Agenda is form not function

Having watched from the sidelines, I'd like to present a few observations regarding what appears to be some heavy-handed behavior of the Whitefish city council, planning board and the entities they enlist.

It seems that the primary agenda is one more of form than function.

We live on Baker Avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets. There is a 20-foot setback enforced from the alley behind us. The properties to the north and to the south of us have structures on, or within a few feet of, the municipal line.

What does the city have to gain by this adjusted setback? We are limited to building on no more than 35 percent of our property. What if we only pay 35 percent of our property tax?

There is this tragic conversation about the watershed in Whitefish. Many people have property that will be affected. I can't help but believe that the proponents of this complex and nebulous document are using water quality as a front.

What they want to see is a charming little town for outsiders to fall in love with and invest in. Lots of trees and such.

Not that there is anything wrong with a nice park-like atmosphere, but to mandate it from private property owners is contrary to the ownership of property.

I find it interesting that John Muhlfeld suggested to Safeway that they reduce the square footage of their store to justify more landscaping. Really. It is all on video. What is the motivation of such thought?

This is not water quality. It is about form, not function.

If water quality was the true objective here, there are much more important fields of maintenance. If we really want to improve the quality of our water(ways), maybe we should consider restricting the amount of de-icer we use on our roads that finds its way directly into the storm drain system.

How about restricting the amounts of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer used in copious amounts on the municipal and private golf courses. What about the unmanaged oiling of roads for dust control?

These elements are far more volatile to our waterways than the rain that is going to land on your property, and find its own natural level anyway.

Daniel Talago is a resident of Whitefish.