Drummond officials cite campground misuse, water theft and fiber-optic construction problems

At the Aug. 20 Town of Drummond council meeting, Mayor Gail Leeper and Public Works Director Harrington described a series of operational problems at the town campground and with a local fiber-optic construction project, and the council discussed possible responses.

Mayor Leeper said the Drummond City Park was originally intended as a day park, but the campground has seen an increase in long-term stays and nonpaying visitors. Council members and staff reported multiple incidents of campers staying beyond the five-night maximum, paying only after enforcement actions, and returning after leaving. Law enforcement has been called to enforce the five-night rule. Public Works Director Harrington reported sanitation issues including human feces left in the vaulted bathroom and porta-potty, which has increased cleanup demands on town staff.

Mayor Leeper told the council that the campground's electrical infrastructure—old 30A/50A hookups—cannot reliably support some modern high-amp recreational vehicles and large motorhomes, which have repeatedly tripped breakers. Upgrading electrical service was discussed, but council members noted the cost would be significant while campground revenue is down. The council discussed adding clearer signage to define permitted camping areas, mapping campsites, stricter enforcement of the five-night rule and possibly forming policies to protect taxpayers from bearing upgrade costs directly. Mayor Leeper also said water is being removed from campground spigots without authorization and that water will be turned off for the winter in October.

Separately, Mayor Leeper raised concerns about a local fiber-optic installation referenced as part of the Black Mountain/Blackfoot project. She described repeated remarking/locate requests that have required Public Works to re-locate lines multiple times, increasing town payroll and locate expenses. The project has reportedly extended well beyond its expected schedule; Mayor Leeper said a 30-day job had become a 56-day job. Harrington and council members reported instances of lines being struck, road and alley restorations not returned to prior condition, large rocks left in rights-of-way and inadequate cleanup at locations including Corlett Avenue and the Broad Street alley. Mayor Leeper said she will bring those concerns to Blackfoot.

The council also discussed sewer-line hookups for new construction on E. Broad Street; contractors were reminded of their obligation to restore roadways and alleyways to preconstruction condition and of potential liability for damage to the main sewer line. In separate infrastructure discussion, council members and Public Works agreed to consult Engineer Koon about using contingency funds to install a game fence around the wastewater treatment lagoon to protect it from wildlife and cattle.

Mayor Leeper and Town Attorney McGill also discussed fireworks policies and insurance liability. The council talked about holding a Town Hall with law enforcement and Valley Fire District and forming a committee to gather public input and make recommendations.

No formal votes were recorded on park upgrades, electrical work, fiber project penalties or the proposed Town Hall; council members asked staff to pursue follow-up and to notify affected ranchers regarding livestock near the wastewater lagoon.