Main street concerns raised

POLSON - The majority of the public present at Monday night's city council meeting were interested in the Downtown Business Association's presentation of the $1,000 raised to help patch up Main Street. Many concerned citizens spoke about the possible damage to Polson's reputation and economy if the street remains in its current state. Jackie Cripe, of Jackie M's Footwear, addressed the commissioners, saying that some people have refused to bring their cars to the car show because they fear they could be damaged due to Main Street's condition. Sharon Procopio also spoke, saying that several out-of-state customers had commented on the negative state of the street just that afternoon. She also mentioned her concern that the Valley Cruisers Car Show could stop coming to Polson, an event which provides the businesses of Polson much needed revenue.

"I think it's so sad," Procopio said, "we have so many awesome events... it's not just the car show. It's the entire summer season."

"I just think the city should step up to the plate and help this town help itself," Procopio said.

The impassioned speech swayed at least one commissioner.

"I've always been one to say that if you believe in something, you should put your money where your mouth is and you've done that," John Campbell said of the funds they had raised.

The discussion resulted in a motion to patch up the damage on Main Street as well as to return the money to the citizens who had donated it. The commissioners gave unanimous approval and the motion passed.

Also on the agenda was the introduction of three new police offers, one full time and two as reserve officers. Police Chief Doug Chase introduced Chris Dentler, and described him as a calm, firm and well-respected officer. He made the move from reservist to full time. Next, he introduced Gabe Dentler and Luke Brandeberry as the two new reserve officers. Chase commented that Brandeberry, formerly of the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland, chose to move to Montana despite lower wages because he loves to fish and hunt.

City Manager Todd Crossett commented on several issues, one of which was a possible proposal agreement for the purchase of land on which a well would be placed. The appraised value of the property, which is one acre, is $77,000.

"We would negotiate a contract contingent on the well being satisfactory and that is at our discretion," Crossett said.

County Commissioner Judy Preston questioned if the $77,000 appraisal was negotiable.

Mayor Pat DeVries added, "If we get a good well on it, it's worth more than $77,000."

The commissioners agreed to put the negotiation agreement on the next meeting's agenda.

Also discussed was the possibility that the building next door was for sale. The commissioners agreed that it would be a good location for future expansion, but were unsure of its affordability. Mayor Pat DeVries expressed interest in finding out how much it would cost to tear the building down, as it may be environmentally unsafe.

"It is a good time from one standpoint to buy it, but I don't know how we'd afford it," Mayor DeVries said.

The commissioners agreed that City Manager Todd Crossett should look into it and present more information at the next meeting.

There was confusion about when their next meeting would be and the proper procedure for scheduling it. Normally it would be on July 5, which falls on a holiday this year. Unfortunately, because the issue was not on the agenda they could not make a motion to schedule the meeting for July 7. In fact, they were required to wait 48 hours after the meeting before they could hold a special meeting to set the date of a future meeting.

"This is just fun," Mayor DeVries said.

Several commissioners agreed to attend a special meeting this morning (Thursday) to officially set the date for the next meeting.

Also on the agenda was City Attorney James Raymond's request to approve the Shoot the Show fireworks display on July 4th, as well as a waiver for the fee and bond normally required. After unanimous consent, the motion passed.

Near the end of the meeting, Jackie Gran requested the approval of a five-year term for Carol Olson to the Polson City Library Board of Trustees. The commissioners unanimously approved and the motion passed.