Scott Dunkelberger, contract engineer with WWC Engineering, presented the council with a 90% design to convert an existing gravel pile near Flower Creek into a formal parking area serving the Nordic ski trails and recreation users.

Dunkelberger said the project’s primary goal is to "protect the city of Libby’s source water supply at Flower Creek." The design includes watershed analysis that, he said, indicates upstream drainage will not route large storm events through the site. A detention pond cited in the plans is sized to capture the 100-year storm, and the contract will require a SWIP (storm water protection plan) with temporary BMPs such as silt fences and straw wattles during construction.

Joe Taylor, president of the Kootenay Cross Country Ski Club, told the council the club uses the trails and depends on safe, adequate parking for school buses and events. "Safe adequate parking is important for the school bus that drops off the Cooney Outdoor Adventure program kids," Taylor said, urging support for improved access and facilities.

Other proponents including Jared Lampton, vice president of the ski club, and representatives of the Libby Outdoor Recreation Association described existing uncontrolled parking, trash and occasional unsafe activity at the site, calling the current gravel pile an "eyesore" and urging conversion to usable parking with signage. Tony Patricia, who spoke for the recreation association, said the group will pursue permanent easements and grant opportunities to support trail connections and related facilities.

Public commenters and some council members asked how the city will maintain the lot after construction, including plowing and cleanup. One resident asked bluntly, "If this goes through, who's going to maintain a parking lot?" Proponents noted the site is city property and suggested maintenance would fall to the city, while also suggesting that converting and improving the site could discourage inappropriate behavior.

The council was told the NRDP (Natural Resource Damage Program) funds proposed for the project would cover the construction scope within the NRDP budget and a 15% contingency; staff said further cost detail and a construction-phase bid package would follow. Scott Dunkelberger said balancing pad elevation and footprint was part of staying within the proposed construction budget.

The council did not vote on the project. Mayor Williams stated the item was on the agenda for discussion only and that the design and related materials will return for consideration and possible action at the next meeting.