Quorum established. Steve White and Kelly Manzer - approved absences.
Patty Cadwell reported on stroll neighborhood council booth in Kelly’s absence. Neighborhood Watch received a $1000 grant and chose to bring awareness to N.C. and N.W.
Bob reported on Police Advisory Board. Air Force and Police Department have a $1.2 million grant to curb underage drinking. Alternatives on weekends for kid to do rather than drink. We were 1 of 4 bases selected for this grant.
Bob got to sit in police car and gave observations on it.
Sue requested that Bob tell Police Advisory Board about the drinking at the Four-Seasons Arena. Bob reported on Strike Team.
City Commission Meeting:
Urban Renewal Project: We as a group are concerned with anything to do with West Bank Park. It is a dedicated park. There is a process for any changes. All taxed in Urban Renewal go back into the area. Talking with Jon Thompson, told him we were not happy with the way the East Bank was developed. Usage has fallen off since parking was moved to other end. Jon would like to see a lot in the middle.
Phyllis feel we need to get some changes into the urban renewal plan.
Letter to the editor took a shot at two members of our council. Phyllis passed out copies of the Tribune article and read the letter to the editor from Bob Broden and read Phyllis’s reply. Phyllis also read the comments regarding the "natural" designations of the park and grasslands
Bob read a letter to be sent to the Tribune regarding replying to Mr. Broden’s letter.
Phyllis spoke on removing West Bank Park from the urban renewal project. The final will be out in February and we need to get on it.
Sue Strickland read the guest opinion regarding the misrepresentation of the actual cost of the city’s coal plant obligation. The city is representing the investment as $1 million which in reality the CPA shows it as $3.3 million. We all need to be aware of these costs.
Steve White also expressed his concern on this obligation and the fact that the city has made one ordinance that the public cannot vote on this matter.
Bob read his letter to the City Attorney’s Office regarding parking large vehicles, etc, in front of neighbor’s property. City Attorney knows there is a problem and they would like to change and draft an ordinance to better reflect the needs of property owners.
Sue requested a consideration for line-of-sight issues. Motion made and seconded to put this in.
Mac McGiboney (RSVP) with Neighborhood Watch spoke regarding police volunteers. Albertsons will be doing a Neighborhood Watch awareness each month to raise awareness. Westside does not have a "watch" meeting as the other councils do. Mac will start having meetings. This group started in 2002. We have on two watches on the Westside. These meetings will be ½ hour before our council meetings. Mac will talk with Patty regarding easing our contract.
Bob discussed our January speakers: Patrick Duffy, Clerk of Court for Judge Molloy.
A question arose as to enter/exit venues for the new courthouse. Third Street will be the main thoroughfare for the entrance/exit.
Ben Rangle will be here on West Bank Renewal.
Phyllis and Sue reviewed the steps from two manuals on West Bank Urban Renewal.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25.
Sue Ann Strickland
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Members present were Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, Sue Strickland and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
Zoning Changes: Clint Bufford’s request for a zoning change to light commercial on the property next to Forde Nursery was approved by the council with a ‘No Bar/Casino’ restriction.
Committee Reports: No Report.
City Commission Meetings: Sue Strickland and Phyllis Hemstad had just attended the City Commission meeting. Of concern to NC #2 was the Renewal Plan for the Great Falls West Bank Revitalization Program. Bill Thomas mentioned Park money via legislature for development and suggested that the council keep a ‘watchful eye’ on the West Bank Park development. It was recommended that a planner from Butte be incorporated into the West side Neighborhood Council programs.
Phyllis discussed the Downtown Urban Renewal project and how it relates to the general tax fund. Sue Strickland advised of the proposed forced annexation into the city limits of area properties receiving city sewer and water (City Ordinance 2930) and provided a current listing of above properties.
Sgt. Stinar from the GFPD will cut back visits to the council to January, May and October meetings.
Bob Mehlhoff met with the planner (Patrick Duffey?) of Judge Moloy’s staff to discuss the new Federal Building and associated landscaping. The plans (3 at present) are being described as a ‘legacy’.
Bob Mehlhoff communicated with Jon Thompson (City Forester) regarding the previous complaints of overgrown trees on the Wiseman property on 5th Ave. SW. The owners have failed to respond to the city’s request to trim the trees so the job has been done by the city.
