City OKs street closure for businesses' anniversary celebrations

Libby City Council approved a request for a section of Mineral Avenue to be closed Saturday, Aug. 3, for a street dance for two businesses celebrating anniversaries and another opening its doors to the public.

The closure will be from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the 200 block between 2nd and 3rd Street.

Sarah Sorensen, co-owner of Cabinet Mountain Brewery made the request. The brewery is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Co-hosting the event will be the Pastime Bar and Grill, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Also joining in the festivities is a new business, Kootenai Float Company, which will be holding its grand opening.

“We wanted to do something to show our appreciation for the community support we’ve received over the years,” Sorenson said. 

Council also approved a waiver for the city’s open container ordinance since alcohol will be served. Sorenson said state liquor laws will be closely followed and strictly enforced.

Councilors Kristin Smith, a co-owner of the brewery, and Gary Beach abstained from the vote. 

In other business, councilors discussed the Libby Development Fund as they work to reshape the policy for the $1.5 million that remains.

Kristin Smith offered a draft job description for a community development director, something she believes the city needs to administer the fund and generate new grant money.

Councilor Hugh Taylor said that a decision needs to be made regarding the possibility of revolving loans.

Also, councilor Gary Beech provided information from a letter he received from Libby Volunteer Fire Department Second Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Andreessen.

The department is hosting the state fire convention in 2025 and is seeking $7,500 to offset the cost of training and seminars that will be offered during the 3-day event.

Beech said the department wants to bring in experts from outside the area for some of the seminars which Andreessen said will bring in people that will spend money at area businesses.

Beech mentioned that the department will also be making the same $7,500 request to the county.

A decision will be made at a later date.

City resident D.C. Orr said he didn’t think the 50/50 split was fair, considering the different resources of each entity.

City administrator Sam Sikes reported that a generator at the sewage treatment plant needs replaced. 

“We got it up and running, but it keeps blowing out fuses. The parts would cost what a new generator costs and that generator is 43 years old,” Sam Sikes said. “The motor is fine, but the other parts are the problem.”

He said a new generator will cost about $50,000.

City clerk and treasurer Leean Monigold said the audit report went fine and there were no findings. 

Mayor Peggy Williams said that was, “outstanding.”

Williams also said new brackets for light poles in the city were done and undergoing testing.

After the city worked with the state to develop a publicity campaign to promote businesses, large banners were installed on the poles which caused the brackets to bend or break.

"Hopefully, they'll be stronger," Williams said.