THE 1230th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD
ON APRIL 5, 2004 AT 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
A workshop was held at 6 p.m. prior to the regular meeting with Mr. Bob
Worthington, representative from Montana Municipal Insurance Authority.
Mr. Worthington gave the City Council a brief background of the company
and then led a discussion on risk management. The City Council was
reminded that any special events held on City property must provide
their own event insurance.
Mayor Berget called the regular council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Councilmembers
Bothman, Huntsberger, Leckrone, McElmurry and Roll, Supervisor of City
Services Dan Thede, Police Officer Boyd White and City Clerk Heidi
Morris were present.
Ms. Leckrone moved to accept the minutes from the March 1st regular and
the March 15th special meeting and public hearing March 31, 2004.
Mr. Roll seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Berget read the oath of office to the city’s new Police Patrolman
Logan Martin.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilperson Huntsberger informed the Council that his committee had
been working on finding a new location to move the skateboard park.
Jerry Marquez, from Flathead Community College, said the building class
would take care of all materials and labor to move the park. Discussion
followed. A meeting will be set up between park committee, Mr.
Huntsberger, Mr. Mueller, skateboard park board, police, students and
other interested parties. A neighborhood parent had expressed a desire
to monitor the park at the present location, in the event it was opened
again before it was moved to the new location. It was noted by Dan
Mueller that it was the first concrete skateboard park in Montana. The
decision of location was tabled until the April 19th special meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Berget moved the city vehicle policy item to the top of the list,
in order to receive Mr. Worthington’s opinion while he was available.
Mr. Worthington, Montana Municipal Insurance Authority, advised the
Council that the exposure, when employees take vehicles home at night,
is definitely a liability. At present, John Knudson, Scott Meyer and Dan
Thede take vehicles home. The police each take vehicles home and that
would remain the same. Discussion followed. The decision was tabled
until the April 19th special meeting.
Pam Peppenger, Kiwanis member and Logger Day Committee member, addressed
the Council concerning a parade permit and street closure for Logger
Days in June. They
will provide the City with a copy of their event insurance. Mayor Berget
asked Terry
Andreesen, Timberline Auto, if the closing of the south half on Lincoln
Boulevard would interfere with business for the two days. Mr. Andreesen
said he would be willing to work with the committee. The Kiwanis also
asked to keep their events open both Friday and Saturday nights until
12:00 a.m. for the Lip Sync contest on Friday June 25 and the street
dance on Saturday June 26. Officer White informed the Council that in
the summer the curfew is midnight already. Discussion followed.
Mr. Roll moved to close Mineral Avenue from the stoplight on Highway 2
to Lincoln Blvd Saturday morning, June 26th for the water fight, close
Mineral Avenue from Lincoln Blvd to the end of Mineral for the 2004
Logger Day Parade on Saturday morning, June 26th, and close all of
Lincoln Blvd for parade line-up starting at 7:30 a.m., and to close the
south side of Lincoln Blvd. between Mineral Avenue and Louisiana from
Friday June 25 to Sunday morning, June 27 for excess vender booths
provided that event insurance was obtained and proof was given to the
City.
Mr. McElmurry seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
The National Hot Dog month celebration was tabled to April 19th meeting.
Mayor Berget informed the Council that the Board of Adjustments is in
need of another member. The position will be advertised and the
appointment was tabled until the April 19th special meeting.
The City/County Airport has requested approximately 10 yards of fill
sand. Mr. Thede explained that the airport was doing a water project and
in need of sand to bed the pipes. George Wood is the City
representative. The City typically sweeps the airport and the roller is
used. The Council agreed the sand would be provided.
Mayor Berget informed the Council that it was time to appoint the City’s
representative for the Port Authority, term for five years. Ardell
Filler’s term is expiring. The position will be advertised and the
appointment was tabled until the April 19th special meeting.
Mayor Berget informed the Council of the slow progress and low return of
the income survey (28%) for the Cabinet Heights project.
Mayor Berget told the Council that the City had received written notice
from St. Johns Lutheran Hospital about the physical therapy rehab
department moving out of City Hall as of June 1, 2004. Bonnie Morrow,
Montana Athletic Club, presented a request to rent that portion of the
gym and attached small office space that will be vacated. Ms. Morrow
proposed leasing the additional 1,440 sq. ft. (17% increase in space)
for an additional $136 (17% increase of the current $800 monthly rent),
plus the additional property taxes.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the proposal from Montana Athletic Club to rent
the additional space next to the existing Montana Athletic Club space
rented from the City.