Bob Mehlhoff discussed the visibility problems at the intersection of 5th Ave. & 6th St. NW with Mr. Reardon. There is nothing that can be done to fix the problem but the city did paint a yellow stripe to direct traffic a bit.
The Brownfield project is still in effect with the West Bank project. There are questions regarding the exact involvement.
Congratulations were given to Joe Tropilla and Bill Thomas. Joe thanked the attendees for all of their support. Bill apologized for his absence at the last meeting. Jack Allen made a brief appearance to thank his supporters and congratulate Bill Thomas.
Mr. Erwin entertained questions about the new superintendent position and requested input from the community leaders and public for what they are looking for. He recommended visiting the questionnaire on the local website: www.gfps.K12.us.mt . Phyllis Hemstad and Bob Mehlhoff both expressed concerns regarding math and English abilities of local students. Joe Tropilla asked what standards or qualifications are required for the superintendent position. Mr. Erwin stated that certification was required and a doctorate in education was desired. They expect 15-20 applicants. Ron Staley questioned ‘inappropriate’ literature (i.e.: Hammer of Eden) in the high schools. Mr Erwin was not aware of this book or the previous complaints about it.
Susan Woyth presented parking issues in front of her residence at 2100 Central Ave. W. She stated her neighbor continually parks vehicles or camp trailers directly in front of her residence. She has contacted Cory Larson (City Atty.) regarding a parking ordinance but was told the ordinance currently has no teeth due to a pending law suit. Ms. Woyth requested a letter of support from the council to the City Attorney’s office to change the ordinance. It was suggested that the current ordinance be reviewed as well as the apparent loop holes involved in the pending suit prior to making any suggestions. Bob Mehlhoff will contact Cory Larson regarding the current city ordinance.
Sue Strickland presented questions/concerns from two residents in the vicinity of the new apartment complexes constructed by Lee Janetski as to the status of street paving that was to be done. There are apparently large ruts forming from the run-off. Sue has contacted Ben Rangel and has since been directed to Dave Dobbs.
Sue was also approached by Westside resident, Randy Golitely, regarding the ‘Special Lighting District’ fee on his parent’s property. There are no street lights in this area as of present. Sue contacted Colleen Balzarini but has had no response as of yet.
A suggestion was made to form a committee to plan Bloomingdale Park ceremony. It was agreed that all members would participate, time allowing.
Sue Strickland made a motion to adjourn and Kelly Manzer seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Neighborhood Council #2
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. Members present were Steve White, Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
Steve White suggested that the ‘Arbor Day’ note from the September minutes be removed as it was not actually part of the meeting. Steve White then made a motion to table the approval of Sept. minutes until the members had all reviewed them. Phyllis Hemstad seconded the motion.
Committee Reports:
Police Advisory Board: No representative from GFPD was present but Jack Allen acted as an unofficial representative. Bob Mehlhoff commented on various areas of speeding concern.
City Commission Meetings: Not addressed
Miscellaneous:
The tree issue on 5th Ave. SW by the old brewery has not yet been resolved. Kelly Manzer has contacted Jon Thompson (city forester) and Bob Mehlhoff has contacted both Jon Thompson and Jim Reardon in an effort to get the trees trimmed back, clearing the roadway.
Bob Mehlhoff gave a brief update on the road work being done on 9th St NW (chip-sealing). He also expressed concern regarding curbing and off-street parking on 9th St. NW. Bob also informed the group that the road work on 4th and 5th Ave. NW has been completed and is very nice.
Kelly Manzer: Expressed continual concern regarding the hazardous conditions on Central Ave. W. near Interstate 15. Bob Mehlhoff informed the group of a 2008 project to remove some of the guardrails at that location. Various people in the group commented on the traffic conditions and speed limit on Central Ave. W. from 9th St. SW to 20th St. SW. Kelly Manzer suggested a letter to the City of Great Falls and State of MT from NC #2 expressing our concerns and was met with agreement.
