By Brian Baxter
Troy City Council meeting convened on May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Present were City Clerk, Tracy Rebo, Councilwoman, Shawna Kelsey, Councilwoman, Crystal Denton, Mayor, Dallas Carr, Councilman, TJ Boswell, and Councilman, Chuck Ekstedt.
The main topic on the agenda was a sewer rate increase. After much discussion, it was agreed the increase will need to be in the range of two to seven percent to maintain an adequate sewer fund. An exact figure will be determined after the next meeting regarding this issue.
Immediately following the City Council Public Hearing, the City Council Work Meeting commenced. The first item on the agenda was discussion of home rentals and responsibilities. Mayor Carr stated that the situation demands some attention, and that he has personally driven around and nicely asked folks to please clean up their properties.
General Code 1982 1.24.010; and amd. 2013 Code states – Unless otherwise specifically provided, any person violating any provisions or failing to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of this Code or the ordinances of the city shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under the ordinances of the city shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine or imprisonment.
Regarding garbage, junk vehicles and junk yards, 4-4-3: of Ordinance 386,5-18-1988 states – Depositing or Maintaining Unlawful: No person shall throw, place, conduct or suffer any member of his or her family or any employee to throw, place, or conduct into any street , alley, or lot, whether vacant or occupied, improved or unimproved, any rubbish, garbage, junk vehicles, vehicle parts, or other unsightly, offensive or unsanitary materials. All of said property shall be maintained in a neat appearance.
Councilwomen Rebo and Kelsey recommended the city start anew in their request for resident participation with keeping the city clean. First, to issue fresh letters with warnings to residents. Second, to announce a three warning practice within the letters. And third, if no compliance, to then issue a citation or fine. A member of the public present commented that perhaps enforcing regulations and at the same time giving positive encouragement to residents who clean up their homes and yards would be a good idea. They recommended honorable mention and before and after photos on the city and chamber websites, and even possibly awarding discount certificates for local business’s and services to the nicest or most improved houses and yards.
Councilwoman Shawna Kelsey announced that on May 21, at 6 p.m., the Montana Outdoor Heritage Program would be at Roosevelt Park in Troy to expand the conversation to improve public lands. Discussion on the hiring of a seasonal employee for the park and cemetery maintenance by the council included expanding the outreach and requiring some references for the applicants. Part of the emphasis described was to help a youth with employment for approximately 15 weeks during the summer. Councilmen TJ Boswell and Chuck Ekstedt agreed to help advertise the position.
The council then shared an update on the Deputy Clerk Position opening, and stated that they have scheduled several interviews and are in process of scheduling more. A discussion on a Police Department request for wage increase for officers when they receive additional POST Certifications was next on the busy agenda. After discussing, the council decided to look into costs incurred and time involved, with councilman TJ Boswell taking the lead on the informational gathering efforts. Additionally, both the Town Pump situation and the Pine Tree Plaza issues are still being worked on by the council. After over two hours of a combined council public hearing and work meeting, the council announced that it was Police Department Appreciation Week, and citizens are encouraged to thank officers in Lincoln County locations of Troy, Libby, and Eureka.