Clark Fork mayor quells fee misunderstanding
CLARK FORK — An honest misunderstanding and good intentions brought out an anxious crowd and resulted in standing room only at this week’s council meeting.
The hubbub started when local business owners got wind that an ordinance was going to be passed that would allow the city to implement fees, inspect facilities and govern business practices.
The rumor mill went into motion over a document that was distributed to the City Council members as an example of what another city was doing.
Mayor Jeff Jeffers told the audience that the city is trying to come up with a registration procedure that would allow them to identify who owns the buildings, who the tenants are, what, if any, hazardous materials are being stored and who to contact in an emergency.
“I read this,” business owner Al Stoffels said, “and it looks like at anytime the fire marshal can inspect buildings. You say that there’ll be no fees. This says fees will be implemented.”
Jeffers reiterated there is no intent to charge anyone fees, “just to find out who owners are.”
Jeffers added that the document was meant as a template for council members to use so as not to reinvent a wheel that had already been implemented in another town.
He also said that the city is legally required to make sure businesses have backflow preventer valves on pop vending machines.
“With a business registration form we can be sure we’re doing our job for the Federal Government,” Jeffers said.
Maintenance manager, Bill Harp reminded business owners that the city has the right to shut the water off to businesses that do not have a backflow preventer on their soda machines.
Council member Jim Junget apologized to the mayor, the council and the public for disseminating incorrect information. He misinterpreted the document he received as being a genuine copy of an ordinance that the city was planning to adopt.
“I’m sorry I jumped the gun and told you that it was gospel. I didn’t understand.” Junget said, “I’m sorry I told you that you would be charged fees.”
Jeffers said that the council would be holding workshops and that the public is invited to give input to the one to two page document that will eventually be put into an ordinance. The time for the workshops will be established at the next council meeting.
One of the business owners in attendance thanked Junget for bringing the matter to the attention of the businesses. He said that he appreciated the time Junget took to make them aware of a potential problem.
In other council business, developer Paul Trunnell sought approval for the mayor to sign the Findings and Conclusion document for the Elk Meadow Ranch Development. This would amend the original application to include the ability to build two models and for the city to assess water fees.
“It outlines specifically what we asked for.” Council member Russ Schenck said. “I don’t want to see any delays or anymore time spent on our part.”
“July 2 is our targeted opening day,” Trunnell said, “We’ll get it started in the next couple of weeks.”
As approval was granted, Schenck said, “No more changes!”
The mayor told council that the city was looking into grants to fund a new water system. The first of which would be a $60,000 design fee grant to determine what the city would need and how much it would cost to build.
“This won’t cost you, as a resident of Clark Fork, any money.” Jeffers emphasized.
Jeffers announced that teacher and naturalist, Jack Nesbit, will give a lecture on the Dave Thompson Brigade on June 10 and there will be a parade on June 12. That weekend 120 - 200 people will be camped out in Clark Fork and there will be period enactments such as pipers, tribal dancing and demonstrations.
The council also approved a permit for the Clark Fork Centennial celebration that will be held on July 2 at Veteran’s Field, the Senior Center and on the school grounds.
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 11 City Clerk, Nina Riggins encouraged all the business owners to attend. “It’s awfully nice to see all of you here, she said.”