City, County Officials To Hear From State Candidates

A legislative luncheon, featuring candidates who won their primary elections, is scheduled to take place in Sidney on July 13.

Sidney Mayor Rick Norby said Tim Burton, the Montana League of Cities and Towns’ executive director, is organizing the meeting so city and county officials can discuss issues with candidates.

Norby said he expects about 15 communities to be represented at the meeting.

In other business during the Sidney City Council meeting on June 6:

• A resident of the 300 block of 10th Avenue SW requested the city handle a dog issue in his neighborhood. He described the situation as a safety concern.

“I’m not here to talk about having a dog put down or a voice box removed,” he said. “I’m not that kind of guy.”

The resident, however, thought there could be penalties such as mandatory obedience school or mandatory relocation of the animal.

Sidney Police Chief Frank DiFonzo said police have handled the situation and the dogs’ owner is scheduled to be in court this month. He encouraged the resident and other neighbors to attend the hearing if they desire.

“It’s up to the court whether he can keep the dogs or not,” DiFonzo said. The owner was also cited last fall for similar offenses. “He’s back to his tricks so we will send him back to court.”

Norby told the resident that the city couldn’t do much different with penalties except increase fines.

• DiFonzo said “Children At Play” signs will be added at the entry way of the Fisher Trailer Court.

There are already 15 miles per hour speed limit signs posted in the area.

• Public works director Jeff Hintz said CTEP funds will be used to improve sidewalks by West Side Elementary School along with improvements at Quillings Park and Hansen Park.

• Council members debated whether to keep $10,000 in the city’s State Transportation Improvement Program fund.

After council member Deb Gilbert said she feels the funds should remain where they are, council member Dan Smith made a motion to move the funds into another account and consolidate the funds. The motion was seconded by council member Tami Christensen and approved by a 4-1 margin.

“I don’t know what it’s hurting sitting there,” said Gilbert, who was the only member voting against the motion.

• Library director Kelly Reisig discussed all the programs offered at the public library. She said the library has received $3,000 in community donations for summer reading program prizes.

She highlighted programs for seniors, toddlers and distance learning. The library serves an average of 6,000 residents per month, which is up by 1,000 per month compared to last year.

“We need to expand our space,” Reisig said.

Surveys and counts are taking place regarding if the library’s operating hours should change.

“We certainly welcome any comments or feedback,” Reisig said.

The library has recently received an excellent rating for library services to communities. Reisig said the library’s internet speed is going to increase. The only public library in Montana that will be as fast for internet is Billings.

 

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