Plains council asked to address church foundation issue

The Plains City Council met Monday with a packed agenda which resulted in a packed house. Mayor Chris Allen announced that it would be his last council meeting and that Joel Banham will be the new mayor starting in January of next year. Banham will be sworn in on December 29.

Mayor Allen said the Christmas tree didn't get planted but one will be planted next summer by the Lions Club and it will be ready for tree lighting in December 2024. "The two newly hired police officers are doing a tremendous job. They will be in Helena for three months training starting in January," Allen reported.

Fire chief Tony Young reported that the fire hall has had a good year and that they are "holding steady on numbers of volunteer firefighters, but the fire hall is in need of repair." Young said the fire hall needs an addition built for a safe place for firefighters to change into their gear. "For health and safety reasons we need to get them out of the truck bay where carbon monoxide fills the air and the sheetrock is falling from the ceiling," Young added. He asked to have a bid put in as top priority for repairs.

Bruce Newton gave the Public Works Department update. "Overall things are going really well. The copper and galvanized service lines need to be replaced," Newton said. Later Newton discussed the need for a new lawnmower. He is asking for a better built and more efficient mower. "There is a lot of grass to mow," Newton said. He explained the issue of time spent mowing and raking up grass to emphasize the need of a bagger with a new mower. The John Deere mower currently does not work, he said, and it has been in use for 10 years.

In other unfinished business, much discussion was made over the issue that Josh Weedeman has regarding Harvest Church. The city approved construction of a basement foundation to be built under the church. During construction it was revealed that the property lies in the 100-year floodplain. "Work was halted after $40,000 was spent on the job," Weedeman said. He asked the city for a variance to continue the work. There was extensive discussion on the issue regarding FEMA and LOMA (a Letter of Map Amendment) that may be needed for Weedeman to receive a variance and continue with construction. "There is a 1% chance of a flood occurring in any given year," Newton explained of a 100-year floodplain. Council member John Sheridan said it is like putting a body in a bathtub of water. Water may spread to surrounding properties.

The council agreed that a separate meeting was necessary to resolve the issue. "More information is needed on the city lot and elevation along with existing construction before granting a variance," Mayor Allen said, and council agreed. Sheridan said it could be a liability if the council decides to vote for a variance without state and federal approval. Another survey may be required. "We need to have common sense and we need to help these people," said council member Connie Foust.

"We must deal with realities of what is there. The council has ordinances to look at. We are not trying to hurt you (Josh). We have the entire town to consider and look at. We need to do more work and talk to more people and surveyors," Sheridan said. Dealing with the government entities may not be ideal, Sheridan concluded. The council agreed to have a separate meeting with Weedeman on Friday at 9 a.m., December 8, at City Hall. The public is invited.

New business included the announcement of two council positions opening. And on December 16, there will be a retirement party for city worker, Greg Welty.