The Libby City Council held meeting # 1538 on Monday, March 16, 2020, in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Brent Teske.
Present were Ms. Williams, Ms. Smith, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Beach, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Dufficy, Deputy Clerk Jody Martin, City Administrator Jim Hammons. Absent were City Attorney Dean Chisholm and City Clerk/Treasurer Audray McCollum.
Approve Minutes #1537 held March 2 , 2020
Mr. Zimmerman MADE A MOTION to accept the minutes from #1537 held on March 2 , 2020
Ms. Smith SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there were any discussion or corrections.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED
Announcements: Mayor Teske said there is updated information available from the Lincoln County Co-Vid 19 Taskforce. The biggest thing is to get good information, with all the rumors going around that aren’t true, so if anyone has any questions there is a hotline established and updates available every day on a number of different websites such as Hospital, EMA, Lincoln County.
Committee Reports:
City Administrators Report: Crews finished pouring the concrete Sonatubes for the way finding signs, hopefully by the end of the week more signs can be placed. The lights down at the park are done too, also drilled the four light poles around the parking area and should be put up in near future. The “Welcome to Libby” signs will be going up in the next few weeks. There have been water flow issues up on Cabinet Height, another water flow test was done and we found out there is too much 6”line restricting flow, eventually we will have to replace 600’ of 6” Main.
Fire: None
Police: None
Resolutions/Ordinances: There was a meeting on March 10th 2020, with five items on the agenda. Two have been forwarded to Dean Chisholm for review and to create paperwork related to Animals and Business License applications for Beer, Wine & Liquor Establishments, one item clarifying questions on chickens and impoundment, two are pending information, one is the golf carts and another is a request to look into the use of handheld devices while driving within the city limits.
Lights/Streets/Sidewalks: The committee met last week about stop sign issues and possible handi-cap parking on Mineral Avenue.
Building: None
Water/Sewer: None
Cemetery/Parks: None
Finance: None
KRDC: Tina Oliphant, 64 Port Boulevard. Opportunity to buy the Asa Wood School in progress to a good reputable operating company, made mention of some discussions regarding the secondary access Road between the Heritage Museum and Cuskella’s that will be going in by May, with the possibly of naming the road Fish Pond Road, and placing Way Finding Signs.
City-County Board of Heath: Laura Crismore reported that vacation rentals, such as VRBO or Airbnb are becoming more prevalent in Lincoln County. There are over 100 in the County and none of them are licensed. The County Sanitarian is investigating and working with other Counties on how to license and determine accommodation rules.
The 2019 Lincoln County Health Department Annual Report can be found on the Lincoln County Health Website. There are copies of the Lincoln County Guide for recycling as well as burn permit information available.
Information on the Corona Virus may be found on the County Website as well as their Facebook Page. There is a County Taskforce that is meeting two times per week and is comprised of multiple agencies.
Discussion Followed
Vince Backen 427 Thomas Street stated that he has a Hostel the Health Department has approved. It is possible for the Airbnb to be compliant.
Park District Manager of Project: Tony Petrusha 599 Florence Road. Reported on the Nordic Ski Course, Forest Service Road #128, The Pool Report and the Libby Outdoor Recreational Association section 16 bike course on Flower Creek.
Discussion followed.
Public Comment on Non- Agenda Items:
Comments of support and concerns on the parking lot were made by:
Mark Andreason 596 Parmenter Drive
Charlene Kraft Upper Flower Creek Rd
New Business:
Approve a Noise and Alcohol Variance on July 11th, 2020, and July 12th, 2020 until 2AM at the Fred Brown Pavilion for Kulbeck and Zimmerman Wedding.
Mayor Teske said that by ordinance there is no need for an alcohol variance at this location, just a noise variance.
Ms. Smith MADE A MOTION. To approve noise variance on July 11th, and 12th 2020 until 2AM at Fred Brown Pavilion for the Kulbeck, Zimmerman Wedding.
Mr. Dufficy SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there is any council discussion
Mr. Zimmerman Abstained.
Williams, Smith, Beach, Taylor, Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Reappoint Arlen McGill to the Police Commission.
Mayor Teske stated that his appointment had expired, and he has shown interest in being reappointed, and also read a letter of recommendation provided by Chief Kessel.
Mr. Dufficy MADE A MOTION. To reappoint Arlen McGill to the Police Commission.
Mr. Beach SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there was any public comment.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve the Letter of Support for the proposed assisted living center to utilize closed Asa Wood School.
Ms. Smith MADE a MOTION that we approve the Letter of Support for the proposed assisted living center to utilize closed Asa Wood School.
