The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

A meeting of the Big Sandy’s Town Council was held on the evening of August 13.

They were juggling many topics and concerns for the town of Big Sandy. An added facet of conducting a meeting occurred when there was a need to do a Zoom conference due to three people unable to attend in person. After a few tweaks of the system, they were up and running, with everyone participating in discussion and votes.

There was no Deputy Sheriff’s report. All is quiet on the home front at this time. However, Dennis Hale was applauded for dispatching a rattlesnake from an alley of one council member. All hail to Hale came to mind. Dennis also had a request of the town council. He and the Yirsa’s, who resides on his block, would like a street light put in their alley. There has been a lot of foot traffic there, and shedding light on the situation seems a proactive way to deal with this potential for trouble. The council was in agreement with this proposal and will contact Western Energy.

The working of the pivot dealing with the lagoon and resulting irrigation of the hayfield involved proves successful this year after much research and work. The landowner involved is satisfied with the resulting hay production.

Big Sandy pool was another topic of interest. Leslie Gregory was unable to attend due to working at the pool but had sent in her wish list for next year. New tarps are required and a new shade. There is a window that needs to be fixed, and six new lounge chairs are desired. The present chairs are very popular but are not in good shape. Leslie suggests pool passes for out of county people be more expensive than in- county passes. This stands to reason when out of the county, people are not paying the taxes that in-country people are. A card pass is also requested for the coming year. It is suggested someone be hired to staff the desk in the afternoon. A large chalkboard is also on the wish list. This board would advise people when the pool is open, the rates, and the names of the lifeguards on duty. Due to the hopes of a new pool, there must be long-range planning done this September it was decided.

The walking trail that was proposed unfortunately did not come to pass. The initial route from the grade school to the high school proved difficult because too people were not pleased with the path encroaching on their property. It was suggested the path be moved to 4th street. Something different will need to be decided in the future.

The rest area is experiencing problems. People are not flushing toilets. This could be because of the pushbuttons which take longer to flush or the fear of COVID, so visitors may not want to touch the button. To change the toilets to touch-free will require a bid from a Havre plumber. Toilets could run from $800.00 to $ 1200.00. Funding might be obtained from two places. MDT is one possibility, and Helena’s coronavirus task force has said they might be interested if costs were reasonable. Quotes must be made before August 21. The rest areas also need more cleaning. Three times a day was thought to be required. There is money available to pay someone to do this.

Pool fundraising has a committee of people who have volunteered. It was decided that the next meeting of the town council should include a vote of approving those members. Council will need to oversee the committee. After research, the pool fund would be in a separate bank account presided over by the town council. Any disbursement will see a suggestion by the committee and approval by the town council before moving forward. Any donations for the new pool will be recorded.

The town of Big Sandy has seen frequent changes in legal representation, and it was decided that the next meeting it will be discussed. All present agreed council needs to find someone who will be a long term legal advisor.

Ten blocks in Big Sandy has been graveled. Due to all sewage digging being finished, they believed these would remain in good shape. There are also funds left to do more streets. It was suggested bids be received this

fall for further work involving overlay. Gravel is also desired at the dump. Fortunately, money is available for gravel at the dump. A new sign has been put up at the dump, and it’s hoped people abide by the suggestions on the sign.

As far as Public Works is concerned, a shut-off water list has been sent out.

Approval of claims was passed, and journal vouchers were approved.

The Town Council then adjourned with an executive meeting following.

The juggling was finished for another month! However, the council members are not sitting back till the next meeting. All have projects concerning the town they are researching and delving into to better our community.