Town Council Hears Pool Fundraising Plan, Easement Dispute Between Neighbors

The Whitehall Town Council gathered for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 18, at the Whitehall Town Hall, and covered a range of town business from infrastructure updates to pool fundraising efforts.

Two major topics stood out during the evening: the Whitehall Community Pool’s new “Trip of the Month” fundraiser and public concerns over an easement dispute between residents.

Kelley Seccomb and Michelle Hoover, representatives from the Whitehall Pool Committee, reported on the past summer season, noting steady community turnout and successful programs such as water aerobics.

Financially, the committee highlighted that its recent 5K fundraiser over Frontier Days brought in over $1,000, with a portion donated to the fire department for pancake breakfasts for participants. Seccomb also noted that the pool committee was unaware and surprised when a mill levy to support the pool was discussed at last month’s Town Council meeting.

Looking ahead, the group is preparing to launch a larger initiative — the “Trip of the Month” fundraiser. In partnership with the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation (JVCF), the program will sell 300 tickets at $200 each, offering monthly drawings for travel packages. Destinations include regional getaways such as Fairmont, Chico, and Billings, along with larger trips to Phoenix, Nashville, and Las Vegas that include airfare and hotel stays.

Winners’ names will be drawn monthly at the pool, and tickets will be re-entered after each drawing, giving participants multiple chances to win. Organizers estimate the effort could raise up to $60,000, with proceeds earmarked for future pool maintenance and resurfacing projects projected to cost more than $400,000.

“We’re really excited about this,” said pool committee member Michelle Hoover. “It’s a way to build community support while also generating the funding needed for big capital improvements.”

During the public comment portion, resident Duane Hayden addressed the council about what he described as an easement violation near his property on North Brooke Street. Hayden expressed concerns over materials being stored adjacent to his garage, which he said posed both a fire hazard and a violation of local ordinances.

Town Attorney Ed Guza responded that the matter appeared to be a dispute between two private landowners. He recommended that the parties seek legal counsel or provide an expert opinion, such as a title review, before the town could take action. “Being inundated by both sides doesn’t move this forward,” Guza stated. “This needs to follow the town’s complaint process.”

Neighbor Joel Andrews also spoke on the issue, noting that plans were already in place to construct a fence along the property line. He said such a barrier would help resolve tensions while respecting the utility easement shared by property owners and service providers.

“Good fences make good neighbors,” Andrews noted.

Hayden was advised to complete a formal complaint form through the town office to initiate an official review.

Other Business

• The Council went into Executive Session to discuss disciplinary action against a Whitehall Volunteer firefighter.

• Approved: business license - Dirty Dan’s Contracting

• Approved development permits: 150 Corbett Lp (storage shed/office); 38 Corbett Lp (privacy fence).

• Erin Binder was appointed to the Planning Board.

The next Whitehall Town Council meeting is set for September 15 at 7 PM; a special council meeting is slated for September 2nd at 7 PM.