Clearmont Town Council Met on Monday

The Clearmont Town Council met on Monday, October 21, at 6 p.m. at Clearmont Town Hall.

Clearmont resident Rick Bell approached the council with a complaint that his water usage had increased in September, and he stated he had not used as much water as the city meter indicated. He said that there were no leaks in his water system, and he had no idea why the meter said he used so much water.

“If we had used it, I wouldn’t be here talking to you,” Bell said. He asked the council to subtract the over-charge from his next month’s bill. The council agreed to subtract a portion of the over-payment from his upcoming bill.

Tanner Greig, of Engineering Associates, talked about the water line project in Clearmont.

He also talked about lead and copper in the waterlines, talking about the problems faced by Michigan, where there was a lot of lead leaching into their water lines, and EPA mandated that the lines in communities needed to be checked to make sure that they were safe. Greig said he was the engineer who is working with Clearmont on the project. He said they looked at the Clearmont water lines and found some ‘unknowns. He added that unknowns are those pipes that they can’t be sure are not lead pipes.

Letters will be sent out to property owners about the on-going project. Schock mentioned that the waterlines from the curb stop to the house are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Mayor Chris Schock gave a report on Water Well #3, saying he received a second opinion on the well, and he forwarded it on the state, and he is waiting for them to respond. It was mentioned that it was a ‘good report’.

Schock also urged residents to get out and vote on November 5, at Town Hall adding that residents should vote for the Cap Tax, as it helps Clearmont and other small towns.

The One Percent Specific Purpose Capital Facilities Tax (Cap Tax) is an optional sales and use tax that will be on the ballot for the November 5th general election.

The Cap Tax is approved for a specific amount, exclusively for capital improvement projects for community infrastructure such as streets, roads, bridges, utilities, and facilities. Revenue collected from this tax funds infrastructure projects in the City of Sheridan, Sheridan County, Clearmont, Dayton and Ranchester.

All consumers of goods and services in Sheridan County pay the Capital Facilities sales and use tax. This includes visitors and temporary employees within our communities.

Kaelan Haring, council member and representative to the Clear Creek Recreation District, reported on what the recreation district is doing for Halloween. They are planning a chili and cinnamon roll supper, $5 per plate, and the annual truck or treat in the rec. district parking lot.

Town Clerk Kirstie Auzqui also reported on changes at Pilch and Reed, the town’s accounting firm. She also talked about the skunk and raccoon problem in the area and around Clearmont.

Shock mentioned that a mountain lion had recently been spotted about a mile west of town.

Holly Jennings county commissioner attended the meeting and talked about Sheridan County Commissioners Open House, which they are hoping to start holding in Clearmont during the upcoming year.

She added that it would be weather permitting.

The council also discussed and approved the purchase of new office furniture and heard a presentation from Sheridan Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse Ludikhuize, who talked about being prepared for natural hazards, such as severe weather, floods and wildfires.

Schock read the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution and the council moved to approve the plan. Ludikhuize also talked about grants that may be available for the town to improve on preparing for emergencies.

Next meeting will be on Nov.18, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. Town Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.