Olsen calls for mayor's resignation

In front of a standing-room-only crowd at Libby City Hall Monday night, recently re-elected City Councilman Allen Olsen called for Libby Mayor Doug Roll’s resignation. Olsen suggested he and Roll resign together, also suggesting council members Barb Desch and Peggy Williams follow suit.

“We have to move Libby forward,” Olsen said. “We’re stagnant, nothing is getting done. Some people say it’s you. Some people say it’s me. At this point, it’s gone on so long it really doesn’t matter who’s to blame. At our settlement agreement we both said we want what is best for Libby, so let us both do the right thing, meaning we both do what’s right for Libby. The best thing for Libby to move forward is we both resign our seats, right now, tonight. Peggy and Barb, I hope you follow.”

Roll said he was surprised by the offer, and said he’d consider it.

“Let me think on it,” he said.“

After the unexpected offer, the council continued with its established agenda, passing changes to the city’s open container law and adopting public construction and building code standards.

The council adopted changes to the city’s open container ordinance in response to an incident at last year’s Ignite the Nites car rally, in which a Libby man was assaulted. The ordinance changes allow the city to require event organizers, not just for Ignite the Nites but for any large events in the city, to obtain liability insurance and to name the city as additionally insured. The ordinance as written also allows the city administrator to require a deposit for events, with the amount to be determined by the city administrator. Councilman Olsen made a motion to table the ordinance pending a change that would have the council establish a fee scale for the deposits. The motion died without a second and the ordinance change was passed by a 5-1 vote, with Olsen voting against.

The council then considered a request from the Igniters Car Club, represented by club vice president Kevin Peck, for a street closure and noise ordinance abatement for the annual event. Peck said the club was very concerned about safety and the wishes of the community, and was taking steps to ensure a safe and pleasant enviornment for visitors and participants alike. In order to help avoid tragic events such as last year’s assault, Peck said the club was adding additional security to the event by hiring off-duty police officers and sheriff’s deputies to patrol the area affected by the event.

Last year’s club president Gary Rantala said despite the incident and the changes in the cruise route to include more of Lincoln Boulevard, the club received no complaints from area residents. He said he personally knocked on doors along the extended route to speak with residents.

Homeowner Al Randall supported Rantala’s statement, telling the council he appreciated the club’s outreach efforts and was very pleased with how the event developed last year.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the closure and noise ordinance abatement for the event. Council president Brent Teske abstained from the vote as he is a member of the Igniters Car Club.

After two residents, Amy Thomson and D.C. Orr, addressed the council on matters not on the agenda, Mayor Roll attempted to unilaterally adjourn the meeting, despite the desire of another resident, Barb Turner, to address the council. After public outcry, to which Roll responded, “I don’t care, it’s already over,” Councilwoman Dejon Raines reimposed order on the proceedings and allowed Turner to speak to the council. Upon completion of Turner’s remarks, and seeing no others wishing to speak, the council voted to adjourn the meeting.

At least one member of the audience was displeased with Roll’s actions. Local restaurant owner Tammy Brown said the mayor’s actions were disrespectful.

“Doug Roll has no respect for our community,” she said. 

Roll declined to respond to public questions about Olsen’s offer as the meeting ended, stating simply: “It was a very nice offer.”