The Columbia Falls City Council on Tuesday approved a suite of financial and public‑safety measures and advanced multiple ordinances at first reading, including new local rules aimed at regulating electric micro‑vehicles and an ordinance creating a local offense for committing domestic violence in view of a minor.

By roll call, council approved Resolution 19‑56 to formalize Glacier Bank signing authority and to allow department credit cards with an aggregate limit up to $50,000, subject to monthly reconciliations and finance oversight. “This gives the department heads a credit card that I manage, set lower limits, increase if they need to,” Jessica told the council, describing controls and reconciliation processes. Council discussed card custody and theft risks and approved the resolution unanimously.

The council also approved Resolution 19‑55 creating a special revenue fund (2955) to track a federal DUI‑officer grant of $165,002.63; the fund will cover salaries, overtime, equipment, communications and related expenses for grant‑eligible activities.

On public‑safety ordinances, Police Chief Bill introduced Ordinance 8‑35, which would make it a local offense to commit acts of domestic violence when seen or heard by a minor (under 18), with penalties ranging from two to 15 days in jail and a $500 bond. “This ordinance is about holding adults accountable for committing acts of domestic violence in front of children,” the chief said. Council approved the ordinance on first reading and will consider subsequent readings.

Council also advanced a set of ordinances (8‑36 through 8‑39) clarifying that operators of e‑bikes, scooters and similar devices on public roadways are subject to vehicle laws, requiring helmets for riders under 18 (citing Montana Code provisions), prohibiting motorized non‑pedal vehicles on sidewalks, and enabling an administrative 10 mph limit on sidewalks and shared pathways where pedestrians and pedal‑cyclists mix. The chief and city attorney explained definitions drawn from the Montana Code Annotated and corrected a typographical error in the fines schedule; the council approved first readings by voice votes.

Councilors agreed to open the e‑bike ordinances to public comment at the next meeting so residents may ask questions before the second readings and final votes.

Votes at a glance
• Resolution 19‑56 (banking authority, credit cards): approved (roll call; unanimous).
• Resolution 19‑55 (DUI grant fund 2955, $165,002.63): approved (roll call; unanimous).
• Ordinance 8‑35 (domestic‑violence exposure, first reading): approved (first reading).
• Ordinance 8‑36 (e‑bike/vehicle law clarifications, first reading): approved (first reading).
• Ordinance 8‑37 (sidewalk/pathway speed limits and device limits, first reading): approved (first reading).
• Ordinance 8‑38 (fine corrections and parental notification provisions, first reading): approved with correction noted.
• Ordinance 8‑39 (related device/definition clarifications, first reading): approved (first reading).

Council indicated most of the ordinance items will return for public comment and final votes at future meetings; staff will post materials and accept public input ahead of second readings.