City considers plan to improve its image; leaf collection continues

In its latest effort to improve the city’s image, Libby City Councilors gave tentative approval to work with the state on a marketing campaign to promote its local manufacturing and trade businesses.

Council voted at the Oct. 16 meeting to work with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry on a program to develop posters and banners for placement in the city.

Janelle Kimberlin gave a presentation on the idea that would utilize existing light poles for banners to raise awareness of local manufacturing and trades as, “a unique strength of the Libby community and a family-sustaining career pathway for Libby residents.”

She also said posters could be placed in the schools to raise awareness of career possibilities in Libby.

Mayor Peggy Williams pointed out that Christmas wreaths would soon be placed on light poles where they would remain through early January. She also said photo posters of graduating seniors would be placed on the same fixtures in May.

“We’re likely looking at doing this after Christmas,” Kimberlin said.

Williams also said the banner brackets on the light poles would need to be checked to make sure they would work.

City Streets Supervisor Justin Williams said because his department is limited in manpower, it might be good Flathead Electric or Montana Sky would help with the installation of the banners.

Councilors Kristin Smith and Brian Zimmerman both liked the idea.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Smith said. “A lot of people aren’t aware of the industry that’s here, but we should also see a more thorough proposal.”

Part of Kimberlin’s proposal is to speak with manufacturers about using photos from their businesses while working with a local photographer, graphic designer and printer to create the banners.

Possible locations for the banners may include existing light poles on California and Mineral Avenues, U.S. 2. Kimberlin said the plan could include placing marketing material in schools in Lincoln County, including Libby, Troy and Eureka.

She also said working with the Lincoln County campus of Flathead Valley Community College and the LOR Foundation may be beneficial.

In other city business:

- The council voted to accept a $4,500 grant from LOR to buy new radios for the street department. Williams said a local man volunteered his time to install the radios.

- The city’s annual leaf pickup continues next week on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 9.

City crews will be picking up any leaves that are bagged, boxed or in a trash can. Residents are asked to have their leaves contained by the curbside by the morning of the above mentioned dates.