Public needs alternative to council meetings
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Editor,
In response to the disclosure that the city attorney did not pay impact fees on his new home, and at the request of the city manager, attorney Bob Long wrote a letter stating, “… as the written Ordinance (624) fails to contain the exemption it does not reflect what the council enacted and to that limited extent is in violation of MCA 7-5-4201(2) and is not enforceable.”
That letter has not been mentioned by the city manager or any council member in either of the two council meetings following the receipt of the letter. But it does provide a rationale for the nonpayment of fees. The city taxpayers paid Mr. Long $500. Unfortunately, the manager’s request dealt exclusively with the city attorney’s subdivision lots.
On Feb. 1, the Impact Fee Review Board met to consider a reduction in assessed fees for another applicant. The next scheduled meeting of this board is March 1. At least two citizens who have paid the fees have requested refunds in response to Bob Long’s letter. They would no doubt appreciate an expeditious review of their requests. Will the city retain outside attorneys for opinions on each refund request at taxpayer expense, or does Bob Long’s opinion apply to all?
A more appropriate question is, “Why has the city not embarked on drafting a correction to the flawed language in the ordinance?” “Emergency” ordinances are not uncommon to address pressing issues, but this situation remains unaddressed in public. The review board continues to operate as if Bob Long’s letter was never received. If the ordinance is unenforceable, should not the city work rapidly to correct the error?
The mayor, at the Feb. 6 meeting, suggested to the commissioners that they consider hosting “town hall” meetings to allow citizens to discuss city concerns. Council meetings are supposed to serve that function. With an unwillingness to answer questions, allow for open discussions on topics of interest and concern, and restricting citizen comments to 180 seconds, taxpayers and citizens do need an alternative to council meetings.
Bob Fulton
Polson
