Thompson Falls councilors appointed to committees

With a bang of her gavel, newly elected Mayor Gussie O’Conner called the first Thompson Falls City Council meeting of 2026 to order last week. Council members faced a full agenda in a packed council chamber.

The first item under new business was the reorganization of council members and their committee assignments. Council member Raoul Ribeiro was reappointed as council president, a position he has held for the past eight years. Council member Katherine Maudone was appointed vice president.

Committee assignments were then announced. Rusti Leivestad was named chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. Maudone was appointed chair of the Recreation and Public Property Committee and will also chair the Police Commission. Ribeiro will chair the Planning Committee as well as the Zoning and Board of Adjustment. Newly elected council member Mike Shear was named chair of the Streets and Alleys Committee.

The Water and Sewer Committee will be chaired by the future council member representing Ward 3. That seat is currently vacant. Thompson Falls residents interested in applying for the Ward 3 position needed to submit a letter of interest to the city by Jan. 20. A special council meeting to select a candidate is scheduled for Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.

Catherine DeWitt, who was recently elected to the council, was named chair of the Community and Public Relations Committee. The city is also seeking three community members interested in serving on the Zoning Committee.

Continuing with new business, the council approved a water leak credit of $65.70 for Jonathon Colby of 525 Bighorn Drive.

Highlead Block Party organizer Cody Mosher addressed the council regarding the upcoming block party and car show, tentatively scheduled for June 27.

Local resident Rob Clark again spoke to the council about his concerns regarding the placement of speed limit signs near the Thompson Falls Post Office. Clark, who was involved in a serious rear-end accident near the post office, emphasized public safety. 

“My concern mainly is for the citizens and the drivers,” Clark said. “If the 35 mph speed limit sign could possibly be moved past the post office.”

Mayor O’Conner explained that the roadway is a state highway and falls under the authority of the Montana Department of Transportation (DOT). She suggested referring the issue to the city’s Streets and Alleys Committee, which could coordinate with county and state officials. A motion by Ribeiro was approved directing Clark to submit a letter outlining his concerns. The city will then forward a letter to the DOT and Sanders County commissioners requesting consideration of safety improvements at the intersection.

A tentative date for Arbor Day and proclamation was set for May 7, with Ainsworth Park suggested as a tree-planting location.

Council members also received an update on the city’s Growth Policy (Comprehensive Plan), which was completed on Dec. 8, 2025. The Council was asked to approve a reimbursement pay application of $23,727.22 related to a grant received for updating the policy.

Council member DeWitt commented, “I see the importance of having a growth policy. I think we could have done better with more public input.”

Ribeiro added, “I think the growth policy does give the city direction. The input does come from the public. We might steer it or have our own suggestions as well. It’s a blueprint, and it’s important to have that. It doesn’t just sit and collect dust—it’s a useful document.”

The council also approved a reimbursement pay application of $16,430.75 for Phases 1 and 2 of the city’s water project.

    Raoul Ribeiro was reappointed as Thompson Falls City Council president during the reorganization of newly elected council members. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Cody Mosher, organizer of the annual Highlead Block Party and Car show, discusses the show tentatively scheduled for June 27. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)