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Columbus council approves contracts, grants and event permit in routine session
Summary
The Columbus City Council on Jan. 21 approved a cemetery mowing contract (~$23,888.21), $4,000 in matching funds for a historic-preservation grant, a balloon-rally special-use permit, a trails grant application and purchasing a $71,001.43 Bobcat mini excavator; several other routine motions also passed.
The Columbus City Council approved a series of routine contracts, grants and permits during its Jan. 21 meeting, voting unanimously on each item with roll-call confirmations.
The council approved a professional-services agreement for cemetery mowing at about $23,888.21, with council members noting the bid compared favorably to prior years and that outsourcing maintenance under $40,000 remains cost-effective. A motion to approve the agreement passed following a second and roll-call vote.
Council members also approved $4,000 in matching funds for a Montana Historic Preservation grant to support work at the Museum of the Bear Tooth; the motion was moved, seconded and carried with no substantive discussion.
The council granted a special-use permit for a balloon rally at Walter Memorial Airport in June 2025. The event organizer said the Columbus Fire Rescue Association will sponsor the rally; plans include roughly eight to 10 balloons, food trucks, a band and a new "kids' corner" during the pre-glow hours. Council members approved the permit on a voice/roll vote.
On transportation and grant services, the council passed Resolution 8672025 authorizing Interstate Engineering to apply to the Montana Department of Transportation for a trails-related grant and approved Task Order 30, an $8,500 amendment engaging Interstate Engineering to provide grant-application services for the MDT 2025 Alternatives Program.
Public Works received approval to purchase a mini excavator. Council selected Option 1, a Bobcat priced at $71,001.43, citing operator preference and local service availability; the purchase was approved after a motion and roll call.
Votes at a glance - Minutes (Jan. 21, 2025): approved (motion passed) - Claims: approved (motion passed) - Cemetery mowing contract (~$23,888.21): approved - Museum matching funds ($4,000): approved - Balloon rally special-use permit (Walter Memorial Airport, June 2025): approved - Resolution 8672025 (MDT trails grant application): approved - Task Order 30 (Interstate Engineering, $8,500): approved - Mini excavator (Bobcat, $71,001.43): approved
No controversies or formal dissent were recorded during the votes; all listed motions were announced as passing in the meeting record. The council then moved to non-agenda items and discussed other community matters.
