#ColumbiaFallsFlatheadCounty hashtag - Bluesky

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1 week ago

Columbia Falls staff proposes citywide short‑term rental permit, $250 annual fee and data contract City staff proposed a single citywide short‑term rental permit (regardless of zoning), stepped enforcement, a proposed $250 annual permit fee to fund administration, and a new data‑collection contract with Deckard Technologies; council asked staff to continue drafting zoning changes and return with fee details.

Columbia Falls is proposing a citywide short-term rental permit with a new $250 fee and a data-driven strategy to tackle rapid growth – will this reshape the vacation rental landscape?

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1 week ago

MDT recommends new 30 mph zone through Columbia Falls; council to review report Montana Department of Transportation recommended creating a single 30 mph urban zone that would combine existing 25- and 35-mph segments on US 2 through Columbia Falls, while leaving 45- and 55-mph segments unchanged; city staff will review the report and submit comments within the 60‑day window.

Columbia Falls may see a new 30 mph speed limit through town, but concerns for pedestrian safety are raising alarms among residents and council members.

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2 months ago

Consultant summarizes focus‑group findings; planners outline state‑driven zoning changes Cushing Terrell summarized focus‑group findings highlighting housing shortages, river and trails preservation, childcare constraints, and options to ease lot sizes and ADU rules. City planners outlined state bills that mandate permitting ADUs/duplexes and increase commercial heights and altered parking requirements, shaping the forthcoming land‑use code rewrite.

Columbia Falls is at a crossroads as new state laws reshape local zoning, impacting housing availability, river access, and community growth!

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2 months ago

Columbia Falls planning commission opens wide-ranging short‑term rental policy discussion; staff outlines enforcement limits and options City staff reported 121 short‑term rental units identified, $3.2 million in reported gross lodging revenue and $96,000 in resort tax receipts, and proposed tools ranging from tiered permits and seasonal rules to required platform registration. Commissioners signaled interest in owner‑occupied priority and attrition‑based grandfathering while stressing enforcement capacity must match policy.

Columbia Falls is grappling with the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability, as city staff propose new regulations to balance income opportunities with compliance challenges.

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2 months ago

Columbia Falls reviews land-use survey: residents prioritize open space and affordable housing At a Jan. 26 joint workshop, consultants presented a 374-response community survey and existing-conditions analysis; residents and officials commended the outreach but raised concerns about housing affordability, short-term rentals, protecting wildlife corridors and implications of recent state zoning changes.

Columbia Falls residents are rallying for open space and affordable housing, as a recent survey reveals critical insights that could shape the city's future!

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2 months ago

Columbia Falls approves $9.41 million Gateway-to-Glacier safety and mobility contract despite $947,658 budget gap The council authorized the city manager to sign a $9,411,191 construction contract with Nelcon for the Gateway-to-Glacier safety and mobility project; staff said the bid exceeds current project funds by $947,658 and proposed using TIF funds and FY27 budget actions to cover the shortfall while extending completion to Sept. 30, 2027.

Columbia Falls City Council has greenlit a $9.41 million contract for the Gateway-to-Glacier project, despite facing a $947,658 budget shortfall!

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4 months ago

Columbia Falls planning commission forwards housing needs study to city council after presentation and public comment The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a housing needs study presented by consultant Wendy Sullivan to the City Council for further public hearing. Residents raised concerns about short public-notice and urged greater outreach; the consultant outlined recommended tools including density bonuses, partnerships and targeted incentives.

Columbia Falls is taking a bold step towards addressing its housing crisis by forwarding a pivotal needs study to the City Council—could this be the solution to soaring prices and limited availability?

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4 months ago

Columbia Falls kicks off state-required land-use plan update; consultants outline schedule, outreach and next steps Cushing Terrell presented a six- to eight-month schedule to update Columbia Falls's land-use plan to comply with the Montana Land Use Planning Act; the project website and online survey (open through Dec. 11) were launched and residents pressed for stronger outreach, notices and attention to housing affordability and natural resources.

Columbia Falls is gearing up for a crucial land-use plan update, inviting residents to shape the future of their community through an online survey available until December 11!

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5 months ago

Columbia Falls planning board recommends draft public participation plan, residents press for clearer definitions and notice The Columbia Falls Planning Board held a public hearing on a draft Public Participation Plan (SP382), heard multiple residents urge clearer definitions of who counts as the 'public' and better notification methods, and voted to recommend the plan to the City Council for final approval.

Columbia Falls residents are demanding clarity and stronger communication after the Planning Board recommends a draft Public Participation Plan that raises more questions than answers.

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5 months ago

Council schedules land-use planning meetings; asks staff to explore limits on short-term rentals City announced Nov. 13 joint council/planning commission kickoff and Nov. 20 water/sewer open house as part of a broad land-use update; councilors asked staff to research zoning-based limits on short-term rentals (VRBO/Airbnb).

Columbia Falls is gearing up for crucial land-use planning meetings that could reshape the future of short-term rentals in our community!

