Community Library, Ambulance District, Look to Utilize Town Property

Two Whitehall entities requested the use of Whitehall Town property at the monthly Town Council meeting, held at the Town Hall on Monday, November 14.

“Informal talks” had been had with each group with employees of the Town and with the Mayor.

Jeannie Ferriss, Whitehall Community Library Librarian, requested the use of the old Whitehall Town Hall, located on Whitehall Street next to the library, in order to expand the library itself. In turn, the Town would then need to move the Whitehall Court office to the Town Hall, requiring them to perhaps build an addition to the Town Hall. The court is currently held at the old town hall twice a month.

“Plans originally include the east side addition,” Mayor Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh said in regard to the Town Hall. “The architecture is in place.”

While the mayor requested Council's determination on building an addition to the town hall for the city court so that the old town hall could be utilized by the library, the Council wanted more information before making that determination.

Ferriss assured the Council this would be a gradual process - at first just utilizing a couple of the offices and the main vacant rooms for activities and the adult section of the library, as senior citizens currently have problems assessing the library via the handicap ramp at the back of the building. Ideally, Ferriss said, a main entryway between the back of the library and the side of the old town hall could all be created, but this is all speculation, as the Council must approve, as does the Library Board.

The mayor said the library could utilize the main meeting area immediately and just needs to sign up to use it like any other entity. Councilwoman Pat Peterson requested a formal proposal at the next Town Council meeting as to how the space would be used, and the courtroom moved, to proceed with determination.

The Jefferson Valley Ambulance District (JVRAD) also had their eye on possibly utilizing the current Town Hall’s empty bays to store some of their equipment and ambulances. Informal discussion in regard to this matter had also been had.

“Informal conversations seem to be made frequently and are driving our agenda items,” Peterson said, again asking JVRAD to prepare a formal request to the Council of their plans. Councilman Roy McBride voiced his disapproval of the idea itself, saying the Town could utilize the space better itself and that the current lawsuit, which the town is appealing, with members of the contracted ambulance provider, puts a bad taste in his mouth.

Holly Harper of JVRAD said the district was “mildly curious” after informal discussions and don’t want to pursue it if this arrangement would “cause a lot of grief.” She also clarified that JVRAD is NOT the provider contracted and that the contract with the Town for leasing the property would be with JVRAD itself. The issue was tabled in wait for more information.

NEW HIRES

• Kelley Seccomb was hired for the 2023 pool season as manager.

• Ben Makowski was approved to join the volunteer fire department.

BUSINESS LICENSES:

• Hoffman’s R&M Services, Alpine Tree Services, and 1st Call Heating & AL Services, LLC were approved.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• DNRC Floodplain Mapping Outreach Specialist Tiffany Lyden presented information on the 100-year flood event maps, which have not been updated since the 1980s. Lynden said the new updates, which will not go into effect for insurance and building purposes for several years still, have been an ongoing project with the DNRC, updating the Jefferson Slough, Whitetail Creek, Big Pipestone, and other area waterways.

The 100-Year Flood Event is a flood that has a 1% chance of happening each year but is something examined by insurance companies and town planners to ensure the stability of buildings to built.

Public open houses were held in Montana City and Boulder in June, and a public open house is now scheduled for Whitehall at Borden’s Conference Room on December 6, 2022, from 5 - 7 PM. This open house will have experts on the floodplain maps available to talk to landowners affected by the floodplains and help them decipher the new maps.

• The Whitehall Tax Increment Fund (WTIF) Master Plan was approved by the Town Council.