THE 1263rd REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ONJANUARY 8, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Mayor Berget called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Council members Bischoff, Bothman, Crismore, Leckrone, and McElmurry, City Attorney Charles Evans (7:10), Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede and City Clerk Chris Erickson were present. Council member Roll was absent.
Pastor Trent Oelberg offered prayer.
Mr. McElmurry moved to accept the corrected minutes of the August 7, 2006 regular meeting and the minutes of the December 4, 2006 public hearing and regular meeting and the minutes of the December 12 and 18, 2006 special meetings as presented.
The minutes of the December 27, 2006 special meeting were not approved pending clarification from Mr. Evans.
Mr. Bischoff seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Resolution No. 1675 Amending Resolution No. 1667 to Readjust Commercial User Base Rates for City’s Water System. City Clerk Chris Erickson was asked to clarify the reason for the adjustment. As she stated, the base rate for commercial city and county users had been incorrect for years. The utility billing clerk discovered it and the adjustment was made to become effective January 1, 2007. Some commercial users would notice a decrease and some would notice an increase.
Mr. McElmurry moved to accept Resolution No. 1675 as presented.
Mr. Bothman seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
The Igniters Car Club submitted a request for closure of Mineral Avenue for the annual Ignite the Nights car show on August 17, 2007 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on August 18, 2007 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Ms. Leckrone moved to accept the request.
Mr. Crismore seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Kootenai Valley Christian School, in reviewing their tax statements, realized the area that has been the playground for a number of years was actually still part of Washington Avenue on the tax rolls. That portion of the street had never been abandoned by the city. In order for them to get accurate legal descriptions, they requested that the city abandon the playground area. The Street Committee will review the issue and bring a decision to the February regular meeting.
Libby Revitalization, Inc./Libby Main Street Program representative Trent Oelberg came before the council to revisit the Streetscape Plan for downtown Libby. He handed out a timeline of events that have occurred since the inception of the Streetscape Plan. Mr. Oelberg felt the project had lost momentum since the decision was made to find an engineering firm. He asked the city council to step up and get the contract signed to move forward on the plan. He also asked the city to provide additional funding to Libby Revitalization, Inc. for the year 2007. Mayor Berget stated the intended approach was to have another meeting with the downtown property owners for a better handle on the interest. As he stated, if the project doesn’t have the support of the property owners, the city will not pay an engineering firm $92,000 to begin the project. It was agreed to schedule another public meeting, which will be held on Monday, January 29, 2006 at 6 p.m. at the First National Bank meeting room. Notices to property owners will be mailed in time for them to make plans to attend.
The council will consider their request for additional funding for the year 2007.
Libby Revitalization, Inc. has now become known as the Libby Main Street Program. The city will draft a resolution to make a formal name change and disband the LRI affiliation.
COUNCIL ACTION/DISCUSSION
Three additional 2007 liquor license renewal applications were presented.
Ms. Leckrone moved to accept the liquor license applications for 2007.
Mr. Bothman seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Kootenai Surveyors presented an amended plat in Johnston Acres belonging to Mike and Kris Helburg, which would create two separate lots from one existing lot.
Mr. Bischoff moved to accept the amended plat.
Mr. Bothman seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CEMETERY/PARKS – Ms. Leckrone reported all looks good. Several tons of rip-rap were placed at the Riverfront Park to protect the erosion of the bank.
CITY/COUNTY LIAISON – None.
FIRE – None.
BUILDING/INDUSTRIAL PARK – None.
INSURANCE – The debt to MMIA for insurance fees was paid in full early due to the wide participation of numerous cities and towns.
PERSONNEL – None.
POLICE – Chief Coker presented the monthly report.
RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES – Mr. Crismore addressed the parking ordinance. He would like to have a grace period over the holidays, as there are a lot of out of town visitors at residences who have no other place to park except on the street. Mayor Berget asked Mr. Crismore to come back with a recommendation.
WATER – Mr. Bothman reported the water department had problems with a furnace.
SEWER/LIGHTS – None.
SIDEWALKS/CURBS – Mr. Bothman reported the committee revised Ordinance No. 12.24 that refers to obstructing streets and sidewalks. The fine for noncompliance was previously set at $500 per occurrence. The committee changed the amount to $50. Mayor Berget asked Mr. Bothman to address the change at the annual city council retreat.
BUDGET/FINANCE – None.
JUDICIAL – None.
Mr. McElmurry moved to pay the claims as presented.
Mr. Bischoff seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
City Attorney Evans made the necessary clarification to the minutes of the December 27, 2006 special meeting.
Mr. Crismore moved to accept the minutes as presented.
Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Jim Rostorfer spoke regarding his concern that the city was not noticing the meetings properly. He was encouraged to contact city hall for information on any upcoming agendas.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
Anthony J. Berget, Mayor
Chris A. Erickson, City Clerk