Town Council Meeting Covers Vacating Pyfer Street, Art on Town Hall Walls, and More

During the February meeting of the Whitehall Town Council a plethora of discussion was had, from vacating Pyfer Street, the Mayor announcing her run for County Commissioner, to the artwork on the Town Hall walls.

During a public meeting prior to the Town Council meeting, vacation of Pyfer Street was discussed. Town Pump, which is slated to build a new building this Spring in the location, requested the vacation and easement. Cliff Edsall, owner of Cliff’s Automotive, was on hand during the public meeting and stated that while Town Pump has always been “good neighbors” he had not been communicated with on this proposed change, which could potentially affect his business. After discussion, the Town Council agreed to amend the resolution to include that the road could be vacated, but could not be blocked off to traffic, which was Edsall’s main concern.

Mayor Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh announced that she would be seeking election to the Jefferson County Commissioner position, which will be vacated by Leonard Wortman later this year.

Audience member Maxine Samuelson had a lot on her mind during public discussion. First at task was the art hanging behind the Mayor’s desk. Samuelson questioned what the painting was, mentioning that it disturbed her, and asked why the town motto was not on better display within the Council’s chambers.

Samuelson also questioned the choice to move the regularly scheduled February meeting to a Tuesday, when it is usually on a Monday, because of Valentine’s Day.

“The Town Council works for the citizens. This choice interfered with several community events and it is not fair to change the Town meeting because of Valentine’s Day,” Samuelson said.

OTHER ITEMS:

• Fire Chief Joe Granvold reminded all that burning without a permit will result in a hefty fine. Granvold also noted several times that an emergency fund for the Fire Department was needed and that he would like to discuss with the Council that, and the Fire Department’s budget, in the near future.

• Wortman mentioned that small business funds from ARPA are available and applications may be made via the County website.

• Wortman said the County Planning Board has three openings looking to be filled.

• The Tax Increment Fund had approved $58,476 to create a sidewalk from Legion to the Jefferson Valley Museum. Construction is slated to be complete before Frontier Days.

• The Sewer, Water, and Garbage committee suggested updating the Board’s policies to include three council members, two at-large members, and a clerk.

• During public comment Elizabeth Pullman, who sits on the Whitehall Tax Increment Fund Master Plan comittee, asked the Town Council to get more involved with the Master Plan.

• The Town Council approved the professional service contract by Preserve Montana for the Montana Main Street grant for the Star Theatre.

• The Mayor will now serve as the Town Enforcement Officer of Town ordinances. The Mayor will be able to cite offenses, which will then be moved to the law enforcement level, if needed.

• The Town accepted and opened bids for the Town’s former garbage truck, deemed unuseable. Only one bid was received, for $25,000 from Helena Curbside Recycling. As this was over the requested minimum bid, the Town accepted the sale.

• Business licenses were approved for Al’s Mobile Glass, Rathe’s Color by Design, and One Man and a Hammer.

• Building permits were approved for James and Logan Reiff.

Editor’s Note: The painting in question was removed from the wall after the meeting’s adjournment.