Conrad City Council approves $5,000 for senior "Surrey", establishes temporary no-parking zone and okays sale of surplus equipment

At its Nov. 4 meeting, the Conrad City Council voted unanimously to allocate $5,000 to the Pondera County Council on Aging to sustain the Surrey senior transportation service, to establish a temporary no-parking zone on the west side of the 300 block of Illinois Avenue between Conrad High School and 4th Avenue SW, and to authorize the sale of a street sweeper and a trash truck under Resolution 25-1329.

The actions took place during the regular meeting at Conrad City Hall. Mayor David Cates called the session to order at 6:00 p.m.; Aldermen Amber Schoenrock, Darryl Burditt, Carrie Doty and Karla Breding, Police Chief Cory Smith, Public Works Director Dave Zimbelman, Library Director Tiffany Christensen and City Clerk Jerad Walston were listed as present.

Mayor Cates proposed the $5,000 allocation to the Pondera County Council on Aging to "sustain the continued operation of the Surrey," noting fundraising from events such as a chili cook-off and other efforts. Council members discussed alternative supports, including additional fundraising, grant applications and the possibility of Northern Transit operating the service. Alderman Karla Breding moved to divert $5,000; Alderman Carrie Doty seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Police Chief Cory Smith reported on October departmental activity and described the newly operational Axom body cameras. The mayor also mentioned plans to introduce an ordinance governing electric scooters, referencing Montana law; Chief Smith outlined current procedures for citing scooter offenders.

Responding to resident concerns about congestion and safety on Illinois Avenue near the high school, Mayor Cates proposed invoking Code 9-2-8 as a temporary measure until the council can draft a permanent ordinance. Chief Smith emphasized the frequency of accidents and restricted access for emergency and maintenance vehicles. Alderman Carrie Doty moved to approve the temporary no-parking zone on the west side of the 300 block of Illinois Avenue; Alderman Darryl Burditt seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Under Resolution 25-1329, the council authorized sale or disposal of surplus property, specifically a street sweeper and a trash truck listed in Exhibit A. Alderman Amber Schoenrock moved to approve the resolution; Alderman Karla Breding seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Cates also updated the council on an outstanding matter involving a Cascade County bill related to a landfill search. He said City Attorney Daniel Jones has contacted the Cascade County attorney twice without response and plans to send a follow-up letter giving them an opportunity to respond. The mayor provided an update on the Montana Department of Transportation and the pending acquisition of one of the city's industrial lots.

Votes at a glance: The council unanimously approved the Oct. 21, 2025 meeting minutes (mover: Alderman Carrie Doty; second: Alderman Amber Schoenrock); approved claims and October payroll of $139,368.86 (mover: Alderman Amber Schoenrock; second: Alderman Karla Breding); approved the $5,000 allocation to the Pondera County Council on Aging (mover: Alderman Karla Breding; second: Alderman Carrie Doty); approved the temporary no-parking zone on the west side of the 300 block of Illinois Avenue (mover: Alderman Carrie Doty; second: Alderman Darryl Burditt); and authorized Resolution 25-1329 to sell surplus equipment (mover: Alderman Amber Schoenrock; second: Alderman Karla Breding). All motions were recorded as "Motion Carried Unanimously." The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

The council received a library report noting recognition from the State Librarian for the Conrad Public Library and a Public Works report for October; no formal action was recorded on those items.