February 14, 2007 | March 14, 2007 | March 22, 2007 Special Meeting | April 11, 2007 | May 9, 2007 | October 10, 2007 | November 14, 2007 | December 12, 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:07 p.m. (following a Neighborhood Watch meeting).
Attendance: only Kelly M. no present-she is at a flood dike meeting.
City Commission meeting: Bob discussed the current dog/cat licenses, re: having rates set too high. Cory Larson is no longer head of the committee. Bob I son committee and discussed the raising money is getting people in compliance. Sue reported on the Pet Possee who will come and trap feral cats—call Dr. Mickey at Central West Animal Clinic for phone number.
Phyllis reported on Council of Councils meeting—just spoke on the topics from previous meeting.
Bob reported on Police Advisory Board. There will be a mill levy for each Dept.—Police & Fire. We cannot replace officers as fast as we are losing them. We train them only to see higher paying cities recruit them. Wants to start at a higher base number of officers. Fire Dept’s main function now is first responder on health calls. Our task force with local police and MAFB on underage drinking is the #1 in the nation. Corky Grove is now trying to get our police force sanctioned. When this happens we will be the only one in the state.
January 8th is our swearing in. Orientation is December 18-19.
Dorothy discussed the theft problem around 7th Avenue NW & 15th Street. Suggested that grandson join the Neighborhood Watch. Phyllis reported on a gang in the low income housing on 4th Ave. NW. Sue said to call Police Dept. on any vandalism or theft so they can use the statistics for additional officers.
Sue reported on update on River’s Edge Trail. Pictures and letters passed around. Any contributions made by westsiders will to the Westside section of the trail.
Sue Woyth asked about Clint Buford Nursery annexation for light industry. There is a large metal building being constructed. Patty will check into this.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Sue Ann Strickland
Acting Secretary
Attending:
Jeremy Gifford
Ivan Turner
Mary Ann Komar
Bill Thomas
Lenore Sullivan
Ruth Powell
Susan Woyth
The November Council #2 meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM. Members present were Kelly Manzer, Sue Strickland, Phyllis Hemstad, Dorothy Schmidt. Bob Mehlhoff arrived later. A quorum was present.
Sue Strickland read the minutes from the October 10th meeting. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as read.
BLOOMINGDALE PARK: Dorothy Schmidt advised the group that bulbs and rose bushes had been planted by Ivy Jackson, Loretta Day and herself. Dorothy purchased the rosebushes with personal funds and donated them to the park. An appreciation acknowledgment was given to these ladies.
COUNCIL OF COUNCILS MEETING: Phyllis Hemstad gave a review of the meeting held October 30th. Topics included:
ACTION MEETING: Kelly Manzer gave a review of the meeting held November 13th. The meeting included several fund-raising tactics and means of advertising the neighborhood councils to new neighbors. It was suggested that we should also try to recruit established neighbors to attend and perhaps a flyer in the utility bills could be addressed. Patty Cadwell offered to contact the appropriate person(s).
None
The same five council members were all re-elected in the recent election.
None
A neighbor expressed concerns about a motor home parked on the street. The location of the motor home impairs the view while backing from her driveway and occasionally the flag on her mail box is unnoticed by the postal service.
The city ordinance was mentioned and enacting a new ordinance was mentioned. Bill Thomas suggested waiting until after the swearing-in of the new officials in January before perusing this. It was requested that Bob Mehlhoff present this situation at the next police committee meeting. Kelly Manzer suggested the possibility of the council sending a letter to the motor home owner to eliminate negative reactions between the neighbors. Bill Thomas advised contacting the City Attny. Regarding the liability of such correspondence.
Other neighbors presented petitions regarding the upcoming parole date of Christopher Michelotti. Bill Thomas discussed the parole in concern and offered to contact DOC and Brandt Light regarding this matter.
Phyllis Hemstad addressed the continual concern for preserving West Bank Park and suggested the new Park & Rec. director be made aware of our concerns when hired.
The next Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held at 6:00 PM Dec. 12th just prior to the Neighborhood Council meeting.
