Claudia Williamson, Hamilton City Councilor for Ward 3, has announced her intention to resign from office effective at the end of July. Wilson was elected to fill the seat in Ward 3 that was vacated by Jerry Steele when he was appointed to replace former Mayor Jessica Randazzo following her resignation.

“My husband retired at the end of April and we are changing course,” said Williamson. Williamson said that she told the council members when she was appointed to fill the open seat in Ward 3 that she was not sure she would be able to fulfill the entire term.

“I’m excited,” said Williamson. “My husband and I will get to spend time together for the first time in years.”

Council President Nancy Hendrickson said that the council would take the same actions it did last year in filling the vacant position. Applicants for the seat will be solicited and interviewed and council members will vote in a secret ballot to elect the replacement. The appointed replacement will serve out the existing term which ends December 31, 2009. The seat will be on the November election ballot and the winner of that election will be seated at the first of the year.

To date the only person on the November ballot for the Ward 3 seat is Lynette Helgeland. Write-in candidates may declare their intention to run for the seat until the end of August.

Hamilton council gets update on Water Facility Plan - By Michael Howell

The Hamilton City council got an update on the city’s Water Facility Plan from Craig Caprara of HDR Engineering at its July 21 council meeting.

Caprara told the councilors that the boundaries for the study area for the water facility plan were set at about the same parameters as the Planning Area described in the 2009 Growth Policy. Its western border is located about one quarter mile west of Westside Road. The northern border is at Hawk Lane. Its eastern border is at Wilcox Lane. The southern border is at Skalkaho Road.

The plan uses 2000 census figures plus the number of septic permits issued since then to arrive at an estimate of the current population in the unincorporated area of the plan. It yielded an estimate of about 2.3 persons per household. Population of the incorporated area of town was determined from the 2007 population estimates with 2008 building permits added, yielding an estimated 2.01 persons per household.

Caprara said that the town was expected to grow to the north and northeast as well as to the southeast at a rate of about 3 percent annually and reach a population in the study area of about 12,300 people by the year 2030.

Actual water use was also examined. It was determined that residential use in the city was currently about 156 gallons per person per day and 299 gallons per equivalent dwelling units (edu) per day. Commercial use is estimated at 96 gallons per person per day or 405 per edu per day. Industrial use is 55 million gallons in 2008 or 369 per edu per day. Unaccounted for water use, through leaks, and other non-metered uses such as by the Fire Department, average about 32 percent of the whole volume.

These figures calculated out yield a per capita use of 126 gallons per person per day or 142 gallons per edu per day, for a total per capita use per day of 378 gallons with a maximum of 635 gallons per day.

Industrial use is 337 gallons per edu per day or a maximum of 805 gallons per edu per day.

Caprara said that the next phase of the project would be to do a hydraulic analysis of the system, including storage requirements and supply projections and report back to the council in late August with an estimation of what it would require to service the projected population growth.

In other business the council decided to waive the city building fees for a new home to be constructed by Habitat for Humanity. Habit for Hunanity director Harold French told the council that a recipient for the new home had been found. Christie Borgman has been a teacher in Hamilton for 16 years, has two children and is a single parent.

French said that Habitat for Humanity did not have a steady source of income and relied on donations. The building fees for the project total $1,400. With credit for in-kind work the fees were reduced to $665. The Council agreed to waive those fees for the project.

The Council also voted to authorize two additional handicapped spaces in front of the county Administration Building and approved a contract with RAM Engineering for construction management services for the 10th Street Reconstruction Project.

Stevensville wants county to administer floodplain regs in town - By Michael Howell

At its July 13, meeting the Stevensville Town Council decided to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to participate in its National Flood Insurance Program. That program provides low cost insurance for residences located within the floodplain, but to be eligible, local regulations that meet the minimum federal requirements for regulating activity in the floodplain must be in place. The council also decided to allow the Ravalli County Floodplain Administrator to administer the municipal floodplain regulations for the town.

Aside from the Town’s own property that houses the sewer treatment facility only a few private properties within the town limits are located in the floodplain. Those properties belong to County Commissioner Greg Chilcott, John and Darlene Grove and Jim Notaro. Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program could also make the Town eligible for federal grants for flood protection measures at the sewer plant.

