THE 1270th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON AUGUST 6, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Mayor Tony Berget called the regular meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Council members Bischoff, Bothman, Crismore, Leckrone, Roll and McElmurry, Mayor Tony Berget, City Attorney Charles Evans, City Supervisor Dan Thede and City Clerk Trainee Glena L. Young were present. City Clerk/Treasurer Chris Erickson was absent.
Andrew Lewis of International Messengers offered prayer.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the minutes of the July 2, 2007 regular meeting and Budget Meetings July 18, 23, 30
Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
The public was given a chance to speak about items listed on the agenda. No public asked to be addressed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Bischoff gave a report on the initial Well Ordinance pertaining to the potentially contaminated ground water in the City of Libby and why it was put into place. Bischoff reported that the ground water is reviewed every 5 years. Bischoff recommended that we contact DEQ, DNRC, EPA and International Paper to see if we can get information on the ground water in the City of Libby and where we stand at this time. It was suggested that a meeting with DEQ, DNRC, EPA and International Paper would facilitate getting the information. Cami and William Winslow of 1402 Renwood Dr., Libby had some questions for the Council and agreed that a meeting to get information on the potentially contaminated groundwater is needed. The Winslow’s asked that the Council be prudent in getting a meeting set up as soon as possible. Mr. Crismore stated that we need to move forward on this issue ASAP.
Pressure Relief valves to allow the water pressure in the City to be increased was discussed and Bill Buxton of Morrison & Maierle Engineering was asked to report on costs etc. of getting these valves in place at the next meeting.
Bill Buxton of Morrison-Maierle Engineering gave an update on funds the City has been granted for the Cabinet Heights Project.
There was no Committee Report on the Hospital Quite Zone or the Leash Law pertaining to Cats.
NEW BUSINESS
Request for zoning variance at 917 Balsam, for a Daycare ran by Jenny and Cory Andersen: Lee Kraft at 806 Wisconsin spoke at the Council Meeting for the Andersen’s.
Roll made a motion to grant a Day Care at this address
Bischoff seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously with the condition that the variance is for only as long as Jenny and Cory Andersen are running the Day Care at this address.
It was decided that the variance request by Eric Drake should go before the Board of Adjustments.
It was discussed that Dan Thede should look at the Cabinet View Country Club Subdivision report that was prepared for the City of Libby and then do a presentation and/or recommendations for the Council. It was brought to the Councils attention that we have 30 days to make any recommendation and/or changes from the time the Subdivision report was presented to the Council on July 30, 2007.
July Hyslop of 69 Hammon Ave. gave a report on Kootenai Pets for Life. Several of their volunteers were present. Their goals are to build their new facility and to keep the Spay and Neuter Program going. They have held several fund raisers to keep the Spay and Neuter Program going and try and save money (that they have partly invested) for their new building.
Police Chief Coker spoke to the Council with a request for a Grade increase from a Grade 13 to a Grade 14 for the Police Chief. It was decided that the Personnel Committee work on the request.
It was decided that Chuck Evans and Mr. Bischoff would get together on the draft Resolution for Montanore Mine and present a new or updated draft at the next meeting.
Mayor Berget set a meeting for Monday August 20, 2007, at 7:00 pm, at the River Front Park to discuss the Well Variance, Pressure Relief Valves, Cabinet View Subdivision and Draft Resolution for Montanore Mine.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Berget announced that the City has an invitation to participate in the Nordicfest Parade on Saturday September 8th 2007.
Ms. Leckrone announced that Mike Fissori Construction would be willing to replace part of the City Hall roof each year until done.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Tom Wood gave a Libby Volunteer Fire Department report.
Clay Coker gave a report on the Libby Police Department.
Ms. Leckrone made a motion to pay Claims for June Accrued Claims, July Claims and payroll
Mr. Bothman seconded.
The motion was passed.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
None
Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Glena L. Young, City Clerk/Treasurer
SPECIAL & BUDGET MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS-CITY HALL MONDAY AUGUST 13, 2007 @ 6:00PM
Mayor Berget called the special meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance/Roll Call. Council members Bothman, Bischoff, Leckrone, Roll and McElmurry and Mayor Berget, City Service Director Dan Thede and City Clerk Glena L. Young were present. Council member Crismore was absent.
Variance for Eric Drake to build garage within five & one-half feet from property line was discussed.
Bill Bischoff made a motion to grant the variance
Charlene Leckrone 2nd the motion.
Motion carried.
Glena L. Young was sworn in as the new City Clerk/Treasurer
The Special Meeting was adjourned and the Budget Committee Meeting began.
Various Budget items were discussed.
It was decided that the water bond loan payments should be budgeted.
It was decided that the LADC money that had been paid back from water and sewer loan should be transferred to sewer to help with infrastructure repair and maintenance as was formerly decided.
It was decided that some of the cash carryover from Sprinkling and Gas tax would be transferred to the General Fund to help support the Street Maintenance for FY-08 Budget.
The Budget Meeting was adjourned by Mayor Berget at 7:22 pm.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
There was no commit from the Public.
Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Chris A. Erickson, City Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING WATER & SEWER RATE INCREASE AUGUST 15, 2007 @ 6:00PM
Meeting was called to order at 6:05PM by Mayor Berget
Pledge of Allegiance, roll call
Welcome by Mayor Berget.
Present were council members Roll, Bischoff, Mc Elmurry, Bothman and Leckrone Mayor Berget and City Clerk/Treasurer Glena Young. Crismore was absent.
Mayor Berget asked the public for any comments they had about the water and sewer increase.
Rita Bramante, residing at 1247 Idaho, Libby, spoke first. Bramante was against the increase. She stated the reason was because she was on a limited income and could not afford an increase.
Gela Koehler, residing at 1302 Montana indicated that her water bill went up from approximately $100.00 dollars last month to over $200.00 this month. The concern of the Mayor and the Council was that because of the great increase there may be a leak or a problem with the meter and that the City would have someone check for problems ASAP.
Scott Beagle, residing at 1202 Idaho committed on the water pressure and would like to see the pressure relief valves put in the so the pressure can be increased. The Mayor and Council explained that the City is looking into the possibility of putting in the valves ASAP.
Cheryl Chandler, residing at 1017 Louisiana committed that if everyone was paying their share of the water bill maybe it would make a difference in the water bills for everyone else. She stated that there are several people in the City that have illegal wells. She also stated that water pressure is an issue. Cheryl also stated that International Paper has spent $14,000,000 dollars to clean up our water, that it previously polluted, but it will still be contaminated for 10,000 years and for that kind of money maybe more could have been done. Bill Bischoff stated that the City is trying to put together a meeting with Int’l Paper, EPA, DNRC and DEQ and that if this meeting is set up that the support of the residents of Libby will be a key to getting help on this issue.
Jim Morey, residing at 1010 California stated that the water bills at his rentals, is too high for his renters to afford and that the increase would make it even harder.
Dwayne Williams, residing at 251 W. Cedar had several questions for the Council. One of the questions was how many people are not paying their water bill and that he had heard that there is one customer that has an approximately $30,000 dollars overdue.
The Mayor and Council explained to the public that the increase on the water and sewer bills is necessary to meet the obligations of these funds and that the water and sewer funds have to be able to operate on income from fees.
Mayor Berget thanked the public for their comments and adjourned the meeting at 7:05pm.
___________________________
Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Glena Young, City Clerk/Treasurer
SPECIAL MEETING RIVER FRONT PARK MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007 @ 7:00PM
Mayor Berget called the special meeting to order at 7:04 pm Pledge of Allegiance/Roll Call. Council members Bothman, Bischoff, Leckrone and Roll, Mayor Berget, City Service Director Dan Thede and City Clerk Glena L. Young were present. Council member Crismore and McElmurry was absent.
OLD BUSINESS
Dan Thede put together a report for the Council on the Cabinet View Country Club Subdivision.
It was decided to have a meeting on September 4, 2007 to discuss the Subdivision further.
The Draft Resolution for Montanore Mine was read by Mayor Berget.
Doug Roll made a motion to except the Montanore Mine Resolution
Lee Bothman 2nd.
The motion was carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
U Serve Libby, Inc. asked the City’s support with matching funds up to $100,000 dollars to help put in a community tennis court. Sandy Hauck of 1815 Hwy. 37, Libby spoke for the tennis courts, Laurie Mari of 646 Terrace View Rd, Libby also spoke for the tennis courts and M.C. Beebe of 1620 Townsend, Helena spoke lastly for the courts. They estimated there is a need for at least 6 courts at an estimated cost of $150,000. The ladies spoke about how the courts would help bring in revenue to the local businesses by holding tournaments that would bring in people from out of town that would stay in our Motels and eat in our Restaurants. They also spoke on how the courts would be good for the High School and that they would encourage children and adults both to learn to play the game. Mayor Berget stated that their request would be discussed and that a decision would be made after the discussion.
The Nordicfest street closure request on September 8th, 2007 was read.
Bill Bischoff made a motion to grant the street closure
Doug Roll 2nd.
The motion was carried unanimously.
WORKING COMMITTEE
Mr. Miller spoke on the River Front Park Pavillion Design. Him and his brother would like to give their labor and supplies in return for forgiveness of an outstanding debt left the City by Libby Woodworks. No decisions were made.
Bill Buxton was not present to give a report. It was said that he is still collecting information.
Dan Thede stated that the meeting with DNRC, EPA, DEQ and International Paper would probably be set for around the 3rd week in September. (well variance, water pollution)
Mayor Berget announced that the Libby Main Street Request for $20,000 funding will possibly be decided by the next meeting.
The City Police may be able to help with background checks for New Employees and Volunteers.
PUBLIC HEARING
Trent Oelberg of 5601 Kootenai River Rd., requested the Mayor and the City Council to attend a meeting on September 11-13, 2007 in Great Falls concerning sustaining & success in Tribal Economic Development.
Jim Germany President of the Libby Park District wanted the Public to know that they would be having a meeting the 1st week of September and that he would be the mediator between different entities in the city/county.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Berget adjourned the meeting at 7:52pm.
Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Glena L. Young, City Clerk