Chamber seeks long-term lease and grant support for visitor center rebuild; council reviews draft lease language

Miranda Cravens, speaking for the Libby Chamber of Commerce, told the council the chamber has quotes showing that rebuilding the existing visitor‑center building is more feasible than repairing it and that the organization would like a long‑term lease to support grant applications and financing.

Cravens said the chamber is open to lease language that recognizes chamber investments in a building but suggested a revert‑to‑city clause if the chamber discontinues occupancy. City Attorney Chisholm explained legal constraints around separating ownership of a building from ownership of the underlying land, described ground‑lease mechanics and said improvements typically revert to the landowner at lease termination unless parties negotiate buyout language. He noted modular structures can remain personal property until permanently affixed, but the chamber indicated a stick‑built structure is now the preference.

Council members discussed the timeline for a Montana tourism grant application (the presenter said grant materials were due by Oct. 30) and whether the grant requires building ownership to be eligible. Chamber representatives said they would confirm grant requirements and the chamber asked the council to provide a response as soon as possible so the chamber can meet grant deadlines. The council agreed to take the matter under advisement and asked staff and the chamber to coordinate specific lease language and confirm grant rules before final action.

Separately, the council approved a motion to place a public art piece (the metal wings) at Police Officers Park near the alternative school; the council agreed to allow installation and to set the foundation before winter.