The Libby City Council met on Monday, May 20 at City Hall for a short meeting that lasted approximately 30 minutes. Mayor Teske and councilman Zimmerman were both absent from the meeting which was run by senior council member, Peggy Williams.
The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer led by Tom Cole. No announcements were made, and most committees had nothing to report. City Administrator, Jim Hammons, gave an update regarding the receipt of a $125 thousand grant to help with engineering city water projects. He also reported that the campground host at Fireman’s Park has arrived and the new bathrooms there have also been opened. Flower baskets will soon be hung on Mineral Ave. lamp posts, weeds are being sprayed, and city employees are working on sprinkler systems for summer watering.
The water/sewer committee reported that the new camera for viewing sewer lines has been ordered and is expected to arrive during the end of this month. The finance committee reported that work on the city budget has begun.
The City-County Board of Health reported that the expected life of the landfill cell has been extended from 7 to 11.5 years, talked about their role as petitioner in the controlled groundwater area, and discussed the goals of the headwaters foundation grant recently awarded for early childhood collaborations.
No public comments were offered on non-agenda items. Four business licenses were approved; two for excavating, one for a laundromat, and one for hearing services. The council also decided to address the appointment process of the Libby City Judge under unfinished business at upcoming meetings.
Resolution 1636 was passed allowing Mayor Teske to execute a quitclaim deed in which the City of Libby will transfer their interest in a small parcel of property on the golf course back to its original owners, Ralph and Judy Kauzlarich. The parcel of land which has been in the City of Libby’s possession since 1998 is no longer needed by the City.
Finally, councilman Taylor reported that Transparency Week will be held from June 2 to June 8. On Monday, June 3 a regular council meeting will be held at City Hall at 7 p.m. On June 4, at 6 p.m. will be a presentation by MSU faculty regarding the constitution. June 5 at 6:30 will be a discussion of the proposed school resource officer position, and an open house will be held on June 6.
Don’t forget that it’s not too late to apply for a city council position. Elections for four seats will be held in November.
By Tracy McNew, The Montanian