THE 1215th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON JANUARY 6, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Mayor Berget called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Council members Baeth, Bauer, Leckrone, Porter, Sorensen and Thom, City Attorney Scott Spencer, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede, Police Chief Clay Coker and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept the December 2nd regular meeting minutes.
Mrs. Baeth seconded.
Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilmember Baeth reported to the Council on the Growth Policy. At the present time, Libby is not growing so we have nothing to worry about. Mayor Berget and Dan Thede will be at a meeting in Helena next week and will check it out.
Councilmember Porter, Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee reported to the Council. The committee recommended that $2,000 of the Cable Franchise Tax be given to the TV/Video Club. The City of Libby asked the TV/Video Club to approach Lincoln County for funds, the City will give money if the County will match funds. The annual amount will be reviewed each year, depending on the amount of the tax the City receives.
Mrs. Porter moved that the City of Libby give an annual amount to the TV/Video Club, this year in the amount $2,000, if Lincoln County will match. If the County does not match, the TV/Video Club will need to return to the Council. The amount will be reviewed each year.
Mr. Bauer seconded.
Motion carried.
Jim Nelson, President of the TV/Video Club expressed thanks to the Council.
Larry Strokland of the VFW, addressed the Council. The VFW had returned to the LADC as directed by the Council and no change was made in the LADC decision.
Mr. Strokland gave the Council a deadline of February 10, 2003, to decide whether
to give the VFW $200,000.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Sorensen made a motion to approve the transfer of ownership and location on the Lucky Logger liquor license.
Mrs. Thom seconded.
Vote was as follows: Baeth No Bauer Yes Leckrone Yes Porter No Sorensen Yes Thom Yes
Motion carried.
Mr. Bauer made a motion to approve the new VFW #1548 liquor license.
Mr. Sorensen seconded.
Vote was as follows: Baeth Yes Bauer Yes Leckrone Yes Porter No Sorensen Yes Thom Yes
Motion carried.
Terry Andreessen gave a presentation on a Libby promotion ad in the World Traveler,
a monthly magazine distributed in seat pockets of airplanes. The promotional ad will be a two-page spread, including editorial and photos of the area. Audience members Mike Munro and Gary Huntsberger spoke in favor of the promotion. Councilmembers George Bauer and Ken Sorensen agreed it was a good idea. At the last LADC meeting, the LADC approved funding the $17,650 expense out of their current fiscal year budget. Jim Morey of the LADC informed the Council of the possibility of exceeding their budget and that the Council had at the time of the budget approval last Spring, spoken of increasing the budget if needed. The Council did indeed agree that this was correct.
Linda Gerard pointed out that this falls under recommendations from the Bassitt plan.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mrs. Thom reported that there were four funerals in December.
Tom Wood, Fire Chief, reported the annual fire calls total of 119 including 51 in the City,
48 rural, 9 at Stimson and 11 out of the district.
Police Chief, Clay Coker distributed a report with the annual breakdown of 2930 cases.
Mrs. Thom reported the 10” water main under the railroad tracks has been finished.
Mr. Bauer reported that the Street crew has been busy plowing streets and busy at the cemetery.
Mayor Berget reported that a neighborhood meeting is to be held for the residents of Johnson Acres on January 21, 2003.
Mayor Berget asked the Council to each give a portion of the State of the City address at the Chamber luncheon on Wednesday, January 8, 2003.
Mayor Berget thanked Attorney Scott Spencer for all the work he has been doing concerning some of the condemned houses in the city, including the most recent letter responding to one of the owners.
It was moved, seconded and carried to pay the claims as per the claims approval list.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Paul Rumelhart of the Kootenai Heritage Council presented the City Council with
a check for $340.00, the fourth quarter payment for usage of the Libby Memorial Center as per agreement. The Center was officially opened with the Festival of Trees on December 13, 2002.
Next regular city council meeting will be held February 3, 2003 at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris