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Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
May 10, 2005

Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Faye

Residents and others in attendance:

George Gallagher
Ron Mathsen
Sonja Jones
Bob Deming
Joe Vachal
Gordon Kinzler
Jesse O'Hara

• Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:03PM
• Minutes from April's meeting were approved.
• Mary Faye reported that she contacted Cynthia Schultz regarding the noise attenuation. The final report will be submitted to the F.A.A. in June. The F.A.A. then has 180 days to approve or deny the claim. Therefore, mid-December is the approximate timeframe to expect a response from the F.A.A.
• Randy Kuiper reported on his attendance of the Great Falls Citizens Council. This is the council meeting of all the neighborhood councils in the city. The topics of this meeting consisted mostly of zoning issues. A map on the future zoning plan was presented. The Council decided to meet twice per year unless additional meetings are necessary.

• Bob Deming with the Local Government Study Commission reported on the status of the study. Thus far the group has visited every department in the city, and sat through all their budget meetings. He was very impressed with the level of professionalism. Also, Mr. Deming is hearing a lot of positive feedback from other cities about Great Falls' neighborhood councils.

  Mr. Deming is really concerned about the repercussions of the county withdrawing from the planning board. The split doesn't take effect until July 1, 2005. He asked the county to revisit the possibility of rejoing the city. They agreed to look at the possibility.

  Mr. Deming stated that the study commission is very willing and anxious to help the neighborhood councils with any issues they have.

• One resident, George Gallagher, expressed the opinion that the checks and balances system in the city has failed. He cited the example that although there was public outcry regarding the Fox Farm casino the city approved the venture. Other neighbors concurred that there is a feeling that the city doesn't always listen to the people.
• Council member Pearl Konesky has moved to Portland Oregon. Therefore, we have a vacancy to fill. Jess O'Hara is interested in the opening. Also, the vacancy will be announced to the public via the Great Falls Tribune. A decision on the new member will take place at our next meeting at the Fox Farm fire station on June 14th.
• Patty Caldwell reported that the filing period for the next neighborhood council elections in November is between June and August. She will confirm the exact dates. A retreat for all current and potential neighborhood council members will be in September, and the training for the elected members will be in November.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM

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Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
April 12, 2005

Council members present:
Lynda Sowell (Acting Chair)
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Fay (took Minutes)
Pearl Konesky

Patty Caldwell, NC coordinator was present for the second half of the meeting.

Absent:
Randy Kuiper, Chair was absent.

There were 14 members of the community present. They were Joe and Jackie Vachal, Sally Cerny, Chuck Tourtillott, Mandee Harding, Brodie Schmidt, Dena Johnson, Travis Kavulla, Kelly Maki, Ron Mathsen, Mick Taleff (School Board Chair) & Suzi Taleff, Colleen Mercer, and Anne Martinez (School Board Member).Residents and others in attendance:

Lynda Sowell, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. at Meadowlark School library.

Old Business
Minutes: Pearl made a motion that the minutes be approved as written. Mary seconded the motion and motion was passed.

New Business

1) Sally Cerny (Volunteer for the Animal foundation of Great Falls and Chuck Tourtillott Director of the Humane Society of Cascade County provided a Power Point presentation about their Capital Campaign and future plans. The foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization meaning it is a non-profit and all donations are tax deductible. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide good care to all pets/animals within the county. Their plans are to build a state of the art Animal Shelter and a dog park. Also they will do on-going fund raising for the Humane Society.

The existing facility that is owned by the city is likened to "a territorial prison". It's difficult to control disease outbreaks and is a poor place to keep animals and a poor place to work for those workers who care for them.

They have hired a part-time director; identified potential sites for both the shelter and the dog park; consulted with an Architect who designs animal shelters. They are hoping to build a 12,000 sq ft shelter @ a cost of $160/ sq ft. The total cost will be about $2,000,000.00. Current staff includes 8 full time positions and 2 part time and 10-12 volunteers. The new facility will require increased staff and operational expenses. Operational expenses at this time are paid by the City of Great Falls, via adoption fees, fines, donations and licensing fee revenue from dog licensing.

The organization is having a fund raiser on April 23, 2005 "The Fur Ball" @ $60.00 per person. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 3426 Great Falls, Mt 59403

2) Mick Taleff and Anne Martinez, School Board Chair and Member were present to provide their view of an At-Large to a Single Member District for voting and electing School Board Members. Travis Kavulla was also present.
The school board has never voted on the issue. Anne said as a new member, elected last year, she has found this is a time-consuming, difficult and intellectually challenging, complex position. She believes that members need a financial background/education and analytical skills. The school system is in a budget crisis, closing the middle school will not be the end of the cuts if more school funding is not found. School Board members must have strong skills and commitment and Anne believes it does not matter what part of the city they are elected from. School Board members are not suppose to represent a specific area or specific issues. She believes that the Single Member District would pit on area against another. She also said that Billings School District has not been able to draw a number of candidates.

