This week 32 years ago: Mission fires police chief, subdivisions proposed, Ronan lacks MOU

The Lake County Leader, September 8, 1994

Council cans police chief in Mission

ST. IGNATIUS - Police Chief Tim Nelson was fired from his position during Tuesday night's town council meeting here.

The council voted unanimously to approve police commissioner and council member Steve McCollum's decision to terminate Nelson. A unanimous vote followed, with no discussion on the issue.

Council member Dolly Frey admitted she found out about the firing just a few hours prior to the meeting, even though McCollum had made the decision last Friday.

Frey said she was not clear as to why the termination was established, yet she voted to approve it.

Council member Ken Hurt mentioned that when McCollum was appointed as police commissioner, he was given the authority to make hiring and firing decisions, and it would be inappropriate for the council to go against that authority.

Later, after the board approved Nelson's termination, an open discussion was permitted, although the board refused to comment.

Nelson — hired in March — asked the board why he was fired and received no response other than McCollum's reply, "You never performed duties the way I requested."

No specific information was offered.

Nelson informed the council that he has contacted Ronan's attorney, Phil Grainey and will appeal the decision.

He asked to be reinstated until the appeal process is completed, but the request was refused.

Various subdivisions proposed

POLSON - Two subdivision proposals will be examined Tuesday by the Polson City-County Planning Board.

•A public hearing will be held on Fairview Properties II, a major subdivision adjacent to the newer nine holes at the country club. Pack River plans three lots fronting Bayview Drive and three dozen more served by an extension of Hawk Lane off Montana Highway 35.

All lots would be annexed into the city and served by public sewer and water. The project would cover 13 acres. Legal description: Section 2, T.22 N., R.20 W.

•The board will also listen to an initial presentation on Casa Heights, an eight-lot major subdivision at the end of 14th Avenue East on the east edge of the city limits. Owners F.A. and Dolly Langton hope to create residential lots ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 square ft., to be served by city utilities.

A public hearing on Casa Heights is set for Oct. 11. Tuesday's meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the third-floor courthouse conference room. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Documents are available at the Land Services office in the courthouse. To make a written comment, write the department at 106 Fourth Avenue East, Polson, 59860.

Ronan defers retro vote

RONAN - If the Lake County Commissioners send an opinion against a retrocession memorandum of understanding to Gov. Marc Racicot, it'll be without the signature of Ronan's mayor.

Based on its attorney's recommendation, the city council voted Monday night not to sign a draft of the opinion proposed by the commissioners. However, the council also did not sign the memorandum of understanding, deciding to wait until its next scheduled meeting to vote on that.

Mayor George Atkinson missed the meeting Tuesday, and the council members simply want him to be present for that vote. As retrocession does not go into effect until Oct. 1, there is still time to wait for one more meeting.

If Ronan does not sign the memorandum of understanding, it stands to lose approximately $21,000 worth of fines and forfeitures, according to city attorney Rich Gebhardt and court clerk Kathy Stocking.

"I think it is in the best interest of the City of Ronan to sign the memorandum of understanding agreement as it is written," Gebhardt said …