County Floodplain Administrator (and County Planning Director) John Lavey told the council that it could administer its own floodplain regulations. He said that a councilor or someone else could be hired to administer any regulations that the Town adopted, they did not need any certification. Lavey himself is not a certified floodplain administrator but serves in that capacity since the resignation of the previous fulltime floodplain administrator Laura Hendrix.

Councilor Clayton Floyd expressed an interest in local town administration. He said people will be coming to the town for information and the Town should be familiar with the rules. He said the Town also administers zoning regulations and issues building permits.

However, in the end it was decided unanimously to allow the County to administer any floodplain regulations adopted by the Town. Lavey said that the first step was for the Town to adopt some floodplain regulations that meet federal minimum requirements and then the county and the town can work out a cooperative agreement for administering them.

In other business, the Town Clerks, recently returned from a state conference, proposed some changes in how the council minutes are handled and some procedures related to the council’s agenda.

Town Clerk Roni Kimp told the council that legal requirements for publication of the agenda make it appropriate to move the deadline for submitting agenda items back a day from Friday to the Thursday before the council meeting on Monday. Deadline for submittal of agenda items would be noon on Thursday preceding the meeting and the agenda would be published and posted on Thursday evening. She said that weekend days do not count in the legal calculation of the 48 hours notice required by law.

The council also decided to move the public comment period from the end of the meeting to the fifth item on the agenda following the roll call, approval of minutes, financial statement and payment of claims, and correspondence.

Councilor Clayton Floyd argued for extending the time limit for public comment from the two minutes recommended to three minutes. The council approved the three-minute limit.

It was also decided to remove a sentence from the resolution concerning the liability of the public for damaged records.

The council approved a wage raise for the swimming pool manager to $8.85 per hour after July 24.

The Council also agreed to a change in the scope of work for a CDBG grant to replace a clay sewer line to Selway Corporation and include a rail spur in the project.

The Council also approved a change in the scope of work for attorney Ross Miller in his work on the Town’s water rights.

The Council balked at approving a grant application to the Army Corps of Engineers for a water system improvement project. To get the $665,000 from the Corps, the Town would need to come up with $849,000 for matching funds and additional costs. The council worried that it could not afford the matching funds. It was decided to table the matter until an amended Preliminary Engineering Report on the project could be completed by Professional Consultants Inc. That document would examine the option of replacing the main water line under Middle Burnt Fork Road and using the existing reservoir or constructing one or two standing water tanks.

Creamery Picnic call for volunteers

The Creamery Picnic steering committee is looking for volunteers. Various positions are available. If interested contact Dianne at 273-4566.

Library gets rave reviews, suggestions

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville is pleased to report on the results of its first annual patron satisfaction survey, which was conducted in early 2009. Forty-one library users responded to the written survey, which simply asked, “What do you like about the North Valley Public Library?” and “What could we be doing better?”

A whopping 85% of patrons praised the library staff for their friendly help and cheerful demeanor, with eight respondents (20%) stating that they liked “everything” about the library. Patrons also praised the library’s collection (29%); the Montana Shared Catalog and Partner’s program (which allows local residents to place holds on items that are checked out and easily borrow books from other Montana libraries) (29%); and the clean, comfortable, welcoming atmosphere and central location of the library building (24%).

When asked what the library could be doing better, twenty-nine percent of respondents answered, “Nothing,” or “We love you!” Sixteen people requested more books, CDs and DVDs (39%), six would like to see the library open more hours during the week (including Mondays) (15%), five recommended upgrades to the building, and four suggested increased public Internet access (10%).

Thanks to a grant from the Rapp Family Foundation, the Library has increased the number of Internet stations it offers to the public from four to eight since the survey was conducted. The library board also approved a 77% increase to the materials budget for fiscal year 2009-2010, and has established a building committee to examine the need for a library remodel.

If you are interested in serving on the library building committee, or have any questions about the patron satisfaction survey, contact Renee McGrath, Library Director, at 777-5061 or reneemcgrath@northvalleylibrary.org. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street in Stevensville.

SVCFC raffle

The South Valley Child and Family Center (SVCFC) is selling changes to win a Denver Labor Day Getaway.

