Thompson Falls mayor attempts to rein in public comment

Tensions were high during April’s Thompson Falls City Council meeting from the onset.

Before Monday evening’s meeting even started, voices were raised between several individuals and local resident Tamara Raiche over where Raiche was standing. The confrontation set the tone for the remainder of the meeting.

Mayor Rusti Leivestad pointed out to those in attendance a statement attached to the back of each council meeting agenda handout. The second paragraph of the statement she read contained the guidelines during public participation.

“I want to underscore that public comments are just that,” Leivestad said. “Comments about items are under our jurisdiction at City Hall, not questions. Our offices are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 9 a.m. to noon on Friday. We are there to provide answers. 

“Because my problem-solving experiences have been to respond to questions … I will read that statement in meetings when asked questions until that reflex, my reflex to answer, has ceased. You may hear it so often you will be reciting it with me. Returning your attention to the back of the agenda, the last paragraph is for the very few that might choose to be rowdy in their participation. If the comments become disruptive, this is no longer civil dialogue.”

An informational presentation was given by Sanders County Public Health’s Tobacco Education Specialist Karren McKinzie. She thanked the city for their efforts in limiting tobacco usage within city parks. 

She continued speaking about the dangers of vaping. One JUUL (e-cigarette) is the equivalent of smoking41 cigarettes. 

“The tobacco industry spends $9.1 billion annually marketing in the United States,” she said. “Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. It kills more than 480,000 people each year.” 

For further information contact Karren McKinzie at kmckinzie@sanders.mt.us.

Under old business, a $100 vendor fee for the upcoming farmers market event was approved by the council. The location will be announced at the next meeting. 

The council voted to accept the David Thompson plaque. The location for the plaque will be announced. 

The council also approved the relocation of speed signs, 500 feet further east and west of their current location. An application has been submitted for an encroachment permit for the speed readers/radar sites like the readers in Arlee. 

Council members approved the lease renewal of the pre-school, managed by Krystal Park, for the 2024-2025 year. She supplies childcare for 16 families. The center is getting close to accepting scholarships that can help low-income families. 

Nancy Fields, representing the local pickleball club, was seeking approval to install a 4-foot fence at the pickleball courts by the high Sschool and to have the city repair the existing perimeter chain-link fence. The city is in the process of repairing the fence. 

Council member Raoul Riberiro commented, “I would also like to thank the pickleball club. You guys have been very good for the city. You came up with a plan and you acted on that plan and transformed that area in such a nice place.” 

The council approved the fence installation.

Leivestad next spoke about a new pilot community tourism grant that became available on short notice. This grant would not require matching funds. The grant is funded by the state bed tax. The grant application submission is due April 13. 

The grant could be used for possible projects that could include existing sports facilities, the pool area, additional parking, and additional restrooms. 

Kristen Wing commented on the grant application, “It’s interesting how we have that money bubbling up to write the grant for more baseball fields and our preschool has a leaky roof.” 

At this point in the meeting, Leivestad said she was going to limit one comment per person. A comment was made asking about the city pool being opened this year. Leivestad said that lifeguards are being hired, trained and the pool will be open. 

Wing spoke up again and was responded to by Council member Ribeiro, who said, “You keep talking when we asked other people not to.” 

The mayor added, “You are welcome to write any comments and leave them with us and I will put them into record.”

Council members next approved a resolution establishing the reimbursement rates for travel, mileage and lodging for public employees based on IRS rules and state guidelines.

Waste water reimbursement for phases one and two were approved for $7,862. Reimbursement was also approved for design $40.000, grant administration $ 1,871 to continue for the upcoming phases three and four.

Resident Mary Dunn asked the Council what was their plan for future growth policy. 

“A lot of the content I’m reading about our growth policy is about bringing people here, creating tourism,” Dunn said. “What’s the vision for our town? We are going to be like a mini-Bozeman with super high taxes. I still don’t know what the body of people is, what the actual vision is for Thompson Falls is, now, five years from now and 20 years from now. What are the consequences of that growth policy on the citizens here.” 

Wing commented, “I love this place and every decision you guys make does affect us. I want to see it stay as beautiful as it is. I’m not trying to be rude to anybody.” 

The last public comment made by Cindy Bronner was raised about zoning pertaining to the Mule Pasture and Orchard areas. Bronner attempted to read a letter to the Council, but it was at this time that the mayor informed Bronner that her three-minute comment period was up. 

Leivestad attempted to ask for other comments while Bronner continued to speak. It was at this time that voices were raised and Leivestad slammed her gavel down and adjourned the meeting.

    Sanders County Public Health Department's Karren McKinzie discusses ongoing tabacco prevention programs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott   

    Local resident Cindy Bronner debates Mayor Rusti Leivestad during the the April Thompson Falls City Council meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
 Tracy Scott