A motion was mad and seconded to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Neighborhood Council #2 Secretary
The November Neighborhood Council #2 was called to order at 7:05 PM. Members present were Phyllis Hemstad, Kelly Manzer, Bob Mehlhoff and Sue Strickland. Dorothy Schmidt was absent. A quorum was present.
It was decided to approve both September’s minutes and last June’s minutes at a later time as they were just distributed.
City Commission Meeting: No report
Council of Councils Meeting: Will be held at end of month. There has been much discussion among the councils as to whether the recent Prospector fire and future emergency / disaster plans are appropriate topics for this meeting.
ACTION: Lack of attendance cancelled last meeting
Police Advisory Board: No report
Kelly Manzer:
Will contact Officer Pre’tat for traffic accident data on Central Avenue West in order to compose letter to MDOT.
Mentioned a citizen’s concern about reporting strange findings in the neighborhood to the police dispatch and was disappointed in the treatment they received.
Mac suggested contacting Sgt. Stiner at 455-8522 directly.
New Neighbor Packets are available to anyone interested.
Sue Strickland:
1. Mentioned recent trip to Spokane and rash of stolen vehicles used to steal ATM machines. Cautioned anyone visiting Spokane area.
2. Noticed a lake in Bloomingdale Park today. Bob Mehlhoff will check into this.
Phyllis Hemstad:
1. Discussed last night’s South Arterial Meeting. She provided comment forms to anyone interested which are due in November 9, 2007. A brief discussion of the project ensued.
2. Phyllis tracked the money for NC #2 and it is back into the appropriate account. The current balance is $885.00 which could possibly be used for signage if needed.
3. Phyllis also mentioned a recent call to GFPD regarding abandoned bicycles near her residence. She felt the call was totally ignored.
4. Phyllis informed the council that the property belonging to JabbyYoung (previously petitioned council for zoning change) is for sale.
5. Phyllis wrote a letter to the Mayor regarding the Park & Rec. position which recently opened. She suggested others follow suit encouraging similar credentials be required for next applicant as the previous director..
Bob Mehlhoff: No Concerns
Lenore Sullivan wanted to thank who ever for the recent changes in her neighborhood. The is much less animosity from the neighbors. She is still concerned about the upcoming parole for another neighbor’s son. It was suggested she initiate a legal petition to present to the parole board.
Teri Long received a letter from Heather at the city threatening fines, etc. for failure to clean up property. She questioned whether any of the threats were enforced. It was suggested she contact Heather or Mr. Rattray for this information. She also discussed suspicious activity at two nearby residences. Mac advised her of appropriate actions to take and warned of safety measures.
She also commented on an interesting web site seen on TV called rottenneighbor.com.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 8:36 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. Members present were Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, Sue Strickland and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
Sue Strickland made a motion to approve April minutes and it passed unanimously.
Sue Strickland attempted several times to contact the AGAPE center for participation in MAPRIL cleanup and expressed concern as to the lack of response from the center.
None
Bob Mehlhoff gave a summary of the park dedication which occurred April 27th. The playground equipment was financially secured by a community block grant. The city received a ‘Tree City USA’ award.
Council Vacancy Appointment: Dorothy Schmitt presented a brief biography and volunteered for the vacant position. Sue Strickland made a motion to accept her appointment to the council. Kelly Manzer seconded and the motion passed unanimously. She will be sworn in at the next city commission meeting.
Community Policing: Officer Pre’tat was unable to attend the meeting the meeting but three individual complaints were presented:
13th St. & 5th Ave. NW: Vehicle facing opposite direction and using factitious plates.
1st Alley NW by the Starlite Motel: Vehicle stripping.
14th St. & 7th Ave. SW: Abandoned vehicle.
Kelly Manzer will contact Officer Pre’tat with these concerns and update Bob Mehlhoff at that time.
Guardianship & Gatekeepers Program: Jason Kindsvatter provided information on the Lifecycles Volunteer Guardianship Program. This is a non-profit organization aimed at preventing elder abuse. Adult Protective Services received over 1000 complaints in Cascade county alone last year. Since there are only 3 employed social worker, this program will transfer guardianship to private citizens. Jason provided a handout and invited all to attend training and encouraged participation in the program. Diane Meyers from NC #4 gave a brief presentation on the Gatekeepers Program which involves watching elderly neighbors and contacting Adult Protective Services with any concerns. She also mentioned the Carrier Alert Program through the post-office.