Have a great four-day Labor Day holiday in Denver and support South Valley Child and Family Center (SVCFC). Tax deductible raffle tickets are $100 each. The drawing is on August 21 and the raffle is limited to 200 tickets. The winner and companion will be flown by private jet to Denver, stay four nights at the wonderful Brown Palace Hotel, see a Rockies game and/or the Cirque de Soleil, enjoy amazing cuisine at fine restaurants and see the sights. All expenses covered! Your plane will pick you up at the Hamilton or Missoula airport (depending on your locale) on Thursday, Sept 3, and will return on Labor Day, Sept. 7. Additional travelers may be added at extra cost! Call Faylee or Heather at 363-3450 for your tickets and support the kids and families of Ravalli County through SVCFC!

Stevensville Clothes Closet Second Quarter Report

The Stevensville Clothes Closet is a non-profit free store that serves the communities of the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula. Shoppers can find needed clothes, linens and small kitchen appliances and gadgets. The Clothes Closet also serves as a recycle center for these items.

The months of April through June have been busy. If the numbers are any indication of the needs in the valley, then the needs are growing. The pounds of clothing, linens and kitchen items that were given away this quarter were 12,603. That’s up by almost a thousand pounds from last quarter. The number of shoppers was also up from 1,584 to 1,691 and the hours of time volunteers donated was 826.

If you or your children are in need of clothing, please come and shop. Everything is always free. Take what you need and donate what you no longer need.

The Clothes Closet currently has an abundance of supplies to set up a kitchen as well as some Christmas wreaths so don’t miss out if you need these.

It’s located at 3862 ALC Way, off of Middle Burnt Fork Road in Stevensville. Whether shopping or donating, the hours are 1:00-4:00 Wednesday and Saturday. The website address is http://www.stevensvilleclothescloset.org.

Tax-deductible contributions are always welcome and can be sent to 1384 Meridian Road, Victor, Montana, 59875. For more information, please call Gail at 777-5694 or Molly at 961-4614.

Temporary closure at Lost Horse Quarry

Beginning on Monday, July 27, the Forest Service will excavate rock and crush gravel in the Lost Horse Quarry. The pit will be closed to the public as material is prepared for use at Schumaker Campground and other road and recreation facilities in the upper portion of the Lost Horse drainage. The closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is expected to last approximately 6 weeks.

Access to the climbers’ trails both east and west of the pit will remain available, and the pit itself will be reopened for full public access and recreation after the project is completed. No trees will be cut between the pit and Lost Horse Road.

The Lost Horse Quarry is located on the Darby Ranger District, northwest of Darby. The quarry walls are popular with area climbers.

Crushing equipment will not operate after 5 p.m. on weekdays, or on weekends and holidays. Area residents and visitors should expect additional traffic on the road as the gravel is hauled from the crushing site to an area approximately ? mile east of the pit where the gravel will be stockpiled.

Call the Darby Ranger District at 821-3913 for additional information.

HoneyFest performance opportunities

The First “NorthWest HoneyFest,” to be held Saturday, September 12 at Lewis & Clark Park in Stevensville, is currently looking for instrumental music (bands, accordions, violins etc., one or multiples) for this one-day festival. Music will be featured in one of three “music pod” areas. Each musicpod will have a different entertainer throughout the day. Local musicians of all types are needed to help celebrate “honey” in Montana. If you are interested and can dedicate a minimum of one hour contact Deby at 529-9788. For more information visit www.northwesthoneyfest.com.

Local CNA training available

The University of Montana College of Technology will offer two courses this summer for those interested in becoming certified nursing assistants.

The COT will provide training in the growing CNA profession during courses in August and September through its work force development program.

CNA positions are frequently available statewide at hospitals, nursing facilities, home health care agencies, hospices, clinics and more. CNAs provide basic nursing care such as bathing, dressing, documenting and reporting the general well-being of the patient. No academic prerequisites are required.

Students will receive 100 hours of state-approved instruction in a curriculum that includes CPR, first aid training and preparation for the state certification exam. Classroom and clinical hours will provide the necessary information and skills for hospice, home-care, acute-care and long-term care settings.

The cost of the training is $800 and includes textbooks, supplies and state exam fees. Students who are hired within a year by a Medicare/Medicaid-approved facility, however, will have their training fees fully reimbursed. Students are responsible for providing a background check, scrubs and immunization records.

The course will be offered the following dates and times:

• Aug. 4-20 at the Valley View Estates Health Care Center in Hamilton. Classes will meet Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sept. 8-Oct. 17 at the Bitterroot Valley Living Center in Stevensville. The first session will meet Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Further classes will meet from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Skilled CNAs are valued for their desire to help people and their patience, tact and honesty.

