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Medora council formalizes water-billing timeline, approves 911 radio site and hires contractor for wellhead update
Summary
The Medora Town Council voted to codify its water-billing practice (bills due 15th, disconnection delayed until the 2nd), approved use of town power for a 9-1-1 radio repeater site, and authorized a five-year wellhead protection update by Commonwealth; all motions passed at the meeting.
Medora's council on Thursday moved to put several routine but consequential actions on the record, approving a formal water-billing policy, granting permission for emergency radio equipment at a town site, and hiring a contractor to complete a required wellhead protection update.
In the most prominent action, Council member Colin told colleagues he had circulated a draft ordinance to formalize the town's handling of late water payments. Colin said the town would keep bills due on the 15th and apply late fees after that date, but would not disconnect service until the 2nd of the following month to give residents—particularly those on fixed incomes—extra time to pay. The board moved to adopt the policy, the motion was seconded and members voiced approval.
The change reflects long-standing practice, council members said; Colin described the revision as "getting something in writing" so staff and residents have a clear, consistent rule. Staff noted disconnection carries a $45 fee when it occurs.
The council also approved a request to place a Motorola Turbomax radio repeater near the town's tower site to improve emergency radio coverage. Council members were told Motorola will professionally install and maintain the equipment; the board approved a motion to allow town water power to be used for the 9-1-1 detector and signaled support for the 30-by-30-inch pad the vendor requested. A 9-1-1/communications representative described the system as a replacement for end-of-life equipment.
Finally, the council authorized hiring Commonwealth to perform the five-year wellhead protection update the town must complete. A presenter described the work as an environmental evaluation (maps, recent five-year flow usage, and a short report) and recommended an hourly contract rather than a flat, arbitrary cap. One attendee noted the update is required by IDM.
Votes at a glance - Adopt water-billing policy (keep due date on 15th; delay disconnection until the 2nd): motion made and approved (aye voiced). Staff to draft the policy language for the record. - Approve town power use and site permission for Motorola Turbomax repeater: motion made and approved (aye voiced). Motorola to install and maintain equipment. - Hire Commonwealth for five-year wellhead protection update: motion made and approved (aye voiced). The presenter recommended hourly billing; staff will return contract paperwork.
What's next: Staff will draft and circulate the written water-billing policy for final codification and present a contract from Commonwealth for the wellhead update. Motorola will coordinate installation with town staff.
