West Valley Community Council minutes
by Colbert Howell
West Valley Community Council
Minutes
August 13, 2009
Council Members Present: Eric Belker, Brett Deschamps, Colbert Howell, Secretary/Treasurer, Elizabeth (Betty) Oleson, Chairperson
Council Member Absent: Jeri Delys
Call to Order and Introductions.
Chairperson Betty Oleson called the West Valley Community Council Meeting to order at 6:00 PM. She then introduced Jerry Marks and Alan Knudsen of the Missoula County Weed District. The Weed District Board chairperson, Sue Stanley, was also introduced. Then a brief explanation and purpose of the WVCC was given. The chairperson stated weed control would be the first item to be discussed and the council would then compose a response to the Health Department’s proposed air pollution regulations. She introduced the council members present. Jeri Delys was absent due to a meeting conflict. There were eight community people present.
Minutes.
Chairperson Betty Oleson then called on Secretary Howell for the minutes of the July 9, 2009 meeting. Secretary Howell stated that a copy of the minutes was placed before each council member at the beginning of the meeting. Secretary Howell asked if anyone wanted the minutes read and stated that copies are available if anyone wanted a copy. Brett Deschamps moved the minutes be accepted. The motion was seconded and passed by a favorable vote.
Treasurer’s Report.
Secretary Howell reported that no bills had been received and the bank checking account had a $453.21 balance. He stated the council applied to the County for a grant last spring and Chairperson Betty Oleson and he received a letter from the office of Planning & Grants acknowledging the request for one thousand dollars. The funding request would be forwarded to Dale Bickell who will then forward the request to the County Commissioners. Eric Belker moved the treasurer’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded and passed.
Communications and Correspondence.
Chairperson Betty Oleson reported that communications had been received and copies were available and are attached to the minutes. Documents included “Tale of Two Roads” by Kalli Deschamps, documentation of a drainage problem by Rory Richardson,
and a memo reporting a meeting with Mr. Tim Elsea presented by Chairperson Betty Oleson. She stated that Mr. Tim Elsea, who was scheduled to attend the July meeting to address County road issues, was hospitalized and unable to attend our meeting at that time. Chairperson Betty Oleson elaborated the details in her memo dealing with her meeting with Tim Elsea and Robin Miland of the Missoula County Department of Public Works concerning bike paths, Frenchtown frontage roads, Fred Lane, Cormier Richardson Ditch/Culvert problem and the Mill Creek Road. She further elaborated on County road details, maintenance and funding. Upon completion of her report, she asked if the Council was interested in taking further action regarding road issues. Brett
Deschamps replied, “Yes” and made comments regarding the repaving of Mullan road from Smurfit Stone Container Mill to Frenchtown. He stated there were other roads that needed repaving greater than Mullan Road.
Secretary Howell moved that Chairperson Oleson be authorized to compose a letter to the Montana Department of Transportation, Public Roads Department, requesting upgrades and improvements to the Frenchtown Frontage Road north of the interstate, and that this be in collaboration with the Missoula County Commissioners. This stretch of road is heavily used and is unsafe for travel in its present condition. Other roads in the area have received attention when it was not needed nearly as badly as the Frenchtown Frontage road. Brett Deschamps seconded the motion and it passed.
Chairperson Betty Oleson stated that the Rory Richardson issue was worth pursuing, that Mr. Richardson was a man of impeccable integrity, and that he presented the facts of his issue accurately.
After much discussion and sharing of information, Secretary Howell moved that the Council direct Chairperson Betty Oleson to compose a letter from the WVCC, presenting the Cormier-Richardson Ditch/Culvert Intersection problem as presented by adjoining
property owner Rory Richardson and that it be sent to the County Commissioners, County Attorney, the irrigation ditch owners, the adjoining-affected property owners and the County Road Department for action. Eric Belker seconded and it passed. Secretary
Howell questioned the legalities as to who is legally responsible and that the County Attorney should make that determination and direct those responsible to take action to remedy the problem. He reminded the Council to take a positive approach to the issue.
Chairperson Betty Oleson reported on a four-hour ATV ride up the Nine Mile valley by a group of ATV enthusiasts. They were accompanied by a Forest Service Ranger who gave them a guided tour of the area. It was reported the Forest Service is planning new
ATV trails in the Nine Mile and Petty Creek areas, and will involve the public in the planning process.
She reported she would have signed copies of the WVCC By-Laws in the near future. She also reported there will be an Air Pollution Board meeting August 20 and it is open to the public. There was discussion as to “why important County meetings were always held during the work days when most people could not attend?”
