Whitehall council approves consent agenda, storage-site lease and trucking rate increase

At its March 17, 2025 meeting, the Whitehall Town Council approved a slate of routine items on the consent agenda, authorized a lease for a storage site with Northwestern Energy and approved a rate increase for McGree Trucking.

Councilmember Katy James read the consent agenda, which included business licenses for The Blue Canoe, Sinclair’s Bakery and Infinity Bakery; water-account credits for three addresses due to meters being pulled and not updated in Black Mountain Software; the Planning Board’s recommendation to approve a variance request from Starrbuds; and an added building permit application for Chris Dyson. Roy McBride moved to approve the consent agenda and Linda Jung seconded; the consent agenda passed unanimously.

The council approved a storage-site lease at the water treatment plant with Northwestern Energy. Public Works official Kory Klapan said the new fence altered truck circulation but confirmed the lease rate is unchanged; Roy McBride moved to approve and Linda Jung seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

The council also approved a 13.2% operational increase request from McGree Trucking. Kory Klapan said, "The price is increasing to 13.2%. It will result in roughly a $1300/month increase." Roy McBride moved to approve and Linda Jung seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Councilmembers briefly addressed commercial-can regulation after a public question about Visionary contractor damage; Klapan said the town allows commercial cans to be locked to avoid public use. The council signed the bills and claims list and adjourned at 7:50 p.m.