January 13, 2004 | February 11, 2004 | March 9, 2004 | April 13, 2004 | May 11, 2004 | June 1, 2004 | November 9, 2004 | December 1, 2004
Neighborhood Council #1
December 14, 2004
Monthly meetings at Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Lynda Sowell
Pearl Konesky
Residents and others in attendance:
Aunchey Finlayson
George Littlefield
Tane Bunker
Shayla Sykes
Joe Vachal
Jackie Vachal
-Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:00M
-Minutes from November's meeting were approved.
- George Littlefield presented his case for the doubling fines when speeding in a school zone. Mr. Littlefield has written many letters to legislators, law enforcement officials and others regarding this issue. He has studied the success Washington state has had with this additional fine law. He also presented how the extra revenue would be spread between the general state fund (50%), education programs (25%) and local law enforcement (25%).
- The council decided to pledge it's support for this law that would increase in fines for speeding in school zones. Randy Kuiper will contact legislators. Lynda Sowell is drafting a letter of support.
- Dawn M. Handa, a probation and parole officer with the Montana Department of Corrections, gave a presentation on sex offenders in our area. The presentation included how the department is handling released sex offenders of all tiers, how we can use the state website to find out if an offender lives in our area and a great deal of other educational material. Dawn Handa can be reached at 268-3222. She would open to repeat the presentation for groups other than neighborhood councils.
- Joe Vachal reported to us that the Airport Authority didn't apply for a grant to insulate houses in their impact area because not enough complaints were filed. Lynda Sowell believes that there are definitely more concerned people than it appears. Some people from the West Hill area plan to go door-to-door getting signatures stating that the noise is a problem in the area. Joe would like to have someone from the Airport Authority present at council.
> Meeting adjourned at 8:35PM
Neighborhood Council No.1
Meeting at Meadowlark School
November 9, 2004
Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Lynda Sowell
Pearl Konesky
Residents and others in attendance:
Robert Lee
Mick Johnson
Marty Basta
Ben Rangel
Joe Murphy
Dave Dobbs
Courtney Ramstead
Amy Neill
Gloria Smith
-Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:02PM
-Joe Murphy gave a presentation regarding the Town Pump's intention to build a new truck stop/travel center across from the Crystal Inn. The current building (The Pop In) will be razed. A traffic analysis for feasibility was conducted. The estimated ground breaking is spring 2005. A hearing concerning the annexation of 9.4 acres into the city is set for November 23rd at 3PM in the civic center commission chambers. This is preliminary to being brought before the commission.
Some concerns were raised regarding the traffic study and whether or not it considered the traffic from MANG.
Public Works Director Jim Reardan and the City/County Planning Director Ben Rangel gave a presentation on traffic concerns in our area.
-West Hill: The Swanson family is planning added development to the West Hill neighborhood. In doing feasibility studies the factors considered include figuring the estimted number of added cars, the number of trips daily and the percentage made during peak hours. The new development is a proposed 35 homes added to the current 120. According to Rangel, "there is not a great deal of impact from our perspective." Another issues that will be considered is the noise proofing needed given the close proximity to the airport.
The developer must apply with the planning department for annexation and development before going to the planning board and then the commission.
District Administrator with the Montana DOT, Mick Johnson is having experts look at the intersection of 1st West Hill and McIver Rd. to see what potential there might be to make changes there to improve the West Hill traffic flow. Lynda Sowell pointed out that the above intersection is a huge issue not only for traffic flow reasons but because of the poor visibility when looking to the west.
Ben Rangel discuss possible expansion of the River's Edge Trail. The expansion would extend the trail along the west bank of the Missouri River, looping under the Sun River bridge on 6th St. SW and continuing on the Burlington Northern right of way to Marketplace. Air quality funds are available to Great Falls. Current monies are available to cover the ramp on the southside of the Sun River bridge and 38th Avenue additions.
Traffic signal issues were discussed:
14th St. and McDonalds and 14th St. and Marketplace. At the peak 15 minutes (4:30-4:45PM) for this intersection 33 left turns were observed. Time delay was changed for these signals because it was discovered that more time was being alowed than was needed. Since the adjustment traffic here is running smoother.
