Hungry Horse News

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday gave its OK to allow developers of a planned 146-site subdivision east of the city to connect to sewer and water services.

Owners Eileen McDowell and Martin Laskey will take their request for a re-zone and planned unit development overlay for the 72 acres before the Planning Board on Oct. 10.

Operating as Columbia Falls Investments LLC they are asking to develop the land which is between U.S. Highway 2 and Rogers Road.

They are proposing to develop the property at a maximum density of two units per acre with the overlay. Construction of the property is expected to take place in four phases and create 128 single-family homes and 18 cabin-style family residences.

The land is within the city's public works boundary, but service lines must cross the Flathead River along the U.S. 2 bridge. Developers will foot the bill for the extension.

Bruce Lutz of Sitescape Associates representing the owners estimates usage to be about 53,700 gallons per day for water. Sewer estimates are about 41,300 gallons per day.

City Manager Bill Shaw said those numbers are higher than what would normally be figured for a subdivision that size, but are still within reason.

Councilwoman Julie Plevel questioned the city system's ability to handle the request and Meadow Lake Northwest subdivision. Meadow Lake Northwest received approval in June for 182 homes.

Shaw said that the system has enough capacity to handle both additions.

Councilman Charlie McCubbins was absent from the meeting.

In other news:

€ Approved final plat for River Park Estate Phase III. There was some last minute discrepancy over the amount the developer would pay for cash in lieu for park land.

An appraisal of the property showed the land value at $11,500 per acre, but Shaw told the council he felt the number should be closer to $19,000. The difference would change the amount the developer pays the city from about $7,800 to about $12,000.

If the council does not agree with an appraisal they can ask for another appraisal, which would be paid for by the developer.

Erika Wirtala, with Sands Surveying which represents the developer, said the owner might be willing to add the difference paid without another appraisal because paying an appraiser would be about the same.

The council conditioned the approval of final plat that the developer would pay the $12,000 total. If the developer doesn't agree then the request will return to the council.

€ Approved a resolution for Cedar Creek South subdivision. This creates three lots on just over 9 acres on city land along the North Fork Road.

€ Voted to approve a preliminary plat amendment for River Bend Estates to allow phasing of the development.

€ Heard the Fire Chief Bob Webber has withdrawn a request for an automatic aid agreement between the City Fire Department and the City of Kalispell Fire Department. The Council in June sent the request to the public safety committee. Concerns were raised about the agreement that would create an automatic call out for Columbia Falls if there is a commercial building fire within Kalispell city limits.