The St. Ignatius Town Council made an amendment during their last meeting to the previously granted preliminary approval for phases one and two of the McCready subdivision off Airport Road.  

The council granted preliminary approval of the subdivision with two amendments on Feb. 17, but after the council’s land-use training, they decided to make the amendment more detailed.  

This amendment included the exact lot numbers of phases one and two, requested no city water and sewer for either phase, and the town clarified that it will assume no responsibility for road maintenance until further approval by the council. Requests for city water and sewer hookups will be the homeowner's responsibility under this amendment.  

The council approved this amendment during its meeting on Tuesday, March 3.  

After the council’s previous land-use training, Mayor Daren Incashola advised the town to prepare a Request for Proposal for a firm to revamp its zoning ordinance and policies. Incashola noted that this will ensure everything is done properly for both the developer and town as it moves forward with more annexation. The council also approved this motion.  

The town also received an annexation application from Ken Noland. Incashola noted that the application will be referred to the zoning board. The town also tentativly set spring cleanup day for April 25.  

The town is also seeking to fill two positions, which include a seasonal lawn mower and a permanent part-time public works laborer. The hire for public works would be trained to take over the full-time position.  

The council discussed defining the number of hours for this position to provide the applicant with more stability but didn’t set a specific number of hours during the meeting.  

Police Department receives grants  

The St. Ignatius Police Department received a $2,200 grant from the Mason Moore Foundation to purchase new patrol rifles. Police Chief Jason Acheson noted the department also received an additional $1,000 anonymous donation, which he is considering using for tactical lighting.  

Acheson is still waiting to hear whether they will be granted the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant, which would allow them to revamp the department’s evidence locker.  

He also applied for a $50,000 grant through the Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Program. Acheson noted that he doesn’t expect to receive this grant, but it is the season to apply for them.