Signage: The MDOT has “City Center” signs available at no cost to the city. Any sign with variations in size or writing will cost the city. Prices for the latter are not yet available and it appeared from the discussion that the audience would prefer a larger sign with Libby’s name on the sign. The main area of concern is Highway 37.

Alana Mesenbrink with the Lincoln County Tourism Board and Glacier Country Tourism spoke at length about several issues—their hopes to create a county-wide branding that Libby would embrace; the availability of various resources such as photos and video materials and activity maps that they have developed that would be available to anyone who wished to use them; the bed tax and why Libby does not receive any of this money back for local use; the more favorable view that Glacier Country Tourism is beginning to give towards Lincoln County; Libby Dam is the 10th top destination in Montana (about 130,000 yearly); the Glacier Country Tourism website being a good place to advertise; a new event at the dam on raptors with the idea of seeking grant money to make it a larger, yearly event in Libby.

There was a discussion about the TBID which allows local motels to charge an extra $.75 per occupied room per night to raise money for tourism advertising. The owner of the Caboose shared why he felt that would not work and that he would end up paying it himself. Owners of the Huckleberry House seemed to be in agreement.

Robin Benson shared her ideas of activity-based advertising by using photos of local people doing real activities in the out-of-doors. Those photos could be placed in public places such as gas stations, motels, etc. and perhaps even at the kiosk at Kootenai Fall, with an activity-coded map. Robin offered to visit with the County Commissioners about the kiosk. She also suggested that the County and local businesses could form a group to work on this style of advertising.

Mayor Roll suggested that the city coordinate with the Lincoln County Tourism to get some of their resources on-line.

Rod Johanson of Yaak River Candles suggested that the businesses conduct their own benefit by donating items or services and the money could be used for advertising, or signage, etc. He asked how much we needed to raise.

Duane Williams spoke about efforts to contact Amtrak about the possibility of painting the station. He stated that “they are listening”. There is the hope that they will pay at least for the paint. He also mentioned that the museum is interested in the building because it is historic.

Christie Ellwood presented several ideas to promote Downtown Libby and to encourage the City to promote Downtown Libby: Improve Ignite the Nights by taking it all the way to the depot and have the city help with clean-up; build another eagle arch at the intersection of Highway 37 and 2nd street (use banners until the eagle arch is built); better highway signage; have businesses improve their facades to “invite the public inside”; create tax incentives to get people to move into the downtown; create shuttle services to bring tourists to Libby; have an art contest for school kids and put artwork in the vacant buildings; create a downtown park.

Mike Monroe shared his idea to add an extra day to Hot August Nights to make it a three day event. He also shared his past experience with bringing busloads of tourists from Canada for a day stay in Libby. He mentioned the idea of purchasing advertising on a billboard in Coeur d’Alene saying: “shortest, most scenic route to Glacier Park”. The cost would be around $40,000 and several communities along the route might be asked to help pay the costs.

Lee Bothman suggested that the city enforce their weed and grass ordinances to help clean up the appearance of the community. Mayor Roll suggested that the city might have to hire out to a landscaping service to accomplish this objective as many property owners refuse to maintain their yards.

Mary of Shoes and Socks asked how often the City washed the downtown streets in summer. It appears that they are not washing them weekly and the washer usually comes later in the day when there are cars already parked on the streets.

Wayne Hirst wanted to see something done and suggested that the garbage cans be painted and even offered to give money towards supplies. It was suggested that the painting be done in the “eagle” theme. Mayor Roll said the garbage cans could be painted.

There was a short discussion about the snow berms in the downtown and how to get them removed more regularly.

The Lincoln County Tourism Meeting will be held February 7 at 1:00PM at the Huckleberry House and the community is encouraged to attend. Download a copy of this news item.

Bronze Commemorative Firefighter Statue in Fireman’s Park. This project was commissioned  in 2011 for the 100th anniversary of LVFD to pay tribute to all volunteers, past and present, who had served at least three years.  The statue was designed and built by local bronze artist Scott Lennard.The entire project was funded through local donations.