Town of Fairfield

The work session focused on the proposed water rate and structure, specifically establishing a base rate and usage rate, along with future annual increases. Deliberations included handling service taps for fourteen currently unused lots, addressing potential water loss, and adjusting meter sizes for the school district. The council also reviewed the timeline for implementing the new rate structure, which includes upcoming resolutions and public hearings, and noted concerns regarding low well water levels.

The council discussed several key topics, including updates on the library's ADA-compliant remodeling projects and related funding, and the status of Phase Two of the town's water project, which includes infrastructure replacement, new wells, and necessary rate adjustments. Concerns regarding the water supply impact from a proposed commercial subdivision were addressed, as well as the implementation of a new traffic ordinance regarding backing across traffic. The Volunteer Fire Department provided updates on equipment status and upcoming community events. Additionally, the council reviewed business permits, staff hiring updates, public records billing policies, and reports regarding low water levels in the town's wells, concluding with the approval of monthly financial claims.

Key discussions included the selection of the Town's law firm, resulting in the hiring of Faure Holden Henkel Terrazas, PC. The Council also addressed prospective test well sites and authorized assistance from Great West Engineering regarding water issues. A new council president, Carmen Staigmiller, was appointed, and she was subsequently added to all official bank accounts and signature cards. Permission was granted to dispose of eligible financial records from fiscal year 2016/2017. Significant concern was raised regarding a proposed minor subdivision by Big Sky Developments due to potential negative impacts on the Town's water supply, leading to a decision to formally communicate the Town's concerns to the county. Committee reports covered ongoing issues with the fire truck following an accident and the submission of Teton County Sheriff's Office activity reports. The Mayor reported on advertising for a part-time Utility Billing Clerk due to an upcoming retirement, and discussed plans to mail an educational letter to residents about infrastructure projects and necessary water rate adjustments. The Public Works report noted low well levels and plans to reconfigure old tender equipment into a dump truck. The Finance Officer confirmed the completion of the FY 24/25 audit with no findings and reported initiating the process to secure new Workers' Compensation insurance as the current provider is shutting down. Finally, the Council approved monthly claims and agreed to reschedule the April meeting.

The Special Meeting was convened as a work session to interview candidates for the Town Attorney position. Representatives from the Faure Holden Henkel Terrazas, P.C. law firm detailed their firm's structure, experience in areas such as union negotiations, arbitration, land use, litigation, and compliance with open meetings and public records laws. They discussed their approach to managing issues at the intersection of law and politics, emphasizing proactive messaging and ethical considerations regarding conflicts of interest. The firm proposed an hourly billing rate of $275.00, discounted from their standard rate, billed in six-minute increments with no travel charge. The Council expressed interest in their communication style, particularly regarding when to involve legal counsel and review of drafted ordinances. A decision on hiring legal counsel is scheduled to follow an interview with another firm in January.

The Town Council meeting addressed several items under Old Business, including the receipt of a $15,000 DNRC/RRGL planning grant award for Phase 3 PER of the Water Project, which will focus on Central Avenue. The attorney search process was reopened, with a tentative interview date set for January 7, 2026. The council reviewed proposed test well locations, which were deemed unsuitable, and plans to investigate alternative properties. New Business included the appointment of Chris Tacke to the Ward 2 councilor position for a two-year term, followed by the administration of oaths to the Mayor, Ward 1 Councilor, and the new Ward 2 Councilor. Approval was granted for Task Order No. 15 related to the Phase 3 Water System Improvements Preliminary Engineering Report. Committee reports covered an engine issue with the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department requiring third-party verification before the truck can return to service, and a Teton County Sheriff's Office report noting 157.40 total hours for October. Department reports detailed that well pumping levels were slightly up due to a leak, and specific wells are nearing mandated ramp-downs due to low static levels. There was discussion regarding a downed power line affecting the east water tower, with burying the line estimated at $5,000. The Finance Officer reported on an upcoming audit and expressed concern regarding proposed MCEP grant funding changes that would require the Town to front reimbursement costs. The council also approved payment for monthly claims.