Travis Kavulla disagrees with Anne's assessment and indicates that Billings has had representatives from all of their areas.

Mick Taleff asked "What are you trying to fix?" He says that the Great Falls School district has one of the best Districts in the state and believes that Board members should represent the community-at-large.

Lynda Sowell, as Chair, asked the public audience if anyone had any questions or thoughts. Several spoke in opposition to changing the way members are now elected. Their main concern is improving public education and not pitting one neighborhood against another.

Travis said his concerns are 1. What is best for the district as a whole? Improving the education system in GF and get more people interested with a more diverse background. He would like to see it put to a vote.

There is a question of diversity of the trustees vs. divisiveness of the trustees. (Single Member Districts vs. At-Large)

After a healthy discussion about the language within the Resolution drawn up by Travis, Pearl made the motion to sign the Resolution provided by Travis, which basically indicated that the NC support the establishment of single-member trustee districts. Lynn seconded it. Randy voted in absentee a yes. The motion failed on a two to three vote.

3) Patty Caldwell indicated that April 27 @ 7:00 p.m is the Council of Councils meeting and we are all invited to attend. It is at the Civic Center in the Gibson Room. Randy Kuiper will be the councils representative. This responsibility can be rotated among the Neighborhood Council members. The next meeting will address the Land Use Code and other organization issues such as how often they will meet.

Also Neighborhood Council #4 is hosting a School Board Candidate forum at East Middle School. Each candidate will have 10 minutes. It starts at 6:30 p.m. and all NC members and public are invited to attend. (I did not have the date of this event!)

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Submitted by:

Mary Fay, Recording Secretary

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Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
March 8, 2005

Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Fay (took Minutes)
Lynda Sowell

Patty Caldwell, NC coordinator was present.

Absent:
Pearl Konesky was absent.

Residents and others in attendance: The sign-up sheet did not get passed around. However, there were approximately 30 people who attended the meeting.

Randy Kuiper, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Meadowlark School library.

Old Business
Mary moved to approve the Minutes from the last meeting. It was seconded by Lynda and motion was carried to approve Minutes from last meeting.

New Business

1) Patty Caldwell said the Blue Ribbon Committee is asking for volunteers who want to work on this committee to deal with iissues such as barking dogs. Applications will be sent out to all NC members. She gave Randy Kuiper the Final plan for NC#1. She indicated that the Explore the Big Sky, a Lewis & Clark commemorative was in high gear. She left brochures for oil & grease disposal information.

2) Sgt. John Sowell is our Community Policing officer. He attends our meeting every three months. There were not any public comments or suggestions for him. There was discussion about the speeding problem on Alder Drive by the golf course and the lack of sidewalks for pedestrians. He says that it difficult to enforce. They are planning to put out electronic monitoring to determine the problem. Randy said he would contact Ben Rangel for planning sidewalks. Lynda mentioned that she believed that area had covenants that were opposed to sidewalks. Another way to pay for sidewalks if that area wants them is through a Special Improvement District (SID). Lynn mentioned that there is still speeding cars on 18th Ave SW from Treasure State Drive.

Sgt. Sowell said he is on the Student Safety Plan committee. He reported that Senator Trudi Schmidt is carrying SB #38, which doubles fines in school zones. He encouraged everyone to call their representative and ask him/her to vote to support this SB. This bill will pay for 25% to 50% of the safety signs needed through fines that go to the municipality. Bill Maronich recommended using Solar Flashing Diamond shaped signs for warning signs. He says they are very effective.

3) Cynthia Shultz from the Airport Authority gave a presentation on the Airport Noise Study Issue.

