Council OKs union deal; preliminary budget heard
Libby City Council members on Tuesday heard a First Reading on the proposed Noise Ordinance, reviewed a preliminary budget of $11.172 million for 2013, and they approved a one-year contract with union workers that allows for a 1 percent longevity step increase.
Both the Noise Ordinance and the 2013 budget are expected to be approved at the Sept. 17 City Council meeting.
Concerning the proposed Noise Ordinance, former City Councilman D.C. Orr, of 1117 Nevada, was critical of the proposed statute, saying there are existing state laws that address excessive noise.
“You haven’t been totally truthful on this,” Orr said. “When you say something, I want to know that I can take it to the bank,” he said referring to the need for the local ordinance. “(Councilman Allen) Olsen is right. There are existing Montana Code Annotated laws that address excessive noise.”
Orr alleged the city is only considering the ordinance as a money-making effort that would raise funds for city coffers through fines.
However, City Councilwoman Robin Benson asked Libby City Police Chief Jim Smith, who earlier gave his monthly report, whether the ordinance is necessary.
Stepping up to the podium, Smith told the Council his officers often are called for a noise complaint, but when the complainant is asked to fill out paperwork, they often decline, citing a desire for anonymity and a wish to get along with their neighbors.
Smith said with the ordinance, officers will be able to act on behalf of the statute, rendering a neighbor’s formal complaint unnecessary.
Voting on the First Reading, the Council voted 4-1 in favor of the ordinance. Olsen voted against it. Councilwoman Vicky Lawrence was absent.
Joanne Newman, who lives at 302 City Service Road, also spoke against the proposed ordinance.
“Basically, you’re leaving it up to the police or the Sheriff’s Department (to prosecute),” Newman said. “Right now, my neighbor can have a party all night long and not be affected, and I can’t because I live in the city limits,” Newman said. “I just wish you would ask (offenders) to tone it down. To me, its just a way to make money.”
Concerning the approved contract with city workers, Councilman Bill Bischoff recognized union workers for not requesting a cost-of-living adjustment this year.
Workers did receive a 1 percent longevity step increase and their $100 boot allowance was expanded to allow for clothing as well.
In other proceedings, the Council …:
• heard from Libby Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Wood who said crews responded to six calls in August, bringing the number of call-outs to 60 for the year. Said Wood: “Everything is running smoothly and fine.” Wood also said the department is pursuing a building to house engines at Fireman’s Park.
• heard from Chief Smith who said the Police Department had 232 calls for service, which was down from 300 in July. The department issued 48 citations, which is an increase; arrested 38, 15 of whom were repeat arrests, Smith said. Explaining those 15, Smith said those follow-up arrests reflect, for example, people who were initially arrested and failed to meet subsequent standards for sobriety. Smith also reported one assault of a Libby man during the Ignite the Nites weekend by two fellow Libby residents.
• was reminded by Councilwoman Benson of the Ice Cream Social scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Fireman’s Park. The social begins at 5:30 p.m. Local businesses are invited to attend the event.
• agreed to hold off on a $190 payment to Jack’s Water Works for sprinkler repair work at Fireman’s Park. Olsen said he preferred the bill be paid by the contractor who broke the line. The Council agreed to get further information on the bill.