The City Council held meeting # 1546 on Monday, June 15, 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 Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Williams (via Zoom), Mr. Beach (via Zoom), Mr. Dufficy, Mr. Zimmerman (via Zoom), Mr. Taylor, City Administrator Jim Hammons, City Clerk/Treasurer Virginia Reeves.
Announcements:
None.
Committee Reports:
City Administrators Report: Mr. Hammons reported that the street crews would start paving the first week of July. The crew will need to complete the curb/sidewalk work prior to paving. The new section of water main across Lincoln Blvd was completed.
Fire: None.
Police: None.
Resolution/Ordinances: Mrs. Williams reported a committee meeting took place on Wednesday, June 10th to further discuss changes to the Cemetery Ordinances. The next committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.
Lights/Streets/Sidewalks: None.
Building: None.
Water/Sewer: None.
Cemetery/Parks: None.
Finance: There is a Budget Committee meeting on June 18th at 12:00 to continue discussion on the FY 21 budget.
KRDC: Tina Oliphant reported on the progress of LSD sale of Asa Wood. Tina explained that they would be applying for EPA funds to help clean up of the asbestos at Asa Wood. The EPA cannot approve these funds to be used at Super Fund sites; therefore, additional vetting will be conducted to ensure the Asa Wood clean up would qualify. Tina further explained that the County was listed on the application rather than the City due to the County’s current involvement.
City-County Board of Health: None.
Park District Manager: None.
Public Comment on Non- Agenda Items:
Kenny Rayome, 1314 Dakota Ave., invited the Council and all residents to an Independence Day celebration that will be held at J. Neils Park on July 4, 2020. There will be a parade through town starting at 10:00 AM and a fireworks display at J. Neils Park. Mayor Teske asked if any road closures were needed. Mr. Rayome replied that this was not required. Mr. Rayome listed the various events that would be at the celebration.
Angel Ford addressed the Council to discuss her business license application. Ms. Ford explained that the building inspector, Mr. Higgins, advised her that she must present, in writing, her business building plans to the board of adjustments (City Council), per Chapter 7.20 Section D of Business/Residential District. Ms. Ford presented an aerial shot of her property showing the location of the business building. Ms. Ford explained that she is hoping to have the building inspector and fire marshal sign off on her business license application this week.
Mr. Hammons commented that the City building inspector, Mr. Higgins, spoke with the state building inspector about this situation. The state building inspector advised that Ms. Ford’s building would be considered a commercial building; commercial buildings are required to have plumbing.
Ms. Ford commented that this requirement of plumbing should not be apply to her building since it is on her private property. Ms. Ford stated that other businesses do not have public bathrooms.
Mayor Teske stated he would research the statutes with regard to Ms. Ford’s building/shed meeting the commercial codes.
Ms. Smith pointed out that the commercial building guidelines require the presence of plumbing but the individual business can decide whether or not to allow the public to use the facilities.
Mr. Beach commented that the edge of the shed is very close to the alley-way and may possibly encroach on the utility lines.
Ms. Ford reported that she had Flathead Electric assess the area; they determined there was no encroachment.
Mayor Teske noted that he and Mr. Hammons would speak with Mr. Higgins regarding the building codes.
New Business:
Approve Budgetary Authority Resolution 1960, appropriating $1,515,000 for Libby Water Improvements (see Exhibit A).
Ms. Smith MADE A MOTION to approve Resolution 1960.
Mr. Taylor, SECOND.
Zimmerman, Taylor, Beach, Smith, Dufficy, Williams voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Approve all business licenses received to date.
Des Home Improvements, 811 California Ave., handyman services, sewer line clean-out.
Mr. Taylor MADE A MOTION to approve all business licenses received to date.
Ms. Smith, SECOND.
Zimmerman, Taylor, Beach, Smith, Dufficy, Williams voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
City of Libby Wildlife Management Plan.
Mr. Taylor reported they are hoping to have a meeting by the first of July.
IP Negotiations.
Mayor Teske reported Mr. Payne drafted and send a letter to IP based on Council decision at the last closed meeting.
Approve proposed zoning changes for the Downtown Business District and Highway Commercial District.
Ms. Smith MADE A MOTION to zoning changes for the Downtown Business District and Highway Commercial District.
Mr. Dufficy, SECOND.
Zimmerman, Taylor, Beach, Smith, Dufficy, Williams voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
General Comments from Council:
Mr. Dufficy reported he held a class as part of Transparency week. Representative Neal Durham from District 2 (Eureka) gave a presentation about government transparency.
Mayor Teske reported there is one more year to meet the transparency requirement.
Mayor Teske reported there was a rally at the Court House on California Ave. The Mayor reported this was a peaceful gathering.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Williams MADE A MOTION to Adjourn.
Ms. Smith, SECOND.
Zimmerman, Taylor, Beach, Smith, Dufficy, Williams voted FOR.
MOTION PASSED.
Meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm.
__________________ Attest; ______________________
Mayor Brent Teske Virginia Reeves, City Clerk/Treasurer