[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6194052,"mediaKeyId","3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7","parentId",3864975,"title","City manager warns well VFD could keep well offline up to 60 days; pool closed after boiler failure; playground installation pushed to July","audioSeconds",324,"startMs",2775000,"endMs",3099000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7&start=2775&end=3099","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7/thumbnail_2775000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6194052/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/City-manager-warns-well-VFD-could-keep-well-offline-up-to-60-days-pool-closed-after-boiler-failure-playground-installation-pushed-to-July","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194052-250496d830b9f06ea4ecb07c8a3f9af1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775712935&Signature=NXn~UsyHJ0cZ11ImmDf0NI2tUa70Y-bWPDDphR9HmDNPBy6ozGy8wtfUw7x3Jrvy-sTEaKh7D-T1ywfPEM9TeA8aGzv1suOwpu77WE4ZS5bFESH3gCJMUcqKnBClpQMiwdr8BwhCvohrrrtwYXDBuLx3CYHK2KfZKlwL0nvNL8Yq8izGEokj3V0dvTGBC9UXJCc1t-UqMJG3uD9jGnfD9t2nXjHFc8cU8GPl3qX3zfRfT-ZejECouZz0RWRWYXuxq-RJ~TXBi2dvTY1T8Zq22Juu9vJLLkYlSElAujzQgVhaQF0W-FPmMoCfdNOpaLAQgozVLM9cCFFyX1g9pwnyQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Columbia Falls, MT","date","2025-06-19T12:29:55.817Z","article","City Manager reported multiple infrastructure and operations issues that could affect services this summer: a failed variable frequency drive (VFD) on the primary well, a pool boiler failure that closed the municipal pool temporarily, a delay in playground installation, and upcoming outreach about temporary construction easements for the Gateway to Glacier project.

“We could be without the well for up to 60 days as they reconstruct a new variable frequency drive,” the city manager said, noting the city is pursuing backup options and working with electricians and engineers. The manager said the city is monitoring the situation closely because the outage would occur during a busy season when demand is high.

The pool closed after a boiler failure following the weekend opening. A city official said the boiler is “just over 10 years old” and that technicians sourced a likely replacement component from Kalispell; the pool was expected to be closed for repairs and to reopen if repairs go well. “They were able to pick up a new component in Kalispell,” the manager said; city staff expected the pool could be closed for a short period while the part was installed and tested.

Playground equipment donated for Columbus Park has arrived and is staged at the streets department, but installation is delayed until public works has capacity; staff now expect mid‑to‑late July installation. On the Gateway to Glacier project, the city will mail temporary construction easement requests to about 60–70 property owners along corridor streets to allow driveway connections and grading work during construction.

Other operational items mentioned included CFAC, EPA and DEQ coordination on a diversion ditch (CFAC funding the work), ongoing streetline and crosswalk repaving plans in coordination with MDOT, hydrant maintenance by the fire department, and new police officer hires coming on board later in the month. The manager and chiefs noted there were staffing constraints that affect scheduling of installations and maintenance.

No formal council action was recorded on these items; they were presented as manager and department reports for council information.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 16, 2025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager reported the primary well’s variable frequency drive has failed and could take up to 60 days to replace, the municipal pool was temporarily closed after a boiler failure, and city staff expect donated playground equipment installation in mid‑to‑late July.","taxTitle","Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana","taxId",68806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194057,"Council approves Eagle Scout’s Wildcat Children’s Memorial Garden at Wildcat Park",554,1423000,1977000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7&start=1423&end=1977","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7/thumbnail_1423000.jpg","/articles/6194057/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Council-approves-Eagle-Scouts-Wildcat-Childrens-Memorial-Garden-at-Wildcat-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194057-77b594cbe7ee54c0f04ac0372bf8ec08/orig.mp4?Expires=1775712935&Signature=aRR50qpZZhdHkDK3kjE9z3OAu~s2S0kjW0rko4FZ7hdwIdPosLFgzmVOxSQbijNXLPRvd1ipC2RexvOutoZWyHTIGW5FpIVPoXPfCXBd~cpmobZ4n5oTCJzoCIX0JaMWmefW~JvonlP42RjbLBz5ntACU6tOFLeQqD6GWIrIv7KWD82EvYKEJNGNhW86Pnn6U7MaVdvOhiwaFMJO2iZBEljU6wqtm~Clg0rhYDRkS4Fx6WZEhGD9pryoxrtXUkZkfVckY19qLjg0v7upNZjzsqGQgTxRx8ZeW2sdqpnxz9erDZAtHWz2~L31UBOxbkzojjI7D0lxjQ453Ul6VDiYcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia Falls City Council approved Resolution 19‑47 authorizing Life Scout Merrick Fairchild to construct the Wildcat Children’s Memorial Garden at Wildcat Park. City staff will supervise the project and take responsibility for long‑term maintenance of vegetation and installed structures after construction is complete.

“My name is Merrick Fairchild. I’m a life scout,” Fairchild told the council while outlining his design, which preserves existing trees, adds two benches and one picnic table, and builds lowered, gravel pathways to limit spreading into grass areas. “The plan is to incorporate the existing trees of this park and use those as guidelines for our fencing,” he said.

Fairchild described a black or green chain‑link fence raised six inches to allow mowing clearance, a public access gate at the entrance and a separate maintenance gate for city equipment. The plan calls for mostly perennial, pollinator‑friendly plantings chosen for low maintenance and deer resistance. Fairchild said he will supply materials to extend the park’s existing sprinkler system; parks staff will install the connection.