Steve White: Discussed the upcoming sanding and use of mud flaps to prevent window breakage. Joe Tropila and Jack Allen commented that mud flap violation is a primary offense, unlike seat-belt violations. Steve also expressed concern about the parking on Central Ave. W. in front of the Mini-Mart. Large trucks obstruct the visibility at the intersection when entering Central Ave. W. Steve also mentioned the drug houses and loud noises in his neighborhood.
Phyllis Hemstad: Stated that previous concerns had been resolved.
Bob Mehlhoff: Suggested placing sandwich board signs on meeting days to encourage an increased attendance. Kelly Manzer questioned if the new signage regulations would affect this. Others in attendance suggested using area business signs, such as Mountain West Bank, 1st Liberty CU, and West Elementary School to inform of upcoming meetings.
Zoning Requests:
Clint Buford: Would like the area between 21st and 22nd St. NW and 3rd Av. NW re-zoned from residential to light industrial. This property is currently out of the city limits but is scheduled to have city water access due to several failing septic systems in the area. Mr. Burford’s intentions are to subdivide the property to accommodate three or so smaller businesses as well as a storage garage for himself. Mr. Burford has verbal consent from local neighbors (Forde Nursery, Madder, Markey, and Lavalier). Bob Mehlhoff stated that the council routinely requires written approval from the neighbors prior to making any zone change recommendations. Kelly Manzer made a motion to table this topic until the next meeting and it passed unanimously.
Dan Hilton: Would like four acres on 24th St. SW re-zoned from R1 to R5 to accommodate 12 single-story residential units. His decision to purchase this property will be based on the zoning change. He was also informed of the council’s policy to require signatures from local neighbors prior to making recommendations.
There was a brief discussion among those present suggesting the council submit written guidelines to Bill Walters recommending signatures of immediate neighbors prior to presenting zoning proposals. It was also mentioned that the council members be notified of the specific locations requesting re-zoning prior to the subsequent meeting. This would result in a more efficient and educated process.
Neighborhood Watch:
Mac McGiboney gave an informative presentation on the Neighborhood Watch program. He emphasized that Neighborhood Watch promotes proactive involvement and encouraged anyone interested in participating to contact him at 454-6987. He is also available at this number to address questions or take comments.
Neighborhood Issues:
Bob Mehlhoff mentioned his disapproval of the distribution of tickets for the upcoming senatorial debate between Burns and Tester. Each candidate was issued 100 tickets and the Chamber of Commerce was issued 500 tickets. Bob requested tickets for neighborhood council members and was offended at the privacy of the proposed debate.
Dan Kandilas said there was no response to the speeder trailer requested last month. There is a significant number of speeders at 24th St. and 1st Av. SW. There were two more mail boxes vandalized in his neighborhood.
Pruning or trimming of the trees on 5th Ave. SW impinging on the roadway has not yet been addressed.
Shirley Peterson mentioned that there had been no response to the speeder box requested at the previous meeting at 13th St and 4th or 5th Ave. NW.
School Board Representative: Steve Erwin, announced that trustees from the school board are approaching each neighborhood council to take questions and input back to the school board. Phyllis Hemstad questioned the single member district proposal and the previously obtained signatures. She mentioned that the process was based on a Billings project which was acceptable. Steve Erwin responded that the board will keep in mind that there were some 3000 signatures. Bob Mehlhoff requested that a school board member return to the next meeting and be placed on the agenda to address additional questions.
Office Seekers:
Joe Tropila - Democrat running unopposed for State Senate seat in District 13.
Jack Allen - Republican running for Representative for House District 26.Jack presented his political platform and handed out campaign literature.
Bill Thomas - Democrat running for Representative for House District 26. Bill was not contacted prior to the meeting and was not present for scheduled debate with Jack Allen.
Phyllis Hemstad presented an update on the majority report and campaign. She requested possible assistance in distributing informative flyers at various locations and events.
Steve White made a motion to adjourn at 9:49 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Neighborhood Council #2
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members present were Sue Strickland, Steve White, Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the June 14th meeting by Steve White, seconded by Sue Strickland and passed unanimously.
Committee Reports:
Police Advisory Board: The meeting date has been changed to the third Thursday of the month according to Bob Mehlhoff.
City Commission Meetings: Bob Mehlhoff gave credit to the city commission for picking up the excess cost to fill the ditch in Bloomingdale Park.
