Polson mayor, manager, give update on city

The December Polson Chamber of Commerce meeting marked the first and last State of the City address by Mayor Heather Knutson, who decided not to run for a second term.

“It’s an interesting dynamic, actually, because on one hand, yes, I’m looking forward to having time back and stepping down, and spending more time with my family,” Knutson said, adding that she also has enjoyed challenges associated with being mayor.

Polson High School teacher Paul Briney, who ran unopposed, will succeed Knutson, whose term expires later this month.

While she said there are aspects she’ll miss about being mayor, “stepping aside” has been easier, affording her time to spend with family.

During her time as mayor, Knutson said that a common theme has been looking and planning ahead.

Knutson shared with members that city officials updated a development code that hadn’t been done since 1993, as well as multiple projects that will allow the city to look forward, such as the new wastewater treatment facility.

“If we can start anticipating issues and keep looking ahead, hopefully we’ll be able to plan for (those events) better” rather than deal when those “harsh realities” pop up.

Knutson also mentioned communication between the city and Lake County Commissioners, noting that a “general conversation” helped officials on both sides come up with a regular meeting schedule through the year.

The launch of a “user-friendly” website within the last few weeks will help residents communicate with the city, Knutson said.

City Manager Mark Shrives was also on hand to update chamber members of various projects going on throughout the city.

One of the larger projects Shrives talked about was the $17-million wastewater treatment facility on Kerr Dam Road.

As of last week, the project, contracted by Swank Enterprises in Kalispell, is anticipated to be completed in September 2018.

Shrives said that the project was about 43 percent complete, and approximately 39 percent of the dollars to fund the project had been used.

Shrives also brought everyone up to speed on the Polson Police Department.

Giving the department a compliment, Shrives said “we are getting very good police officers” with the hiring process that police department administration uses, causing other agencies to seek the officers early in their careers.

An officer graduated Friday, and another will begin the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena in January.

Once those officers complete training, that will bring the department up to a full staff, although that will not last long.

In May, Shrives said that an officer in the Army Reserves will deploy to Afghanistan for one year.

Also discussed were technology and the department’s K9 unit.

Technology upgrades were seen over the last year, Shrives noted.

A grant for $7,000 was awarded, allowing for the purchase of new printers and equipment for police vehicles.

A new county dispatch system will roll out in the coming months, which will synchronize with the new equipment.

Shrives said that plans for a new K9 have started, as the current K9 officer, Brody, is aging.

Due to state legislation, the department had to upgrade its finger printing system.

Along with finger printing, the bill states that certain misdemeanor crimes are no longer arrestable offenses, such as theft, disorderly conduct and assault.

First offenses can only be issued a ticket now, due to budget concerns.