Weeds. Speeding vehicles. City parks. It must be summer in Columbia Falls as those were the main topics of discussion at last week’s city council meeting.

Mayor Don Barnhart brought up concerns about tall grass and weeds growing in front of new businesses in Columbia Falls on Highway 2 and high weeds at other businesses as well.

Councilman Mike Shepard, who drives a motorcycle, raised a perennial concern about people driving too fast on Highway 2 and tailgating him on his bike.

He also raised concerns about religious groups that were recently gathered on the highway causing traffic issues, as it appeared they were crossing the street when they were not.

Councilwoman Jenny Lovering suggested the city consider parking restrictions on First Avenue East now that the skatepark is in. It’s hard to drive the steep street with people parked alongside the road.

In other news:

There is a bear roaming about in the Crescent Drive neighborhood and folks should be aware of it. There was also a bear sighting in River’s Edge Park.

The city will allow some parking on Veterans Drive during the community market. Another market on Nucleus Avenue is also being held on Saturdays. 

The city adjusted its current budget to reflect about $4,000 in additional resort tax revenue. The tax brought in $1.536 million last year. Whether this year’s revenues are as robust remains to be seen, as Nucleus Avenue is down two restaurants, a flower shop and a tattoo parlor. Another coffee shop closed and another flower shop off Nucleus no longer has a store presence either.