Sue Strickland questioned a guarantee on the trees from Forde Nursery. Bob Mehlhoff will call the city regarding the watering schedule of the newly planted trees in Bloomingdale Park.
Community Policing:
Officer Noah Scott provided a year to date city-wide incident analysis report. The largest change was a decrease in number of Meth. labs. Meth arrests, however, have remained unchanged.
Officer Scott informed the attendees of a new web site to keep the community updated on various crimes city-wide. The site is www.CrimeWeb.net.
Officer Scott advised of a city ordinance being presented to ban the sales of single beer from stores.
The GFPD is initiating a Citizen’s Law Enforcement Academy patterned after a similar program presented in Missoula this past year. The program incorporates a seven week evening class which includes introduction to the department, patrol operations, specialized patrol functions, detective division, special teams, training and firearms, and concluding with a panel discussion.
Great Falls acquired a $350,000 underage drinking grant which will be used to supply digital cameras for the squad cars.
County Shop Status:
County Commissioner Joe Briggs gave an informative presentation on the current status, as well as the history behind the law suite recently settled between Montana Specialty Mills and Cascade County. A Brownsfield Timeline along with clean up plans and time frames were provided in a handout. Steve White raised the question of what would become of the tax levee should the Burn’s appropriation funds materialize and was told the tax would be dropped if Lance Olson and Joe Briggs were still in their current positions.
6th Street Rezone: Kyle Haynie was not present to discuss this topic and it was tabled at this time. Sue Strickland mentioned that the council has worked 10 years to keep the integrity of the neighborhood as it is and objects to zoning changes.
Neighborhood Issues:
Maurice Cameron mentioned loud music and speeding issues on 10th Ave. SW. Officer Scott discussed the penalty for loud music which ranged from a citation for the first offense up to a $500.00 fine. He also suggested contacting Sgt Steiner to place a ‘cop in a box’ in area of concern.
Sue Strickland and Sandy Mares questioned the curfew ordinance which Officer Scott stated was basically from dusk to dawn.
Dan Kandilas from neighborhood watch expressed concern about vandalism to mailboxes as well as speeding in the area of 24th St SW.
Shirley Peterson expressed concern regarding speeding and loud music in her neighborhood of 13th St. NW.
George Hilpert commented on the obstruction caused by trees and weeds at the intersection of 9th Ave. SW and 6th St. SW.
Steve White mentioned the visibility problem due to a fence at 5th Ave. NW and 6th St. Officer Scott will check into this problem. Steve also mentioned the continual problems with stray animals and weeds. Patty Cadwell advised him to contact Debbie Kimble with his weed complaints.
Phyllis Hemstad mentioned a hazard condition present at 4th Ave. NW and 6th St. as well.
Steve White mentioned the road resurfacing on 5th Ave. NW from 10th St through 12th St.
Phyllis Hemstad advised that roadwork will take place on 4th Ave. NW from 9th St. To 10th St. beginning the 1st of Oct. per Jim Rearden.
Patty Cadwell introduced Don McGiboney from RSVP Homeland Defense who encouraged forming neighborhood watch programs in our council district. Due to time constraints, Bob Mehlhoff requested Mr. McGiboney to return to October’s meeting and he agreed.
Council Concerns:
Steve White presented pictures taken of Great Falls Sand and Gravel depicting the erruption of what appears to be a cloud of dust. The question of air pollution and DEQ testing was raised. Joe Briggs suggested a stationary device for testing. He offered to check into this concern. Kelly Manzer mentioned previous complaints made to Steve White at the Health Department with minimal results.
Kelly Manzer mentioned the hazardous conditions on Central Ave. W. between 9th St. and I-15 and suggested this as a topic for an upcoming meeting. Patty Cadwell offered to contact Mick Johnson from MDOT for a presentation and update on this area.
Phyllis Hemstad and Sue Strickland expressed concern about the large amount of publicity the minority opinion of the Gov’t Study Committee (regarding increasing the size of the City Commission) is getting with little, if any, reference to the majority opinion. The minority opinion was published in a ‘City News’ advertisement in the July 8th Tribune as well as a flyer in the September city water-sewer bills. Sue Strickland made a motion for our council to check into the lack of representation of the majority opinion and Phyllis Hemstad seconded the motion. Motion passed uanimously.
