Michelle Richards

Key discussions during the meeting included departmental reports and communications from the Mayor, such as updates on the Cemetery Board agenda and correspondence regarding BNSF inspector cost refunds and support for NorthWestern Energy's generation plan. New business focused on the approval of Task Order No. 5 with Great West Engineering for the Wastewater Preliminary Engineering Report, amounting to $100,000. The Council also approved a resolution to donate a surplus police vehicle to Rosebud County Search and Rescue. Unfinished business involved a detailed explanation of the 2026 Pavement Improvements plan, broken into four schedules covering water service line replacement, street overlays, and stormwater drainage improvements, with the bidding process scheduled for March.

This Pavement Management Plan assesses current pavement conditions in the City of Colstrip using the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) method. It provides recommendations for roadway treatments, categorizing them into preventative maintenance (crack seal, chip seal), non-structural overlays, structural overlays, and reconstruction projects. The plan outlines a 10-year strategy to address current pavement needs and maintain the roadway system in fair to good condition, emphasizing cost-effectiveness through proactive maintenance.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the previous meeting, claims warrants, and payroll summaries. Department reports were presented by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, City Attorney, Public Works Director, and City Clerk/Treasurer. The Mayor proclaimed February 9th as Montana Mining Day, announced an upcoming Cemetery Board meeting to receive a substantial donation, and mentioned participation in a Montana League of Cities and Towns meeting regarding HB 368. A request was noted regarding the donation of a used police vehicle to Rosebud Search and Rescue. During New Business, the Council approved Change Order No. 4 with TW Ridley for the Business Innovation Center Contract, contingent upon EDA approval. The Mayor presented recommendations for pavement improvements totaling nearly $4 million, which will be considered on a subsequent agenda due to the cost. The Council held an Executive Session to discuss litigation.

The meeting addressed unfinished business items including the distribution plan for the Public Survey, which will include an option for residents to provide contact information for follow-up questions, and setting a schedule for interviews of City Employees, the Mayor, and City Council, set for February 3, 4, and 5. In new business, the commission discussed and agreed that rewriting the existing city Charter was unnecessary, and concluded that the Town Meeting and Commission forms of government would not be suitable for Colstrip. The commission also planned a potential work session at the end of February to begin drafting the final report and requested a meeting with the MSU Local Government Center.

The meeting began with the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the prior regular meeting and several claims and payroll summaries. Department reports were presented by representatives from the Police Department, Zoning/Planning/Code Enforcement, Fire Department, Maintenance/Utility Operations, and the City Clerk/Treasurer. The Mayor announced that the next council meeting would include an executive session to review current litigation cases. Key new business involved the approval of Resolution No. 2026-01, which declared authorized signers on the city's bank accounts.