More than 50 people upset with the rejection of a federal slope stabilization grant confronted Flathead County commissioners Thursday morning.

Homeowners in the area of a bluff off Whitefish Stage Road above Village Greens had obtained a $298,000 slope stabilization mitigation grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but commissioners voted March 26 to terminate the grant process.

The commissioners’ action this week was challenged in court.

Scott Gearhart was the first to address Commissioners Gary Krueger and Pam Holmquist. He purchased his home near the bluff based on a belief that the grant was moving forward.

“We had reached out to you guys many times, asked for discussion regarding your decision, felt stonewalled and so I’m here today to plead with you to reconsider the issue and to have a public meeting so that everyone affected by this issue has the opportunity to say their piece in open discussion with you guys,” Gearhart said.

He argued that the commissioners didn’t want to consider the workaround offered to the county leaders’ only expressed concern — potential county liability.

Todd Sharpe explained that all the affected residents had agreed to sign waivers of liability for the county.

He also said commissioners could have acted years ago when they had the option of FEMA buying the properties surrounding the bluff.

“I don’t know why the county is taking a stand to step back and not take any type of responsibility,” Sharpe said. “You’re voted in to take responsibility, to help us. We put you here to help us and I feel like you’re not helping us at all. You’re trying to throw your hands up because you’re worried about some type of liability.”

Sharpe added that he is “not

sure why this is a stopping point” and that everyone needed to work together.

Commissioners also heard from Susan Storfa, who shared her utter disbelief with their actions.

“I was absolutely stunned at the last meeting when you denied this. It’s just unbelievable, after all the work that we have put into this and what we have accomplished,” Storfa said.

Things didn’t have to turn out the way they have, she said.

“You guys could have been a hero by working with us. You could have been a hero to this county, to the people you represent,” Storfa said, later adding, “It’s not too late to change. Let’s change, let’s re-look at the situation. Meet with us, talk with us, and see what we can do.”

Chuck Wilhoit, a former seven-year president of the Village Greens Homeowners Association board of directors, said his organization had tried over the years to mitigate the issue and had achieved some modest success.

“But the opportunity to qualify for an approved federal grant through FEMA gave us an opportunity to fix the problem once and for all, and I think that rather than withdrawing the sponsorship of the grant unilaterally, you should be very proud of your constituents and voters and the residents who have taken it upon themselves to solve this problem without county or city involvement or expense,” Wilhoit said.

He argued that, as the county’s only responsibility was as a pass-through for the money awarded by FEMA, and that it was difficult to understand how there would be any liability in that function.

The commissioners did not respond to any of the public comments Thursday.

Speakers on Thursday used the commissioners’ public-comment session to sound off about the grant situation.  

Thursday’s parade of public concern came after the commissioners refused to grant the homeowners 30 days before notifying the state to stop the grant to explore other options or to schedule a time to speak with the homeowners.

Flathead District Judge Ted Lympus has granted a temporary restraining order blocking the commissioners from terminating the grant. A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 23 in District Court for commissioners to argue why he should not issue a preliminary injunction.

Homeowners have raised their 25 percent required match for the grant — $102,000 — which would be added to FEMA money for a total of $400,000 to complete the slope work.

Slumping has been an ongoing problem in that area north of Kalispell for years. The stabilization work outlined in the grant would build safer slopes and create adequate drainage.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.