EXTENDED Polson council adopts civility code

POLSON — The Polson City Commissioners, still getting comfortable in their seats, adopted 6-1 a resolution last Wednesday that they hope will help them better conduct productive public meetings.

The resolution to set “expectations to create an environment conducive to civil conduct” came from concepts brainstormed during a commission leadership retreat.

“We want to stick to the issue and do the business. We shouldn’t get personal,” commissioner Ron Boyce said.

Section one of the resolution includes the line, “ . . . we don not tolerate abusive behavior.” It also states “We seek creative solutions.”

The language will be listed on every agenda.

Commissioner Elsa Duford voted against the resolution because she thought more time should be given to the public to give feedback. Resident Murat Kalinyaprak questioned if a resolution like this was needed, or if it would stifle public comment. Resident Rory Horning wondered if the leadership workshop violated open meeting laws.

Resident Ric Smith asked if the 2-3 minute public comment time limit would remain. He said he’s heard concerns that certain people dominate the podium at times. DeVries said that has not been addressed.

“We need a commitment from the mayor to keep people on topic,” Smith said.

DeVries said the resolution would be a good, constant reminder of civility.

“We are going to work very hard to model this,” she said. “But it takes everyone.”

In other business, the discussion of where to place the new sewer and wastewater treatment center continued.

At the request of the commission, engineer Fred Phillips presented a detailed breakdown of the cost effectiveness of using the old Tamsco building and surrounding land for the new wastewater and sewer treatment plant.

Two sites are being strongly considered for the multi-million dollar project, which will kick off with a phase one headworks portion this spring. The Tamsco, or east site, and the land west of that, which holds the current wastewater lagoon system, are both off of Kerr Dam Road.

The most current cost breakdown show the west side site would cost about $80,000 more. A new building would be put on that site, while the east side site would incorporate the existing building, but require an expensive lift station be installed.

Phillips reported that the floor of the Tamsco building would require some improvement to hold the equipment, and a ventilation system would be required.

Otherwise, “we don’t see any issue with the building construction that would cause us concern,” Phillips said.

A due diligence report with specific cost rundowns was not available at the meeting. Several commissioners requested that the most concrete cost breakdowns be presented to them.

Water and sewer superintendent Tony Porrazzo said with the costs of the site being so close, he believed the land on the west site could be better utilized in the future. The east site could incorporate all the components of the wastewater system in a compact space, Porrazzo said.

Commissioner Ron Boyce asked to clarify that acreage would be opened on the west side, even if the treatment center was located there. It was thought that it could, if a buffer was placed around the treatment center, city manager Todd Crossett said.

City treasurer Bonnie Manicke had a positive cash report to present to the council, as the first half of the tax collections are over 52 percent, and protested taxes are sitting at only $8,000. The worry had been that a spike in delinquent and more protested taxes would cause a sticky budget situation.

The most worrisome number now is the 2008 outstanding taxes, which sits at  $56,000.  

The item on the agenda to discuss the city options to manage the restaurant at the city golf course was tabled. Crossett said he and golf pro Roger Wallace are still working on a business plan to present to the council.

Current vendor, Papa Don’s, owners told commissioners at the Dec. 7 meeting they would not renew their lease with the city. Crossett has been working on a proposal that was presented in December that would have the city take over the food operation, combining the golf, beverage and food service under one umbrella.

Switching vendors costs the city money, he said at an earlier meeting.  

Final approval was given on Wednesday for the tax increment revenue (as security for bond) that will fund a portion of the Streetscape project for downtown Polson. The approximately $1.4 million project to improve sidewalk and street areas along Main Street will run in conjunction with the water main reconstruction.

In December the commission voted unanimously to approve a $50,000 grant from the city sidewalk fund to help with Streetscape project. 

Bidding packages are being drawn up and will be let soon. Tentative construction start dates are set for mid-April.

Current commission president Mike Lies was unanimously reinstated to the position. Funke made the motion to re-appoint Lies, and it was passed with discussion.

The commission voted unanimously to allow the transfer of ownership the an alcohol beverage license from the Lake House to Swanee’s Bar and Grill, formerly Raleigh’s. The council also approved that a retail off premises consumption beer and wine license change from Polson Town Pump Partnership to Major Enterprise Inc.