During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around community concerns regarding environmental issues and property management.

The Climate Action Group announced an upcoming event scheduled for September 6th at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, featuring a talk by Nobel Prize-winning climate scientist Dr. Steve Brunning. The event aims to address questions about climate change and its implications, encouraging public attendance.

Community member Cheryl Wilson expressed gratitude for recent council decisions on modern sewer rates, highlighting the leadership required to tackle challenging issues. However, the meeting took a more serious turn as residents voiced frustrations over the ongoing neglect of the Verta Farms property, which has been deemed a public nuisance.

Mel Cook, a local resident, detailed a court order mandating the town of Stevensville to address hazardous conditions on the property, including the removal of inoperable vehicles and debris. Cook emphasized that the town has exceeded the 60-day deadline for compliance, with no significant actions taken to rectify the situation. He and other residents raised concerns about fire hazards and health risks posed by the neglected property, urging the council to take immediate action.

Town officials acknowledged the challenges in addressing the situation, citing budget constraints and difficulties in finding contractors willing to undertake the cleanup. They assured residents that plans are in place to begin remediation efforts, including potential use of city crews to manage the cleanup and subsequent billing to the property owner.

Residents called for the formation of a committee to oversee the cleanup process, stressing the urgency of the matter and the need for consistent follow-up to prevent further deterioration of the property. The meeting concluded with a commitment from town officials to prioritize the issue and keep the community informed on progress.