First "Polson Treasure" award goes to Lee Manicke

Lee Manicke shows up at almost every Polson City Commission meeting, and often attempts to educate the city manager, staff or commissioners on the intricacies of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district or history of city ordinances. City officials sometimes welcome and sometimes bristle at his input.

But at last Wednesday’s commission meeting, Manicke was warmly welcomed and honored with the inaugural Polson Treasure Community Service Award.

Commissioner Laura Dever, who made the presentation and nominated Manicke for the award, noted that the only meeting he’s missed since her election to the commission “I think was during March Madness, when there was a really good basketball game on.”

“Lee and I don't agree on every single thing, but I always appreciate his input,” Dever added. “He’s always very thoughtful, he reads the agendas, he pays attention, and he shows up.”

Manicke, a former city commissioner, also frequents meetings of the Polson Redevelopment Agency and the City County Planning Board. His wife, Bonnie, was the city treasurer for many years, so combined, they possess a wealth of knowledge about Polson government and the community.

“Congratulations Lee,” said Mayor Eric Huffine, who has occasionally butted heads with Manicke during his tenure. “Thanks for all you’ve done for the community.”

“I don't want a lot of recognition,” Manicke said after the meeting. “It's kind of embarrassing. It really is. Because this is what people should do and they don't do it.”

To nominate someone for the Polson Treasure award, which will be given once a month, visit www.cityofpolson.com/community/webform/polson-treasure.

In other business, Mayor Huffine administered the oath of office to new commissioner Lisa Rehard, who was elected to replace Tony Isbell as a representative of Ward 2, and returnees Carolyn Pardini (Ward 3) and Jen Ruggless (Ward 1).

Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging Polson as the “Aboriginal Heartland of the Selis, Q'lispé and Kootenai people,” and stating the “City of Polson recognizes the cultural, historical, social, and environmental uniqueness of both its people and location in the Mission Valley and proximity to Flathead Lake” and supports efforts “that promote tribal sovereignty for generations to come.”

Pardini, who initiated the resolution, said she believed it was important for the city to acknowledge that the land it occupies is the ancestral homeland of the Salish, Kalispel and Kootenai people. She said she had discussed the matter with several tribal council members “to make sure that it was OK and that it was received favorably.”

She added that “the City of Polson has made some steps towards working with the Tribes and establishing better relations and I thought this was a good thing to do at the first meeting of 2024.”

Commissioners also unanimously appointed Peter Ridgeway to the Board of Adjustments, bringing the number of members to two (Larry Ashcraft holds down the other seat). The board requires five members to conduct business, and seven to fill all available seats.

Members, who hear variance requests and appeals, meet on an as-needed basis. For information on how to apply, call 406-883-8200 or email citymanager@cityofpolson.com.

The commission agreed to schedule a workshop on upcoming transportation projects for 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, and discussed scheduling a tour, open house and lunch with local legislators in March. Another workshop to discuss zoning changes mandated by the 2023 Legislature was postponed after a judge put a stay on four of the new laws pending the outcome of litigation.

The next commission meeting is 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at City Hall.