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Columbia Falls council approves six ordinances and a budget resolution; new path and e-bike rules ahead
Summary
Council approved second readings for ordinances 8-35 through 8-40 (public-safety and active-transportation regulations) and passed Resolution 19-57 (a $125,000 budget amendment from the sewer enterprise fund). Many votes were unanimous; ordinances become enforceable after codification (30 days).
The Columbia Falls City Council voted unanimously to approve a package of ordinances and a budget resolution during the meeting.
Resolution 19-57: Council approved a budget amendment of roughly $125,000 for the sewer enterprise capital improvement program to replace a dump truck; roll-call vote was recorded as all ayes and Resolution 19-57 was approved.
Ordinances (second readings approved): - Ordinance 8-35 (second reading approved): addresses exposing a minor to domestic violence, referencing Montana Code (MCA) definitions; the ordinance classifies the offense as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not less than 2 days and up to 15 days and a $500 fine. The City Manager noted legal review with the Montana League of Cities supported the jail-time penalty. - Ordinance 8-36 (second reading approved): adds a definition of "public pathway" to the code to distinguish wider shared‑use routes from narrower sidewalks. - Ordinance 8-37 (second reading approved): authorizes speed limits for bicycles, scooters, skateboards and similar devices on public sidewalks, paths and inside parks. - Ordinance 8-38 (second reading approved): sets graduated penalties for violations (first offense $55 plus education, second offense $100 plus education, third offense $175 plus vehicle impoundment 60–90 days and community service for repeated offenders under the chapter described). - Ordinance 8-39 (second reading approved): limits powered operation of bicycles/scooters/skateboards on sidewalks, paths, and in parks to human-propelled or pedal‑assist modes; an explicit insertion of the word "solely" clarified that independent propulsion without human input is disallowed. - Ordinance 8-40 (second reading approved): aligns bicycle operation on roadways with motor-vehicle rules and requires protective headgear for riders under 18, per Montana Department of Justice standards.
Councilors asked for and received clarification on implementation timing: ordinances become effective after codification (the council confirmed a 30-day period before enforcement). The meeting record shows roll-call votes on each ordinance with councilors recorded as voting aye.
The approvals followed staff presentations and prior committee discussion; council did not vote to rescind prior tabling actions but moved the ordinances back on the table for the second‑reading votes.
