City Business . . .

Taken from the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting of City Council, City of Scobey, Montana held Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. at City

Hall.

REGULAR MEETING

Mayor Morgan Lekvold called the meeting to order with councilmen Scott Fishell, Seth Axtman, Paul Landeraaen and Jon Baker present. Also, in attendance were Tammi Fladager, Bridget Norby, Brian French, Kurt Nelson, Niki Larson, Greg Crowder, Eric Linder, Fire Chief Wyatt Wilder, Undersheriff Clint Lowe, City Attorney Ben Fosland, PWDSteveBerrethandClerk Sonya M. Southland.

PublicComment– Mayor Lekvold presented a letter in opposition to amend the zoning to add retail businesses to light industrial from Melissa Quinlan. Mayor Lekvold clarified that the Council is not voting on the Dollar Store building as a retail business in light industrial zone.They are considering would a change to the current zoning to allow retail businesses as a permitted use in the light industrial zone be beneficial. Eric Linder asked if the city has plans to encourage industrial businesses into that zone. If they allow retail businesses as a permitted use also, he feels it may not allow for enough room for industrial businesses in that zone. He feels focus should be on promoting and developingMainStreet.Tammi Fladager supports Council and its City-Wide City Pride campaign and to please keep that in mind while considering this proposed change. Councilman Axtman asked about the square footage of this proposed business?

PWD stated 10,000 sq. feet, but he is under the understanding this project is on hold right now. Councilman Baker asked if the issue is that particular store there or any retail store there? He also stated public input is important and the city has to look at the issues including legal components, noting there is thewillofpeopleandwhatwe can and can’t do. Eric restated his concerns of a limited number of lots available into light industrial zone where industrial businesses would be able to build – if we add another use there will be less room. What would happen to the truck parking if that lot is changed to a retail business and a parking lot where will these trucks go – we are an ag based community.

Councilman Baker stated Scobey is the best little town. A comment was made that Main Street looks terrible especially where the “weed patch” is on the north end of Main Street and general consensus was there should be a focus on revitalizing our Main Street.

Mayor Lekvold said proponents he has heard from, have stated we need more shopping options here and argued that maybe people would shop more locally if more shopping options were available. Council’s main concern is what we want the city to look like in the future while not want to hinde...