Mr. Bothman seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Bothman, Water Committee, informed the Council that their committee
had been working on the Port Authority water rate base for the backup
fire suppression 8-inch water line. Paul Rumelhart, Port Authority
addressed the Council and showed an overhead photo of the area.
Sprinkler system rates of other businesses will be reviewed. Discussion
followed. The decision was tabled to the April 19th special meeting.
Paul Rumelhart, Kootenai River Development Council, informed the Council
that the LADC approved a proposal from the Libby Softball/Baseball
association $30,000 grant for a bathroom structure at the ballpark on
the City property. The item was tabled to the April 19th special
meeting.
Paul Rumelhart, Kootenai River Development Council, informed the Council
that the LADC approved a resolution concerning a business loan policy.
The item was tabled to the April 19th special meeting.
Paul Rumelhart, Kootenai River Development Council, informed the Council
that the LADC approved third year funding of KRDC for $159,633. Mr. Roll
asked questions concerning the letter from the attorney for the radio
station. He stressed that the importance of accountability to the
public. Audience members D.C. Orr, Ann German, Mr. Olson and Jim
Rostofer each addressed the Council and asked questions. Discussion
followed. The item was tabled to the April 19th special meeting.
The city clerk presented to the Council a list of persons with
delinquent water bills to be written off and sent to the credit bureau
for collection. John Massey asked about small claim court. The decision
was tabled the April 19th special meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Berget informed the Council that the Healthy Communities (HCI) is
no longer posting meeting, no longer taking minutes and is now meeting
in the basement of the hospital and recommended that the City no longer
send a representative.
PARKS – Gary Huntsberger had attended the Libby Parks Board meeting. A
tree removal project has been discussed for Fireman’s Park and a
possible creation of a trail map for around the City of Libby. Mr.
Huntsberger said he would be speaking with Betty Jo Wood, LRI, about
cleanup around the Legion Park and around town. He informed the Council
of the Libby School District’s acceptance of his proposal to tear down
the old school building and fill dirt and water will be needed if the
project proceeds. April 30 will be tree-planting day at the river front
park.
FIRE - Fire Chief Tom Wood gave the fire report for the month. There
were 6 fire calls for the city, 10 for the county and 0 for out of
district, a total of 16 calls for the month of
March.
POLICE –Police Officer Boyd White reported 206 calls, 37 citations, 26
arrests, for the month of March. He announced that Matt White was off to
the academy for 12 weeks.
SEWER/LIGHTS – Mr. Huntsberger had obtained the breakdown for the
monthly cost of each streetlight. The cost of electricity for the
streetlights is being reviewed with Flathead Electric.
STREETS/ALLEYS – Mr. Roll announced that the Street Supervisor position
(in-house) would be posted on Tuesday, April 6, 2004.
SIDEWALKS/CURBS – Mr. Bothman is in the process of making a sidewalk
inventory.
JUDICIAL – Mr. Roll informed the Council that their committee had met
with Judge Briggs and she had explained the office and gave them a tour.
It was moved, seconded and carried to pay the claims as per the claims
approval list.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Next regular city council meeting will be held May 3, 2004 at 7 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm.
Mayor Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris
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A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON APRIL
19, 2004 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE PONDEROSA ROOM.
Mayor Anthony Berget called the meeting to order and led the pledge of
allegiance. Roll was called. Councilmembers Bothman, Crismore,
Huntsberger, Leckrone, McElmurry, and Roll, City Attorney Scott Spencer,
Police Chief Clay Coker and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
Mayor Berget read Resolution #1619 to Authorize Submission of TSEP
Application and Commitment of Funds to Match TSEP Grant. Morrison
Maierle, Inc. filled out the TSEP grant for Cabinet Heights Area
Wastewater project, the matching funds would be up to $500,000 in cash
and in-kind. Discussion followed.
Mr. Huntsberger moved to accept Resolution #1619.
Mr. Roll seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Berget reminded everyone of the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. for
Cabinet Heights Area Wastewater Preliminary Engineering Report at City
Hall on Tuesday, April 27th.
Councilperson Huntsberger gave the Council an update on the skateboard
park relocation. The Parks Committee met with Dan Mueller, Skateboard
Board and Jerry Marquez, from the building program at Flathead Valley
Community College, and discussed the possible new location of the park
by the Legion ball field. The proposed size of the park would be 100’ by
70’, leaving room for the water line right of way. Mr. Marquez would
work with students to prepare visual imagery for review. Mayor Berget
suggested the committee work on a lease at the same time. The insurance
was also an issue to be reviewed. The item was tabled to the May
meeting.
