TF appoints mayor

Monday night's meeting of the Thompson Falls City Council was the most well attended and also the longest in the last five years. At the end of the three-hour meeting, the city had a new mayor.

The council unanimously voted to appoint Rusti Leivestad to the position of mayor after the three-hour council meeting, which included 1.5 hours of interviewing three candidates for mayor. Nearly 100 people attended the meeting, held at the Thompson Falls Community Center.

The meeting started with acting mayor Raoul Ribeiro telling the crowd that the council was not taking any action "tonight or anytime soon on any zoning issues." He explained that any zoning issues would first be discussed at the committee level, then presented to the full council.

Even though no action was planned on zoning issues, several city and county residents provided comments on zoning, including the Orchard property north of town owned by the U.S. Forest Service.

"I'm glad you clarified what's going on. To clarify, we're all grateful we live in Sanders County. We live in a bubble. I would just like to put it out there that we don't need to be making changes to Sanders County," said Greg Hinkle, who lives in the county. City resident Jake Susic addressed rumors of possible housing at the Orchard property. "As far as housing, I would like the council to put forth a memo that housing or permanent structures are off the table and to back the community members," Susic requested.

Cindy Bronner, who also lives in the county outside of Thompson Falls, submitted 440 signatures on a petition she created. The petition requests the city council change the Orchard property zoning from residential A to recreation. "There is a major concern that housing could be an option," Rob Clark commented.

In action items, the council approved a request from the Rex Community Theater to write a letter of support for a grant the group is applying for that would help finish the apartment on the property. "We're doing this for the future generations of this community, so we would appreciate a letter of support," said Deb Wilson with the Rex.

The council also voted to provide a letter of support for the Lake County Community Development Corporation. Some community members spoke up in objection because they did not know what the corporation did. "My problem is they aren't here to tell what work they do," said resident Walter Borgmann. Council member Hayley Allen-Blakney said she felt comfortable making a motion because of all the good work the Lake County group does with Sanders County Community Development, and the motion passed unanimously.

Carrie Gardner with Great West Engineering approached the council about updating the city's Capital Improvements Plan. "The last one was passed in 2020," Gardner told the council. "Since then there have been significant changes, including the sewer project, and the list of priorities for the city is changing." The council passed the motion to contract with Great West for the revisions and Gardner stated it would be done by the end of December. The city has a community needs assessment survey available on its website, http://www.cityofthompsonfalls.com. Results from that survey will be used to update priorities in the Capital Improvements Plan.

The council approved change orders for phases 1 and 2 of the community sewer project. The change orders included having contractor Razz Construction pave all of Spruce Street instead of just half per the original design. Gardner, the project manager, stated that the work for phases 1 and 2 is 290 days over contract and that they received a new schedule from Razz Construction that would complete work this year. The council also approved a change to the scope of the project, removing the task of disposing of sludge from the current contract. The city will put that portion of the project out to bid in order to close out phases 1 and 2.

Borgmann asked if the contractor was being penalized for work not completed. He explained that since the septic was abandoned on his property, the contractor has been requested to return to fill in the hole and that work is still not complete. Gardner responded that penalties were being assessed monthly and that there was a 5% retainer for the project being held until the city signs off on completion of the project. "Which we haven't yet," Gardner stated.

Gardner also provided an update on phases 3 and 4 of the wastewater project, for which Great West Engineering is finishing the preliminary design. Gardner anticipates the project will go to bid in the spring and then take about two years for construction.

After 1.5 hours of discussion and action items, council members interviewed three residents who had submitted letters of interest for the position of mayor. Along with Leivestad, the council interviewed Gunner Junge and David Squire. The council asked questions about the candidates' strengths and weaknesses, their experience resolving conflicts, why they want to be mayor, and experience supervising employees.

All three candidates stressed the importance of communicating with residents. Leivestad told the audience and council that she had been to nearly every meeting in the last six years and felt it was important to give back to the community. Squire said he would listen and be an advocate for the community. "I would help people feel connected," he said. Junge stressed how his life experiences and life skills would make him a good leader for the community. "I would do what's right for the community as a whole," Junge stated.

Council members asked the candidates if they were prepared to deal with public comments. All said yes. "The buck stops here," Leivestad expressed. She encouraged everyone at the meeting to get involved, participate and get on a committee.

Another question asked of the candidates was whether they planned to run for election when the appointment expires in 2024. All three said yes. "I wouldn't be here for one year. That would be a waste of everyone's time," Squire answered.

After the community members also had an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates, Ribeiro, who has been acting mayor since Jerry Lacy resigned in October, said he appreciated the candidates putting themselves forward and coming up with possible solutions for the city. Before making the motion to appoint Leivestad, Ribeiro told her "you have been steadfast support as long as I've been on council."

"I wish all our meetings were attended like this. I am so glad that all these people showed up," council member Larry Lack said before seconding the motion to appoint Leivestad. The council voted unanimously on the motion and Ribeiro delivered the oath of office to Leivestad, swearing her in Monday evening.

When asked what her first task would be, Leivestad replied, "I'm going to go in tomorrow and find my desk, meet with every department and hear what they have to say."

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 11, at 6 p.m.