New Coucil memer, Krystyl Kulbeck was sworn in at the April 1st meeting. She steps in for Darin Ray, who resigned.
Mayor Shaud Schwarzbach mentioned that the pivot soil samples had been taken.
Diane Labuda from the Big Sandy Pool Committee attended the meeting and reported on the recent meeting held with KLJ about the pool design and emphasized the funds would all be raised through fundraising. There will be stages so that the project can be started in different phases. A zero entrance versus a ramp approach to the pool was discussed. Mark Rohweder from KLJ visited about the state code mentioning the pool will need to be 30 feet off the property line. The city council and the pool committee realize that the public wants transparency, and to that end, every time the city council meets, the pool will be on the agenda and will be discussed. The public is welcome to come to the meetings. There will also be a dollar thermostat placed downtown so that people can see the progress as it is made. Letters are going out to the public as well. There was some discussion about where the pool will be placed. There has been much discussion, but they will continue to plan for the pool's placement on the north side of town next to the cemetery. A survey crew, a geo-tech team, has already been to the site with the primary soil samples taken. So far, there are no red flags. Farmers have started saying they will be donating to the pool. It is hoped we can gain momentum this summer and fall.
KLJ reported on the Storm Drain project Luke Laliberty said Montana state would be getting money north of 2 billion dollars over the next couple of years. The legislature is currently determining where to spend the funds. There is a one-page letter with backgrounds for both projects; the swimming pool and storm drain project. There is a high chance the storm drain project will be funding, most likely in May, just under a million dollars.
Bear Paw Development representative Sara Brurud reported that Big Sandy would need a new Community Improvement Plan in the future. The public meeting for that discussion will most likely take place in June. The Brownfield project, the gas station next to Napa, will have a summer completion date.
The swim team also requested the same team practice times as last year. It was mentioned that once again, they will pay for the use of the pool and pay for lifeguards.
A piece of new equipment was discussed with the idea we might need a new Bobcat. This was tabled till the next council meeting.
The next meeting of the city council is this week. April 8.