Mayor Berget addressed the Council concerning updating the current city
vehicle policy. A sample of the Great Falls vehicle policy was reviewed.
Police Chief Coker gave the Mayor a copy of the Libby Police vehicle
policy. The Council asked City Attorney Spencer to review and to write a
policy to be reviewed by Council. The developing city vehicle policy
will be combined and presented at the May meeting.
Mayor Berget informed the Council that after advertising for the opening
on the Board of Adjustments, no one had applied. He did have two persons
interested in the Port Authority position and suggested to the Council
that the other person be asked of any interest in filling the Board of
Adjustment position. Appointment was tabled to May meeting.
Mayor Berget informed the Council that Ardell Filler was interested in
reappointment to the Port Authority position. One other letter of
interest had been received. The term will be for five years.
Mr. Bothman moved to appoint Ardell Filler to the Port Authority
five-year term.
Mr. McElmurry seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilperson Huntsberger explained the Legion request for poles for the
outfield fence. The fence would be 20’ high and 50’ wide. They are also
interested in putting restrooms up over the original site where the
plumbing is located. Scott Foss, Coach of Legion team, explained the use
of the fence for batters and explained it would be up just for baseball
season. He asked the Council for seven metal poles like the flagpoles
and to help plant the poles.
Mr. Huntsberger moved to help in getting the seven poles and planting
the poles.
Mr. McElmurry seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Bothman reported that the Water Committee is still reviewing the
Port Authority water rate. The item was tabled to the May meeting.
The LADC recommended funding the grant for bathrooms at the Babe
Ruth/Softball ballpark for $30,000. Russ Thompson, President of the Babe
Ruth League, reported that the District Babe Ruth tournament would be
held in Libby this year if the restrooms were completed. Mr. Huntsberger
spoke in favor of the project. Ms. Leckrone asked about insurance
coverage. Discussion followed.
Mr. Huntsberger moved to accept the LADC recommendation of $30,000 for
restrooms.
Mr. Roll seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
The LADC gave the Council a copy of a loan program resolution that the
LACD had passed.
Robb MacDonald, LADC, addressed the Council confirming that the KRDC,
Paul Rumelhart and staff are working hard for the community and doing
their job. Mr. Huntsberger, Russ Barnes, Patrick Pizzelle and Ardell
Filler also spoke in favor of the KRDC’s hard work and the integrity of
the KRDC Board. Paul Rumelhart reviewed some of the work done over the
past year and explained ongoing projects. The LADC recommended continued
funding of the Kootenai River Development Council for the third year for
$159, 633. Discussion followed. The Council had originally approved the
three-year funding in the Spring of 2002. No action was necessary.
The City Clerk presented the Council with a list of persons with
delinquent water bills. The Council was asked to write off $948.77 and
to turn these accounts over to the Credit Bureau for collection.
Mr. Bothman moved to write off $948.77 and turn these delinquent water
bills over to the Credit Bureau for collection.
Ms. Leckrone seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Crismore questioned the wording of the City bid form for gas,
propane and gravel. The legals will be pulled from the paper. The bid
forms will be reviewed by Street Committee and adjusted and
re-advertised after the May meeting.
Bonnie Morrow, Montana Athletic Club, distributed a request for carpet.
The item will be reviewed at the May meeting.
Mayor Berget was approached by a citizen concerning setting off
fireworks in the City limits. Fire Chief Wood was asked to speak on this
subject at the next meeting. The item will be put on the May agenda.
Mr. Crismore asked questions concerning the demolition of the old
building owned by Dave Strand.
Parks Committee had reviewed the EPA tree bid for River Front Park, the
bids had been opened locally. A Bonners Ferry business received the bid.
Mr. Huntsberger asked to put the funding for the demolition of the old
high school on the May agenda.
Jim Rostopher asked a question on the Healthy Communities I support
letter of last year.
The Council will check into the matter. The City no longer sends a
Council representative since that organization no longer takes minutes.
Mayor Berget reminded everyone of an informational meeting on Friday,
April 23, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. at the College with Zero dB, broadband.
The City Council set up a committee meeting on Monday, April 26, 2004 at
7:00 pm.
The next regular monthly council meeting will be May 3, 2004 at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris
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