The de-icer is cheaper than the stuff the Streets Division currently uses on roads, and members of the Missoula City Council offered the street superintendent an opportunity to test the granular product for 90 days. They plan to talk more later about permanent changes in how the city keeps streets ice-free. The Missoula City-County Health Department backed the change, but some councilors aren't convinced it's safe.
“This is a very serious issue with public health,” said Ward 3 Councilwoman Stacy Rye. “I'm not convinced that it's necessary. I'm certainly not convinced that it's safe.” The city now uses liquid magnesium chloride on icy streets.
The emergency 90-day ordinance passed 10-2, with Rye and Ward 1 Councilman Dave Strohmaier in opposition because they want to know more about de-icers before giving their thumbs up.
During the regular council meeting, the governing body also adopted the Urban Fringe Development Area project, or UFDA, though some council members said the plan is highly suspect as an infill tool. One councilwoman announced she is convinced a smaller West Broadway is a safer one after hearing that a vehicle hit a pedestrian crossing the street last week. Another alderman pleaded with Fish, Wildlife and Parks to extend the elk season, and others called on the public to pay attention to the zoning rewrite.
At the meeting, council adopted UFDA on a 7-5 vote as an amendment to the 2005 Missoula County Growth Policy. They did so after offering praise for the Office of Planning and Grants and also skepticism that the document would be used to regulate development. In opposition were Ward 2 Councilman John Hendrickson, Ward 4 Councilors Jon Wilkins and Lyn Hellegaard, and Ward 5 Councilors Dick Haines and Renee Mitchell.
“This opens the door for infill. That's why we're concerned about it,” Hellegaard said.
Opponents said the adoption was hasty, given that the zoning rewrite was under way. However, they also praised the in-depth work by OPG staff. Several planning efforts are in the works at City Hall, and Hendrickson described UFDA as having gotten the “best bang for the buck,” though he didn't back the amendment. Members of the minority also questioned its necessity.
Ward 3 Councilman Bob Jaffe, however, said when he was campaigning for office, citizens complained that Missoula was reacting to growth. The planning efforts put the city in a position of being proactive instead of reactive.
During comments from council members, Ward 2 Councilwoman Pam Walzer said she supported the Broadway “diet,” even though it might lose her some votes. The infamous diet cut part of the road down to three lanes a few years ago, with advocates touting its safety and opponents saying the reconstruction hurt businesses in the area.
Last week, a pedestrian was hit while trying to cross a wider stretch of the road near the Missoula County Courthouse, Walzer said. The person was lucky to survive, but it's harder to see pedestrians when they're walking across that many lanes and they aren't guaranteed drivers will stop.
“I think a three-lane Broadway is a pretty good idea,” Walzer said.
Reporter Keila Szpaller can be reached at 523-5262 or at keila.szpaller@missoulian.com.
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Alison wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:18 AM:
" My question is: what does the city of Missoula have against gravel? It's not toxic! Instead of arguing about what chemicals are better or worse, just use gravel. It's about as "natural" as you can get.
Also, has anyone calculated the danger of using whatever chemical vs. the danger of people driving around on slick roads? 'Cos I know for sure that THAT is dangerous. "
Also, has anyone calculated the danger of using whatever chemical vs. the danger of people driving around on slick roads? 'Cos I know for sure that THAT is dangerous. "
Fred Garvin wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:40 AM: