January 10, 2006 | February 21, 2006 | March 14, 2006 | April 4,2006 | April 25, 2006 | May 23, 2006 | June 16, 2006 | September 12, 2006 | September 25, 2006 (Special Meeting) | October 10, 2006 | November 14, 2006
Neighborhood Council #1
Regular meeting
November 14, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O’Hara
Ron Mathsen
James Ford
Lynda Sowell
Neighbors present:
List on file. Available per request.
- Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:03PM
Old Business
The minutes from the special meeting on October 9th, 2006 were accepted as written.
New Business
Jesse Slaughter – Great Falls Police Dept.: Officer Slaughter is trying to implement a plan in the form of a city ordinance that will eliminate single beer can sales in the city. The issue is that transients and others find it easy to pan handle enough money to purchase one can of beer. They then proceed from one store to the next. Eventually intoxication and then crime of some sort ensues. In addition to banning single beer can sales, floor displays would need to be a certain distance from the door. Also, all beer coolers will need to be locked from 2-8 AM. Slaughter has the Business Improvement District and the Tavern Association on board with implementing this.
The official ordinance is being written. Upon completion Slaughter will bring it to neighborhood councils for approval.
Chris Imhoff – Community Development Block Grants: Because the city has more than 50,000 in population it receives federal funding for housing and other types of community development every year. This year the city was awarded $980,000 in community development grants and $420,000 in home funds.
A hearing is held every year to assess community needs. Groups feeling a need can apply for a portion of the funds.
Meeting adjourned: 8:05PM
Neighborhood Council #1
Regular meeting
October 10, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O'Hara
Ron Mathsen
James Ford
Neighbors present:
List on file. Available per request.
- Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:00PM
Old Business
The minutes from the special meeting on September 25th, 206 and the regular meeting on June 13, 2006 were accepted as written.
New Business
Bellview-Palisades Park: Resident Lori Purpura has begun a grass roots campaign to improve the park property in that area. The city has no earmarked monies available for the project. However, a park trust fund is available to match funds raised by the residents. The city would be available to assist in in-kind donations of labor (i.e. tree planting, installing irrigation equip. etc.). Upon completion of the park development the city would assume the maintenance. Jon Thompson with the parks dept. discussed the holistic process of developing a park. Neighbors discussed the pros and cons of the development. Purpura is interested in meeting with those interested in helping with this committee.
Anne Martinez – school board: Martinez gave a very thorough listing of issues the board is currently faces. They include the following as well as other issues.
Mac McGibbony – Homeland Defense: McGibbony shared information on the Neigborhood Watch program, and offered his assistance should we want to set up watches in our area.
Committee Reports
- None
Adjourned 8:50PM
Neighborhood Council #1
Special meeting
September 25, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O’Hara
Ron Mathsen
Neighbors present:
List on file. Available per request.
- Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:05PM
- Andrea Hedges, president of Great Falls Community Ice Foundation, gave an overview of the history of the organization.
- The current issue with the GFCIF is the construction of a new arena south of town near the Flying J Truck Plaza. 8 acres of land has been donated to the foundation for the arena. Financing for construction has been secured with Mtn. West Bank.
- A map and listing of donors was provided by Hedges.
- The council voted unanimously to sign a letter of support for the GFCIF’s venture. Meeting adjourned at 7:50PM
Neighborhood Council 1
Minutes of meeting September 12, 2006
Taken by Ron Mathsen
(First Draft)
Ron Mathsen opened the meeting at 7:05 pm. Presenters were orally notified that the agenda was rather full and the presentation would be limited so all items on the agenda could have time to be adequately presented. Approval of the minutes of the June meeting was postponed until later in the meeting for lack of a quorum of council members.
No committee reports were presented. Ron Mathsen, who attended the last council of councils meeting, reported that the consensus of those attending was that the agenda was to full and did not allow adequate time for discussion of the topics on the agenda.
New Business
The meeting was closed at 8:45 pm. Present were Jesse O’Hara, James Forde and Ron Mathsen.
Neighborhood Council #1
Regular meeting
June 16, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O’Hara
Ron Mathsen
Neighbors present:
List on file. Available per request.
- Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:02PM
Old Business
The minutes from the meeting on May 23rd were accepted as written.
New Business
Alder Dr. Traffic Issues: Residents Audrey and George Stratford presented the council with a letter and petition requesting a traffic safety study on Alder Dr. Also included was a letter from Gail Clark requesting the study and describing the dangerous speeds at which people travel on Alder Dr. The residents asked neighborhood council to forward the petition to the proper entities that will conduct the study. Jesse O’Hara moved we forward this to the proper entity with the council’s endorsement. The motion was seconded and was carried.
Highwood Coal fired Plant: Ole Stimac with the Pipefitters’ Union and a proponent of the Highwood coal fired plant presented his case for building the plant.
Jeff Chaffee with Bison Engineering (the firm involved with the project), also a proponent, did a Power Pt. presentation on the details of the plant and the construction process including DEQ applications etc.
Ken Thornton with a group of concerned citizens and an opponent of the project believes the city should seek other options for affordable energy including wind and an IGCC coal fired plant. He shared some interesting statistics such as the fact that the planned Highwood plant will emit 35 pounds of mercury per year. Thornton is more concerned, however, with the carbon dioxide that will be emitted. Not only from the plant itself, but with the two trains per week hauling coal to the plant. He believes within 10 years there will be a carbon tax enacted, and the plan for the Highwood plant does not take this into account for feasibility.
An open question and answer session/debate continued.
Relevant Dates
Tuesday July 11th, 2006 is the commission meeting in which the Elmers’ rezoning request will be considered.
Our next meeting is September 12,2006 at Meadowlark School.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40PM
Neighborhood Council #1
Regular meeting
May 23, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O’Hara
Lynda Sowell
James Ford
Ron Mathsen
Neighbors present:
List on file. Available per request.
- Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:02PM
Old Business
New Business
Other neighborhood issues
Neighborhood Council #1
Special Meeting
April 25, 2006
Bethel Lutheran Church
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O’Hara
Lynda Sowell
James Ford
Ron Mathsen
- Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:04PM
- Meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.
Neighborhood Council #1
April 4, 2006 meeting
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O’Hara
Lynda Sowell
James Ford
Ron Mathsen
Residents and others in attendance:
John Sowell Katie Fjeld
Abby Zent Dennis Johnson
Amanda Delperdang Patty Cadwell
Paul Lloyd Davies Jan Wolfe
– Lynn Steinmetz called the meeting to order @ 7:02PM
– The minutes from our last meeting on March 14th were then accepted as written.
–John Sowell attended the meeting as our neighborhood policing representative. The issue of busses, taxis and other “unloading” vehicles and there ability to stop in front of schools’ “busses only” zones. The student traffic safety meeting recommends that busses only should be allowed in those areas. This issue, however, must be brought before city commission.
–Jan Wolfe with Neighborhood Watch would like to see the program more active in our city. Currently there are 50 active watches throughout the city. The area represented by our council has zero.
–Three volunteers with Americorps Vista;Paul Lloyd Davies, Amanda Delperdang and Abby Zent, shared with the council the various programs they’re involved in that can improve our community. They include, Get Fit Great Falls, youth programs and Neighborhood Watch.
–Dennis Johnson has lived on 64 Maria Dr. for 26 years. After the new development from Encino down to Maria was constructed drainage problems have ensued. Apparently the developer was not required to accommodate for the drainage. Now the neighbors on Mr. Johnson’s street experience a great deal of water build up after rainstorms. This not only emerges and electrical transmitter but is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mr. Johnson would like to see the city get involved with alleviating the problem. Patty Cadwell recommended that Mr. Johnson write a letter and Neighborhood Council #1 would be glad to endorse it. Lynn Steinmetz will then forward it to Public Works director Jim Reardan.
– Katie Fjeld asked if a Mapril cleanup is planned. Patty Cadwell said Neighborhood Housing are the organizers of that program.
Our council received a letter, prior to the court decision, from Great Falls Clinic requesting to present at our council. Another letter has now been received that rescinded the offer to present unless the councils request it. Given that Benefis is on our May agenda to give a presentation it would be fair to also invite the Clinic to present. Lynn Steinmetz moved that we invite the Great Falls Clinic to present at our council. Ron Mathsen seconded and the motion carried.
– Meeting adjourned at 8:00PM
Neighborhood Council #1
Minutes from meeting on March 14th, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O'Hara
Lynda Sowell
Residents and others in attendance:
Corky Grove
Patty Cadwell
– Lynn Steinmetz called the meeting to order @ 7:05PM
– The minutes from our last meeting on February 21st were then accepted as written.
–Acting Police Chief, Corky Grove gave us a copy of the "GFPD Manning Report", which is an extensive report on the scheduling of city policemen and statistics backing the scheduling. Grove included an outstanding power point presentation of the report. Grove asked that one member from our council volunteer to be on the new "Police Dept. Advisory Board." Jesse O'Hara volunteered, and will serve as representative for Neighborhood Council #1."
–Lynda Sowell asked Patty Cadwell if we could have one meeting per quarter that was open to any issue, and reserve the other meetings for only government or neighborhood issues. The request stems from various solicitation type presentations we have had in the past. Although, they were informative and sometimes interesting, Lynda feels that we are not elected to be a forum for those types of issues. Patty informed us that although we can't refuse anyone the right to speak we can control what is placed on our agenda.
The next council meeting will be Tuesday, April 4th.
– Meeting adjourned at 8:38PM
Neighborhood Council #1
Minutes from meeting on February 21st, 2006
Meadowlark School
Council members present:
Ron Mathsen, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
James Ford
Lynda Sowell
Residents and others in attendance:
Thomas O'Connor
Medora O'Connor
George Gallagher
Rosanne Hatzenbeller
Julie O'Hara
–Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:00PM
Roll was called for council members.
