Libby postpones street project until next spring

With another Montana winter bearing down on the Kootenai Valley, the Libby City Council accepted a recommendation to postpone the Mineral Avenue Streetscape project until next spring.

The beautification project, which requires the installation of water and power, will need more time before winter, city supervisor Dan Thede at the Monday night meeting.

Thede said the installation of these utilities would require the “streets opened up and handicap accesses removed.” He thought it would be unlikely for this to be accomplished before cold weather set in.

During the meeting, the council listened to more pros and cons from the community. Concerned resident Bill Cunnane called the project unnecessary and a “yuppification” of Mineral Avenue. He believes the funding, which is drawn from an Economic Development fund, would be better spent on a pulmonary training facility in conjunction with St. John's Lutheran Hospital.

Philip Erquiaga, member of the Main Street Board, agreed with Cunnane on the training facility, but argued that businesses are not succeeding because people are not stopping.

“They need a reason to get off the highway,” Erquiaga said, adding that downtown must be improved for economic redevelopment.

Councilwoman Charlene Leckrone also addressed Cunnane's concerns, but said it was a done deal, stating the $80,000 has already been allocated in next year's budget.

“The planning is done for these two blocks,” councilman Doug Roll echoed. “For future planning, people can get involved.”

In addition to the Mineral Avenue upgrade, Vicki Lawrence with the Libby Tree Board notified the council of a grant that is available through the Department of Natural Resource and Conservation.

Lawrence proposed combining Streetscape with another project to beautify the area in front of the Memorial Center.

She said the grant would match 100 percent of the city funds, and could pay for the trees, irrigation and possibly the hydroseeding of grass for both projects.

Leckrone requested that Lawrence “show continuity and show that the grant will match funds” at the next council meeting on Sept. 16.

In other business:

€ The city now requires the purchase of a license for the sale of goods or services by any business entity.

€ The council unanimously approved a business license ordinance that will require all businesses within the 59923 zip code to purchase a license of $40 for the first business, and $20 for each additional business. Any businesses outside the 59923 zip code will pay a $60 fee for the first, and $30 for each additional business.

€ The council approved the sale of two cemetery lots to funeral home director Steve Schnackenberg for a niche wall. The city requested a written agreement for long-term maintenance of the wall, which would accommodate 48 cremains.