City OKs new school safety zone; lists parking restrictions for snow plowing

Libby City Council approved the formation of a school safety zone for the Kootenai Valley Christian School at its Nov. 20 meeting.

Kootenai Valley Christian School Administrator Tara Niemi said at an Oct. 2 meeting that rising enrollment has led to more traffic and concerns for safety at the school, which is located at 1024 Montana Ave.

There was no public comment about the project and it was unanimously given the green light following motions from Brian Zimmerman and Kristin Smith.

City Streets Supervisor Justin Williams and Chief of Police Cody Ercanbrack did a site visit and came up with a plan for the area.

It includes a new four-way stop sign at the intersection of Montana Avenue and East Spruce Street, six 20-mile-per-hour school zone signs and the refurbishment of two pedestrian crosswalk signs mid-block on Montana Avenue as well as painting a high visibility crosswalk.

"We are thankful to the city councilors for quickly addressing the school zone issue," Niemi said. "The new signs should be up soon and will be a huge asset to the safety of our students and their families."

The crosswalk painting will be done next spring when weather permits.

The estimated cost is $5,500.

Niemi previously said rising enrollment has led to more traffic and concerns for safety at the school, which is located at 1024 Montana Ave.

Niemi said the private school, which serves students from pre-school through 12th grade, has 103 students enrolled. 

Niemi wrote in a letter to council, “There are concerns regarding traffic safety around our school for pedestrians and drivers as traffic has increased during school drop-off and pick-up times. Families, neighbors and other community members have requested that stop signs and a reduced school zone speed limit be put in.”

Niemi said there have been speeders and impatient drivers passing unsafely, “but our staff and parents have kept the students safe from any close calls. We have a crossing guard on duty as well. The improved signage and an increase in police presence, should reduce any further issues.”

Niemi said more street signs on Montana Avenue and East Spruce Street with the possibility of four stop signs would make people more aware of more kids in the area.

In other street-related news, Mayor Peggy Williams said snow restrictions are now in place and asked city residents to abide by them so plow crews can work safely.

According to city ordinance, parking restrictions, which went into effect on Nov. 1 and will end on March 30, prohibit parking on north and south streets, such as Main Avenue or Utah Avenue, from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Parking on east and west streets, such as 5th or Larch streets, is prohibited from 8 a.m. to noon. Vehicles parked on streets during restricted times may be towed without notice at the owner’s expense. A maximum fine of $100 is also possible.

In the downtown business district, the following streets are closed to parking from 2:20 a.m. to 6 a.m.:

- Mineral Avenue from First Street to Tenth Street;

- Louisiana Avenue from Second Street to Tenth Street;

- Montana Avenue from First Street to Tenth Street;

- California Avenue from Ninth Street to Tenth Street;

- Main Avenue from Second Street to Tenth Street;

- Idaho Avenue from Second Street to Tenth Street;

- Second Street from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;

- Third Street from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;

- Fourth Street from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;

- Fifth Street from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;
- Sixth Street from from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;

- Lincoln Boulevard from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;

- Eighth Street from from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue;

- Tenth Street from Louisiana Avenue to Idaho Avenue.

Another city ordinance makes it unlawful to obstruct any street, alley or other public grounds in the city. All items, such as basketball hoops, must be removed from city streets. The placement of snow into a city street by a person is considered an obstruction. Violations may result in a $300 penalty for the first infraction and $500 for repeat infractions.

For more information, call city hall at 406-293-2731, ext. 4105 or stop there at 952 E. Spruce St.