THE 1212TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON OCTOBER 7, 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 and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept the September 9th regular and September 23rd special meeting minutes.
Mrs. Baeth seconded.
Motion carried.
Resolution #1600 concerning investment of LADC money at Lincoln County Credit Union was read. Mr. Bauer moved to accept Resolution #1600.
Mr. Sorensen seconded.
Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Councilperson Thom reported speaking to Carol Anne Peterson on the proposed walking path from downtown Libby to J Neils Park. Mrs. Thom announced the possibility of working with the County on Skidale Hill, possible snowboard side, maybe tie into cross county trails, ice rink and sledding hill. The road at the river front park in paved and open for use. Landscaping is being planned.
Mayor Berget announced the Mason Lodge is looking at November for the neighborhood meeting concerning the park beside their building.
Carol Anne Peterson is working on a grant for the Little League fields. The sewer main has been extended to the gate by the cemetery. Councilperson Thom reported that we are still waiting for the permit for the water line at the industrial park.
Jim Rostopher asked a question on the industrial park. Discussion followed.
D.C. Orr asked several questions and refused to give up the floor.
A ten minute recess was taken.
Mayor Berget continued meeting.
LADC presented the Council with two written recommendations for new LADC Board members. Discussion followed on the excellent quality of all the candidates.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept Mike Munro to replace Ardell Filler on the LADC Board.
Mrs. Porter seconded.
Motion carried.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept Robb Mac Donald to replace Ralph Heinert on the LADC Board.
Mrs. Baeth seconded.
Motion carried.
Mrs. Porter will send thank you notes to the past LADC members.
The State sent notice of a Transfer of Ownership change for Helen’s Tap Room. Discussion followed, the Council agreed there was no problem with this.
Mrs. Thom presented a suggestion to help traffic flow on the Second Street Extension. Discussion followed.
Mrs. Thom moved to make the West Second Street a through street, with stop signs on Main, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado.
Mr. Bauer seconded.
Motion carried.
Mayor Berget read Judy Porter’s letter of resignation effective January 1, 2003.
The current list of interested persons from August opening will be reviewed.
Mrs. Porter reported interest in still working on downtown beautification.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PARKS – Mrs. Thom reported 6 funerals in September. All the parks are closed and the water has been turned off.
CITY/COUNTY LIASON – Mrs. Baeth spoke about her visit to the animal control building. The two new employees for the County are working with the Pets for Life group. The State is responsible weed spraying for up to 6 feet of building on State roads.
FIRE –Tom Wood, Fire Chief gave verbal report, 16 calls for September. The new rural engine is coming soon. They received another FEMA grant of $12,800, to purchase equipment.
INSURANCE – Mrs. Thom reported that the renewal for the employee health insurance is November. Our agent is working on several quotes.
POLICE – Police reported 236 calls and 11 arrests for the month.
RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE – Mr. Bauer reported a good CAG meeting on Thursday.
Attorney Scott Spencer is working on an ordinance for cemetery rules.
SEWER/LIGHTS – Mr. Bauer reported that the City of Libby has received some complaints on street lights by the radio station that were out. Dan Thede reported that these have been fixed.
WATER — Mrs. Thom reported that water line to Memorial Center is complete. Paving is scheduled next week.
STREETS/ALLEYS — Mr. Sorensen reported pot hole patching and work is being done of some alleys. All equipment is set up for snow plowing. Two new sections of sidewalk have been completed, located on Louisiana Avenue by the Assembly of God Church and one on the 1400 block of Utah Avenue.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – The Community Development Committee will be responsible for notes to new businesses, facelifts of existing buildings and thank yous. The Montana Community Foundation fund raising dinner was held in the Ponderosa Room on October 4, 2002. This organization gave a grant for all the upgrades and equipment for the Ponderosa Room, including the new carpet that was installed in September.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS – The last meeting was October 2, 2002, with continued negotiations.
It was moved, seconded and carried to pay the claims as per the claims approval list.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Mitch from the audience gave advise on fall tree trimming.
Jim Rostopher asked questions about the transfer of authority and the website.
Mayor Berget reminded the Council of the League of Cities and Towns conference in Butte, on October 8-11th, 2002.
Mayor Berget asked the Council to be thinking of the Port Authority position. Someone needs to be appointed. Mrs. Thom said she was interested. The Mayor announced that Families in Partnership returned the remainder of LADC grant in the amount of $866. He also reminded the Council of the low interest rates and the need to review investments.
Mayor Berget informed the Council of the cancellation of the HAZ-MAT class at FVCC
Lincoln County Campus and they will be returning the LADC grant monies.
Mrs. Baeth attended the RC&D meeting today. The Border Patrol increasing employees.
Troy and Eureka are working on Brownfield grants.
Mr. Thede reported on the start of construction by college on the house on the California property.
Next regular city council meeting will be held November 12, 2002 at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris