Public Needs Assessment Meeting

APPROVED
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
PUBLIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT MEETING
December 17th, 2018

The meeting was called to order @ 6:00 pm by Mayor Brent Teske. Council Persons in attendance were Mrs. Williams, Ms. Smith, Mr. Beach, and Mr. Dufficy. Also, in attendance were City Clerk/Treasure Audray McCollum and City Administrator Jim Hammons.

Mayor Teske opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance.

Mayor Teske introduced Tracy McIntyre from Rural Economic Designs.
Tracy presented the council and public with a hand out of the slideshow that would be presented.

City Administrator Jim Hammons gave an overview of the City of Libby Projects.
In 2011 The City of Libby had a PER done by Morrison and Maierle to construct the Flower Creek Dam.
May of 2018 The City of Libby hired TD & H to update the PERS. The purposed projects are to replace an old cast iron transmission line to the water treatment plant on Cedar Street with an updated line. Replace a water main in Hwy 2 and replace many old water mains throughout the city. Hammons said the city just secured a TSEP grant for $750,000.00 to go towards these projects. The City of Libby would like to use funds from grants and International Paper funds to do these projects and not have to raise rates for customers.

City Engineer Mike Fraser stated TD & H assessed the sewer plant in 2018 as well and found the head pumps are undersized, the screens are worn, and the mixer and aerator have issues. The wastewater plant will need to be addressed soon. The lift station on Montana Street has safety issues.

Tina Oliphant, Kootenai River Development, said the City of Libby has a new trails program and the county seat, will bring in new business and tourism.

McIntyre said there was a survey on the City of Libby’s website; she encouraged the public to tell their neighbors who could not attend tonight’s meeting to take the survey.

McIntyre went through the different funding resources; the information was also available on the handout.

McIntyre then asked the council and the public to participate in “What is working well in your Community?”
• Outdoor recreation is available accessible to skiing, trails, hiking, lakes, camping, wildlife viewing fishing, and hunting.
• Real estate sales are high, and contractors are busy.
• The city’s economy is starting to diversify, more restaurants and brewery.
• The movie theater has a new sound system.
• The community has good cell coverage.
• The Chamber of Commerce is active and has a good website.
• Business growth in the area and are busy.
• Libby is moving beyond the “asbestos.”
• Increase in the Community Arts.
• The new hospital and clinic have created a strong medical area.
• Libby has beautiful scenery.
• Close knit community.
• There are numerous events with strong community support.

McIntyre then asked the public “What are Capital Improvements you would like to see the City work on?”

• Paved roads in need of repairs in the City of Libby and Lincoln County.
• Sidewalks in need of repairs in town and new ones put in.
• Need to upgrade the water and sewer systems.
• Better Street Lighting at intersections.
• Sheriffs/Jail Building -Note this was addressed as a county project and not a City of Libby project.
• Consolidating schools- Note this was addressed as a county project and not a City of Libby project.

McIntyre then asked, “What are the projects you would like to see completed in the next 3 to 5 years?”

• Completion of the water and sewer projects that the city has been working on.
• Conduct a housing study to help identify and address the needs in the community.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 pm.

McIntyre took questions in the lobby.

___________________________ Attest; ______________________

Brent Teske, Council President Audray J. McCollum, City Clerk/Treasurer