Council discusses property “islands”
BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 10 months AGO
Reporter Berl Tiskus joined the Lake County Leader team in early March 2023, and covers Ronan City Council, schools, ag and business. Berl grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and earned a degree in English education from MSU-Billings and a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. Since moving to Polson three decades ago, she’s worked as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Valley Journal and a secretary for Lake County Extension. | December 20, 2023 11:00 PM
Before the meeting on Dec.15, Ronan City Council members and Mayor Chris Adler interviewed community members who had written letters of interest in Calvin Hardy’s seat on the council. Hardy and Lindsey Myers are the two representatives of Ward 2, and Hardy’s term ends Dec. 31.
During the meeting, Public Works Director Dan Miller brought up “islands” of county property surrounded by city subdivisions and/or city streets. If a property owner of one of these islands wanted to subdivide and approached Lake County, the county would refer that person to the city of Ronan to pursue annexation, but that person would be given the ability to access services just like any other homeowner in the city limits.
As it is now, the city has no zoning authority on those pieces of property and receives no property-tax proceeds but still provides police service and streets.
Miller explained there are provisions in state law that if a property owner is wholly surrounded, the city can annex them into the city without objection.
Ronan City Attorney Ben Anciaux said the code section doesn’t seem to require a petition by the owner. Instead, such a move could be initiated by the council.
Anciaux requested the council table the issue for another meeting. Hardy agreed, suggesting the council needs to “come up with a better solution for us.”
The council tabled the issue.
In other business, the council approved a draw from the American Rescue Project Grant in the amount of $252,802.32 for water lines around Ronan.
They also approved a resolution to adopt the 2023-2024 city of Ronan budget, as well as an amendment to the budget.
During comments, Hardy mentioned that during the Ronan Parade of Lights cars had not been moved off the streets, and citizens had mentioned it to him. Council member Ryan Corum said he also had heard complaints about the cars.
Ronan Police Chief Rob Jacobson updated the council on repairs to new vehicles and passed around possible graphics for police vehicles.
The meeting adjourned with the next meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 27.
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