Marina variance on commissioners' agenda today

After several contentious public hearings over the last seven months, a major lakeshore variance for what would be the largest marina on Flathead Lake finally goes to the Flathead County commissioners for a decision Monday.

Or, maybe not.

The variance was requested by Montana Eagle Development. If approved, it would allow the company to renovate and expand an existing marina on the north side of Lakeside across from Bierney Creek Road.

Earlier this month, the Flathead County Planning Board split its vote on the proposal, meaning it went to the commissioners without a positive recommendation.

Some board members felt the developers deserved "a reward" for renovating the dilapidated, 50-year-old facility; others said the proposal was excessive and questioned whether there was sufficient public benefit to warrant the numerous deviations from current lakeshore protection regulations that would be needed.

The commissioners are scheduled to take action on the variance, together with a related variance, Monday at 10 a.m.

However, they might have to postpone any action because of a procedural error: The lakeshore regulations clearly require the commissioners to hold another public hearing prior to approving or denying a major variance; to date that hearing has not taken place.

Tracy Sears-Tull, the county planner who is handling the application, said Friday that the variance was put on the commissioners' agenda while she was out of town. She expected it to be pulled from Monday's agenda and rescheduled.

Given the time it has taken to resolve this issue, Montana Eagle Development recently requested two emergency lakeshore construction permits to handle some of the renovation and repair work that needs to be done.

The permits, which were approved by the commissioners on Nov. 15, allow the company to install a new seawall on the north side of the property, under Rosario's restaurant, and to replace a wooden deck behind the former Bugsy's Pizza building with a new concrete deck.

The permit application for the seawall noted that, "due to an extreme erosion problem, the applicant is stressing the necessity to fix this portion of the seawall right away."

The new, concrete seawall will be built a maximum of three feet toward the lake beyond the existing seawall. The work is expected to be completed during low pool.

Montana Eagle Development is requesting another variance to pour a new concrete foundation for the Rosario's building, to replace the docks under the building, to renovate the interior and to upgrade the entryway and extend the roof over an exterior deck.

That request is also on the commissioners' agenda Monday at 10 a.m.

Reporter Bill Spence may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at bspence@dailyinterlake.com