Whitefish studies limits on cellphones

A proposed ban on the use of cell phones and other handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle within Whitefish city limits is the focus of a public hearing tonight at the Whitefish City Council meeting.

Last month the council asked the city staff to investigate possible options to prohibit cell phone use while driving in Whitefish. The result was a proposed ordinance prohibiting the use of all handheld electronic devices while driving.

Elsewhere in Montana, Billings and Butte prohibit the use of any electronic communications devices while driving. Missoula also has addressed the issue but amended an earlier ordinance banning cell phone use to a more narrow prohibition of texting while driving or riding a bike.

Whitefish City Manager Chuck Stearns noted in his council report that the proposed ordinance only restricts handheld devices and doesn't preclude the use of headsets.

A second public hearing on the agenda focuses on an ordinance to approve various amendments to the Whitefish sign code. The changes deal with allowing for the temporary removal and repair of nonconforming signs and to provide additional variance criteria to allow for signs that have historic or community significance.

The council will begin the meeting with a program review of Eagle Transit given by transit director David Polansky.

A proposal to change the parking lot at Central Avenue and Third Street from a two-hour limit to three hours will be considered.

The council meets in special session at 6 p.m. to interview a candidate for the tree advisory committee. At 6:15 p.m. the discussion focuses on a Verizon cell tower location. The regular meeting begins at 7:10 p.m. All meetings are at Whitefish City Hall.