Libby zoning question still unanswered

The Libby City Council continued discussion at their Dec. 3 meeting of whether the discussion of proposed zoning changes should be with the Ordinance Committee or with the City Planning Board.

The council ultimately tabled the discussion to continue it at their next meeting.

Libby Mayor Brent Teske told the council and audience that he had traced the creation of the City Planning Board back to council meetings at the end of 2005. However, he said that the city is still looking into the separation of the City Planning Board from the County-City Planning Board that had existed since 1969.

Teske said that the council can continue to revisit the subject at every meeting until all questions are resolved.

Council member Kristin Smith pointed out that, ultimately, even if it goes back to the planning board, any ordinance would have to return to the ordinance committee, since it would be a change to the ordinance.

Previously raised concerns regarding whether the City Planning Board is legally able to advise the council on zoning changes were not resolved.

Libby resident D.C. Orr has maintained that under state law, a city planning board cannot be a zoning commission, which would be necessary for them to advise the city on zoning.

The discussion circled the health of the downtown area and questions such as sufficient parking. During that discussion, Teske pointed out the importance of zoning to ensure future development is of the sort desirable to the community.

Teske also told the audience that though the city set up an email list to keep local businesses informed, only two people have signed up with City Clerk/Treasurer Audray McCollom.

Council member Kristin Smith requested that the Ordinance Committee be able to continue to finalize the work that they have done so far in discussion with local businesses.

There was no objection to her request.