Mr. Beach SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there is any Council discussion, is there anything we need to add, subtract or change.
Ms. Smith made mention of a minor typo, there needs to be a dash after “re” for re-purpose.
Council Discussion follows:
Ms. Williams stated that there is another typo, there is an E in Aging, and drop the line about reviewing the feasibility study to just say this site is a favorable option.
Mayor Teske asked if there was any Public Comment
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR
MOTION PASSED.
Approve the Letter of Support for the indoor aquatic center owned and operated by the Libby Recreation District.
Ms. Smith Made Motion. To Approve the Letter of Support for the indoor aquatic center owned and operated by the Libby Recreation District.
Mr. Zimmerman SECOND.
Council Discussion Followed:
Mayor Teske asked if there is any Public Comment
Beach, Smith, Zimmerman FOR. Williams, Taylor,Dufficy voted Against.
Mayor Teske Voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve replacing stop signs at Cabinet Heights and Fairview Drive. Lines painted for a crossing.
Mayor Teske said this should say Golf Cart Crossing.
Mr. Beach said that there have been some requests to review traffic at this intersection, with new houses going up there and the driving range there has been some traffic issues and speed concerns. Putting up stop signs at this intersection would address these concerns and make it safer.
Ms. Smith Made Motion. To Approve placing stop signs at Cabinet Heights and Fairview Drive. With lines painted for a golf cart crossing.
Mr. Beach SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there is any Council discussion
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve removing the stop signs at Montana and Larch.
Mr. Beach said that up from the Christian School there is a 4 way stop that doesn’t fit with the traffic plan in the area. After review we would recommend removing the stop signs at Montana and Larch.
Mayor Teske explained the placement of the 4 way stop years ago.
Mr. Zimmerman MADE A MOTION. To Approve removing the stop signs at Montana and Larch.
Ms. Smith SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there was any Council discussion or public comment
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve Zoning for the Downtown Business District and Highway Commercial District.
Mayor Teske stated that this has been tabled for now, we were not able to have the Public Hearing due to Covid-19 health concerns.
Approve all coin-operated licenses received to date:
• VFW
Ms. Smith MADE A MOTION to Approve all con-operated licenses to date.
Mr. Dufficy SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there is any Council Discussion or Public Comment
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve all alcohol licenses received to date.
• Empire Foods, LLC
Ms.Smith MADE A MOTION to approve all alcohol licenses to date.
Mr. Dufficy SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there is any Council Discussion or Public Comment.
Williams, Smith, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor,Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve new business licenses received to date:
• Alex Bills Painting
• Complete Care Janitorial
• Empire Foods LLC
• House Of Libby
• D.T. Enterprises DBA Initial Graphics
• JC Construction/Concrete
• Nelli O’s Salon
• Syd’s Suds
• Tamarack Realty
• Trina’s House Cleaning
• Why Not Landscaping
• Wendy’s Cleaning Service
MS Smith MADE a MOTION to accept all new business licenses received to date.
Mr. Dufficy SECOND.
Mayor Teske asked if there was any Council discussion
Council Discussion Follows
Williams, Zimmerman, Smith, Beach, Taylor, Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Unfinished Business:
City of Libby Wildlife Management Plan:
Mr. Taylor said they had a meeting last week to discuss ideas on the City’s Wildlife management plan, we had Mr. Joshua Boltz from the Corps of Engineers, to help with relocating the turkeys and working with the state. Mr. Gunderson is looking into some funding.
IP Negotiations:
MayorTeske read an email he sent to Mr. Payne, asking if there has been any negotiations, we only have 3-1/2 months left and the county is wanting information. Mr. Payne replied, there has been no word yet and would propose that next week a letter is sent asking for a response, giving them 2 weeks to respond or the City of Libby will go forward with the understanding that IP has chosen not to continue. A draft letter will be sent for review and approval.
Council Discussion Follows
Mayor Teske asked for any Public comment.
General Comments from the Council:
Mr. Dufficy made suggestion of sending in written comment if you do not want to risk coming to any meetings.
Ms. Smith asked wasn’t the purpose of the Libby Recreation District to establish a pool fund?
Ms. William said yes it was.
Ms. Williams asked how the Council wants to talk about the use of handheld devices (cellphones) while driving.
Council Discussion Follows
Adjournment:
Ms. Williams MADE a MOTION to adjourn the meeting.
Mr. Zimmerman SECOND.
Williams, Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor, Dufficy voted FOR:
MOTION PASSED.
The meeting ADJOURNED at 8:12 pm.
______________ Attest; ______________________________
Mayor, Brent Teske Jody Martin Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer