[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6158211,"mediaKeyId","5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7","parentId",5460562,"title","Council adopts zoning map change (Ordinance 8-34) and transfers small SID balances to general fund","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2291000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7&start=2291&end=2291","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7/thumbnail_2291000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6158211/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Council-adopts-zoning-map-change-Ordinance-8-34-and-transfers-small-SID-balances-to-general-fund","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158211-d3888ee1ecc04d2011896a1c389d8e34/orig.mp4?Expires=1775631578&Signature=bJlh0MF1b8uacwUUZy3zaq~obDtPZ7nSAt55GGG9~b1UKXpb7nqIv5b9SSoF5Ar6muDV6XrqancYolQhl~Qr7ZGc6RGBf0iy2H0mjpBoJM1~Q0ySwSx~M9E2X9wykvL0S8G~OZF7E7WJyuHXPmXaueVaBUBaK45Xg39qhjTK4a8Rxd82-kpVS6EsX~PD-czgWLo~RMISNUxxMqj3OO4utWs~t5EQZnL~Ic2p9STfXPqYJR7YPV7ufnlQEu5WBwl4OqCPleSKmm4~2xVmTo8wS7KCzt7gzqHNxFrAeWdY-5~NNY3SKG4h4L8-lFJJDz8PC8RPuIsB-JhDMzNEpIyODQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Columbia Falls, MT","date","2025-07-24T09:28:52.387Z","article","The Columbia Falls City Council adopted the second and final reading of Ordinance 8‑34, which amends the city zoning map, and approved Resolution 19‑49 transferring remaining balances from two closed Special Improvement District funds to the general fund.
During the roll call for Ordinance 8‑34’s final reading, one councilor recorded an opposing vote while the remainder voted aye; the ordinance passed and the final reading was declared approved. The transcript records Councillor King as opposed in that roll call and other councilors and the mayor voting in favor.
Resolution 19‑49 concerns SID 34 and SID 36, which staff said had paid all principal and interest and collected all assessments as of June 30, 2025. Under Montana statute language cited by staff, remaining balances in inactive SID funds may be transferred to the general fund; the resolution authorized transferring $2,805 from those closed SID funds to the general fund. Council moved and approved the resolution by roll call.
Both actions were recorded in the meeting minutes by roll call vote for the ordinance and the resolution.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 21, 2025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council gave final reading to Ordinance 8‑34 (zoning map change) with one councilor opposed, and approved Resolution 19‑49 to transfer $2,805 from inactive SID 34 and SID 36 funds into the general fund, citing Montana code provisions for closed SID funds.","taxTitle","Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana","taxId",68806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6158216,"Resident urges Columbia Falls, Flathead County coordination over Tamarack Meadows stormwater and creek protections",200,622000,822000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7&start=622&end=822","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7/thumbnail_622000.jpg","/articles/6158216/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Resident-urges-Columbia-Falls-Flathead-County-coordination-over-Tamarack-Meadows-stormwater-and-creek-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158216-23451f11a85a656b1185ec65a3ef5bc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775631578&Signature=YlHuecO5k0DOvNDNASEIJq6FsfxkCFRkqXk8MiuyqEV7WWGb6QWVCQGBKbNWRsA-Nv9L-5hRd6ZzMEnBEr0IoPZwl7~VIUDgCJXNGalxnX2M~tJDf6d5R8fg~9RhsHiYdRmE~iozuefyJJYyvLnISYLgPfKEeURMNWPiIeVSmQ~rN-ZcJ2QdoJrPmS3lBvioB60GowTeWBW2LPg6m01gAzKJtfLQliZhDSm8xjX0lfNpjM9EFoYSJ7o7eizH~C5Easu6SdewspRv1X~MIVX5j17GOlF6U0HMzX2UvqbWN7UfWeyyaigCJShZKijVnhunLmXG117C6TkL3IfPnef1uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Paul Krueger, a resident near the Tamarack Meadows subdivision, told the City Council he was concerned that conditions attached to the subdivision approval—particularly a condition requiring an undisturbed open‑space buffer along Garden View Creek—have not been honored during construction.
Krueger said vegetation in the designated open space has largely been removed, that three stormwater ponds have been installed and that groundwater backup into those ponds is affecting the adjacent creek. He said the ponds appear to be filling and that attempts by the developer to dewater them have not fully succeeded. Krueger said he provided photos and a written summary to the council and requested that the city coordinate with Flathead County to resolve the issue and ensure the earlier conditions are enforced.
Krueger further said the original interlocal agreement assigning some review responsibilities to the city was dissolved and that jurisdiction now falls to Flathead County; he told council that county staff have not responded to his calls and emails. The mayor said the matter would be discussed later in the meeting and council staff later noted they would look into liability and the appropriate next steps.
