City Commission debates 'Mansion' issue
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POLSON — The “Mansion,” the 26,000 square foot office building on top of Polson hill, was on the agenda again at the Nov. 21 city commissioners meeting. City commissioner Judy Preston submitted an agenda item asking for answers to questions raised about the mansion and its owner at the Oct. 17 meeting.
Preston wanted to know what permits were required and if they were filed as well as the amount of the impact fees and if they were paid.
Preston also asked what the proper procedure is when a property such as the mansion is annexed into the city and whether or not the procedure was followed.
Many members of the public have also voiced concerns about the issues.
Polson City Manager Todd Crossett answered Preston’s questions in writing and gave copies to the city commissioners.
A zoning conformance and a building permit (remodel) were filed, Crossett noted. A total of $5,704 in impact fees was assessed, but “staff has been unable to locate a receipt for payment,” Crossett wrote. The applicant, Mike Maddy, owner of the mansion, believes the fees were paid directly by the lending agency, Crossett said, so he has asked the bank to do some research and confirm.
As far as annexation, Crossett quoted Ordinance 637. The city governing body may vote to annex a percent into the City on the basis that it is contiguous to the City limits and/or on the basis of a petition. In this case Crossett said, the property was contiguous; and the owner requested annexation. It also appears, Crossett explained, from reviewing the staff report and the minutes, that it was annexed in a manner consistent with City ordinance and Montana Code.
At the meeting Preston also questioned whether the mansion had been assessed for impact fees at its full square footage. She also brought up the Aug. 3, 2009 minutes where Joyce Weaver, Polson City Planner, commented she had heard there was building activity. Even though zoning had been changed from residential to transitional, Weaver said the owner still had to apply for a special use permit.
“The acting city manager, James Raymond, actually waived the permit. It doesn’t smell right,” Preston continued.
Mayor DeVries injected that after reading the minutes of April 6, it clearly said the mansion’s main access would be Ridgewater, and Skyline Drive would be for emergency access only.
“The commissioners at that time made the decision,’ DeVries said,” and we can’t go back and make requirements … I don’t know where we can go from here,” DeVries added.
During public comment, Murat Kalinyaprat reminded the commissioners that when some of the mistakes were being made community members pointed them out.
“I believe that anybody who broke the rules knowingly should be punished,” Kalinyaprat stated.
Noting that he was serving on the zoning commission at the time, Commissioner John Campbell said he didn’t remember anybody coming and objecting. He also said the business provides 21 jobs.
In other business Acting Polson Police Chief introduced two new staff members, Personnel Officer Michele Scott and Civilian Assistant Hazeez “Z” Rafiu.
The commissioners also approved a three-year time extension for the Dotson two-lot subdivision and scheduled the city manager’s review on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. Public comments will be first, and then the commissioners will go into executive session since the review is a personnel matter.
The next Polson City Commissioners meeting will be on Dec. 5.
