Townsend City Council Meeting 9/1
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 09/18/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 11Townsend City Council Meeting
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
9/1/26
Townsend City Council Approves Three Fall/Winter Events, Updates Infrastructure Projects
The Townsend City Council met on September 1 to approve three community events and discuss ongoing city projects, including water infrastructure upgrades and vehicle acquisitions.
Three Events Approved with Insurance Modifications:
The council approved three event applications from the Townsend Area Chamber of Commerce: Shakespeare in the Park on September 6, the Ghost Stroll on October 30, and the Christmas Stroll on December 5. Both the Ghost Stroll and Christmas Stroll will require street closures on Broadway/U.S. Highway 12.
Doug Sitton, president of the Townsend Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the applications and apologized for submitting them late. "This is complete oversight on our part," Sitton said. He confirmed that Rotary will handle setting up street closures and barricades for the events.
A key issue emerged regarding insurance requirements. Only Shakespeare in the Park currently has the required certificate of insurance on file. The Ghost Stroll and Christmas Stroll applications are pending receipt of updated certificates, as current insurance expires on October 10.
Council member Angie Wintrow asked whether the council would waive the two million/four million dollar insurance requirements for these events, similar to the waiver granted for the rodeo street dance. Council member JB Howick agreed, noting the modification should apply to all three events. The council voted to approve the applications pending receipt of insurance certificates and traffic detour plans, with the higher insurance requirements waived.
Mayor Vickie Rauser noted that council member Howick's explanation of the new Events Ordinance clarified that the solicitors license resolution previously on the agenda was no longer necessary. "Things can change," the mayor said, removing the item from discussion.
Boundary Relocation Tabled Pending Documentation:
Mike Evans requested approval to relocate the boundary of his property at 316 North Spruce to extend into two adjacent lots he owns at 314 North Spruce. Evans explained that the boundary shift would allow him to place a garage on the side of his house.
Mayor Rauser stated that the City Attorney has requested additional documentation before the council can act. The mayor will provide Evans with a list of required materials, state law references, and administrative rules so he can complete his application. The request was tabled until the next council meeting.
Infrastructure Improvements and Personnel Updates:
Public Works Director Eric Crusch reported positive developments for the city. A new water tower is now fully online and operational after passing all tests. Crusch also highlighted that one of his employees recently received his Commercial Driver's License in a timely manner, bringing the city's total to three CDL-certified drivers. Street work throughout the town is scheduled to begin soon.
The Fire Department reported that pump tests on all trucks passed inspection. However, engine three sustained damage during routine operations when a cabinet door opened while being pulled from the fire hall, striking both the truck and the garage door. Both the truck's cabinet door and the fire hall garage door will require repairs.
Fire Department personnel also requested clarification on their role during the Clydesdale Horses event scheduled for September 15. City Clerk Kari Williams indicated that organizers requested fire truck presence on Broadway/Front Street.
Council Absences:
Council member JB Howick will be out of town September 23-28. Council member Vivian Boaz will be away September 10-20. Mayor Rauser will be out of town the afternoon of September 8, returning September 9.
