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Residents urge clearer backyard fire rules, report audio problems at Livingston commission meeting
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Summary
Public commenters told the commission about inconsistent meeting audio, requested clearer municipal backyard fire-safety codes, and asked whether lifeguard programs could be changed; the city manager said co-ownership with Park County and budget limits affect microphone replacement and recommended discussing code adoption during fire-department presentations set for May.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the April 21 Livingston City Commission meeting to press for better meeting audio, clearer backyard fire regulations and a discussion of lifeguard staffing at the outdoor pool.
Vicky Bambuskirk told the commission she had trouble hearing portions of recent meetings and asked whether the city could purchase a new microphone system; the city manager, Grant Gager, replied that the building is co-owned with Park County, capital investments are split according to an interlocal agreement, and while some dais microphones were replaced (purchased from eBay because the original system is no longer supported), a full solution could cost roughly $30,000 and should be discussed during the budget process.
Lisa Kits urged the commission to schedule a docket item to adopt explicit, enforceable municipal backyard fire-safety codes, saying current references to the International Fire Code are too broad for enforcement and describing a backyard fire hazard on 7th Street that produced health and property concerns. Gager said the city planned a departmental introduction with the fire department in May and that adopting the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments would be an appropriate time to consider specific local rules.
A resident asked why the city operates lifeguards at the outdoor pool rather than using signage; Gager said the city has run the outdoor pool and lifeguard program since 1949, the program supports swim lessons and river safety, and the commission can consider changes during the budget cycle.
The commission thanked residents for raising these issues and noted staff will follow up: staff will meet individually with residents who asked for help owning or managing trails and will include the microphone/capital-equipment question in budget discussions.