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5 months ago

Columbia Falls council approves $100,000 contract with Cushing Terrell for land‑use planning The Columbia Falls City Council approved a $100,000 contract with Cushing Terrell to serve as the city’s land‑use planning consultant, after staff described budget cuts that removed some outreach and mapping tasks and residents voiced concern about reduced in‑person engagement.

Columbia Falls just greenlit a $100,000 contract for land-use planning, but some residents are worried about the cuts to public engagement opportunities!

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8 months ago

Columbia Falls Fire Department appoints Corinne Stewart and Larry Logan as safety officers Columbia Falls Fire Department names Corinne Stewart and Larry Logan to leadership roles.

Historic changes are underway in the Columbia Falls Fire Department as Corinne Stewart becomes the first female lieutenant, paving the way for a new era of leadership and inclusivity.

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8 months ago

Columbia City Council Approves New Collective Bargaining Agreements For Police and Teamsters City Council approves three-year contracts for Fraternal Order of Police and Teamsters Union.

The Columbia Falls City Council has just approved significant wage increases and new collective bargaining agreements that could reshape the city's workforce dynamics!

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8 months ago

Police Chief Highlights Officer Cream's Academy Achievements at Council Meeting Officer Cream graduates with honors and begins solo duty as police force expands.

Columbia Falls is buzzing with excitement as Officer Cream steps into solo patrol after graduating with honors, promising a safer community for all!

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8 months ago

Columbia Falls City Council Reviews Budget, Tree Removal, and Safety Mobility Project City council discusses budget hearings, tree removal, and upcoming safety mobility initiatives.

Columbia Falls is buzzing with plans to enhance community safety, boost tourism, and tackle environmental challenges—discover how the city is shaping its future!

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8 months ago

Columbia Falls Council Addresses Park Access and Waste Management Concerns Council discusses improving signage for River's Edge Park and managing sludge disposal issues.

Columbia Falls city council is tackling vital community issues, from park access improvements to environmental challenges in waste management—how will these decisions shape the future of our city?

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8 months ago

Fire Department Appoints Bradley Lewis as Probationary Volunteer Firefighter Bradley Lewis accepted as probationary member of Salvationary Volunteer Fire Department.

Columbia Falls takes a bold step in community safety by appointing Bradley Lewis as a probationary volunteer firefighter, bringing fresh energy and experience to the team!

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8 months ago

Council Faces Concerns Over Second Avenue Hillside Stability After Slope Failure City Council discusses hillside stability and drainage issues following a recent slope failure.

Columbia Falls residents are sounding the alarm over hillside stability and stormwater management after recent development raises serious environmental concerns.

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9 months ago

Columbia Falls City Council considers zone change for Lazy Day mobile home park Council reviews request to change zoning from light industrial to general commercial for redevelopment.

Columbia Falls is on the brink of a major transformation as the City Council considers a zoning change that could turn the Lazy Day mobile home park into a thriving commercial hub!

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10 months ago

Council approves residential zoning change at 394 Railroad Street after final meeting Council members unanimously approve Ordinance 8 33 for residential zoning in final vote.

Columbia Falls City Council just approved a major zoning change that promises to boost family housing and enhance local habitats—find out how this decision will shape the community!

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10 months ago

City Council appoints Sydney Maloffi as probationary volunteer firefighter Council approves appointment of Sydney Maloffi as a new volunteer firefighter.

Columbia Falls makes strides in community safety by appointing Sydney Maloffi as a new volunteer firefighter, while also gearing up for a public budget hearing that invites resident input!

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10 months ago

New York City Council approves resolution for marriage days 2025 City Council unanimously approves resolution 19 46 for marriage days in 2025.

Columbia Falls is gearing up for an unforgettable Marriage Days celebration in 2025, thanks to a unanimous vote from the City Council to embrace community spirit and local traditions!

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10 months ago

City Council addresses abandoned property and critical well maintenance issues Council discusses abandoned property danger and urgent repairs needed for Horine well system

Columbia Falls City Council is tackling urgent safety threats from abandoned properties and critical water supply issues that could impact the entire community.

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10 months ago

Columbia Falls plans children's memorial garden at Walpette Court City council approves design for Wildcat Children's Memorial Garden to enhance local park.

A beautiful new Children's Memorial Garden is on the way in Columbia Falls, thanks to a dedicated local Life Scout who has designed a serene space for reflection and community gathering.

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10 months ago

Columbia Falls Habitat for Humanity outlines new affordable housing development plans Habitat for Humanity details plans for six affordable homes in Columbia Falls addressing local needs.

Columbia Falls is on the brink of transformation as Habitat for Humanity unveils plans for six new affordable homes aimed at uplifting the community!

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10 months ago

City staff outline $10 million Glacier Gateway Mobility Project and public engagement plans City discusses $10 million project and strategies for community engagement in upcoming years.

Columbia Falls is taking bold steps to address urgent utility issues and launch a $10 million safety project while urging community involvement—are you ready to make your voice heard?

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