• The noise study is usually updated every five years. But until this most recent noise study, the airports last noise study was in 1985.
• The program is aimed at creating compatible land use and protects airport business, including the military, from conflict with neighborhoods in the community.
• They will project air traffic out for 20 years. Then the consultant will make recommendations. Then the Airport Authority will implement zoning.
• From the 1985 noise Study, most recommendations were implemented.
• There are 372 homes located in the affected noise area. (See Map) These homes have greater than the 65 d/n/l (decibel noise level) for day and night. There is a 45 decibel level for inside the home. Those home with greater will get the sound attenuation.
• After the Airport Authority decided not to follow the recommendation for sound attenuation, the FAS came back and asked that they reconsider using the military noise in the mix, which had previously been disallowed.
• The Board approved the recommendation on second consideration and are going forth with the final report to the FAA in the next few months. Sound attenuation appears to include double pane windows, solid core doors and insulation.
• The FAA will have 6 months to review and decide whether to approve the request. Once there is approval, then all is contingent on the availability of FAA monies. This program could cost between $6-$9 million. The Airport Authority has no money to put forth for this project, and there is a 5% match required. Homeowners have indicated they would be willing to pay the 5%.
• Some homes, such as log homes, are not eligible. Also homes build after 1998.
• City/County/Community must zone to keep conflicts to a minimum.
• Next, if monies are available, the Airport Authority will send out the RFP and Scope of Services. They will keep public advised by putting everything on the WEBSITE. Then there will be an inventory of all of the address and an attenuation plan will be defined.
• Updated noise study will occur whenever there is a major change with the Air National Guard or other growth. Anytime there is a 15% increase or decrease.
• The tentative schedule: Within 2 months or by May 2005, the Airport Authority will get the Final Report to the FAA. The FAA has 6 months to approve/deny. Then the Airport Authority will apply for the grant monies writing a grant. Once Grant is received (6-12 months) then implementation will begin.
• Question asked: Can the lines of demarcation be challenged? Cynthia did not know.
• A couple of home will be measured for inside noise and then the other home will be generalized from there.

3) Travis Kavulla presented his plan for Single-Member Trustee Districts for Fair Representation and Better School Governance.

• The election is May 3rd and he is trying to get 4000 signature to get this initiative on the ballot.
• Elna Hensley (School Boarkd Member) and Jan Cahill, Running for School Board were in attendance at the meeting.
• Travis explained that 5 out of 7 School Board members come from West if the Missouri and South of the Sun River, which only represents about 12% of the population. He says that each school board members now represents 69,000 residents. With his plan, each would represent 9700 residents.
• The At-Large election has been in effect since the late 1800's.
• He believes that a trustee who lives in an area, send their children to the neighborhood school are better informed about that area/school to make the best decisions.
• Billings implemented the Single-member Trustee District 5 years ago. There have not been major problems.
• If the initiative is approved, there will be a three year phase in program, so the plan will go into effect 2009.

The NC members were not ready to vote on the Resolution for the formation of a Single-member Trustee District. Therefore a motion was made, seconded and approved that we will vote on this next meeting, April 12, 2005.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted by:

Mary Fay, Recording Secretary

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Neighborhood Council #1
Monthly meetings at Meadowlark School
Minutes for February 8, 2005

Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Lynda Sowell
Pearl Konesky
Mary Fay

Residents and others in attendance:
Joe Vachal
Jackie Vachal
Paul Kathrein
Ryan Burke
George Gallagher
Paul Cathriin
Rich Blout

-Randy Kuiper called the meeting to order @ 7:03M

-Minutes from January's meeting were approved.

- Mary Fay had a Guest Editorial printed in the Great Falls Tribune relative to the Airport Noise Study and the FAA grant. She attended a meeting at the Airport Authority regarding the noise issue in the airport fly zone (i.e. West Hill) last month. Mary put a great deal of effort into rallying the neighbors to convince the Authority to pursue a grant to cover 95% of the cost of installing noise proof windows, doors and insulation in the West Hill neighborhood homes, and other homes in the noise zone.. The Authority decided to pursue it. The only issue is how the 5% difference in cost will be covered. Most of the neighbors have state they would not mind paying the 5%. Lynda Sowell would like someone from the Authority to attend one of our meetings and update us on the progress of the grant process. Mary feels April or May would be most appropriate.

- Art Dolman, a volunteer, lobbying for the Golden Triangle Mental Health Center gave a very informative presentation on what GTMH does for our community. GTMH has been a non profit organization since 1974. They currently have 2 locations. One in the Holiday Village Mall and one downtown (New Directions). This summer they are consolidating their services and moving to the old Largent School. For more information contact Heidi Gibson at 771-8648.

-Sheriff David Castle attended our meeting and gave very in depth coverage on his "first 120 days" as Sheriff. Sheriff Castle feels he has and will continue to make Cascade County a safer place. Also, he has brought the jail to a solvent position. A written list of these accomplishments was passed out.

-A concerned neighbor who lives on Alder Drive says the speeding problem in the area is becoming quite dangerous, especially in that area where there are no sidewalks. Lynn Steinmetz recommends that anyone with such an issue should call John Sowell at 771-1180 extension 220. Sargeant Sowell is very helpful with sending a patrol car out at specified times and areas.

-The new bill for doubling speeding fines in a school zone was passed by the Senate and is awaiting passage the house.

-Randy proposed that we discuss rotating someone as chair of our council. It was agreed unanimously by all the remaining council that Randy is doing a great job in this position. He agreed to continue as chair.

-George Gallagher encouraged us to get involved with the new sign code that is being drafted. The next hearing is tentatively set for March 1st 2005 in the commission chambers.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15PM.

