Variance granted for temporary living

The Troy City Council approved a variance for Pastor Charles Roseburry, allowing him a 90-day variance to continue using his bus as a residence during continued construction at the future site of the Troy Community Center on a property he is leasing on Missoula Ave.

Mayor Dallas Carr noted that the city’s lawyer, Cliff Hayden, expressed concern about the city overusing its power to grant such a variance.

He also told Roseburry that he had heard multiple complaints from residents in that area regarding individuals or activities at the property.

In a letter to the Council, Roseburry cited security concerns as a reason for keeping his bus at the property as a place to live until the living quarters in the building are completed.

Roseburry told the Council Wednesday that the property had been a center of drug activity before he took it over, and that he had recent problems with at least one previous resident returning to the property and attempting to stay in an abandoned trailer that still needs to be hauled away.

In response to Carr regarding Troy Police Department calls to the property, Roseburry said he had called police regarding the individual, and that he had been trespassed from the property.

Roseburry said that he is working with police in regard to the individual. Roseburry said he believes there are outstanding warrants on the individual.

Roseburry also listed a number of improvements he has made to the property, and told the Council the variance was only needed due to weather delays on making the property habitable. It is possible he will need only half of the 90 days to complete work.

Council Member Chuck Ekstedt noted that the property has visibly improved since Roseburry took it over.

The variance was approved unanimously by the council.

DUI patrol grant spurs questions from bar owners

The Troy City Council approved a patrol agreement needed to receive a state grant for extra patrols.

Troy Chief of Police Katie Davis applied for and received a $5,000 grant from the Montana Department of Transportation that will allow for additional, targeted patrols this summer. The grant was first discussed at the February 21 Council work session.

Several local bar owners and employees, including Bill and Shelly Warrick of the Silver Spur and Bruce Flock of the Home Bar, expressed concern over whether targeted DUI patrols such as are required by the grant would be a return to past problems.

In July 2016, bar owners came to the Council to complain about new reserve officers who owners alleged were being aggressive with and driving away customers. Some of the same owners also came out Wednesday.

However, none of the owners that spoke disagreed with Mayor Dallas Carr, who said the previous issues had been dealt with.

Council President Crystal Denton told the owners that improvements should continue, and reminded the audience that the funding is something the city has sought in previous years as a way to save money.

The agreement was passed unanimously.

Gas tax appropriation request approved

The Troy City Council approved a request for funds from the state Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Account.

The council requested $7,600 from the state as reimbursement toward the $13,000 chip and seal of Kootenai Ave, said City Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Rebo. The city is required to match 5 percent of the funds received.

The program, which was made law a year ago, is administered similar to a grant from the state, according to fiscal notes from the Montana Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning. Program funds are derived from incremental increases in the fuel tax that will continue through 2023.

Trimming the path

Among department reports at their Wednesday regular meeting, the Troy City Council discussed the trimming and removal of some trees at the northern end of the walking path.

Mayor Dallas Carr said that he had received several complaints from residents of being frightened by individuals near the northern end who were sleeping or otherwise acting suspicious in the more wooded section of the path.

Carr said that he had the city’s maintenance clear out some dead or dying trees, as well as trimming away lower branches to increase visibility.

Council Member Shawna Kelsey asked whether the proximity of the trees to the river necessitated consulting with the Lincoln County Conservation District before removing trees and foliage.

Carr said he did not think it was needed for that location.

Chicken renewal fee goes down and other business

The Troy City Council approved lowering the renewal fee for people who keep chickens on their property in the city limits. The cost for the first year will remain $25, but any renewal without a lapse in renewal will now be $10.

The Council had a second reading of Ordinance 2018-748, permitting variances for residents residing temporarily in a camping trailer or RV within the city limits while constructing a permanent residence.

The Council discussed renewing the lease with the Lincoln County Landfill for trash removal. The discussion included security at the Troy collection site to prevent people searching through garbage for pill bottles and shared maintenance duties.

However, the discussion was tabled until the Council receives further information regarding whether or not a fee may be waived as part of the new agreement.