News Briefs
April 16
Council debates subdivision park issue
RONAN — The Ronan City Council discussed at length a preliminary approval of the planned R and J subdivision, but ultimately tabled the matter until the next meeting to work out the kinks on a park matter.
The snag was between developers and the council on whether to accept a park land trade in lieu of cash that would go into a city parks fund. Council members agreed to table the issue for more discussion to work out the kinks before the project is to receive the formal preliminary approval.
The newly formed Ronan Planning Commission discussed the subdivision at their March 30 meeting and passed the preliminary approval motion — requiring it meet the council’s approval — on a 5-1 vote.
Other than the park issue, the council looked to approve the subdivision with four changes to project covenants and on the condition to form a homeowner’s association for the development.
City staff also read aloud a note submitted by the Ronan School District that stated the district would be impacted by the new subdivision if there were likely to be tenants with school-aged children, adding that if the district could impose an impact fee in regards to the development they would do so.
The subdivision is also planned to be built on part of what is the Flathead Irrigation Project, and homeowners would be subject to taxes for this unless they pay an opt-out fee for their individual property. The city would claim the right to non-refusal in the instance that streetlights and or drainage systems were to be put in.
The development comes with the possibility for road improvements on Main Street, 9th and 10th Avenue, and an extension to Buchanan Street SW. Other assessments proved that the subdivision would have no impact on the environment, agriculture, water usage, or wildlife of the natural environment of the land plot.
- Reporter Ty Hampton
Hwy 93 construction bombards Arlee
Construction to expand U.S. Highway 93 through Arlee is in full swing. Construction crews have begun digging the new couplet, which will split the north and southbound lanes of the highway, diverting southbound traffic around the town.
The loads of machinery and signage in and around the town has created a dusty path for travelers to take so far. Speeds at both ends of the town have been reduced as well.
A meeting was held on Tuesday at the Arlee Senior Center, where information was given on the highway construction, which is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 1.
The southbound lane will be finished by the end of the month, and the northbound finished Aug. 1, construction superintendent Nate Malmin said.
Drivers can use Whitworth, Wessinger, Finley Creek and North Couture to get from the southbound lanes to the northbound lanes. As part of the construction these roads will be repaved and can also be used to access local businesses.
-Reporter Erin Scott
Big Arm School receives grants
The Big Arm Association is excited to announce it has recently been awarded two grants to help with the preservation of the Big Arm Historic School.
The Country School Association of America awarded its 2009 $500 grant to be used toward electrical upgrades.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation have allocated $2,500 from the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns Fund to match local funds to hire a consultant to develop a condition assessment of the Historic Big Arm School.
During the past two weeks, a licensed electrician has inspected the wiring and installed GFI outlets. Mission Valley Power has re-connected the electricity to the building. Last Tuesday, volunteers will be helping tear down the 1970s porch to reveal the original east entrance to the school. On Saturday, May 23, the assocation is hosting a grand Antique Doll Show in the school, which will mean lots of scraping and painting between now and then. If you would like to help us preserve this wonderful piece of Lake County history please call Alison 849-6628.
-Courtesy of Alison Meslin, on behalf of the Big Arm Association
Charlo student wins poster contest
Trinceton Brown, of Charlo, won “best overall” for the 2008-09 Gear Up Poster Contest, sponsored by First Lady Nancy Schweitzer.
Schweitzer is inviting members of the public and legislators to view the 29 winners and semi-finalists of the 2008-2009 GEAR UP Poster Contest. The posters will be on display in the Governor’s Office the week of April 13-17. The governor and first lady’s Math and Science Initiative partnered with the GEAR UP program to sponsor the theme of this year’s contest: “It All Adds Up: Math + Science = College Success.”
Last fall, the First Lady invited seventh and eighth grade students in 25 GEAR UP schools across the state to submit a poster illustrating how math and science can help prepare them for college and pursue their goals and dreams.
- Courtesy of the office the governor