Stevensville residents say Spring Street water repairs lacked notice, used private power

Christine Porter, a Spring Street resident at 309 Spring Street, told the Stevensville Town Council that town crews began work on a water leak three weeks earlier and failed to give residents consistent notice before shutting off water or notifying them of blocked driveways. “It’s my understanding that we’re due 24 hours notice unless it’s a true emergency,” Porter said during public comment.

Porter said crews left water pouring for days and repeatedly returned to the same location without fixing the leak. She accused crews of running extension cords from private homes without permission. “Crews ran extension cords to private homes without asking despite the homeowner being available at home. This is theft of power,” Porter said. She added that when a breaker was tripped at one house, crews moved to another house where no one was home rather than asking an available neighbor, and that an elderly neighbor was in the shower when the water was shut off.

Bridal Easter, who also identified herself as a Spring Street resident at 318 Spring Street, told the council she prepared a list of specific yes-or-no questions for the town and supplied copies to the council. Easter asked whether paving work on Mission Street or Spring Street caused waterline damage, whether any active leaks remain, whether repairs have been completed or scheduled, whether the town gives 24-hour notice for nonemergency utility interruptions, and whether the town is allowed to use private utilities during repairs. She also asked whether pavement and shoulder damage to Spring Street will be repaired this season.

During public comment, Jim Cruz, identifying himself as a private citizen, asked the town clerk and finance officer to publish the wages and salaries the council is being asked to approve under resolution 574, citing the Montana Constitution (Article II, Part 2, Section 9) and saying the public has a right to examine those documents.

Porter said the unannounced shutoff caused financial and family disruption: her husband lost half a day’s wages and her son missed a day of school. She asked the council to “hold town staff accountable” and to ensure residents receive advance notification before shutoffs and before private property or utilities are used. She said she no longer feels safe in her home if crews may use private power without permission.

Council staff responded during and after public comment that copies of the materials would be provided to the residents and the council (staff: “We’ll be happy to provide all of those copies for you.”). The transcript excerpt does not show a formal council vote or specific staff disciplinary steps in response to the requests.

The comments cover safety and communication concerns about an ongoing water leak repair, alleged use of private electricity without permission, driveway access during work, and requests for clearer notice and for repairs to pavement and shoulders related to paving and repair activity.

Residents requested written responses to their specific questions; the council/staff acknowledged they would provide copies of the materials and further information.