Council discusses proposed container site

SWAN VALLEY – The comment period regarding the potential Condon Container Site continues for another 30 days on the Missoula County Voice website (https://missoulacountyvoice.com/). Currently comments and poll information indicate the majority of the community is opposed to the container site due to cost, said Dan Saari, Swan Valley Community Council secretary/treasurer, at the May 17 Swan Valley Community Council meeting.

The Condon Container Site proposal came about during meetings regarding the Swan Valley Plan draft which is now in front of the Missoula County Commissioners. At the time the community was working on the plan people were concerned about garbage disposal, said Kathy Koors Council Chair.

The website has a copy of the Condon Container Site power point presented at the April community council meeting for those who missed it. The process is still in the early stages, changes can be made to the current proposal, Saari said.

A community member expressed opposition to the site, not wanting it in their backyard and feels a site would be a bear attractant.

“It’s important for you to make a comment on the county website,” said Koors. “So, tell your neighbors, tell your friends, that is where you get your voice out.”

Some community members in attendance complained about notice for the meetings not reaching enough people. Koors commented that the meeting agenda is posted on the Community Hall bulletin board, Condon Post Office and Swan Valley Library and the meeting time is posted weekly in the Seeley Swan Pathfinder. It is also posted on the Swan Valley Montana Facebook page. Koors took responsibility for the late notice of the April meeting but reminded everyone the meetings are always the third Tuesday of the month unless there are no agenda items.

“I am new to being chair, so bear with me,” Koors said.

Another member commented that the Council should attempt to find ways to hold the meetings via Teams or Zoom for part time residents who want to be involved. Koors appointed Edward Klassen, community member, with the task of learning more about how to broadcast the meetings digitally.

In other items:

• Monica Tranel, candidate for the First Congressional District of Montana, introduced herself to the community. Other candidates were invited and either could not attend that evening or did not respond to the invitation.

• Klassen advised the Council that Missoula County Parks may have some money to spend for projects that need maintenance. They would like proposals with quotes by June but may be able to extend that deadline.

• John Tapp, Swan Valley Fire District board member, responded to a question regarding addresses being added to mailboxes. Tapp said Swan Valley Quick Response Unit and Fire Department began the process of putting in posts with address numbers pre-COVID and are looking to start again. The posts are valuable to QRU, even people who have been here 40 years don’t know where everyone lives any longer.

• Ken Donovan, community member, was asked to review the previously gathered information regarding a community shooting range.

• The board elected officers. Kathy Koors will remain as Chair, Marcia Tapp was elected Vice Chair and Dan Saari as Secretary/Treasurer. Tracy Woods agreed to write the minutes for the Council meetings.

The next meeting will be held June 21 at 6 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall. Tentative agenda items include Land Use Plan, invite Public Works Director Shane Stack regarding Condon Container Site and a presenter to provide information regarding living in bear country.