Sue Strickland mentioned Federal Day of Caring October 20 for Federal employees to assist elderly with miscellaneous tasks.
Bob Mehlhoff allowed the public office candidates present to introduce themselves.
Present were:
- Bill Thomas – House District #26
- Fred Burow - Cascade County Commission
- Jack Allen (Represented by Ron Staley) - House District #26
Ron Staley suggested a possible debate/discussion between the HD 26 candidates at the next meeting. Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to add this to next month’s schedule. Sue Strickland seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Bloomingdale Park Dedication Ceremony: Steve White made a motion for the dedication of the park to take place on Arbor Day 2007. Phyllis Hemstad seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. *Note: Each state has their own Arbor Day. Montana’s Arbor Day is the last Friday in April (27th).
Good Neighbor Day: Bob Mehlhoff mentioned possible activities for National Good Neighbor Day but little discussion pursued.
A motion was made to adjourn and seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 9:11 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Neighborhood Council #2
Meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM. Members present were Sue Strickland, Phyllis Hemstad, Bob Mehlhoff, and Kelly Manzer. A quorum was present.
Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to approve the minutes of May 10, 2006 meeting. Sue Strickland seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Sue Strickland questioned the lack of interaction between the associated neighborhood watch people and our neighborhood council. She will make an effort to promote contact between the two entities.
City Charter Amendment: Phyllis Hemstad gave an brief overview on the City Study Govt. Commissions proposal to increase the city commission from 5 members to 7 members. This proposal was favored by two other councils as well. She suggested that those people interested could meet after the council meeting to discuss promoting the amendment.
Police Advisory Board: Bob Mehlhoff gave an update on the recent Police Advisory Board meeting. He expressed concerns regarding the amount of information requested from informants on 911 calls. It was suggested that this be a topic for the September meeting with a law enforcement officer present. He was also impressed with the ability to pin-point location of cell phone calls via the built-in G.P.S.
Area Construction: Sue Strickland discussed a disturbance with a neighbor and construction workers in her neighborhood. She is pursuing the complaint with Officer Pre’tat.
Neighborhood Council #2 Blog: Bob Mehlhoff mentioned setting up a blog to keep members and neighbors informed on various events, issues, etc. Patty Cadwell will check with the city regarding the legalities of such a site. Bob Mehlhoff plans to have the site ready by the September meeting.
Bloomingdale Park: The exact work currently being done on the park is unknown but locator flags are visible. Wednesday, August 16th at 12:00 PM (Noon) is the tentative time set for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
National Good Neighbor Day - September 24th (Sunday), 2006: Patty Cadwell advised that other councils were planning events and suggested Council #2 use this as a possible fund raiser for Bloomingdale Park. Sue Strickland and Bob Mehlhoff volunteered to organize events with the assistance of the other members as well.
Riverfest - July 15th: Patty Cadwell described the Riverfest as a free community event with numerous forms of entertainment (DARE ducks, music, misc. booths, etc.).
Bob Mehlhoff discussed other upcoming events and presented a handout of such.
Local candidates, Bill Thomas and Joe Tropila were introduced. Bill Thomas described the process involved in the tie during the recent primary election. Joe Tropila is entering his last year as a state senator due to term limits. He has been active in politics for the past 20 years.
Phyllis Hemstad updated newcomers on the Federal Building in relation to West Bank Park. A comment form regarding the proposed construction of a New Federal Courthouse is due June 15th. She emphasized the importance of preserving the West Bank Park boundaries.
Kelly Manzer expressed some concerns regarding the Spay/Neuter Clinic. It appears that this clinic is open to the public and not limited to the needy. The Humane Society animals have not been included in this clinic. Mayor Donna Stebbins is actively promoting an event which appears to be competing with the local, tax-paying veterinary clinics in Great Falls. The aftercare and surgical facility are also of concern for the excessive numbers of animals involved. Kelly Manzer stated that a spay/neuter clinic is definitely needed for feral and un-owned animals but believes family pets deserve better treatment. Joe Tropila suggested that the local veterinarians contact their association and perhaps write letters to the editor to inform the public of such concerns.None
Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Sue Strickland. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Council #2
Meeting was called to order. Members present were Sue Strickland, Phyllis Hemstad, Bob Mehlhoff, Steve White and Kelly Manzer. A quorum was present.
