Struggles continue during Arlee road construction
Businesses along Main Street in Arlee have been affected by construction. The Community Development Corporation is trying to get County Commissioners to work on their behalf in getting additional roads fixed.
ARLEE — As the recent highway construction has impacted local Arlee businesses, measures were discussed to pave a few streets leading into the downtown area, as discussions have been underway with County commissioners to achieve this end.
“The roads have been further degraded with the construction,” Donna said, adding that the commissioners responded to their request for about 1,800 feet of road repairs. “Because of oil costs, they said they would only be able to chip-seal.”
The commissioners said they would advocate on their behalf in an upcoming meeting with the Montana Department of Transportation, in the hopes that they will perform the chip-seal.
Commissioner Chuck Witson assured the CDC that he would make every effort to help with the damaged roads, members said.
Apparently, some delivery drivers have been unable to find the Main Street businesses, Donna said, and business sales have greatly diminished.
A motion for Jack and Frank White to put further pressure on the commissioners regarding the damaged roads unanimously carried.
Donna went on to commend all the volunteers in Arlee for their “disciplined” efforts.
“For a little community I think we’re really noisy,” Donna said, adding that it is vital the commissioners understand the need for road repairs.
Also at this year’s Arlee Community Development Corporation’s annual meeting president Donna Mollica said good-bye to her fellow board members.
“It has been an honor to be involved and be on the board all these years,” she said, going on to say that an organization’s growth is partially due to new ideas from new members. “Organizations that form for too long over a person or a group of people have a hard time sustaining themselves.”
Mollica’s husband Paul assumed the position of president, Carol-Lynne Toleno vice-president, newly nominated Jack Duff accepted a treasurer position provided it’s vacancy, and newly nominated Dale Duff will be the secretary. Jack was nominated to serve on the board before the meeting, and his wife during the meeting.
“The community is fortunate to have Jack and Dale here,” Donna said, noting their expertise with non-profits. “We have two experienced people coming on.”
An update on the Arts and Culture Planning Grant was also given, and Donna said recent news of the grant has been encouraging. Board members are anticipating further information in a few days.
Toleno informed the members of the Garden Walk and Christmas trees downtown. She said festive pole banners will replace several of the trees, and said the garden walk has already begun and tickets can be purchased at the CDC office at Valley Bank for only $5.
Administrative Assistant Kelley Brown gave an update on the Imagination Library Program, in which 54 children are enrolled.
“Fifty-four children is a very low percentage,” Brown said, adding that last year a donation jar was stolen in a local business, and for this reason there will be no more jars.
It was announced that the Killdeer Artisans Guild is looking to make a unique sign attracting tourists to the community.
A motion to send two board members to the upcoming Lake County CDC conference, to further develop the organization’s governance capacity, unanimously carried.