New Business.
Mr. Jerry Marks was introduced to speak on weed control. He provided a history of noxious weeds in the State as well as in Missoula County and the local area. The Counties have been delegated the control of an overwhelming problem, noxious weed eradication. He talked about different noxious weeds in the area and how to try to control them using a variety of methods. He stressed everyone has to work together to eradicate or control unwanted intruding noxious weed species. Jerry suggested that we include in our Newsletter and on our Web Site, information as to how, where and whom to contact regarding weeds and how to control them. There was a consensus of opinion that “education of the population” was a necessary beginning.
The subject of weeds along the bike paths in the WVCC area was brought up. Discussion was heard in support of additional paths in the area. It was suggested that an educational program be initiated now on bike path re-vegetation.
Deferred Agenda Item.
Chairperson Betty Oleson opened the floor for the gathering of input and responses concerning the Health Department’s proposed regulation amendments on wood burning stoves. These responses are to be used to compose a letter by the Chairperson Betty
Oleson to be sent to the Health Department and the County Commissioners. She gave a review of the proposed regulation amendments after which everyone had an opportunity to provide their opinion and summarize the points of view that had been expressed since the Health Department made their first announcement. It was suggested that an educational packet about wood burning be included with every permit for wood burning of any kind if the regulations are adopted.
After everyone had a chance to give input, Secretary Howell moved that Chairperson Betty Oleson be authorized to compose a draft letter reflecting the views and concerns of the Community residents to be sent to the Health Department, Air Pollution Control
Board and the County Commissioners before August 20. The letter is to be sent via e-mail to each WVCC member for perusal before it is to be made public and mailed. It was seconded and it passed.
Public Comment on Non-agenda Items.
Chairperson Betty Oleson entertained public comment on non-agenda items or issues such as the lack of Sheriff protection in the Six and Nine Mile areas. There was concern about vandalism and speeding vehicles on the roads. Chairperson Betty Oleson stated that these issues could be on the November meeting agenda.
Next Meeting.
The next meeting will be 6:00 PM, September 10, 2009 at the Frenchtown Fire Dept. building. Chairperson Betty Oleson will publish an agenda for the next meeting.
Adjourn.
Eric Belker moved that we adjourn. It was seconded and passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
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West Valley Community Council
Minutes
August 13, 2009
Council Members Present: Eric Belker, Brett Deschamps, Colbert Howell, Secretary/Treasurer, Elizabeth (Betty) Oleson, Chairperson
Council Member Absent: Jeri Delys
Call to Order and Introductions.
Chairperson Betty Oleson called the West Valley Community Council Meeting to order at 6:00 PM. She then introduced Jerry Marks and Alan Knudsen of the Missoula County Weed District. The Weed District Board chairperson, Sue Stanley, was also introduced. Then a brief explanation and purpose of the WVCC was given. The chairperson stated weed control would be the first item to be discussed and the council would then compose a response to the Health Department’s proposed air pollution regulations. She introduced the council members present. Jeri Delys was absent due to a meeting conflict. There were eight community people present.
Minutes.
Chairperson Betty Oleson then called on Secretary Howell for the minutes of the July 9, 2009 meeting. Secretary Howell stated that a copy of the minutes was placed before each council member at the beginning of the meeting. Secretary Howell asked if anyone wanted the minutes read and stated that copies are available if anyone wanted a copy. Brett Deschamps moved the minutes be accepted. The motion was seconded and passed by a favorable vote.
Treasurer’s Report.
Secretary Howell reported that no bills had been received and the bank checking account had a $453.21 balance. He stated the council applied to the County for a grant last spring and Chairperson Betty Oleson and he received a letter from the office of Planning & Grants acknowledging the request for one thousand dollars. The funding request would be forwarded to Dale Bickell who will then forward the request to the County Commissioners. Eric Belker moved the treasurer’s report be accepted. The motion was seconded and passed.
Communications and Correspondence.
Chairperson Betty Oleson reported that communications had been received and copies were available and are attached to the minutes. Documents included “Tale of Two Roads” by Kalli Deschamps, documentation of a drainage problem by Rory Richardson,
and a memo reporting a meeting with Mr. Tim Elsea presented by Chairperson Betty Oleson. She stated that Mr. Tim Elsea, who was scheduled to attend the July meeting to address County road issues, was hospitalized and unable to attend our meeting at that time. Chairperson Betty Oleson elaborated the details in her memo dealing with her meeting with Tim Elsea and Robin Miland of the Missoula County Department of Public Works concerning bike paths, Frenchtown frontage roads, Fred Lane, Cormier Richardson Ditch/Culvert problem and the Mill Creek Road. She further elaborated on County road details, maintenance and funding. Upon completion of her report, she asked if the Council was interested in taking further action regarding road issues. Brett
Deschamps replied, “Yes” and made comments regarding the repaving of Mullan road from Smurfit Stone Container Mill to Frenchtown. He stated there were other roads that needed repaving greater than Mullan Road.
