Troy City Council approves annexations

The City of Troy is growing. With unanimous approval from council members, resolutions 2015-698 and 2015-699 for requests of annexation from the properties at 113 W. Spokane Ave. and 112 W. Spokane Ave. were granted.

“They’re on paved roads and they’re receiving every single service that the city has now,” Mayor Darren Coldwell said. “Most people don’t even realize they’re not in the city, you would assume that they are.”

Coldwell said he supported annexing the two properties, one of which has two separate residences on it, which means three more property taxes and three more sewer accounts. He mentioned the sewer fund is a welcome addition for the city.

The city will have to install sewer lines to the annexed properties and will waive the fees for the connections. “It works really well because we’re making some changes in lines over there because the Silver Spur is adding on so it’s a really good time to do it,” Coldwell said. He said because the city will already be performing work in the area the cost of hook up will be around $200 for each residence. “The line is right there,” Coldwell said.

Councilwoman Kimberly Rowse questioned whether waiving the fees would set a precedent for future annexations. “You know how I am,” Rowse said. “If we do it for one guy are we willing to do it for the next.”

Responding to the concern of Rowse, councilwoman Crystal Denton mentioned the hook up fees were enacted for residents who first declined hook up to city sewer, but later wanted the service.

After discussion among council members and one member in the audience the council unanimously voted to seek out a host for Roosevelt Park for the summer. The members questioned whether a host would be able to deter some of the negative activities that have occurred in the park, especially during the more active summer months. “We’ve had two different bathroom facilities vandalized in the last week to 10 days,” Coldwell said.

The host would also help to maintain the appearance of the park by upkeep of the garbage cans around the park and museum and also clean the bathrooms.

Ultimately council members figured the cost of employing a host is nominal and their presence would offer a possible deterrent for future acts of vandalism, which ultimately costs the city.

In recognition of Arbor Day, on April 22 and 23 Troy High School and elementary school students will be carrying out projects around the city. Elementary students will pick up garbage in the park and on city streets a block away from Main Street. On the afternoon of April 23, the high school students will be at the cemetery sweeping and raking as well as cleaning up along the highway.

Coldwell invited council members to volunteer their time to hand out water and cook hot dogs for the high school students. The barbecue will be around 2:30 p.m.

Along St. Regis Haul Road the city has recently planted seven trees along the walking path. “Hopefully you’ll be able to notice here in another week or so when they start to bloom and get leaves,” Coldwell said. In total, about 25 trees will be planted along the road.

One business license was unanimously approved by council members at the Wednesday meeting. Eric Cox was granted a license for E & A Detailing, which will open on Missoula Avenue. “Welcome to business,” said Coldwell after the license was approved.