A parks staff member confirmed that the parks department reviewed the plantings and has agreed to take responsibility for maintenance. “The maintenance will fall to the city, parks department, and they’ll essentially take care of maintenance from there,” the staff member said, adding that most plants in the plan are low‑maintenance perennials.

The resolution was approved by recorded vote. Council recorded votes included: Councilor Sheppard, aye; Councilor Pfeiffer, aye; Councilor Price, aye; Mayor Barnhart, aye. The motion passed.

The council noted the project has already received Scouting America district approval and parks committee support; staff will supervise construction to ensure compliance with project guidelines and will manage long‑term upkeep of the garden.","The Columbia Falls City Council approved Resolution 19‑47 authorizing Life Scout Merrick Fairchild’s Eagle Project to build a children’s memorial garden at Wildcat Park; the city will supervise construction and maintain plantings and structures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194062,"Columbia Falls approves preliminary plat for T and C Business Park, grants sidewalk and curb variances",904,399000,1303000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7&start=399&end=1303","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864975-0ca9ae3d52516306407b9b7e561ae4d7/thumbnail_399000.jpg","/articles/6194062/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Columbia-Falls-approves-preliminary-plat-for-T-and-C-Business-Park-grants-sidewalk-and-curb-variances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194062-9f25e0cc1868c3fbd199d927a9880fc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775712935&Signature=fmUxJYdDxe0pmb0luEB-ETg3A79P5aOV3036VkXxJxj3~FQO~FHi1FZESWbbNo20Zqr~8nXrwZr8U5YnTHejveOMFFnUTDP5V7kFDHjHH8bSMi0cids~QToLSsQ3x5yrICk71PuTNUM1dxplPO4TY3EkqwFojbRF1G6umRJdUy7vMZODxEPgXvuSyreI1zU1gl0gjCBO-f9H5KEy-wiSy~YGnqyZSqtMNuBH6QB9T4YrrmtzE5I5wudUEOB-VBSB6LOy6MhXsQlJevcSq0fYFiiRLGwbwg2q8Lm~YDdbbPlCC-X7fhl~M49O1io9a85tGH153fRTlm3Ic0vyjvUAGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia Falls City Council approved a conditional preliminary plat for the T and C Business Park, a five‑lot light‑industrial subdivision at 330 Meadow Lake Boulevard, and granted variances to internal sidewalks and curb-and-gutter standards, the council said.

Staff told the council that the 10.47‑acre site was formerly used for heavy equipment storage and contains substantial uncontrolled fill. “The geotechnical investigation found areas of deep fill consisting of uncontrolled field materials that contain significant organic matter,” a staff member said, noting Alpine Geotechnical’s recommendation that mass excavation and replacement with structural fill will be required for some lots.

The council’s approval follows staff findings that the property is zoned light industrial (CI‑1) and is inside the city’s water and sewer service area, even though the Columbia Falls Growth Policy designates the area for multifamily residential. Staff emphasized that growth policies are not regulatory and do not change zoning.

Council members heard several technical constraints and conditions. The geotechnical report found groundwater in three test borings at about 17 to 27 feet below grade and recommended Alpine Geotechnical be retained to evaluate subgrade for roads and to review final design plans. Staff also noted a potential wetland on Lot 5 shown on the USGS wetland map; the application showed no planned disturbance to that wetland but staff recorded that if disturbance occurs the applicant must contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether a permit is required.

Traffic estimates supplied with the application projected “approximately a 153 average daily trips,” the staff member said, and staff recommended constructing an asphalt or concrete pedestrian path along the Meadow Lake frontage because of the site’s proximity to Highway 2. The council voted to grant the applicant’s requested variances to forgo internal sidewalks and curb and gutter inside the private subdivision street, citing the light‑industrial use and the low expected pedestrian volume.

Council deliberations touched on the internal road width and maintenance. Staff said the proposed 24‑foot private internal road meets city code for the planned industrial use and that a property owners’ association would be responsible for long‑term maintenance, including snow removal. A councilor pressed whether the preliminary plat language (“but not limited to five lots”) would allow more lots in the future; staff replied that the plat specifies the proposed number of lots and any future change would require further application.

The motion to approve the preliminary plat and associated variances referenced staff report CPP25‑02 and included the conditions that the applicant follow Alpine Geotechnical’s recommendations and comply with other conditions listed in the staff report. The council recorded the following votes: Councilor Piper, aye; Councilor Price, no; Councilor Kipes, no; Councilor Sheppard, aye; Mayor Barnhart, aye. The motion passed.

Next steps include final plat submittal and the required design work and permits; staff will require geotechnical oversight during final design and an outfall shown on the stormwater plan prior to final plat approval.","The Columbia Falls City Council granted conditional preliminary approval for the five‑lot T and C Business Park subdivision at 330 Meadow Lake Boulevard, while requiring conformance with geotechnical recommendations and placing wetlands and groundwater protections on the record.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City manager warns well VFD could keep well offline up to 60 days; pool closed after boiler failure; playground installation pushed to July

Council approves Eagle Scout’s Wildcat Children’s Memorial Garden at Wildcat Park

Columbia Falls approves preliminary plat for T and C Business Park, grants sidewalk and curb variances