THE 1227th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON JANUARY 5, 2004 AT 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Mayor Berget called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Councilmembers Bothman, Crismore, Huntsberger, Leckrone, and Roll, City Attorney Scott Spencer, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede, Police Chief Clay Coker and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
Mayor Berget read the oath of office to newly elected Council members, Stu Crismore, Gary Huntsberger and Doug Roll.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the minutes from the December 1st regular and the December 15th and 19th special meetings.
Miss Leckrone seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The employee health insurance recommendation was presented to the Council. Blue Cross/Blue Shield was recommended.
Mr. Roll moved to accept the recommendation.
Miss Leckrone seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Greg Larson, RC&D (Resource, Conservation & Development) Coordinator, updated the Council on the proceeds of their office, located in the Chamber building. Mr. Larson informed the Council of some of their project activities. Stu Crismore is the new Council representative. Discussion followed.
Three letters of interest have been received for the two-year unexpired Council opening. The Council vacancy is available, due to the election of Gary Huntsberger to a four-year term. Interested candidates are as follows: Bill Bischoff, Joe Johnston and Walt McElmurry. A special meeting will be held January 13, 2004 at 7 p.m. for interviewing candidates and making a decision.
A Council retreat was set for Saturday, January 24, 2004, at 9 A.M. at the Venture Inn. City Attorney Scott Spencer will address the Council in the morning. An agenda will be available later, agenda will include budget update, determination of long term agenda for the City and more.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Berget has been working on a new list of assigned committee chairs and members for the Council. Listing will be given out at the February 2004 meeting.
CITY/COUNTY LIAISON – Mayor Berget reminded everyone of the February 19 meeting in Helena concerning the highway project. He encouraged all to attend and to write letters of support.
FIRE – Fire Chief Tom Wood gave the fire report for the month. There were 3 fire calls for the city, 0 for the county and 0 for out of district, a total of 3 calls for the month of December. Total for the year – 34 city, 41 county, 21 out of district, total 96 calls.
BUILDING/INDUSTRIAL PARK – Mayor Berget reported on the condemned Farog properties. Some have been sold to Mr. Hollingsworth who will be meeting with City Attorney Scott Spencer on Tuesday. A committee of John Norberg, City Building Inspector, Mayor Berget, Councilmember Leckrone and City Attorney Scott Spencer was formed to meet on the subject.
PERSONNEL – City Attorney Scott Spencer asked to meet with the Council in a short closed session concerning personnel after the regular meeting.
POLICE – Police Chief Clay Coker reported that 2003 was the highest year in the past seven: 2821 calls, 509 citations, 318 arrests, for the year. He asked the Council to review the snow ordinance. There has been some trouble with snow and removal and parking. Officer Matt White will be attending the academy in April 2004 for twelve weeks.
LADC – Mayor Berget reminded the Council of the LADC meeting on Wednesday, January 6, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Ponderosa Room. Councilmember Huntsberger gave a copy of a letter he was giving the Libby School Board along with copies of minutes for past meetings with LADC and with the Healthy Communities.
It was moved, seconded and carried to pay the claims as per the claims approval list.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Barbara Guthneck, grant writer, informed the Council of a grant concerning enforcement involving underage drinking. She had spoken with the County and Troy also. Ms. Guthneck had reviewed the grant with Police Chief Coker. Chief Coker explained that the grant was not feasible at this time due to the requirements.
Mike Frazer, engineer for Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, Inc., faxed over an update on the Johnson Acres project. T, D & H has sent a newsletter to the residents of the project area to keep them informed. Discussion followed.
Ron Carter updated the Council concerning an 80/20 grant they are working on for biomass with Paul Rumelhart of Kootenai River Development. Mayor Berget was given a copy of the proposal and will give copies to all the Council members.
Next regular city council meeting will be held February 2, 2004 at 7 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Mayor Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris
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THE 2004 CITY COUNCIL RETREAT WAS HELD ON JANUARY 24, 2004 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE VENTURE MOTOR INN FJORD ROOM.
WELCOME / discussion of topics only (NO DECISIONS WILL BE MADE) Mayor Anthony Berget welcomed all the Council. Councilmembers Bothman, Crismore, Huntsberger, Leckrone, McElmurry and Roll, City Attorney Scott Spencer, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
The following topics were discussed, but no decisions were made.
1. Role of Council Person – presentation by Scott Spencer
2. Roberts Rules of Order – Mayor Berget lead all the discussions.
3. LADC
4. Port Authority
5. Management Structure
6. City Parks
a. Little League – possible bathrooms
b. River Park
i. Industrial Park
ii. Bathrooms, trees
c. Fireman Park – Day / Night Use
d. Logger Days
e. Legion Park
f. County Parks District – City Parks
7. Cemetery Rates
8. Salt of the Road
9. City Properties – ATV – Haul Bridge
10. City Hall Building – Athletic Club
11. Water
a. Lines
b. Rates
12. Sewer
a. Lines
b. Rates
13. Johnson Acres
a. Balsam Property
14. Swamp Creek Road – Helena Trip
15. Committees
The next regular monthly council meeting will be February 2, 2004 at 7 p.m.
Retreat ended at 2:45 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris