that we approve, the annual financial report.

I'll make a motion to approve the annual financial report.

Oh, 2nd it.

Motion made and 2nded to approve the annual financial report.

Are there any questions, any discussion?

Okay, hearing none.

All those in favor.

Hi.

Bye.

Motion carries.

Okay.

Now, I would entertain a motion that we approved resolution number 1157.

So move.

Section it.

All right, so we have a motion made and seconded to approved resolution number 1157, a resolution creating the zoning, and planning commission, appointing the commission members, and specifying the powers and duties of the commission, and repealing all resolutions previously passed in conflict herewith.

So you'll see our commission members and then their expiration terms.

Any discussion?

Okay, hearing all those in favor?

I, emotion carries.

So we were a little late getting this one done.

We wanted to make sure we were good.

Because we do got that meeting in October coming up.

What's the date of that meeting?

Do you know Steve off top for him?

The 2nd, so it would be the 14th.

Okay, at three, guessing?

Is that you usually?

Three?

Yeah, I think.

Yeah, 9 o'clock.

Okay.

That's three.

Um...

I see that.

Yeah, what do you want to do?

I'll play in a bait.

I'll go work first to the 16th.

Okay.

Okay, do we vote to approve that?

Sorry.

He actually did.

Okay.

I had to entertain a motion that we approved, all cleanup dates, October one through 16.

So, uh...

Second.

All right, most made secondive, to approve a fall plate updates for October 1st through 16th.

Any discussion?

Okay, hearing none, all those in favor.

Hi.

Hi.

Okay, motion carries.

Public comment.

Anything on or off the agenda?

Shana, any comment from you?

Taking it all in?

I like it.

Okay, up on agenda items, we got a couple we mentioned and then subdivision development regulations. making any headway on...

I liked the circle.

Did I send you guys the circle, city of circle, was there a dino circle ones?

Maybe?

I can always send it.

Because when I looked around similar size, I looked what they had.

So I'll resend that to everyone and see what, maybe I crossed in it.

And you might, haven't I?

Awesome, though.

Circles.

And I'm sure there's probably has been updated within the last 10 years because they had the man camp there.

Yeah So that's why a similar size it size.

Relatively good, of course.

Okay.

I'll I'll send that to everyone.

Okay, well maybe we'll...

Maybe we'll just put that on the agenda for discussion.

Okay.

Since we have.

I'll send it with the update of the handicap or the 50-50 sidewalk.

Okay.

Okay.

All right, last item.

On the agenda are the consent items?

I would entertain a motion to approve.

I'll make a motion to approve the consent items.

Oh, 2nd.

Okay, well, we've made 2nded to approve the consent items.

Any discussion?

Any questions?.

Okay.

Hearing none.

All those in favor.

All right.

Okay.

At this time, I would entertain a motion too.

Dismiss.

I will get you a journal.

I don't know.

Thanks, Kevin.

Yes.