Town Swears In Council Members & Mayor, Discusses Food Pantry Utility Rates

At the first Town Council meeting of the new year, held Monday, January 10 at the Whitehall Town Hall, several returning Town Council members were sworn in after being re-elected to their seats.

Bill Lanes (Ward 1), Pat Peterson (Ward 1), and Linda Jung (Ward 2) were sworn in by Mayor Janacaro-Hensleigh. The mayor was then sworn in by Town Clerk and Treasurer Alissa Christensen. During new business, the Council voted to approve the return of Shawn Hoagland to his Ward 3 seat. Hoagland stated that, because he had missed several meetings, he had originally resigned from the seat in late 2021 because he felt it was best for the Town. After consideration and talking with locals, he no longer felt this way.

Audience member Maxine Samuelson noted that she appreciated Hoagland’s work on the Council. Council Chair Roy McBride added that he would rather have Hoagland at seven or eight of the monthly meetings than none at all. Hoagland was welcomed back to the Council and returned to his Ward 3 seat.

The Town Council was beseeched by Cara Sacry and Konnie Smith of the Whitehall Food Pantry to consider suspension of water/sewer/garbage fees at the new building, which is $87/month. Sacry stated that the building is only used once a month for distribution, the restrooms are not public, and the organization is a non-profit.

The Mayor noted that the Whitehall Community Library and the Country Store, both buildings being owned by the Town, pay $1/year for their water/sewer/garbage and recommended the same for the Food Pantry.

Samuelson spoke up and added that, while she supports the Food Pantry, other non-profits, such as the local churches do not receive a suspension of their fees. Bridget Morse of the Whitehall Saddle Club also added that the Club had considered disconnecting their water because the building is only used a handful of times throughout the year and would save $600 per year.

Peterson commented that the Council could only rule on the Food Pantry as it, and not the other organizations mentioned, was on the night’s agenda. The Council moved to approve the $1/year for the Food Pantry, adding that they would deal with other requests on a case-by-case determination.

The Town Council, after finishing their agenda, moved into Executive session, closed to the public.

In other news:

• Christensen mentioned that the Town has moved from average to actual water usage; if your water bill seems abnormally high, please contact the Town, as you might have a leak.

• Whitehall Fire Chief Joe Granvold reminded everyone that a burn permit is required for any open fires and, without one, those burning will be cited.

• Jung noted that the Planning Board had elections and that Arica Klapan has assumed the position of Chair, Jung will be vice-chair, Pat Peterson secretary, and Kathleen Fike will be a board member. A new sub-committee of the Planning Board will begin meeting on Tuesdays to work on ordinance updates.

• The Town will place its old side lift garbage truck up for sale, with a minimum bid of $23,500. Both Lanes and James said the sale of the obsolete equipment makes absolute sense and will bring needed revenue to the Town.

• Business permits were approved for Whitehall Auto Glass & Auto Sales, South Concrete Construction, and Austin’s Hired Hand.

• Building permits were approved for Jenna McNew (fence at 508 Valley View Drive) and National Affordable Housing Network (building at 100 Corbett Loop).

• Dasan Torgersen and Donald Burns were approved as new volunteer firefighters.

• Ordinance revisions to Chapters 8, 18 & 30 by the Parks, Trees, and Cemetery Board were approved.

The February meeting of the Town Council will be held Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 7 PM.