Park Garden at Fox Farm Road. No warrants are met for a traffic signal. Warrants considered are traffic volume, pedestrian traffic and delay time. At this intersection there is only a 15-20 second delay time even at peak times. It is predicted that in the future this intersection will warrant a signal. This intersection was given a grade C level of service.
18th Avenue at Fox Farm Road. This intersection meets the warrant based on delay time which at times has been in excess of 20 seconds. It received a grade F level of service. The concern with putting a signal here is the impact it would have on Fox Farm and 10th. It would not be feasible to allow traffic to back up on Fox Farm and 10th due to the signal. Possibly an extension of southbound Fox Farm lane south of 18th would alleviate the problem. However, that would require a study.
Sidewalks and other projects were discussed:
The "pork chop" at Lucky Lil's and the Holiday Station is in the plans but a temporary construction easement is need from both businesses. The Holiday Station has yet to grant the easement.
Exit 0 to Fox Farm Road (lanes between them on 10th) Attendee Gloria Smith raised concern that there is not adequate time to merge with eastbound traffic. Mick Johnson feels that extended the lane would be worse because if the driver's decision has not been made at the top of the hill they have nowhere to go when arriving at Fox Farm and 10th. While on the entrance ramp drivers have a clear view of approaching traffic and should have no problem merging in a timely manner. Gloria feels that if an extension is not possible then signing needs to be improved to make clear that traffic merges X number of feet ahead. Mick agreed.
No parking striping on street at top of path at 11th Street going to Meadowlark School. Meadowlark principal Kelly Maki sent a letter requesting no parking striping be placed here. Her concern is that an abundance of cars in the area could be a safety issue. Especially with icey conditions.
This request can't be accommodated because it would be unsafe to put any striping that may be interpreted as a crosswalk to children in the dead center of an intersection, which is where the path falls.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45PM.
Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School or Fire Station #4
June 10, 2004
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Fay
Linda Sowell
Residents and others in attendance:
Jack Hotaling
Sonja Jones
Ron Mathsen
Pearl Konesky
Ed Boland
Louis Fontana
Rina Moore
Betty Hotaling
Jerry Clark
Marj Cadwallader
-Mary Fay chaired and called the meeting to order @ 7:04PM
Old Business
New Business
Appointment of new member
Neighborhood Council No. 1 had two individuals express interest in becoming our 5th member. Pearl Konesky was present. Tina Pulargi was absent. Pearl told us about herself and what she could bring to the council. Each of us will issue a secret ballot via an email to Kim Thiel.
Lynda Sowell attended the Benefis strategic planning meeting as our council representative.
Our next meeting is tentatively set for September 14, 2004 at Meadowlark School.
Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
May 11, 2004
Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Fay
Linda Sowell
Residents and others in attendance:
Kim Thiel- City of Great Falls
Sgt. John Sowell
Ron Mathsen
Dennis Peterson- Benefis Foundation
Kathy Rice-volunteer with Benefis
-Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:04PM
Old Business
-Minutes from last meeting were approved.
-Vacancy information was deferred/
New Business
-Dennis Peterson with the Benefis Foundation along with a Benefis volunteer, Kathy Rice, gave a presentation and answered questions on the Sletten Regional Cancer Institute. This will be the only comprehensive cancer center in Montana. It will focus not only treatment of the illness, but also treatment of the person. The cancer center will include a reference library, hospice care, housing units and other needed services. It was asked of the presenters whether or not pediatrics and stem cell treatment will be available. This would be available but services in that area could be limited due to lack of population.
-Lynn Steinmetz informed the council that the non-emergency police department number proved useful. There had been some juveniles stealing and littering on 18th Avenue SW. Lynn contacted Sgt. Sowell, and he was very expedient about sending an officer to take a report. After weeks of watching we were fortunate to discover the identity of these youth, and the problem was handled.
The non-emergency number is 771-1180. Sgt. Sowell's extension is 220.
-Randy Kuiper attended a meeting regarding the public safety mill levy. Sgt. John Sowell believes it is critical that this levy passes. Currently beds that could otherwise be rented to State and Federal inmates are used up by methanphetamine abusers.
- Drug treatment court. Great Falls judges McKitterick and Janet Meissner went to training on implementing a drug treatment court in our city. This would lessen the jail's burden by keeping the meth abusers in treatment rather than jail. This court might be in place by the end of 2004.
