THE 1213th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON NOVEMBER 12, 2002 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Mayor Berget called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Council members Baeth, Bauer, Leckrone, Porter, Sorensen and Thom, City Attorney Scott Spencer, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede, Police Chief Clay Coker and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept the October 7th regular meeting minutes.
Mr. Sorensen seconded.
Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Pat Naughton of the LCEDC representing the LADC, introduced Janice Wood, Executive Director of the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Wood gave a presentation to the Council asking for a $3,000 General Support Grant for a Libby First Promotion.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept the LADC recommendation to approve the $3,000 grant request from the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Porter seconded.
Vote was as follows: Baeth Yes Bauer Yes Leckrone No Porter Yes Sorensen Yes Thom Yes
Motion carried.
Laura Sedler, CORA project manager, addressed the Council concerning a possible location for a memorial for persons dying of an asbestos related disease. The cemetery is one suggestion. Helen Clarke also answered a few questions from the Council. Mayor Berget asked Judy Porter, chairperson of the Community Development Committee and Jane Thom, chairperson of the Parks and Cemetery Committee to work with their committees to discuss possibilities with Laura Sedler and Helen Clark’s group.
Councilperson Thom reported the employee health insurance will continue with United Health Insurance. Other insurance companies gave high quotes, because of claims experience, it is not feasible to change at this time.
Councilperson Thom asked questions about water bills for the winter concerning Stimson employees. Mayor Berget asked this be discussed in committee with recommendations from our attorney, Scott Spencer.
Mrs. Thom made a motion to write off $425.39 in uncollectable water bills.
Mr. Bauer seconded.
Motion carried.
Tim Ryan, Larex Corporation, gave a presentation and answered questions concerning
a three-year lease for $250 per month for approximately 2.5 acres of City property by the railroad tracks. The lease was prepared by City Attorney Scott Spencer, a few details will be worked out on location description between Mr. Ryan and Mr. Spencer. Dan Thede will work with Mr. Ryan on the access road location and use of fence.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept the lease with Mr. Spencer’s finalized details.
Mrs. Porter seconded.
Motion carried.
Councilperson Thom asked about a possible stop sign of 10th Street. Police Chief Coker and Mr. Thede were asked to review and make suggestions.
Larry Stroklund, VFW#1548, addressed the Council concerning the VFW building. Mr. Stroklund distributed an informational packet to the Council. He asked the Council to poll the public about using the LADC money to support the VFW building. The VFW is asking for a $200,000 grant. Mr. Stroklund asked the Council to put a question on the Spring School District ballot. Cora Cummings, Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder was available for questions. Cora asked for time to research with the City Attorney Scott Spencer. Mayor Berget will put this issue on the December agenda.
Judy Porter withdrew her letter of resignation, she will remain on the Council.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CEMETERY/PARKS – Mrs. Thom reported eight funerals in October. All the parks are closed for the season. Tree committee will get with Mr. Thede to work on a tree inventory. The Libby Parks Board has again asked if the City wants to take ownership of a swimming pool. The City Council agreed they are not interested in ownership.
CITY/COUNTY LIASON – No report.
FIRE – No report.
INSURANCE – Mrs. Thom reported her committee is working on the wording of offering health insurance to part time employees.
POLICE – Police Chief Clay Coker reported 237 calls and 31 arrests and 60 citations for the month.
RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE – Mr. Bauer reported the last CAG meeting dealt with insurance.
SEWER/LIGHTS – Mr. Bauer reported that the new sewer line behind the Senior Center has been completed.
WATER — Mrs. Thom reported that water line to Memorial Center is complete and the street paving is finished. The annual dredging of the settling pond at lower dam is done.
STREETS/ALLEYS — Mr. Sorensen reported the overhaul of the front end loader is finished and is back in service. All equipment has been serviced and ready for the winter season.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Judy Porter reported that Eagle Fireworks is asking for $1,000 for a new year’s display. It will be addressed in December. The committee will work with the task force to discuss possible letters of support.
JUDICIAL — Joyce Baeth reminded the Council that we need to advertise in January, the judge appointment is every four years.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS – The next meeting will be November 14, 2002, with continued negotiations.
It was moved, seconded and carried to pay the claims as per the claims approval list.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Jim Rostopher asked questions about the Glendora house and the website.
Mayor Berget reminded the Council of the Mayor’s Banquet on Saturday night, November 16, 2002 in the Ponderosa Room.
The Mayor announced that a working committee meeting will be held on Monday, November 18, 2002 at 7 p.m.
Next regular city council meeting will be held December 2, 2002 at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris