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Columbia Falls council authorizes $35,000 geotechnical study and affirms firefighter probationary appointment
Summary
Council authorized a $35,000 geotechnical evaluation for a sloughing hillside and earlier in the meeting sworn in a probationary volunteer firefighter, both actions approved without recorded opposition.
The Columbia Falls City Council voted to authorize a $35,000 contract for a geotechnical evaluation of a hillside on Second Avenue East Loop and earlier swore in a probationary volunteer firefighter.
Council passed the geotechnical authorization by roll call after staff described three options—monitoring, non‑engineered mitigation and a full geotechnical evaluation—and recommended the $35,000 study that would include borings and engineering recommendations. The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the contract was seconded and approved; the roll call in the transcript records affirmative responses from Councilors King, Kiefer, Price, Robinson, Shepherd and Mayor Barnhart.
Earlier in the meeting, the council introduced and recommended candidate Seth Fortenberger for probationary firefighter status. Council conducted an oath of office and the candidate was sworn in as a probationary volunteer firefighter; that appointment was approved by a voice vote on the consent agenda.
City staff said the geotechnical consultant’s recommendations would support potential mitigation work and could help the city apply for grants. The council directed the city manager to execute the contract and to report back with the consultant’s findings and recommended next steps.