Councilors and staff acknowledged receipt of Krueger’s materials and said staff would review the correspondence and discuss coordination with county staff. The transcript does not show a formal city action or a recorded motion on Krueger’s complaint at the meeting; the council said staff would follow up.","A resident, Paul Krueger, told council he believes conditions placed on the Tamarack Meadows subdivision—specifically an undisturbed buffer next to Gardner/Garden View Creek—have not been honored; he asked the city to review photos and coordinate with Flathead County, which now has jurisdiction.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6158221,"Columbia Falls fire chief announces promotions; council accepts a probationary volunteer firefighter",324,126000,450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7&start=126&end=450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7/thumbnail_126000.jpg","/articles/6158221/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Columbia-Falls-fire-chief-announces-promotions-council-accepts-a-probationary-volunteer-firefighter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158221-5982b909d1714dbf0fa1c7e46204a801/orig.mp4?Expires=1775631578&Signature=TLzX8MVKHUlcFMpIDLVumnW9GBYGk20dWDEptZZ3lrlMhTkk1gapaa5h1Md9TTYoHyLwkq74oQhm43PGs~7t4uel-SLWb7iV-iyu6Tk1pANMEsK2s-cJmhkdzZSq4dn5uqpUJpqWNBXbSv6hiu04O6CADpao2~LR4QcDuyGtsFlZE8SFnfGD7zTcrY8W5i5DnhthtnYx1n4rly28P91I84OwrvlTGDRfXae7RlgGnQ5yoj1Ht1~mUxY2LiXs6htPVRgELovTzC~Tskk9qY7ocEN1VqcC0zu43BsbRDiw9VOv75XMTPvhDOSKVqJvD7kFyAXPwRFqX5fbgYcjR3xg-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Falls Fire Department’s chief presented internal promotions and a recommended volunteer appointment during the council meeting.
The chief said Courtney Stewart (identified in the presentation as having 12 years with the department) was selected for a lieutenant position after demonstrating leadership and taking additional responsibility. He also recommended Larry Logan, a nine‑year department member noted for a high response rate and ongoing training, for assistant safety officer.
Separately, staff recommended appointment of Bradley Lewis (presented as a probationary volunteer firefighter) after he attended training, showed interest and has related experience working in vendor operations. A council motion to accept the probationary volunteer firefighter was moved and seconded and the council voice vote was recorded as “aye.”
Council members and others in the meeting offered congratulations. The transcript does not record a formal roll‑call vote for the promotions to lieutenant and assistant safety officer; those selections were presented by the chief and acknowledged by the mayor and council.","The fire chief recommended promoting Courtney (Corinne) Stewart and appointing Larry Logan to new safety roles and the council accepted a probationary volunteer firefighter. Officials congratulated the personnel but no formal roll‑call votes were recorded for the promotions in the transcript.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6158226,"Columbia Falls approves wage schedule and ratifies three-year contracts with police, Teamsters",229,1769000,1998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7&start=1769&end=1998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7/thumbnail_1769000.jpg","/articles/6158226/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Columbia-Falls-approves-wage-schedule-and-ratifies-three-year-contracts-with-police-Teamsters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158226-af16a9d42b95e4a70af800b04cba1dda/orig.mp4?Expires=1775631578&Signature=SqYb4d45K5u-amaSSxt5KTBlI4uVhff2~Bkd4LhK-CbxA92Se2We0~g1lMZqxRe0E2IkaJ~t~ToT0bFMwDlXOXtQvxu7H-wbmA5~BNNmb~9CTG3ZH4PUmMZ2hp9ZIov0yVCYQrIwG7KxLuOid2~bpVQkPuz7-tK9QAlGZtNqqcU0zWgGx5Gf9H6zVHksKGdfz7QkTGeVg5aw0fZIk3iQZUm5NfVtbddJ0hYZkxrKqs2P3KTAnEBjugd7XkbvQI~5rkX-4t3orxG~uPbDbxm22nUeaMB2faaMU~3vlwXRojHo4Wu49z1zo0zyiZj8vpdB68pnkVvl3dit1cCqfqFrcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Falls City Council authorized the city manager to sign three‑year collective bargaining agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 6 and the Teamsters Union Local No. 2 and approved the fiscal year 2026 wage and salary schedule.
City Manager Eric told the council staff proposed a 3% cost‑of‑living increase and a 2% experience‑based step for hourly employees; together the administration recommended a 5% adjustment for salaried staff (the manager excluded from that adjustment). The city estimated personnel costs at about $4,990,000 across funds for wages, pensions, workers’ compensation and related payroll expenses.
Council also heard that the union contracts were negotiated consistent with previous personnel committee guidance and that both unions’ memberships ratified the tentative agreements. Council moved to authorize the manager to sign the collective bargaining contracts and then separately approved the FY 2026 wage and salary schedule and resolution 1948.
