THE 1252nd REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Mayor Berget called the regular meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Council members Huntsberger, Bothman, Leckrone, McElmurry and Roll, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede, City Attorney Charles Evans and City Clerk Chris Erickson were present. Council Member Crismore was absent.
Mr. McElmurry moved to accept the minutes from the January 9, 2006 regular meeting with two changes.
Mr. Roll seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
The second reading of Ordinance No. 1654 Revising the Existing Lincoln County Air Quality Ordinance was tabled until the February 27, 2006 special meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
George Niemi of Kootenai Paving had presented a request at the City Council meeting in January to modify the annual payment plan on his current loan to a seasonal payment schedule. Instead of twelve equal payments annually; it would change to nine equal payments annually from May through January. The annual amount of loan payments would remain the same but it would free up operating capital for his business during the winter months.
Mr. Bothman moved to accept the loan revision as presented for Kootenai Paving.
Mr. Roll seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Eileen Carney, representative for the Kootenai Pets for Life, appeared again before the Council. She did not receive a list of reasons against construction of the facility as she was promised and requested approval from the Council for a lease option at this time.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the concept of the Kootenai Pets for Life facility and approve a preliminary agreement for a lease option.
Ms. Leckrone seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Munro Investment’s request for tax exemption was discussed. Commissioner Windom spoke in support of the tax exemption stating approval would open opportunity to encourage future entrepreneurs to expand businesses in the Libby area. Commissioner Windom also pointed out the investment that was made into the community by improving the area and the energy the new building brought to a main entrance to the city. Mr. Roll presented another concept to the tax exemption proposal, which would allow only one year of tax exemption verses five years of exemption that the County approved.
Mr. Bothman moved to accept the MCA 15-24-1502 tax exemption proposal for Munro Investments, LLC to mirror the Lincoln County proposal which included the six month vacancy clause, the five year zero tax exemption and the four year tax reduction abatement.
The motion died for lack of a second.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the MCA 15-24-1502 tax exemption proposal for Munro Investments, LLC allowing for the first year to be zero tax exemption and the following four years would be a graduated tax reduction abatement as outlined in the MCA 15-24-1502 schedule.
Ms. Leckrone seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
The easement request for Verizon was briefly discussed.
Mr. McElmurry moved to grant the revised easement allowing Verizon to access their tower across the City of Libby property.
Mr. Bothman seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Berget announced the City Council position vacated by Mr. Huntsberger who moved outside of the city limits and is no longer eligible to serve on the city council. He asked for any interested parties to submit their letter of intent to the City Clerk.
Lincoln County Crisis Solution requested permission to reoccupy the city owned property on Utah Avenue, the previous location of the Helpline House Women’s Shelter. Barb Guthnick, director of the group explained they now have funding in place to operate a women’s shelter. Eventually they would like to purchase the facility from the City. They asked to take over occupancy by March 31, 2006. As the city currently has tenants in the house, they were advised a 60-day notice to the tenants would be necessary. Once the City receives written intent and proof of funding, the tenant would be put on notice.
Ken Gehlhoff brought a request for variance before the Council. He currently owns a residence on Mineral Avenue in a residential zoned area that he would like to operate a call center home based business from that employs between six to eight people. There would be no on street parking, no deliveries to or from the residence and nothing sold from the residence. It is strictly served by telephone to conduct out of state business. His business is very low key with no late night or early morning disruptions to the neighborhood. He spoke with the surrounding property owners who gave him a go ahead based on the business criteria. Once the business is established and grows, he plans to relocate the business to another area in town. The Council tabled this issue to the February 13, 2006 special meeting until further investigation could be conducted.
Gary Rantala, of the Igniters Car Club came before the Council to request closure of Mineral Avenue for their annual event. He presented a financial statement that indicated how much money the event brought into the community last year.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the request from the Igniters to close Mineral Avenue for their annual car show.
Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Mayor Berget spoke briefly about the Mayor’s Academy he had attended in Bozeman. As he stated, it was very informational and he learned a great deal from all the networking and seminars that took place.
Mayor Berget recognized the local Boy Scouts that were present in the audience.
COUNCIL ACTION/DISCUSSION
A second City Council Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2006 from 10-noon. No decisions will be made. The public is invited to attend.
