Photo from left to right: Troy City Council Meeting – Tracy Rebo, City Clerk / Treasurer; Shawna Kelsey, Councilwoman; Crystal Denton, Councilwoman; Mayor Dallas Carr; T.J. Boswell, Councilman; and Chuck Ekstedt, Councilman. Photo by Brian Baxter, The Montanian.
By Brian Baxter
The Troy City Council meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. Members present were Tracy Rebo, City Clerk and Treasurer, Dallas Carr, Mayor, and Council members; Shawna Kelsey, Crystal Denton, T.J. Boswell, and Chuck Ekstedt.
The Police Department report, given by Kate Davis included mention of firearms training next month with pistol and rifle; FLETC free training in Libby for Tactical Medic in May, and a free training June 8 in Virginia City, Mont. for active shooter responses for rural communities. Clint Taylor, Power Manager, reported tree trimming accomplished in the Iron Creek area; city wide fire extinguisher inspection, and replacing the heater in the bathroom at the museum. The Public Works Department report by Dave Norman highlighted continued snow plowing, and related snow removal accomplishments; working on the new building for the museum; maintenance on generators at lift station and well house; burning slash at the end of the walking path, and trimming trees on Mineral street.
New business items started off with Sam Shupe requesting permission to change the name of his towing and automobile business to Troy Auto Sales and Towing, which was approved by the council. Kate Arpin approached the council to discuss the Ice Rink at Roosevelt Park. Her requests for winter of 2019-2020 began with asking for a frost free hydrant to be installed adjacent to the rink. Mayor Carr commented that an adjustment valve cost was about one-hundred and fifty dollars, and that the council could address this further upon budget decisions in July. Next, Arpin requested help from the city with a storage shed for skates with a warming area. She mentioned she is currently working on a grant for this. Additionally, Arpin asked that the soil in the approximate two-hundred forty square foot area be compacted. Lastly, she wanted to know if the city could install an electrical plug and outlet for night skating.
Councilwoman Kelsey stated that she would work with Arpin to come up with approximate costs, and that Miss. Arpin could apply for that amount when seeking grants. Mayor Carr said that the council could arrange a meeting to discuss in the future, and also asked about estimated current usage of the rink. The Mayor also emphasized clear communication between the parties, and recommended Miss. Arpin form a committee to organize her efforts. She mentioned support for the rink is growing in the community. Arpin also asked if the city could store the rink for the winter, and Carr approved that request.
An ordinance regarding sewer policy being reworded and put under one document was approved, as was Ordinance 2019-760, second reading regarding dumpster salvaging approved. Mayor Carr announced that progress was being made on the Pine Tree Plaza issue, with the committee studying aspects of safety and legalities. He related that the Chamber of Commerce building will be moved into the museum area, and that work was also in progress to acquire new playground equipment. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9 p.m.