TF mayor resigns

The city of Thompson Falls decided Monday to not open the pool this year amid the continuing struggle to find lifeguards. The city will also be seeking a new mayor as Mark Sheets notified the council this week that he is resigning effective July 4.

With the coming vacancy, the council will need to appoint an interim mayor. "I would like to thank everyone for all of your support," Sheets said Monday as he handed council members his letter of resignation. Sheets has been a major proponent of the community wastewater project. At Monday's meeting, resolutions for the final two phases of the project were passed by the council, and Sheets said once the design is finished, the project will go out to bid this fall.

"I want to thank Mark for a job well done. I know it's an unthankful job at times," resident Tobo Leivistad said. "You've been very faithful to the job. I appreciate everything you've done for the city," council member Raoul Ribeiro added.

Sheets also reported Monday that Razz Construction is continuing with the first two phases of the wastewater project. City Clerk Chelsea Peterson said that many yards still need to be repaired as part of the project. Sheets noted that phases three and four of the project could begin independent of the first two phases.

With the city pool, Sheets said the call was made Monday to not open for the season. Last week, Sheets had told The Ledger the pool would open later this month. He said repairs are still being made to the changing rooms and showers at the pool, and that work to refinish the inside of the pool is still on track for this fall. Other updates needed include a flow meter and an automatic chlorinator. Council member Katherine Maudrone asked if the city could look at increasing wages for lifeguards to be more competitive. Council members expressed interest in reviewing the wages in the upcoming budget process.

Chief of Police Chris Nichols honored Officer Jason Thornton at the conclusion of Monday's meeting with a Peace Officer Intermediate Certificate. Thornton has been with the department for four years. Nichols said to obtain the status, an officer must have a minimum of four years of experience and over 200 post-credit training hours.

Sheets gave an update of the Thompson Falls Main Street project on Monday. Work on curbs has been completed on the north side of Main Street from the West Ramp up to the East Ramp and Razz Construction, the contractor for the project, has begun work on the sidewalks on the south side of Main Street.

Also Monday, the council passed a resolution to annex property on West Haley Avenue that was completely surrounded by city property, and they voted to hold mail ballot elections for the primary and general elections this year. The council voted to re-appoint Pat Ingraham as a library trustee.

The next council meeting will be 6 p.m. Monday, July 10 at City Hall.