Council says horses make good neighbors, OK permit

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday approved a conditional use permit request from Logan and Hannah Nolan to keep horses on their property off Riverwood Drive.

The Nolans have just over six acres of land where they live, but over the years, the city has slowly encroached on what was once open space. Some neighbors objected to the permit, citing flies, dust and other nuisances from horses. About four acres of their land would be for four horses and pony.

The council approved the measure with conditions that were set forth by the city-county planning board last week, which includes a three plank or rail fence around the pasture and a maximum of six horses on the property.

The permit also requires the Nolans live on the property and do not board other horses. In addition, manure from the horses in the runs must be hauled off site every eight weeks.

Storage of feed and hay is also limited to an existing barn.

Neighbor Tanna Friske initially objected to the permit, but then she learned the property that goes into her backyard is not the Nolan's, but is owned by a Nolan family member.

Councilman Doug Karper lives in the neighborhood and supported the measure.

"I think the conditions are appropriate," he said. "It's better than a big field of knapweed."

Councilwoman Julie Plevel also voiced her support.

"I've always thought horses made good neighbors," she said.

Friske also said there was a conception among the public that once a request was approved by the planning board, it would be approved by the council. In other words, a "rubber stamp."

Councilmembers said that was not the case.

Councilman Mike Shepard said he made a trip to Whitefish to visit a neighborhood in the city limits that already had horses. He said neighbors had no complaints and the manure was parceled out for neighborhood gardens.

In other news:

* City Manager Susan Nicosia said Tyler English has been hired as a police officer and Shawn Bates will be working in the water department. Bates will no longer be a city council candidate, now that he is a city employee.

* Water usage is down to normal levels after all-time highs this summer, Nicosia said.

* Two public hearings are planned for the council's Oct. 5 meeting. One concerns the economic development plan for the industrial park off railroad street and the Targeted Economic Development District that would support it.

The other is for a community needs assessment. Residents who have opinions on either subject are encouraged to attend the hearings, which start at 7 p.m.