T. Falls Council reviews regulations

The Thompson Falls City Council met Monday for its regular meeting, discussing changes to ordinances and regulations.

The council reviewed proposed changes to the city’s parking ordinance. The council approved a first reading of the ordinance with changes that include prohibiting parking within 100 feet of each side of the east ramp across the railroad tracks and imposing a two-hour limit on the south side of Main Street between Gallatin and Ferry streets. “Hopefully it will make it safer,” Mayor Mark Sheets said. The new ordinance would also put a 24-hour limit on the north side of Main Street and would raise penalties from $25 to a range of $25-$100.

The council also reviewed proposed water and sewer regulation changes, including that no new water or sewer connections would be allowed from November to March unless authorized by the public works director due to winter weather. The regulation changes would also require that property owners sign an affidavit stating they have read and understand the regulations, which include guidance on what can and cannot be put into the community sewer system. Anyone who violates the regulations would be monetarily responsible for repairs, Sheets explained. The council tabled the changes for further review.

The council took action on several requests Monday, including approving a year-round lease of the community center building as a preschool and daycare. Krystal Park addressed the council and asked to extend the lease to year-round instead of during the school year so that she can offer additional services in the summer. She also announced that she is now licensed through the state. The council also approved a lease agreement with Thompson Falls schools for the softball and baseball fields that are on city property. The council had previously made suggested changes to the lease, which will need to also be approved by the school board.

The council on Monday also denied a request by Tony Cox for a conditional use permit allowing an RV rental spot on vacant property within the city. Council member Shawni Vaught said she appreciated the work that has been done on the property, but recommended denying the request. “I want to see what’s going to be best for the city of Thompson Falls,” she stated.

Work on the community sewer project resumed this week by Razz Construction. Crews will continue hooking up properties in phases 1 and 2 of the project, which includes all properties from the west side of town to Grove Street. Sheets said the first phase is expected to be completed in June.

Mayor Sheets announced that city clerk Chelsea Peterson was honored as rural water clerk of the year for the state. Peterson will attend the rural water conference in Great Falls to receive the award. The city also received the Montana Water Environmental Association small systems award. The association, in its award letter, said it selects “a small community (population under 5,000) wastewater treatment facility that is exceptionally well run and maintained to honor each year. The facility and staff often have limited resources, but typically meet high standards.” Public Works Director Neil Harnett will accept the award next month at the association conference in Butte.

Sheets also announced Monday that Thompson Falls Main Street and Thompson Falls Chamber were awarded a $32,000 grant for a wayfinding sign project. The grant, along with matching funds from the two organizations, will pay for the design to develop signage for businesses, landmarks and other points within the community. The grant is from the state Department of Commerce.

The mayor reported that the city will not be appointing supervisors to Green Mountain Conservation District, stating that he learned the city is not in the boundaries of the district. “When it was formed in 1941 and then when the boundaries were changed in 1943, the city was excluded, so no appointments will be made,” Sheets said. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Woodside Park Water/Sewer District that would allow the organization to purchase water from the city in case backup is needed with their service. Sheets said it is similar to other agreements the city has, and the council voted unanimously to pass the action.

The next city council meeting will be Monday, April 10, at 6 p.m.