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Neighborhood Council No.1
Monthly Meeting at Meadowlark School
January 11, 2005

Council members present:
Randy Kuiper, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Mary Fay (took Minutes)
Lynda Sowell

Absent:
Pearl Konesky was absent due to illness.

Residents and others in attendance:

Sgt. John Sowell
Kendra Owen
John Hayes
Clene Hayes
Jackie Vachal
Joe Vachal
Carol Ann Clark
Gerald Clark
George Gallagher
Ben Forsyth
Bill Thomas
Loran Keller
Jean Bonde
Randi Hoover

Randy Kuiper, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Meadowlark School.

Old Business

Lynda moved to approve the Minutes from the last meeting. It was seconded by Lynn and Motion carried to approve Minutes from last meeting.

Lynda drafted a letter in support of increased fines for speeding in school zones. SB 38 is sponsored by Senator Trudi Schmidt. The letter was read by Randy and approved by the council. All council members present signed the letter and gave to Sgt Sowell. A legislative hearing is schedule for 1/13/05 in Helena. Sgt. Sowell will be there to testify.

New Business

1) Sgt. John Sowell is our Community Policing officer. He attends our meeting every three months. There were not any public comments or suggestions for him. He reported that the city police are busy policing thee under age sales of alcohol to Minors using a grant the city received. The city still needs to take care of a tree on 24th street that is hindering traffic from seeing oncoming vehicles.

2) Angela Garlington & Stephanie Langston came from the Voices of Hope. Phone number 771-8646 Ext 3336.

• a non-profit organization that provide support to families experiencing Domestic Abuse/violence in the home.
• operate the State wide 1-800 number for suicide.
• provide support for Sexual Assault victims and their family/friends.
• produce the yearly Community Resource Directory for the community.
• do outreach to the High School and the Air Force Base.
• teach Healthy Coping and Healthy/Safe Sexual practices.
• operate the community help line that is a 24/7 operation operated by volunteers. 34 volunteers staff the crisis line
• Three Major Volunteer opportunities
  1. Board of Directors for Voice of Hope and Clerical staffing
  2. Crisis Hot Line
  3. Sexual Assault Training/advocacy

3) CasiNO Group:
Ben Forsyth: By law GF should only have 73 casino license. We are over quota by 40 licenses. Compulsive gambling is the cause of many social ills such as suicide, divorce, and bankruptcy, to name a few. This group is trying to change the city's zoning laws to control casinos. He suggests not just limiting the number of casinos but the location. Bozeman has good zoning laws.

Dr. Loran Keller: Discussed that liquor license and permissive zoning equals Casinos. He supports taking steps now to try to stop casino growth in Great Falls, especially on 10th Avenue South. At present casinos can not be within 600 feet of a church/school. They can be as close as an ally to residential area. City is now working on a new Zoning Code. He is proposing siting casinos in Industrial areas and 1000 feet from Churches, Schools and Residential areas, by using property line to property line. (1000 ft is approx 3-4 blocks) He further suggests that each NC sign a letter and come to the next City Commission meeting on the new zoning laws; write letters to the editor; talk to the City and County Commissioners; Show up for hearing in February.

Kendra Owen: She is on the advisory committee for the city zoning. She indicates that the city's records and bookkeeping are a mess. There needs to be more public awareness. The city is over quota for casinos and the city has allowed predatory business practices.

John Hayes: Insurance Agent and works for the Cascade County Tavern Association. He explained that initially the liquor license quota's were set by population. He asks "where do we go now?".

The quota system is OK. But 10th Avenue South is deplorable. He says a half dozen major casino operators will change their signs voluntarily. He even suggested a change that says the business can not use the word "Casino" in their sign. The city needs to clean up the mess. He also said that the free alcohol given in casinos is a problem.

Bill Thomas: Bill is on the state Gaming Advisory Council which is directed by the Attorney General and Dept of Rev for the State of Montana. He suggests that the law should separate liquor licenses from gaming/gambling licenses. State should also establish a process for protesting casinos. And there definitely should not be free alcohol as per state statute.

George Gallagher: He says we need to control gambling. Don't allow any alcohol. Rezone Great Falls for no further casinos. He suggests grandfathering in present businesses. He also had the concept of a casino park.

Mary Fay moved to accept the Resolution and read at the next City Commission meeting. Lynda seconded it and motion carried. Randy Kuiper will read at the next commission meeting.

4) Joe Vachal asked if there was any new information relative to the Airport Authority's decision on accepting the monies from the FAA to assist home owners in the location of the airport noise with insulating windows etc. Mary Fay will talk to Cynthia Schultz at the Airport Authority and get information to the community about the next meeting. This meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Airport.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Submitted by:

Mary Fay, Reporting Secretary

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