None
Community Policing - Officer Pre’tat gave a 2006 to date incident summary of Neighborhood Council 2 area.. We now have less meth labs in the vicinity. There are 354 sexual and violent offenders residing in Great Falls. Web sites are available to give residing locations of registered offenders.
Patty Cadwell advised of other neighborhood councils working with their neighborhood watch members to successfully clean up neighborhood areas. It was suggested that NC#2 meet with their local NW group as well.
Bloomingdale Park: Jon Thompson gave an update on the progress of Bloomingdale Park. Work was to begin May 1st but was held up by the sub-contractor for Forde Nursery. Work should start next week and expected to be completed in less than 90 days. It was suggested to have a ribbon cutting ceremony rather than a ground breaking ceremony.
West Bank Park: It was emphasized that the Federal building will have no boundary impingements on this park. Jon Thompson discussed the West Bank Park masterplan which includes roadway relocation, asphalt paving, earthwork, restrooms, irrigation, grass planting, herbicide treatment, fencing, waterline and sewer. The project as proposed will cost approximately $804,000 with a 3 year estimated time frame. The city relinquished two RR crossings to obtain a new crossing for the Federal Building.
Neighborhood Issues: None
Summer Schedule: A June meeting was suggested to tie up loose ends and discuss Bloomingdale Park ribbon cutting ceremony. Sue Strickland made a motion to meet in June. Steve White seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Updates/Announcements from council members:
Sue Strickland mentioned the construction in residential road areas and advised that any questions, problems, etc. be directed to Rick Johnson at 771-1258.
Kelly Manzer gave an update on the recent consolidation of the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Phyllis Hemstad gave a report on the Council of Councils meeting. Council #2 supports the proposal for two additional members to the city commission.
Steve White had nothing to report at this time.
Bob Mehlhoff introduced area candidates Bill Thomas and Joe Tropila.
Ole Stimac gave a presentation supporting the proposed Coal Fire Generator which included jobs, use of montana resources, environmentally sound technology, and union involvement. Pamela Morris countered with an opposed presentation which included misinformation, better alternatives, mercury toxicity (walleye, autism), global warming, questionable record of the Bison Corp. She offered an email address (pml@imt.net) for an information list.
There will be an informational meeting May 24th at 7:00pm (Mt tech). John Thompson, an expert from the Clean Air Task Force will be available for comments. Rulings from the DEQ will be made May 31st at 9:00am in Great Falls. Both presenters were allowed an additional counter-response.
Kelly Manzer made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Sue Strickland. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 PM..
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Council #2
Bob Mehlhoff call the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. Members present were Sue Strickland, Phyllis Hemstad, Kelly Manzer, and Bob Melhoff. Steve White had an excused absence. A quorum was present.
Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 8th meeting. Sue Strickland seconded the motion and it passed
Neighborhood Housing Services: Shelia Rice gave a presentation on the activities of NHS. Their board as approved the NW side as expansion limit at the request of NC #2. The boundaries of this area include a) the river b) NW bypass c)Watson Coulee Rd. and d) Central Ave. W.
The mission of NHS includes:1) Rebuilt Historic Neighborhoods
2) Opportunities for Home Ownerships
New owners pay full price for each NHS house but the mortgages may vary.
An 8hr home-buyer education course and $500.00 is required.
The home is to be used as a primary residence.
NHS has a low foreclosure and delinquency rat.
Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to adjourn. Sue Strickland seconded motion. Meetting was adjourned at 8:50PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Council #2
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members present were Sue Strickland, Steve White, Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the February 8th meeting and passed unanimously.
Jack Allen, legislative candidate for House District 26 gave a short campaign presentation.
Bill Thomas presented a petition to raise minimum wage.
Joe Tropila also made a few comments on current legislative actions and commended Neighborhood Council #2 for their previous and current endeavors.
Old bu siness topics were open to the floor with no comments.
