Mayor says HKM contracted for Culbertson airport master plan; town billed $1,715.10

Mayor James Baldwin told the Culbertson Town Council that HKM is the engineering firm contracted to prepare a master plan for the town airport and that the firm’s charge to the town is $1,715.10. Baldwin said he had discussed the matter with David Stelling at the FAA office in Helena and that the council wanted a letter from HKM confirming it will not draw the full $1,715.10 against the 1991–92 town budget.

Why it matters: The town is managing a small, immediate expense tied to long-term airport planning and is seeking to limit the current-year budget impact. Council members also referenced how prior airport improvements were financed through the Montana Aeronautics Division at low or no interest, citing Lavern Schledewitz.

Details: The minutes record that council approval was given for Mayor Baldwin to act, but the transcript fragment does not specify the exact wording of that authorization. The mayor and council sought written confirmation from HKM about billing and budget timing. The minutes do not record a formal vote on the master-plan contract payment in this excerpt.

What comes next: The council requested a letter from HKM clarifying the billing plan for the $1,715.10 charge and gave Mayor Baldwin approval to follow up; the record does not include the firm’s response or any final budgeting entries in these minutes.