City Council OKs purchase of land for park
By HEIDI DESCH
Hungry Horse News
Columbia Falls will add a 28-acre Flathead River park to the city.
The City Council Monday OKd the purchase by a 5-2 vote after listening to an hour and half of public comment from a standing-room-only crowd. Councilmen Don Barnhart and Charlie McCubbins voted against the purchase.
The cost of the land is $945,000 and will come from the Cedar Creek Trust fund. The land contains about 900 feet of river frontage and is located north of the U.S. Highway 2 bridge on the west bank of the river. It is currently owned by Kenneth and Carole Bell.
About 25 people made comments and 22 letters were submitted to the council. Critics of the proposal said that the purchase should be put to a public vote.
Opponents of the project also questioned the city's ability to develop the land into park once it is purchased. Estimates are that it could take between $600,000 and $700,000 to develop the land.
"We can't take care of the parks we've got," said Dan Schellinger.
Schellinger also questioned whether the land would end up flooding each year — costing the city more money.
"What will it cost the taxpayers to repair this when it floods?" he asked.
The land is located in the 100-year floodplain. The property has low areas that fill with water during high water periods. It had significant water on it in 1975, but hasn't flooded completely since the 1964 flood.
Those supporting the plan asked the council to plan for the future.
Jami Belt said the spot was one of the last pristine river front areas and it should be preserved.
"I think it is a beautiful spot," said Belt. "It think this is a great place in town to go at the end of the day to bike and take children."
Shayne Hatfield told the council to "buy it."
"We're looking at a golden opportunity to provide park area," he said. "This is a no brainer. This is a gorgeous area."
Others touted the economic value of the purchase.
"I'm so thrilled and excited about this. The opportunities here are phenomenal," said business owner Barbara Jenkins. "This will give people a reason to stop and come uptown. I can see a phenomenal growth for the uptown."
The vote from the council did not come smoothly. Councilman Doug Karper motioned to approve the purchase and councilman Harvey Reikofski seconded the motion.
Then Barnhart moved to amend the motion that the city would approve the purchase after it was passed in a public vote. Barnhart's motion died for a lack of second.
After giving his no vote, Barnhart said the project is a good idea, but he couldn't approve it because of financial reasons.
McCubbins said he agreed.
The Council only gave minimal discussion to the project. They had discussed the purchase at three previous meetings.
Barnhart previously voiced concerns over whether the City would be able to develop the park because of obligations to other parks.
Councilman Julie Plevel said she'd given the project a tremendous amount of thought.
"We're not just here to think about today. It is other generations — our children and our children's children," she said.
Councilman Mike Shepard said that although he's a river user himself the decision did not come easily.
"I am torn with this decision. I hate subdivision and this is worse than a vote on a subdivision," he said. "I understand this may sit because we don't have the money."
The money for the purchase will come from the city's Cedar Creek Trust fund. Taking money from the principal required a super majority, or five votes in favor, of the action.
The closing date for the purchase is expected to be later this month. The city will still have to decide what its next steps will be.
City Manager Bill Shaw has said it could take the city several years to develop the park.
The first step would be to add fences, but the city is also looking at improving access to the river, constructing parking lots, adding baseball and soccer fields, adding restrooms, a walk path and picnic tables.
Currently the property is out the city limits, so it will likely be annexed into the city.