Bill Bischoff representative for the City of Libby Planning Board gave the Council a copy of their vision statement. He asked that the Council review the document, make any changes necessary and give comments to Doug to be discussed at the February 13, 2006 special meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PARKS – Mr. Huntsberger reported he made an agreement with Jim Beasley that the tree committee would donate trees for Creek View Subdivision if he would insure more trees would be planted along the streets.
CITY/COUNTY LIAISON – None.
FIRE – None.
BUILDING/INDUSTRIAL PARK – None.
INSURANCE – None.
PERSONNEL – None.
POLICE – Chief Clay Coker reported his computer had been down and he no report to present.
RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE – None.
WATER – Mr. Bothman reported the pressure station project was moving along.
SEWER/LIGHTS – None.
STREETS/ALLEYS – Mr. Roll had no monthly report from Supervisor Corky Pape. Mr. Roll stated the alleys needed work.
SIDEWALKS/CURBS – Lee Bothman stated the cooperative program was generating interest.
BUDGET/FINANCE – None.
JUDICIAL – None.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS – None.
RC & D – None.
KRDC – None.
LADC – None.
CAG – None.
TAG – None.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS – None.
EDUCATION – None.
PUBLIC SAFETY/TRAFFIC COORDINATOR – None.
Ms. Leckrone moved to pay the claims as presented.
Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Commissioner Windom addressed the Council regarding the walking trail planned to cross the Stimson Bridge to join J. Neils Park to the Heritage Museum. CTEP funds and a grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will fund the project. They are currently working with Kootenai Paving to have bridge surface retrofitted for safety.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Chris A. Erickson, City Clerk
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIBBY WAS HELD AT CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON FEBRUARY 13, 2006 AT 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Berget called the special meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Present were Council Members Crismore, Roll, Leckrone, Bothman and McElmurry and City Services Supervisor Dan Thede, City Attorney Charles Evans and City Clerk Chris Erickson.
Resolution No. 1658 was amended to include the parkland area of the Creek View Subdivision.
Mr. Roll moved to accept Resolution No. 1658 Amending Resolution No. 1653 Extending the Boundaries of the City of Libby to Embrace, Include and Annex the Creek View Estates and the Parkland.
Ms. Leckrone seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Resolution No. 1659 was presented for adoption.
Mr. Bothman made a motion to revisit the vote cast at the February 6, 2006 regular meeting.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
Mr. Roll moved to accept Resolution No. 1659 Approving an Application for Munro Investments, LLC for Tax Exemption and Reduction for the Remodeling, Reconstruction or Expansion of Existing Commercial Buildings or Structures.
Ms. Leckrone seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Mr. Bothman voted nay.
Mr. Gehlhoff was present to answer questions regarding his request for variance. Mr. Crismore asked several questions as to the nature of the business and the parking.
Mr. McElmurry moved to accept the request for variance as presented.
Mr. Bothman seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
The City of Libby Planning Board presented a Vision Statement to the Council for approval.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the Vision Statement for the City of Libby Planning Board as presented.
Mr. Crismore seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
No public comment was offered.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
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Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Chris A. Erickson, City Clerk
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LIBBY WAS HELD AT CITY HALL PONDEROSA ROOM ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006 AT 8:20 P.M.
City Council President Charlene Leckrone called the special meeting to order at 8:20 p.m. immediately following the public hearing. Council members Bothman, Leckrone, McElmurry, and Roll, City Services Supervisor Dan Thede, and City Clerk Chris Erickson were present. Council member Crismore was absent.
The second reading was done for Ordinance No. 1654 City of Libby’s Air Pollution Control Ordinance.
Mr. Bothman moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1654 City of Libby’s Air Pollution Control.
Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Mr. Roll moved to accept Resolution No. 1660 Approve and Adopt Revisions to the Lincoln County Air Pollution Control Program.
Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Tom Wood, Libby Revitalization Board Member, explained the significance of incorporating a Main Street Program within the City of Libby. Becoming a member enables the Libby Revitalization group to be an eligible recipient for various grants for improving the downtown area of Libby. The request also included participation from a city council member. It was agreed that appointment would be at a later date.
Mr. Bothman moved to accept Resolution No. 1661 Endorsing Participation in the Main Street Program and Authorizing the Selection of a City Employee to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Local Main Street Program.
Mr. Roll seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
There was no request for public comment.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
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Charlene Leckrone, City Council President
Chris A. Erickson, City Clerk