– The minutes from our last meeting on January 10th were then accepted as written.
Ron Mathsen gave a synopsis on the Commission Planning Session he attended. He said some good team building exercises took place, and good ideas were generated. However, he didn't feel it was a really a planning session, but more of a brain storming session. Whether or not the ideas will be implemented remains to be seen.
Lynn Steinmetz gave a synopsis on the Special Energy Meeting she, James Ford and Jesse O'Hara attended. The meeting did a great job covering the different energy projects the city is involved with. Lynn felt the meeting was well done, but regrets the poor turnout.
Elimination, suppression and containment of odors from restaurants:
Ron Mathsen and his neighbors, Thomas and Medora O'Connor, are experiencing some odors from a restaurant west of their homes. The odor is especially unpleasant to the residents in the summertime. They have spoken to the manager and they are working together to determine the exact origination of the odor. They believe it is probably a culinary waste tank that could be emptied more often. Neighborhood council #1 is expecting continued feed back from Ron and his neighbors on this issue.
Rosanne Hatzenbeller with Benefis Healthcare gave a very interesting presentation on an organization called the "Spirit of Women." S of W is a national network made up of hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the U.S. dedicated to advancing the cause of women's health. They sponsor a variety of events promoting women's health such as health fairs. They also publish a quarterly magazine. Benefis is now part of that organization.
George Gallagher has attended a couple of the government study commission's meetings. Much credit is given to neighborhood councils at these meetings. George feels, however, that the councils could do a better job getting more involved with city government issues. He volunteered the idea that one council member per council could be assigned to follow a particular issue.
Currently Jesse O'Hara is our representative to attend city commission meetings.
James Ford pointed out that we need to be very careful to communicate with one another as a council about agenda items, and especially about publishing agenda items until the other members have been consulted. James' main concern here was the odor containment issues that, when published, could be detrimental to our business neighbors.
The next council meeting will be Tuesday, April 4th.
– Meeting adjourned at 8:21PM
Neighborhood Council #1
Monthly meetings at Meadowlark School
January 10th, 2006
Council members present:
Ron Mathsen, Chair
Lynn Steinmetz
Jesse O'Hara
James Ford
Lynda Sowell
Residents and others in attendance:
–Ron Mathsen called the meeting to order @ 7:00PM
Roll was called for council members.
–Lynn recommended that the minutes be amended to reflect that the reference she made to "10 street" should have read "11th street."
The minutes from our last meeting on December 6th were then accepted as amended.
New Business
– Chuck Tourtillot with the Cascade County Humane Society educated us on the proposed rewrites of the animal ordinances of the city. A "blue ribbon committee" has been meeting since April to review the current ordinances. The 1st draft is available on the city's web site. The second draft (written by Tourtillot) is being reviewed by the committee, and should be available on the web site by the end of January 2006.
Tourtillot then opened the forum for questions. The following is a summary of the responses to the questions reflecting the current ordinances and the proposed ordinances:
How many dogs and cats may a resident own without being required to possess a kennel license?
| CURRENT ORDINANCE | PROPOSED ORDINANCE |
|---|---|
| Two dogs. Three or more requires applying for a kennel license with community development and obtain 75% approval from neighbors. Cats are not limited. |
Three dogs. Four or more requires a "multiple animal permit" which is an easier application process that does not involve community development or 75% neighbor approval. 5 cats maximum. |
Are chickens allowed to be kept as pets in the city limits?
| CURRENT ORDINANCE | PROPOSED ORDINANCE |
|---|---|
| Community development says yes. | Requesting that they be limited to outlying areas. |
Who does a person call upon finding a deer that has been struck and killed within the city limits?
During business hours call the Humane Society. After hours call the police department.
What is the status of the recently rescued animals being held at the fairgrounds?
The adoption process is in place, and pre–screening is soon to begin. Other Humane Society branches have taken some of the dogs.
Other Business
–The special energy information meeting hosted by councils 1,2 and 3 will take place on February 2nd at West Elementary at 7PM.
–There will be a commission planning session on January 30th and 31st for commissioners, 2 neighborhood council members from each council and city staff. Lynn Steinmetz moved that Jesse O'Hara and James Ford attend as council #1 delegates. Ron Mathsen seconded and the motion carried.
– Resident George Gallagher asked Patty Cadwell to give a synopsis on the energy meeting already held by councils 4,5 and 6. Cadwell said the 3 presenters gave great, concise and informative answers to concerns surrounding this area.
– James Ford was under the impression that Ron Mathsen and others were petitioning the owners of Tony Romas because of some "odor." James wanted to clarify that Ron was doing this as an individual and not as a representative of neighborhood council #1. Mathsen assured him that he was not petitioning, but that he and some others were simply going to meet with the manager, and that he was pursuing this as an individual.
– The council agreed that our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21st.
– Meeting adjourned at 8:23PM
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