Question: When does the City Commission meet?
Answer: The City Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Their meeting place is the Commission Chambers located on the second floor of the Civic Center.
Often times, the City Commission will have a work session immediately preceding the regular meeting. The work session usually begins at 5:45 p.m. and lasts until about 7:00 p.m. Most of the time, the Commission has the work session in the Gibson Room located on the second floor of the Civic Center. However, once in a while it is moved to either another room or location. Watch the local newspaper for any changes in locations.
See Also: City Commission Meetings
Question: Who is my Commissioner?
Answer: In Great Falls, all the Commissioners are elected at-large. This means that you vote for five, and you have five representing you on the Commission.
Question: How do I find out what political party each Commissioner is affiliated with?
Answer: The City Commissioners are elected on a non-partisan basis. This means that they do not have to declare any type of party affiliation to run for office, nor should party affiliation become an issue in the election.
Question: How do I run for Mayor or Commissioner?
Answer: Elections for City government are held in the uneven years. To file for Mayor or Commission one must meet the minimum voting requirements as well as live within the incorporated boundaries of the city. Applications for office are located in the Elections office in the Cascade County Courthouse Annex located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 3rd Street. A small filing fee is charged.
Question: How do I find out what is on the Commission's agenda?
Answer: The agendas are available to the public on the Friday immediately preceding a Commission meeting. Oftentimes, information about the agenda can be obtained by calling the City Clerk or the City Manager's office at 771-1180.
See Also: Online Agenda
See Also: City Commission Meetings
Question: How do I get on the Commission agenda?
Answer: On each agenda is an item called "Petitions and Communications." This item is designated for anyone in the audience who would like to address the Commission for any reason. Oftentimes citizens bring new ideas for ordinances and resolutions to the Commission during this portion of the meeting. If this occurs, the City Commission will direct the City Manager to work with the citizen to formalize the idea and prepare it for Commission action.
Question: I want to become involved in my community. How can I become involved in the many boards/commissions who advise the City Commission?
Answer: Board openings occur throught the year. In order to receive an appointment, the City Commission needs to know you are interested. One of the ways to let them know is to pick up a Board Application in the City Manager's office. You can apply for one board specifically and all the boards generally. All applications are kept on file for one year unless you ask staff to renew your application.
See Also: Board Openings
See Also: Boards and Commissions
Question: How can I have an ordinance changed?
Answer: Many times ordinance changes come from someone in the public who has a great idea. The Commission encourages people to call City Staff if they would like to work on an ordinance change. Adoption of an ordinance requires at least two readings and many times a public hearing. Staff is very willing to work with you to draft the necessary documents and make the presentations to the City Commission for action.
Question: Sometimes I just don't know who to call to get my question answered about a City service and the phone book doesn't help at all. Is there a number I can call to get general information?
Answer: There are several numbers to call. The first is the main switchboard number and the operator may be able to assist you in locating the person you need to speak to. That number is 771-1180. The City Manager's and City Clerk's office may also be of assistance. Their numbers are 455-8450 and 455-8451 respectively.
Finally, another number to call is the Complaint Line number. That is 453-1671. The Complaint Line is a service implemented several years ago. The purpose of the Complaint Line is to offer one centralized location for anyone to "complain" or seek additional information regarding a service provided by the City. Staff answering the phone is well versed on City operations and will coordinate communication between the appropriate division and the caller.
See Also: Ask A Question
See Also: Complaint Line
Have another question? Just ask!
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