- Randy raised the question of why the sheriff has a political party affiliation. John Sowell answered that the sheriff is elected and party affiliated simply because that is the form of government we have in place. The June 8th, 2004 election will give us an opportunity to vote that a study commission to be elected that would review the current form of government and make needed changes.
- Randy read correspondence regarding the yard sale to be held on Friday and Saturday May 21st and 22nd at the barn 2 miles south if the Heritage Inn on Fox Farm. Proceeds will go to Meadowlark Park improvements.
-This council has one remaining vacancy and two individuals interested in filling the vacancy. They are Pearl Konesky, from whom a letter was received and Tina Palagi. We will decide between the two at our next meeting by secret ballot after meeting with them.
- Ron Mathsen reported that The Missouri River Urban Corridor Plan was passed by the Commission. "Passed" means that it can now be used as a policy driving document. In conjunction with this plan the idea of forming a historic preservation advisory council was favorably received by the commission, but no action could be taken because it was not on the agenda.
Neighborhood Council #1
Monthly Meeting-Fox Farm Fire Station
April 13, 2004
Chair Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order. Present were council members Mary Fay and Lynn Stimetz. Lynda Sowell was absent. This Neighborhood Council is still looking for another member. Contact Randy if you are interested.
Present at this meeting were:
Jack Hotaling
Betty Hotaling
Larry Vaccaro
It was announced that the NC minutes are on the website. Randy again talked about the NC as a vehicle to communicate to the City Commission.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved with changes to a couple of names of persons who attended the last meeting. Instead of Dane Warmingtn it is Dave Warrington and Gretchen and Neil Swift were left off of the list.
Larry Vaccaro asked about the commitment as a council member. Randy explained the time commitment of a two year term. Fall of 2005 is the next election. Larry had a couple of concerns to bring forth.
Mary Fay talked to Kim Thiel about putting out a flyer relative to the councils. Kim indicated that quarterly City News will be in the Great Falls Tribune on April 24 with the councils information.
Betty Hotaling asked about Mapril Cleanup. Mary Fay will check into it and get back to her.
Randy announced that Russ Kendall from Concerned Citizens National Coalition against Legalized Gambling and Casinos contacted him. Tom Gray, a Nationally recognized expert on gambling and casinos will be speaking April 22, 2004 in Great Falls.
There will not be any meetings in June, July and August unless there is a serious agenda item that needs to be addressed.
John Sowell from the Police Dept was not available for this meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted;
Mary E. Fay
Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
March 9, 2004
Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Fay
Linda Sowell
Residents and others in attendance:
Jack Hotaling
Betty Hotaling
Jerry Sepich
Joyce McDonald-Equine Protection League
Judy Burg
Dane Warmingtn
George Gallagher
Mr.Vance- Park Board
Jon Thompson- City of Great Falls
-Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:04PM
Old Business
-Minutes from last meeting were approved.
There is still one vacancy for our council.
New Business
-Joyce McDonald with the Equine Protection League attended our meeting. She provided us with an informative brochure on this organization. "The Equine Protection League of Cascade County is a non-profit organization in place to assist law enforcement of Cascade County in the recovery,welfare and placement of neglected or abused animals."
-John Thompson with the City of Great Falls gave a fairly extensive presentation on the City Wide Street Tree Program. This is a comprehensive method of planning and caring for trees and landscaping along public rights of way. Currently only 13% of the city is covered in a "boulevard district" which maintains the 15000+ trees in that area. That leaves the remaining 87% of the city with its 17000+ trees for the most part not maintained.
The new plan would break the city into two districts (A & B). The current boulevard district would be expanded and would be District A. All other areas would fall under District B.
9This would be paid for by assessment. District A would contain approximately 8540 parcels that would be assessed 47.69 per parcel. The current cost for that boulevard district is 61.58 per parcel. District B would contain approximately 11727 parcels would be assessed 12.27 per parcel.
At this point the program is in the fact finding stages. Thompson will make the presentation to all neighborhood councils for feedback. If all councils see it as being beneficial the next phase would be having the commission vote.
-Next meeting for neighborhood council #1 will be April 13th at the Fox Farm firestation.
