City councilman's residency comes to a vote
Brian Zimmerman
By BETHANY ROLFSON
The Western News
Libby council member Brian Zimmerman’s residency has been a topic of discussion for the past many months since Zimmerman sold his home within city limits.
Now, Zimmerman is living outside of city limits, and the Libby City Council voted on Monday to not take any action on the matter.
Some council members, such as council member Kristin Smith, voiced their support before the matter came to a vote.
“I don’t believe that Mr. Zimmerman is doing anything of ill will towards the city,” Smith said. “I believe that he has the city’s interest at heart and he is working towards finding housing because I’m sure he wants to find housing. I’m sure this is not a situation that he enjoys being in.”
Zimmerman is not the only council member to live outside city limits. Last year, District Judge Wheelis’ ruled that council member Allen Olsen’s residence outside of city limits was legal.
Since then, the city council voted to give Zimmerman permission to live outside the city until March 6, but during the city council meeting on March 6, Zimmerman was still living outside city limits.
Before the vote, Mayor Brent Teske addressed the concern that Olsen was never made the same offer of permission. Teske said that during his tenure, Olsen never requested permission.
Olsen made the motion that the council take no action in the matter.
Zimmerman addressed the council by assuring he has been looking for homes to purchase within city limits, including a home on Mineral Avenue which is currently under litigation with the contractors.
“We’ve continued everyday, just looking everyday at houses,” Zimmerman said. “Just last week we looked at four more.”
Zimmerman also told the council that he’s been to multiple viewings and is waiting on inspections to put in possible offers.
“I’m just hoping that it’ll be really soon. Something is going to change. We’re trying,” Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman said that he’s hoping that he will hear something within the next 30 days.