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METALINE FALLS — The regular session of the Town Council of Metaline Falls was called to order at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, by Mayor Tara Leininger. Present were council members Tessin Maxwell, Fran Maxwell and Sam McGeorge; Council member Blake McAnerin came shortly afterwards. Also attending were clerk treasurer Edward Estrada and maintenance director Monte Rice, as well as several citizens.
There were no regular reports from the Pend Oreille Sheriff’s Office or the council Commissioner.
Regular business of the council included approval of the minutes of the October meeting, the financial reports for September and October and the payment of invoices for September and October.
Rice updated the council on the need for Fire District No. 2 to move an engine so the Christmas tree can be moved out.
The wastewater lagoons are operating normally.
Tessin Maxwell updated the council on the need to update Ordinances #349, #332 and #331 to bring them into action.
This is part of an ongoing project by Fran Maxwell on updating all ordinances, resolutions and policies in the coming year. Both Tessin Maxwell and Estrada were praised by Fran Maxwell for their continued work on the budget and the financial recording system.
The Toledya-K Park sitting area was completed on this date. It meets the approval of McGeorge, co-chair of the project on behalf of Roger Aydelott, as well as the mayor and other council members.
Further development of the lower level will happen in the future.
The mayor congratulated the newly elected and re-elected candidates. A formal swearing-in ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan.
1, New Year’s Day. The public will be invited to attend. Mayor Leininger also reminded all the council and the mayor- elect that they are required to complete the AWC Elected Officials class.
The mayor hosted the Selkirk Elementary fourth grade on Tuesday, Nov.
18. She also noted that the elf volunteers will begin work at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 19, with Nancy Kiss as the lead volunteer.
A representative of the Pend Oreille Conservation District presented information on their work with the Metaline Falls Community Garden, with the hope that the town would join in the district. There is no fee or dues, and no regulatory oversight by the district.
This will be placed on the agenda for the December meeting.
With no other business before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
The next meeting of the Metaline Falls Town Council will be at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 in the Metaline Falls Town Hall.
Budget hearing focused on lights
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Metaline Falls Town Council held a public hearing on the upcoming 2026 budget. The main concern by the 13 individuals who attended was the proposal to turn off most of the streetlights in the town. Worries about student and senior safety, especially in winter, wild animals along the river edge and across the railroad tracks and security and crime issues were all presented.
Questions about “turning back on” costs will be confirmed. It was also noted that in some areas, there are too many lights.
Mayor Leininger suggested a “light walkabout” for those wanting to have further input.
There will be several of these in the next two weeks so people will have a chance to share their concerns. The idea will be to choose various lights to actually turn off and see which ones are important to leave on. While this will not save as much funds as a general shut-off, the idea was met with approval by those gathered.
The “walk-about” will happen at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Sunday, Nov.
30 and Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Those interested should gather at the Metaline Falls Town Hall.
The rest of the budget hearing addressed clarification on property taxes and other sources of income for the town.
The mayor allowed the meeting to run over the appointed time but ended the public hearing at 6:10 p.m. The final budget hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.
9 at the Metaline Falls Town Hall.
For more information, contact the town hall at 509-446-2211 or townmetalinefalls@ outlook. com.
Elf work begins
Volunteers interested in helping with the Metaline Falls Christmas elf displays can gather starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Metaline Falls Town Hall. Additional work dates will continue Nov.
19, 20 and 21 as needed, all starting at 9 a.m.
The backgrounds will be in place, including moving the largest from the north side of Fifth to the south side next to the Falls Market. Elf repair and other necessary work will also be done at this time.
Following the displays are also the instillation of several new Christmas trees and lights donated by Ellie Grass, as well as other decorations.
If you have any questions about the volunteer work, contact the Metaline Falls Town Hall at 509446-2211 or Mayor Tara Leininger at 509-5891044.
