Columbia Falls council approves generator grant push, consultant agreement and proclaims May for frontline workers

The Columbia Falls City Council voted to proceed with a grant application to fund emergency generators for city facilities and the fire department and approved a short-term consultant employment agreement, the council heard during its meeting.

City staff said the generator request was ranked No. 1 by the county Local Emergency Planning Committee and that the grant application is due at midnight Wednesday. Council members motioned and seconded the application submission; the motion was called and approved by voice vote.

Separately, the council recommended approval of an employment agreement with consultant Ned Regan to assist with interim deployment work. Staff described the agreement as an open-ended, short-term arrangement intended to secure a smooth transition; staff estimated a 3-to-6-month engagement. The council recommended approval following staff presentation; a formal vote was recorded as recommended by staff (vote details not specified in the transcript).

The council also discussed a developer request to proceed with a local project subject to city regulations that require a 25% cashier's check. Staff said the 25% deposit equals $5,925 and must be received no later than Oct. 26; the council recommended approval of allowing the developer to proceed under those conditions.

During the meeting, John Bonhamton read a proclamation recognizing frontline workers. The proclamation text read, in part, "Therefore, I, John Bonhamton, may I see colleagues of county falls to hereby reclaim the month of May as frontline worker appreciation" (verbatim language in transcript). The council adopted the proclamation (vote details not specified).

The council later moved to adjourn after routine items and public comments.