For more information and to register, call the Outreach and Workforce Program at 406-243-7812. The program is online at http://www.cte.umt.edu/Outreach.

Commissioners’ Activity Report

Week of July 20

Monday:

• Voted 5-0 to prepare a new task order directing Morrison-Maierle to add two new options to the Hamilton Airport Environmental Analysis.

Tuesday:

• Voted 5-0 to allocate $10,000 from the fairgrounds capital reserve fund, and in a separate motion, voted 5-0 to loan $42,000 from PILT funds to the fairgrounds, interest free, to be paid back over 10 years; both motions to make up a $52,000 deficit in the fairgrounds fiscal year 2009 budget.

• Voted 5-0 to solicit bids for remodeling to the county attorney’s office.

• Voted 5-0 to spend capital reserve funds on safety glass installation in the clerk of district court’s office at clerk’s discretion.

• Voted 3-1 to direct the road department to approve an approach permit for Twin Creeks subdivision. Voting no: Rokosch; not voting: Driscoll

• Voted 4-0 to amend Resolution 2134, creating the county Investment Board.

Wednesday:

• Voted 5-0 to approve a grant application to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for a mental health crisis stabilization facility.

• Voted 2-3 to approve a request from the Corvallis School Board to impose a $4,000 impact fee per new residence in the Corvallis School District, excluding Pinesdale, with fee to be phased in over five years. Unanimous approval required; motion failed. Voting yes: Rokosch, Grandstaff; voting no: Driscoll, Iman, Chilcott.

Thursday: (Chilcott out of town)

• Voted 4-0 to execute an amendment to a task order from Montana DPHHS to Ravalli County WIC, increasing the state award from $133,314 to $134,414.

• Voted 4-0 to sign a letter of complaint to the Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation at the request of the executive director of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority.

• Voted 3-0 to write a letter to the Bitterroot National Forest attempting to clarify joint road maintenance agreements. Abstaining: Driscoll

• Voted 4-0 to accept the Draft EIS on the Pleasant View TSEP project.

• Voted 4-0 to execute two separate contracts with the Montana Department of Commerce on two road and bridge projects: Pleasant View Road and Ambrose Creek Road.

• Voted 3-1 to accept recycled asphalt from the Montana Department of Transportation for use on Stevi River Road. Voting no: Driscoll

• Voted 4-0 to recommend a road closure schedule for 2010 road improvement project on East Fork Road.

• Voted 4-0 to adjust the 2010 West Fork Road resurfacing project.

• Voted 4-0 to accept $13,713.71 cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication for the Market Place II subdivision.

• Voted 4-0 to approve final plat for the Sunnyside Orchards (Carlton) subdivision.

Births

Births at Marcus Daly Hospital, Hamilton

7-20-09

Girl, 8 lbs., 3 oz., 20 inches, to Julie and Shaun Antonucci, Hamilton

7-21-09

Boy, 6 lbs., 15 oz., 21 inches, to Lorene and Dave Selisted, Salmon, ID

Obituaries

Mable Popham
1916-2009

Mable Popham, 93, of Corvallis, died peacefully at home on Friday, July 24, 2009.

She was born January 10, 1916 in Corvallis to Emma and Charlie Swanson. Mable attended school in Corvallis, graduating from high school in 1933. With the help of a scholarship, she attended Western Montana College in Dillon during the Depression. She taught school in Hinsdale, Deer Lodge and later in Corvallis for 12 years, retiring in 1980.

Mable married Clarence Popham, a rancher in the Corvallis area, in 1939. They worked the ranch and raised four children. During retirement Mable and Clarence traveled extensively. They were actively involved in community affairs. Mable loved to play bridge, cook and garden, and she was an avid reader until losing her vision.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, son Don, grandson Brad Popham, her parents, and two sisters, Annette and Helen.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanne (Chuck) Just of Lake Park, MN.; son, Bob (Jane) Popham of the family ranch; daughter, Dianne (Dale) Huhtanen of Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Marge Popham of Missoula; brother, Carl (Carma) Swanson of Corvallis; seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the Corvallis Cemetery with Pastor David Bitler officiating. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton.

The family suggests memorials to Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Shriners Children’s Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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