Polson officer receives Lifesaving Award

Police Chief George Simpson presented officer Marcus Lindquist with a Lifesaving Award during Monday night’s meeting of the Polson City Commission. 

Lindquist received the award for his response to an attempted suicide. The officer administered first aid, and was able to keep the individual alive and provide emotional support until EMTs arrived.

The commission was also introduced to Lynda Benson, who was hired in mid-August as chief building official. She lives in Ronan and her family and has been involved in the construction business for many years. She also served as a Navy Seabee – a member of the Naval Construction Force.

City Manager Ed Meece told commissioners that 18 people attended the Civics 101 class he offered last Tuesday, Oct. 29, including five attendees under the age of 15. A video of the class, which explores the workings of city government, was uploaded Monday to the city’s website.

“The next step for us is to help newly appointed local government study commissioners facilitate their first meeting,” he said. The five-member commission is charged with studying the structure of city government over the next 18 months. Recommendations for changes would require voter approval in 2026.

Meece also presented a check for $25,644 to golf pro Cameron Milton, representing the Mission Valley Junior Golf Association. The funds are generated by Polson Bay Golf Course’s two simulators, which were installed at Bunkers five years ago as a collaboration between the city and the junior golf association.

“This partnership is really special,” Milton said. Revenue from the simulators, minus expenses, helps pay for Golf in Schools, PGA Junior League, free youth golf camp, scholarships, and more.

Milton, whose son Max recently won the Class A state golf championship, said he’s proud of all the young golfers and championship teams who have had access to the course. The fact that it’s  part because it’s owned by the city, which makes golfing more affordable for youngsters.

“We’re able to accomplish a lot of things for kids,” he said. “We couldn’t do that without the relationship between the city and junior golfers that’s been going on for 35 years.”

He also pointed out that members of the Polson High golf team give back to young players by volunteering at golf camp and undertaking other projects at the course.

The commission approved an extension of a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District grant requested by Ceilia Starkel for her wellness center at 314 Main Street.

Starkel told commissioners that she learned during a recent walk-through that the work her contractor had completed on stairs and a new landing did not meet code requirements, and that building permits were required for the project, but had not been procured by the contractor.

She asked the commission to authorize her to change the scope of the project, accept new bids (with a savings of $100), and extend the completion date to May 4, 2025. Among her cost-saving measures was the elimination of an ADA-compliant entryway.

Commissioners expressed concerns that TIF guidelines don’t require licensed contractors for grant-approved projects, and that accessibility should be prioritized.  

“I think we need more structure on licensed contractors and ADA compliance,” said commissioner Brodie Moll. “This is something we should tighten up on.”

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the changes, which won’t alter the grant award of $32,850.

Before the meeting ended, commissioners discussed the recent paving projects on First and Second Streets E., which Meece said were funded by TIF district revenues. He added that the city hired Treasure State for the project and was pleased with the results.

“It’s really nice to drive on,” said commissioner Jake Holley.

Commissioner Carolyn Pardini suggested that pedestrian safety should become more of a priority for the city in future street improvement projects.

Meece noted that now that the city is repaving some of its streets, he had discussed “raising the bar on striping and signage” with the Public Words Department. In particular, he mentioned improving the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and the bike trail, and said the city had asked the engineering firm of DJ&A to prepare a “scope of work” that would improve that somewhat treacherous pedestrian and bike crossing.

Commissioner Lisa Rehard asked if a public notice was required for the next commission meeting on a proposed subdivision behind the Catholic Church. Since some adjacent landowners have complained about the project, she thought the meeting should be “adequately noticed, even if it’s not required.”

 Meece replied that the project is on the commission agenda for the next meeting on Nov. 18 and said he would look into noticing requirements for small subdivisions.