Commissioners vote against cell phone ban
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POLSON — No one spoke in favor of an ordinance prohibiting the use of cell phones and other handheld electronic communications devices while driving during a public hearing Feb. 22.
But 10 community members did speak out against the proposed ordinance. From a rundown of the costs for hands-free cell phone devices by Norm Johnson, to Johna Morrison’s research into accident causes in Lake County, to John Swenson’s comment to stick to the original plan of a text message ban, the commissioners seemed to listen to the public. Carmine Mowbray, Senate District 6, said she voted against a cell phone ban at a state level because there are already laws on the books, including laws for reckless driving and speeding.
A motion for the ordinance failed for lack of a second.
During city manager comments, Polson City Manager Todd Crossett said city staff has been researching which lots should have been exempt from impact fees. They’ve found four lots on which the builder paid capital improvement fees and which need to be refunded. The refunds will total nearly $25,000. As soon as the research is complete, Crossett will be contacting the builders since whoever paid the fee will receive the refund. Crossett added he is putting together a workshop so the city commission can directly review impact fees procedures.
Construction will continue on the Skyline project and will take approximately two construction seasons to complete, Crossett estimated.
He also noted that work on rewriting the Polson Development code would start up again in March.
Crossett will travel to Chicago on Feb. 23 for the kick-off of the Orton Family grant. After his return, he’ll sit down with the Polson Redevelopment Agency to review data and options for the old Gambles building.
He reported that the Montana Department of Transportation agreement approved last meeting has been executed, and that he and Polson City Attorney James Raymond have been trying to reach an agreement with the airport. They plan to take the issue to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council.
Polson Parks Superintendent Karen Sargeant and Crossett have been working with Lake County and Dave DeGrandpre in an effort to make sure that city trails and county trails connect.
In closing, Crossett said Envision Polson! has some ideas for projects. There is interest in a Polson Triathlon, a film festival and, for the long term, an ice rink that has been talked about for a long time.
The next meeting will be held March 5 at 7 p.m. at Polson City Hall.