Steve White mentioned his very recent attendance at the Local Govt. Study Commission meeting held earlier that day. He questioned the city employee acting as secretary and suggested that we use a city employee to serve as secretary for our council as well.
Report on Commission Planning Session: Phyllis Hemstad and Sue Strickland gave a synopsis of the meeting and both felt that the original intent of the meeting had been misconstrued. Patty Cadwell mentioned that other councils had expressed a similar opinion.
Report on Coal Fired Generator: Bob Mehlhoff discussed the recent multi-council meeting regarding the proposed coal fired generator . It is a new breed of plant with lower associated pollution (10% Mercury - 20-40 lbs/yr). It is to provide electricity, at no taxpayer expense, to business, schools and public entities. Concerns and questions regarding the pollutants and cost were made by Sandy Mares and Ron Staley. Joe Tropila discussed the emission control of the plant. The coal to be used will come from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming since it is a cleaner coal with less pollutants.
Meeting with Jon Thompson next month to discuss Bloomingdale and West Bank Parks: Sue Strickland and Phyllis Hemstad discussed the proposed GSA project, and expressed concerns should this project involve any of West Bank Park. Many of the attendees had already submitted similar written letters of concern.
Police/Citizen Committee: The City Council passed a resolution creating an advisory board to advise the police department on community relation, planning , police programming and public education. Bob Mehlhoff requested to represent Neighborhood Council #2 on this committee. Steve White also expressed interest and will serve as alternate.
Council Speakers: It was decided to limit speakers to 15-30 minute presentations depending upon agenda. It was also decided to keep speakers at the end of the council meetings (which had been decided in a prior meeting). It was mentioned the importance for attendees to have adequate time for discussing neighborhood concerns. Patty has been approached by Benefis (and possibly GF Clinic) to present to councils. It was determined that broad topics such as this be presented in multi-council forums.
Jabby Young asked if the council members had visited the proposed site for his duplex construction at 1401 1st Ave. NW. All members agreed that written approval from all of the surrounding neighbors (property owners) would have more importance than the previous verbal survey he presented. Phyllis Hemstad noted that Mr. Young had owned the land prior to the recent zoning changes, which were made public on several occasions. Phyllis Hemstad made a motion for Mr. Jabby to present a written neighbor approval to the council. Kelly Manzer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Mention of the proposed "Wal-Mart" land annexation was made. It was decided that this might be a topic to be presented at a "council of council" meeting.
Phyllis Hemstad made a proposal to the Local Govt. Study Commission at their meeting two weeks ago to elect city commissioners by school districts or neighborhood council districts. Mr. Wiseman felt this would not be possible but did concede that they would consider increasing the commission from 5 members to 7 members. This proposal was v oted on by the study group at today's meeting and passed after some objection from Bob Deming and Bill Wiseman. This proposal is to be included on the Nov. ballot.
Sue Strickland made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Steve White. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Council #2
Sue Strickland (Chair) called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.. Members present were Sue Strickland, Phyllis Hemstad, Bob Mehloff, Kelly Manzer, and Steve White. A quorum was present.
Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to approve minutes of December 14, 2005 meeting. Bob Mehloff seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Sue Strickland requested that we change the order of the agenda to elect new officers early in the meeting as two members were ill and needed to leave early.
Election of Officers:
Nominations of officers for neighborhood council #2 were as follows:
Chairperson: Bob Mehloff
Vice Chairperson: Phyllis Hemstad
Secretary: Kelly Manzer
All nominations were unopposed and elected unanimously.
At this time, Sue Strickland and Steve White were excused due to illness. Bob Mehloff served as acting chair for the remainder of the meeting.
Phyllis Hemstad mentioned the conditional use request made by Jabby Young at the previous meeting for property at 1401 1st Ave. NW and also a four-plex being planned for construction at 1423 1st Ave. NW. Neither of these projects meet current criteria for the new zoning regulations. Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to have our council contact Ben Rangel at the planning office (tomorrow) with a request to be kept informed and updated on any conditional use applications for above mentioned properties. Kelly Manzer seconded the motion and it passed. Bob Mehloff offered to compose and submit a letter to planning office.
Phyllis Hemstad made a motion to adjourn. Bob Melhoff seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Council #2
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