Secretary Howell moved that Chairperson Oleson be authorized to compose a letter to the Montana Department of Transportation, Public Roads Department, requesting upgrades and improvements to the Frenchtown Frontage Road north of the interstate, and that this be in collaboration with the Missoula County Commissioners. This stretch of road is heavily used and is unsafe for travel in its present condition. Other roads in the area have received attention when it was not needed nearly as badly as the Frenchtown Frontage road. Brett Deschamps seconded the motion and it passed.
Chairperson Betty Oleson stated that the Rory Richardson issue was worth pursuing, that Mr. Richardson was a man of impeccable integrity, and that he presented the facts of his issue accurately.
After much discussion and sharing of information, Secretary Howell moved that the Council direct Chairperson Betty Oleson to compose a letter from the WVCC, presenting the Cormier-Richardson Ditch/Culvert Intersection problem as presented by adjoining
property owner Rory Richardson and that it be sent to the County Commissioners, County Attorney, the irrigation ditch owners, the adjoining-affected property owners and the County Road Department for action. Eric Belker seconded and it passed. Secretary
Howell questioned the legalities as to who is legally responsible and that the County Attorney should make that determination and direct those responsible to take action to remedy the problem. He reminded the Council to take a positive approach to the issue.
Chairperson Betty Oleson reported on a four-hour ATV ride up the Nine Mile valley by a group of ATV enthusiasts. They were accompanied by a Forest Service Ranger who gave them a guided tour of the area. It was reported the Forest Service is planning new
ATV trails in the Nine Mile and Petty Creek areas, and will involve the public in the planning process.
She reported she would have signed copies of the WVCC By-Laws in the near future. She also reported there will be an Air Pollution Board meeting August 20 and it is open to the public. There was discussion as to “why important County meetings were always held during the work days when most people could not attend?”
New Business.
Mr. Jerry Marks was introduced to speak on weed control. He provided a history of noxious weeds in the State as well as in Missoula County and the local area. The Counties have been delegated the control of an overwhelming problem, noxious weed eradication. He talked about different noxious weeds in the area and how to try to control them using a variety of methods. He stressed everyone has to work together to eradicate or control unwanted intruding noxious weed species. Jerry suggested that we include in our Newsletter and on our Web Site, information as to how, where and whom to contact regarding weeds and how to control them. There was a consensus of opinion that “education of the population” was a necessary beginning.
The subject of weeds along the bike paths in the WVCC area was brought up. Discussion was heard in support of additional paths in the area. It was suggested that an educational program be initiated now on bike path re-vegetation.
Deferred Agenda Item.
Chairperson Betty Oleson opened the floor for the gathering of input and responses concerning the Health Department’s proposed regulation amendments on wood burning stoves. These responses are to be used to compose a letter by the Chairperson Betty
Oleson to be sent to the Health Department and the County Commissioners. She gave a review of the proposed regulation amendments after which everyone had an opportunity to provide their opinion and summarize the points of view that had been expressed since the Health Department made their first announcement. It was suggested that an educational packet about wood burning be included with every permit for wood burning of any kind if the regulations are adopted.
After everyone had a chance to give input, Secretary Howell moved that Chairperson Betty Oleson be authorized to compose a draft letter reflecting the views and concerns of the Community residents to be sent to the Health Department, Air Pollution Control
Board and the County Commissioners before August 20. The letter is to be sent via e-mail to each WVCC member for perusal before it is to be made public and mailed. It was seconded and it passed.
Public Comment on Non-agenda Items.
Chairperson Betty Oleson entertained public comment on non-agenda items or issues such as the lack of Sheriff protection in the Six and Nine Mile areas. There was concern about vandalism and speeding vehicles on the roads. Chairperson Betty Oleson stated that these issues could be on the November meeting agenda.
Next Meeting.
The next meeting will be 6:00 PM, September 10, 2009 at the Frenchtown Fire Dept. building. Chairperson Betty Oleson will publish an agenda for the next meeting.
Adjourn.
Eric Belker moved that we adjourn. It was seconded and passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
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