Neighborhood Council No. 1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
February 10, 2004
Council Members Present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz,
Mary Fay
Kim Theil was absent due to illness.
Residents and others in attendance.
Boy Scout Troop #28 and mothers are as follows:
Andrew Voorhees
Colton McPhail
Kristine Voorhees
Nick Meadors
Rita Meadors
Nathan Eckhardt
Lori Eckhardt
Lynda Sowell 1st West Hill Drive
John Sowell 1st West Hill Drive
Ronald M. Mathsen 122 Treasure State Drive
Call to Order: Randy Kuiper, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Mary Fay agreed to take minutes. With three members present a quorum was met.
Randy welcomed the Boy Scout Troop #28, who are attending this meeting as they are working on merit badges relative to communications.
Agenda Items:
Old Business: Lynn moved that the minutes from the last meeting be accepted as written. It was seconded and approved.
New Business: This Neighborhood Council still has two vacancies. Randy asked if there was anyone in attendance that would like to be appointed to this council. Lynda Sowell indicated her interest. The council moved, seconded and approved Lynda as a member of the council. Randy will notify Kim Thiel so that Lynda can be sworn in.
Ron Mathsen asked about the history and purpose of councils.
Randy provided an overview, indicating that the councils are 4-5 years old. There are 9 Councils city wide and are a grass roots effort to bring communities working together to improve their neighborhoods. They act as an arm of City government. NC #1 is the Fox Farm area & West Hill Area & Treasure State areas.
Every City Commission has an agenda and it discusses issues brought forth by the Councils. The main function is to give neighborhoods a voice in city government and communication to the City Commission. The Councils are not policy makers. They provide a forum for educating neighborhoods on city issues.
Another question was asked about how the councils welcome and provide notice to the people within the council area.
John Sowell indicated that NC #8 is doing a mass mailing via Kim Thiel's office. This council discussed the benefits of also doing a mailing to introduce the members of the council. Mary Fay will call Kim Thiel about doing this. Another suggestion was to make sure all of the Real Estate agents had flyers about the Neighborhood Council and that they gave their clients this information when they moved into a neighborhood.
John Sowell followed up with an agenda item from the last meeting about the snow drift and road hazard at the intersection of Home Depot and Market Place. Due to the fact that the ground is frozen, a snow fence can not be put up at this time. The City public works will have to be notified next fall and reminded to get a snow fence up before the ground freezes.
Randy provided an overview of the positions on the council. Randy will be Chair for the next six months, Mary and Lynn will rotate in taking minutes. This council usually takes July and August off.
The By-Laws need to be approved. Randy went through the By-Laws. A motion was made and seconded to approve and accept these By-Laws. Motion passed.
Next Tuesday the City Commission has a meeting to discuss Casino Zoning. Members of the council will try to attend.
Other Neighborhood Issues of Concern:
Ron Mathsen, who is new to the neighborhood talked about the need for sidewalks on the east side of 14th Street going to the Market Place. Mary Fay also discussed the need for a walking/biking path on the east and west side of 14th under the HWY Interchange over to the Trailer Court on the north side of the Interchange. Sidewalks/paths are needed for safety reasons, reduce traffic congestion and encourage healthier lifestyle of walking and biking.
Ron also indicated that it would be safer to have a grassy area between the busy road and the walkway. It was agreed by many of those in attendance that these walking areas with the grassy areas would be best. Randy Kuiper agreed to talk to Jim Reardon with the City.
Next meeting is March 9, 2004.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Mary Fay, Council Member
Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
January 13, 2004
Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Residents and others in attendance:
Sgt. John Sowell
Beverly Petersen
Cathenni Forzley
Courtney Ford
Spencer Maynes
Dylan Bandy
Allen Lynch
Curtis Finniom
Tara Hacke
Alisha Merry
Kim Thiel
-Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:08PM
-Since our 3rd elected member was not present, quorum was not made. This meant that appointments of new members could not be made. Nor could officers be elected.
-Minutes from the December meeting were not provided.
-Ratification of the bylaws will take place when quorum is made.
Sargent John Sowell, our neighborhood appointed officer was present to hear concerns and answer questions.
Traffic issues were discussed.
Meeting adjourned @ 7:45PM.
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