Mayor Joni Stewart called the meeting of May 19, 2008 to order at 6:32 PM. The following Council Members answered roll call: J. W. Eaton, Tom Shock, Kelly Solberg and Bill McCauley. Also present were City Clerk-Treasurer Diana Filban, City Superintendent Jim Suta and Police Chief Jason Abbott. All present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roy Nollkamper – 205 6th Ave NE
Leanne Kavanagh – Cut Bank Pioneer Press
David Fishbaugh – Brown & Caldwell

David Fishbaugh a Supervising Scientist from Brown & Caldwell in Billings gave a presentation on the Tank Hill Facility. The Tank Hill Facility (THF) is a Montana Department of Environmental Quality Comprehensive Environmental Clean up and Responsibility Act (CECRA) site located in Cut Bank. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality began an environmental investigation in 1988 in response to reported oil discovered in the soil during a home construction.

Mr. Fishbaugh explained the background which leads to the ongoing investigation. The Potentially Liable Persons (PLPs) have been identified as Cenex, Inc.; Conoco Inc. (ConocoPhillips Company); Flying J, Inc; Montana Refining Company; Phillips Petroleum (ConocoPhillips Company); Scurlock Permian Corporation (Ashland) Inc.; and Union Oil Company of California. Flying J, Inc. and Montana Refining Company have elected not to participate in the PLPs Group.

The potential sources of the oil seeps have been identified as historic releases of hydrocarbons from at least three sites, including Tank Farm Hill, the former Cut Bank refinery site and the site of a former rail car loading facility. Since 1998, MDEQ and the PLPs have been working together to investigate the area and implement interim actions until a final cleanup solution is developed. Mr. Fishbaugh has given this presentation to the public at different times in an attempt to keep the community informed about the activities surrounding the eventual final clean up.

Councilperson McCauley moved to approve the consent agenda consisting of the April 2008 Finance Reports, May 12, 2008 City Council Minutes and the May 15, 2008 payroll in the amount of $52,174.88. The second to the motion was Councilperson Shock. The call to vote was 4-0 in favor of the approval of the consent agenda.

Councilperson Eaton moved to assist the County Library with paving the new parking lot. Councilperson Shock made the second motion. The motion carried 4-0. Mayor Stewart asked City Superintendent Suta to follow up with County Road Supervisor Bill Bandel when there will be hot mix available for paving.

Councilperson Shock to moved to approve Bert Guith as Employee of the Month for April 2008. A second to the motion was made by Councilperson Solberg. City Superintendent Suta explained Mr. Guith on his own time had been able to secure a sink for the park facilities at Main Street Park. The sink was in good condition and would require nothing more than installation. Richard and Rita Chadwick donated the sink to the City. In recognition of Mr. Guith’s efforts, City Superintendent Suta felt employee of the month honors were in order. Call for the vote was 4-0 in favor of the motion.

City Clerk-Treasurer Filban read a thank you note from the Cut Bank Middle School for the ice cream treats they received after helping out with Clean up Day. Mayor Stewart commended the student on their hard work.

The Council and Mayor went over the Finance Budgets with City Clerk Treasurer Filban. City Superintendent’s Suta budget process was began but will be finished at a later date.