Representatives from Snowy Mountain Development Corporation in Lewistown presented to the council on the services they offer. The corporation was founded in 2001 and serves six counties in central Montana. They can advocate for the residents of central Montana in a variety of ways. They can act as a liaison connecting municipalities, local governments, and constituents with federal funding and services. They can also help local businesses become eligible to take contract orders from federal agencies.

The County of Judith Basin and the town of Stanford have worked with Snowy Mountain Development in the past. Community members have recently expressed interest in working with Snowy Mountain on various projects, including the potential designation of Stanford as a Main Street America town in conjunction with a national initiative to foster development in local communities. Other possible opportunities include small business loans for constituents and access to funding to reclaim contaminated sites for future commercial use. Following the presentation, the council voted to approve the annual membership dues of $1,709.62, giving the town of Stanford access to this representation.

Snowy Mountain Development holds open hours in the conference room of the Judith Basin County Courthouse every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of free consultations to help them access funding. Stanford is also represented by Kent Ridgeway, who has served as the town’s representative with Snowy Mountain Development for several years. If you know of a community need and would like to submit a proposed project for consideration, please contact your council or Snowy Mountain Representative Kent Ridgeway, or visit with Snowy Mountain during open hours.

Public Comment

During the Public Comment section, the council received an update on the proposed Basin Wellness Center. The council discussed possible updates to the town’s streetlamps, a proposed town cleanup day with access to dumpsters as a community service, and the opportunity to apply for funding for routine maintenance for the town’s main street. The council also addressed the allowance of food vendors in the town’s public parks. The council determined that guidelines would need to be established to ensure that vendors have proper licenses and permits and that the vendors are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the outdoor spaces.

Employee Reports

In the Employee Reports section, Yvette Schnelzer briefed the council on the state of the cemetery. There are currently no guidelines in place regarding the cemetery. The council will consider proposed guidelines that may place restrictions on décor, acceptable time frames for flower placement, and measures to prevent the accumulation of dog feces among the graves.

Sandra Bossen reported on the status of summer employees and open positions, the lifeguard training program, and the maintenance procedures needed to safely operate the pool. Rates for pool usage have not changed. Swimming lessons continue to draw participation from a wide area.

Old Business

The council will prioritize returning all of the town’s water meters to full functionality. There are currently 45 houses with inoperable meters. Affected residents will be contacted to schedule an appointment to determine the repairs needed so appropriate maintenance can be conducted.

The cemetery well will require maintenance prior to summer usage. An assessment is being scheduled to determine what is needed to restore full functionality.

Lawn mower maintenance for the town will be contracted out.

The council will reach out to the school and local organizations to assist with town cleanup. If you or your group or organization would like to volunteer to help with town cleanup, please let the council know.

Committee Reports

Rebecca Fischer reported on the planned celebration for the 250th anniversary of the United States. The next committee meeting will be held Monday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the Stanford City Hall.

Involvement Opportunities

The town council still has one open position. For more information on serving on the town council, applications for seasonal employment, or volunteer opportunities to serve the community, contact Clerk Amanda Kelly at (406) 366-1773.

Editor’s Note: Julia Lillegard is a contributing author to the Judith Basin Press as well as a current member of the Stanford Town Council. Other council members are Rebecca Fischer and Jim Sparks. One council position is open. The mayor is Chris Culbertson, and Amanda Kelly is the clerk.