Motions to approve the contracts and the wage schedule passed on roll calls with councilors voting aye and Mayor Barnhart recorded as aye; no recorded dissent occurred on the contract authorization or the wage‑and‑salary resolution during the votes taken in the meeting.
The city manager said the wage schedule keeps Columbia Falls broadly comparable with nearby Kalispell and Flathead County and estimated personnel costs would remain about 20% of total appropriations. The council continued the larger budget hearing schedule for subsequent meetings, with debt service, water and sewer enterprise funds to be discussed in detail at the next session.
Councilors did not amend the contract terms during the meeting; staff will finalize signatures and proceed with implementation per the collective bargaining agreements and the approved salary schedule.","The City Council authorized the city manager to sign three‑year collective bargaining agreements with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 6 and Teamsters Local No. 2 and approved the fiscal year 2026 wage and salary schedule, including a proposed 3% COLA and step increases.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6158231,"Columbia Falls council weighs $35,000 geotechnical study for unstable Second Avenue East slope",883,839000,1722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7&start=839&end=1722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5460562-da285110ed759eeb9631d87f26f701a7/thumbnail_839000.jpg","/articles/6158231/Columbia-Falls/Flathead-County/Montana/Columbia-Falls-council-weighs-35000-geotechnical-study-for-unstable-Second-Avenue-East-slope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158231-6c77cf5f5d9d46551e46600c861e1287/orig.mp4?Expires=1775631578&Signature=Oj~wjxBeoOkNUZzMZIHvv7SQbi4vBx1C7CoMUMWpbTTD~m5yudl92B-cEWARLiGLiWYWW2cWJfQBoJrrmbj93EMjDsf7mOpIYekpsSBC4tG2Kk~iO2Qdkm3GIAKI61VXhnt8AOol0tsdXFBqGgeofdVn-OCG-RFCqV7V2ovrQOZF7~cfSazpUQVKxYBYM6sdatWT3X21dK7caWtJgjAQkOmCeEcEMMwxxkPonMd3tWbsqpcyvPv4BrkoLs6QGhCakNKzjBbp08LmPLVQMY2orXPrJlN~2DW0da3Hm-1M15m13JvFuXP1Uwi58-3T2kvGUJ5ey-9GDMc8k9Moc1lgCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia Falls city officials discussed whether to hire Alpine Geotechnical for a $35,000 subsurface study after a June slope failure on the hillside above Second Avenue East.
The council was asked to authorize geotechnical borings and analysis at three locations to assess soil conditions and guide hazard mitigation; staff emphasized access challenges and the need to know subsurface conditions before designing a remedy.
The work would include borings to determine soil composition and provide recommendations for stabilizing the bluff, which city staff said is steep in places and had previously experienced water infiltration and slope sloughing. City Manager Eric and Public Works staff member Sean described the difficulty of safe access and told council the borings would inform any needed remediation.
Several council members questioned whether the study was necessary now, calling the $35,000 price “expensive” to confirm a problem they already observed. One council member suggested skipping the study and proceeding straight to rapid mitigation for potential life‑safety risks; others replied that acting without an engineering plan could increase liability if a later remedy failed. City staff and the attorney were asked to return with analysis on legal exposure and the likely range of mitigation measures and costs.
City staff noted emergency tree removal and temporary stabilization steps already taken after the water main failure that contributed to the slope change. The engineering firm’s cover letter, cited by staff, stated “progressive slope movement or creep is not obvious at this time” and that additional mass movement was not believed to be imminent, but borings would define soil layers and inform the design of any retaining structures or other fixes.
After extended discussion about cost, potential future expenses (for example, a substantial retaining wall) and municipal liability, council did not vote on the contract at the meeting. Instead, members directed staff and the city attorney to return with more information about liability, the likely scope of engineering recommendations, and options for limited or staged mitigation.
The council asked that the subsequent report include expected mitigation alternatives and cost ranges so elected officials can judge whether to proceed with study, immediate mitigation, or an alternative approach that may limit the city’s exposure.
Council indicated the matter will be brought back for formal action once staff and the city attorney present their findings.","Council discussed a proposed $35,000 contract with Alpine Geotechnical to investigate a slope failure on Second Avenue East; members debated cost, liability and whether to move directly to mitigation. Council asked staff and the city attorney to return with more legal and technical information.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts zoning map change (Ordinance 8-34) and transfers small SID balances to general fund

Resident urges Columbia Falls, Flathead County coordination over Tamarack Meadows stormwater and creek protections

Columbia Falls fire chief announces promotions; council accepts a probationary volunteer firefighter

Columbia Falls approves wage schedule and ratifies three-year contracts with police, Teamsters

Columbia Falls council weighs $35,000 geotechnical study for unstable Second Avenue East slope