Burger tabbed as new Libby city councilor

Libby businesswoman Gail Burger was sworn in as the city council’s newest member at Monday evening’s meeting.

Burger was appointed to the seat following the recent resignation of Gary Beach. Melissa Berke, Kristin Smith, Hugh Taylor and Ian Smith voted for her appointment while Brian Zimmerman voted against it.

Beach served eight years on council and was the chair of the city’s Budget and Finance and Lights, Streets and Sidewalks committees. He was also a member of the Water and Sewer and Wildlife committees.

He was appointed to a council seat in September 2016 when Dejon Raines announced her resignation after learning she was pregnant. Beach was elected to a second term in November 2021. He cited personal reasons for resigning his seat.

Burger will serve out the remainder of Beach’s term, which expires in December 2025. Burger was already on the city’s Zoning and Planning committee, having been appointed last year. Burger will also join the Budget and Finance, Wildlife and Water and Sewer committees.

“I’m looking forward to being on council,” Burger told The Western News. “I go to quite a few meetings and I like to learn new things.

Burger said she sought the open seat because, “I want to get council and community back on track in communication.”

In terms of seeing more community involvement at council meetings, Burger joked that she may bring cookies and gummy bears.

City administrator Sam Sikes said a few people had interest in the seat and requested the form that had to be filled out prior to Monday’s meeting. He said they opted to not proceed. Another person inquired about the seat Monday, after the Wednesday, Sept. 11, deadline.

Burger is best known for her efforts to renovate the old Hotel Libby on California Avenue. The building received historic designation in 2012.

The $2.3 million project, which has been going on since 2011, saw a new roof put on the hotel in 2023. Earlier this year, Burger sought $9,000 from the city’s Community Development Fund to help pay for cost overruns for the roof work, but it was denied when some questioned if the fund money should go toward such projects.

Burger did get approval from the city for a letter of support for Friends of Historic Hotel Libby to seek a $500,000 Montana Historic Preservation Grant to help with rehabilitating the outside of the building. 

Burger said the project would cost about $750,361.

The hotel still needs more hazardous materials cleanup work done. According to a request for bids from Newfields, project abatement is scheduled to occur this fall with abatement this winter and next spring.

Burger is excited for the next phase of hotel work and having the pink siding removed next spring. She’s hopeful that Friends of Historic Hotel Libby receives the state grant, which will allow for new windows and other outside work to be done.

Before the vote, Councilor Kristin Smith questioned Burger’s participation in various social media sites.

“The rules of civic engagement are important and there’s been website forums where you’ve been mean-spirited,” Smith said.

“Just because I run those pages, it doesn’t mean I post on them or engage,” Burger replied.

Burger was also asked if her involvement in the Libby Business Association would be a conflict.

“No, I’ve discussed it with my board and they are fine with it,” she said.