APPROVED MINUTES
The City Council held meeting # 1512 on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 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 Mrs. Williams, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Beach, Ms. Smith, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Dufficy, City Clerk/Treasurer Audray McCollum and Charlotte Luedecke.
Mr. Jerry Bennett offered the prayer.
Committee Reports:
City Administrators Report: None
Cemetery/Parks: Mrs. Williams discussed the Mineral Avenue Pocket Park. The tree board is preparing recommendations for trees, will most likely be 3-5 Snow Crab Trees. Will finalize by the end of February.
Will most likely be Arbor Day for planting. Before proceeding with too much, work on the park, looking to clean up adjacent buildings.
Fire: None
Police: None
Resolution/Ordinances: None
Lights/Streets/Sidewalks: Mr. Beach reported that the city crews have been putting in long days doing plowing and snow removal. Tuesday, guys were plowing due to the storm that dumped over 2 feet of snow. Once all streets were plowed, they worked on the alleys and picked up the berms. They’ll be doing more of that as more snow is on the way.
Building: None
Water/Sewer: Mr. Zimmerman reported that there had been a water leak on Tuesday at the Harlow’s parking lot, not in the highway this time. It was a good-sized leak; its effect could be seen by the water treatment plant. The crew replaced an 8-foot chunk of pipe.
KRDC: Mr. Zimmerman reports that there is a meeting on Thursday.
Finance: None
City-County Board of Health: Mrs. Crismore reported that there was a meeting last Wednesday, extension of Best Beginnings with a ¾ time employee focusing on family engagement. The Inmate Health Program has shown a decrease of 80% of visits of medical appointments for January 2018- January 2019. This equated to a savings of about $2100. We will continue to see savings with this program. When the pilot is completed, some of those savings will be used to continue with the nurse program. Other benefits to the program will include better care for the Inmate population, as well as collaboration with judicial, detention and medical providers for continuity of care through the process.
Resolving septic loan fund: there is a DNRC grant of $40,000 and Lincoln County to contribute $4000, this will allow homeowners with failing septic systems to apply for assistance if denied a loan from a bank. Funds can be used to connect to City sewer if available or replace septic system. Health Department will process applications and set up payment plans. These loan payments will go to others who need assistance with septic replacement/repair.
EPA has been operating an asbestos disposal cell at Lincoln County Landfill for disposal of asbestos from home remediation. Lincoln County will be taking over this operation, we applied to the DEQ for expansion of boundary, to include the cell. DEQ finally accepted the application as complete. We are hoping to have approval after public comment is complete.
Crismore suggested that if you see folks from the City-County board of health stop and ask them about their programs.
Public Comment on Non- Agenda Items:
D.C. Orr, 1117 Nevada Ave – Made comments on the City-County Board of Health meetings and closed meetings. Urged Council to pay closer attention.
New Business:
A power point presentation and update were given to Council by George Jamison and Laura Larson Crismore on the Libby Controlled Groundwater Area (CGA).
Introduction on the School Resource Officer- Chief Kessel and Superintendent of Schools Craig Barringer.
Chief Scott Kessel and Libby Superintendent of Schools Craig Barringer gave an introduction on the School Resource Officer.
School Resource Officer has been in the works for a couple of years per Chief Kessel. Over the past year, there have been threats, break-ins, bullying, tobacco use, vaping and drug use in the schools.
The role of the SRO will be to interact with the kids, build a rapport between the students and police department, have an immediate response when needed and deal with wildlife. SRO will be a full-time employee of the P.D and will work District 4 during the school year. Will also be available for police emergencies, help with overtime if no conflict with school duties, provide a positive interaction with students. Will work patrol in the summertime when school is not in session.
Job description will be approved by school and police department. Contract will be approved by City and School District attorneys.
Previous SRO’s have been funded by grants this position will be paid by the city.
Mr. Barringer added that “Sheriff Short got a grant from Flathead Electric Co-Operative to provide 30% of salary for the SRO. Also stated that the District is looking into other possible school safety grants, Budget Cuts, possibility of small levy and Title II monies (Federal Grant) of $20,000 that the District was awarded as a possibility as well.”
Mr. Dufficy asked, “If the schools had someone who was looking for grants.”
Mr. Barringer replied, “That most grants go to urban areas with more issues serious issues, but they are looking into it as well.”
Mrs. Williams asked, “How much of the training costs would be coming out of the City’s budget?”
Chief Kessel replied “That the vehicle cost has been addressed, the SRO will have the same training as any other officers. Cost may be up to $15,000 to $20,000 out of the City’s budget.” Other costs are to come out of the school budget and a possible Flathead Electric Grant. Revised minutes per Council vote.
Mayor Teske stated that he supports the SRO wholeheartedly.
Public Comment:
DC Orr, 1117 Nevada Ave., stated: “When there was an SRO before that it was highly successful, and that there is an ED fund of $215,000 per year that has been rolling in how it is being used?”
Approve new business licenses to date:
• 406 Maintenance
• Crossley Hospital Pharmacy Services
• Debbie’s Cleaning Service
Mrs. Williams MADE A MOTION to accept all new business licenses received to date.
Mr. Dufficy SECOND
Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor, Smith, Williams, Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Unfinished Business:
Mrs. Williams MOVED TO APPROVE the Council Rules and Procedures.
Ms. Smith SECOND.
Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor, Smith, Williams, Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Williams MADE A MOTION to adjourn the meeting.
Ms. Smith SECOND.
Zimmerman, Beach, Taylor, Smith, Williams, Dufficy voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
The meeting ADJOURNED at 8:40 pm.
____________________ Attest; ___________________________________
Mayor, Brent Teske Charlotte P. Luedecke, Deputy City Clerk