Regular Council Meeting - 1/27/2026

​City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 1/27/2026
The regular January meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Krump at 6:32pm. Present were Mayor Kyle Krump, Council Members Scott Gauslow, Jesse Moch, Tom Steinolfson, Shaun Jacobson, and auditor Jen Skoog. Audience members in attendance were Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering, Kim Berseth, Inis Frankl.
Krump recognized the audience. Zach Hatting updated the council on the Flex Fund application. Notifications were sent out today to communities that applied, and Colfax was not selected as a fund recipient. A full list of recipients has not yet been released to the public.
Zach and Kyle met with SEWU this morning to discuss the City’s and SEWU’s future water needs. Further conversations will happen as SEWU works through their future plan. Discussion was held regarding different options and timing. Zach will put together a timeline for implementing a reservoir expansion so the council has an idea of how long the project will take, allowing the City to provide a decision deadline to SEWU. Zach will also put together a timeline for a lagoon expansion.
Zach reported that Interstate Engineering is waiting for some information from the DEQ, and will then be writing a check for the additional EPAC project mobilization. The City is unable to submit the final draw request until the last R&R bill is signed.
Kim Berseth brought forth concerns regarding e-bikes in town and stated that Article 11 says no motorized vehicles on the sidewalks. She provided some concerns about this article not specifically including e-bikes. Enforcement is a challenge. The City will send out a reminder, however, county law enforcement needs to be involved with enforcement.
The meeting minutes of the 12/17/25 City Council meeting were reviewed. Gauslow motioned to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
The meeting minutes of the 12/22/25 City Council meeting were reviewed. Jacobson motioned to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Moch. Carried.
December financials were presented. Discussion was held. Gauslow motioned to approve the financials as presented, seconded by Moch. Role Call vote: Gauslow – yes, Steinolfson – yes, Moch – Yes, Jacobson – yes.
Skoog reviewed the draft 2025 financials and discussed the ending balance of each Fund. It was recommended to move $.16 from the Water Fund to the Water Loop Capital Fund zero out the fund; it was also recommended to move $8,054.16 from the Water Improvement Fund (USDA) to the Water Fund to zero out the balance. Gauslow motioned to approve the 2025 financials, with the two recommendations, seconded by Jacobson. Role Call vote: Steinolfson – yes, Moch – Yes, Jacobson – yes, Gauslow – yes
January bills were presented. Jacobson motioned to approve the bills as presented, adding Interstate Engineering bill for $2,830.25 and US Treasury bill for $868.28, seconded by Steinolfson. Roll Call vote: Moch – yes, Jacobson – yes, Gauslow – yes, Steinolfson – yes
Old Business
Krump provided a list to the council of individuals who have agreed to participate in the City’s Special Assessment Committee for the EPAC lift station. Gauslow motioned to accept the Mayor’s appointment of Jason Frankl, Austen Moffit, and Jared Myers to the EPAC Special Assessment Committee, seconded by Moch. Carried.
No update on the Colfax Reserve project.
No update on the Boehm addition project.
The City’s proposed City attorney, McClean, is in south Africa until the week of 2/9. Krump asked for him to come meet the council in person. If the council decides to move forward, they will work with Amy Clark on transferring files.
Krump is meeting with a land owner in the near future regarding some land for the lagoon expansion.
The 2nd reading of the building permit ordinance will be held at the February 16th meeting.
Council discussed increasing the permit fee to match what Todd increased it by. Skoog will provide suggested fees based on his new rates before the next meeting. The council will address the possible rate adjustments at the February meeting.
Gauslow had Glacier Enterprise came through and score the ice covered streets. This may need to be done again depending on street conditions.
No update on the snowblower tractor.
Tom emailed out a suggested job description and a job posting for the new city employee position. Council decided that posting should be done in February. Resumes should be addressed by the council within 2 weeks of being received.
Scott will contact Brett Lamberdt about the city floodplain management letter.
The council reviewed the MT Septic Service contract. Gauslow motioned to accept the contract, seconded by Steinolfson. Carried.
Jacobson said the there is a street light out in his cul-de-sac and Tom suggested there might be others in town. Discussion was held about the possibility of the light actually being needed there or if it could be moved. Jacobson will discuss this with the cul-de-sac residents.
Rick Stubson wants to purchase the 2 lots next to him. In the discussion with Stubson, Steinolfson brought up the property next to the bar and the condition it is currently in. Discussion was held. Further discussion will be had once an attorney is established.
It was noted that Jacobson’s & Moch’s council terms are up for election this year.Elections will be held June 2026.
There being no further business, Moch made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Gauslow.  Carried. Adjourned at 9:13 pm.