Water plant site talks get heated

POLSON — As it turns out, marijuana didn't envoke the most heated discussion at Polson's Monday meeting.

To begin continued talks on the location of the waste water treatment plant, water and sewer superintendent Tony Porrazzo said he had new information on the east side site, that would present "all the numbers . . .for comparision" at a March 29 workshop, which needed commission approval.

Of two sites (one west of the Tamsco, or Merdian building site on Kerr Dam Road), Porrazzo recommended the commission approve the east side site - "It's a perfect fit," he said.

Commissioner Campbell asked why a due diligence report requested by the commission in early January had not been distributed to the commissinors upon completion. He said it had been done by Jan. 29 and should have been immediately distributed.

Crossett said he had understood the commission wanted a full rundown of complete information when it was compiled in its entirity.

"I didn't feel we need another workshop," commissioner Fred Funke said to Porrazzo. "It feels to me we're looking for an engineer you want."

Funke said it was "not a no-brainer" to purchase the Meridian building.

Campbell said the agenda item was "pushing" the commission toward a decision. Commissioner Judy Preston said the study, which Campbell accused Porrazzo and Crossett of withholding, "points clearly to why Tamsco would be a bad choice."

After several rounds of discussion, a frustrated Porrazzo said he didn't care where the building was built, but that it needed to be done.

"I've held off because I didn't feel we had the complete information you wanted," he said.

At this point, resident Murat Kalinyaprak made a comment from the crowd and Porrazzo left the room, asking, "Did you hear that?"

Crossett reiterated then that it was not the intention of the staff to push any agenda.

DeVries said she had seen the latest information and it had been her recommendation to hold the workshop.

During public comment, resident Tim McGinnis said: "It's my perspective you're fighting the decision [to purchase the Meridian building]." He wondered why the council was opposed to the west side site that would free up 40 acres and hundreds of feet of lakeshore property.

McGinnis, Ric Smith and Ken Avison all said Kalinyprak had been out of line. It is unclear what exactly Kalinprak said, but he defended himself by saying it bothered him that the council was being yelled at.

The commission voted 4-3 against holding the workshop. DeVries and commissioner Judy Preston and Ron Boyce voted in favor of the workshop.

Crossett asked that a commission member put on the agenda what and when they want to discuss next.

In other business, Crossett reported that 13 applications had been received for the food and beverage manager position at the golf course.

-Reporter Jenna Cederberg