Summer Schedule: Patrick Duffy would like to meet with NC #2 June 13th to discuss the Federal Courthouse plans. It was decided to have a June meeting to address this issue. The location of this meeting will be arranged by Patty Cadwell and announced at that time. West Bank Park is on hold at the present. A brief discussion of ‘natural’ vs ‘groomed’ park ensued.
Bob Mehlhoff discussed the letter from Ben Rangel regarding Neighborhood Council involvement in land development proposals. Patty Cadwell attended the meeting and thought that the presentations to the councils was to provide information and not necessarily to make recommendations. If a concern did occur, the parties involved could then attend the planning board meeting. The councils may still send letters of support or concern.
Kelly Manzer presented a letter sent to council members that day from the Great Falls Planning Board. The letter concerns a petition from McPherson’s at 2001 5th Ave. SW to abandon a segment of Sunset Road extending between 20th St. SW and 5th Ave. SW. Phyllis expressed concern about the water main location in this area. Kelly Manzer also suggested a traffic counter to determine the actual usage of this road. Bob Mehlhoff will contact the city regarding these concerns.
Sue Strickland mentioned a call from Marilyn Dean regarding the noise abatement meeting April 11th. No one in attendance had attended that meeting so Bob Mehlhoff will contact Cynthia Schultz for a presentation or information.
Sue Strickland made a motion to adjourn. Kelly Manzer seconded and meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.
Next meeting will be June 13, 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer Secretary
Neighborhood Council #2
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. Members present were Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, Sue Strickland and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
Sue Strickland made a motion to approve, Phyllis Hemstad seconded motion and it passed unanimously.
Zoning Changes: Jabby Young applying for a Conditional Use Change permit at 1401 1st Ave. NW. Mr. Young presented additional signatures from the neighbors. Sue Strickland made a motion to pass this issue on to the city. Phyllis Hemstad seconded and motion passed. Bob Mehlhoff commented that the city is not sure of the NC’s role in situations such as this. Phyllis Hemstad expressed concerns of multi-family housing developments in this area.
Bob Mehlhoff will compose a formal letter to the city of our intentions.
Lenore Sullivan described a situation in her neighborhood (7th Ave. NW) of a disorderly neighbor whose son is currently serving time in the state prison for a drive-by shooting. She described several incidences involving this particular neighbor and expressed concern regarding the parole of her son. Mac McGiboney from Neighborhood Watch expressed the importance of the neighbors banding together to address this problem. Bob Mehlhoff offered to mention this situation at the next Police Advisory Committee meeting. Patty Cadwell offered assistance in contacting Heather regarding code violations. Others present suggested retaining an attorney.
Council Vacancy: Bob Mehlhoff stated that due to lack of public information/advertising, he was not comfortable to fill the vacant position at this time. Kelly Manzer made a motion to table this agenda item until the next meeting. Sue Strickland seconded and motion passed. Patty Cadwell will contact the Tribune and get announcements of the vacancy printed at least twice prior to next scheduled meeting.
City Commission meeting: Bob Mehlhoff briefly discussed the recently passed ordinance requiring Neighborhood Council candidates to be registered voters.
Council of Councils: Phyllis Hemstad mentioned the proposed boundary changes for the councils but do not affect NC #2. Patty Cadwell advised that she as requested $200.00 per council but the budgets will not be approved until the end of June. The sandwich board signs previously discussed would require a permit ($50.00) per new signage codes. Bob Mehlhoff thought that this might be addressed at the next Council of Councils meeting and strive for an exemption.
ACTION: Kelly Manzer mentioned the informative flyer that each council is constructing for the New Neighbor Packets being proposed.
Police Advisory Board: No Report
Mapril Cleanup (April 28 and May 5) NHS provides trucks to pick up sacked/stacked garbage. Other councils are planning a cleanup party. Bob Mehlhoff declined council involvement due to upcoming Bloomingdale Park Celebration.
Kelly Manzer suggested approaching AGAPE for neighborhood participation. Sue Strickland offered to contact Cindy Dolan.
Teen Day - No information available at this time
Air Traffic Noise: A meeting was held with Cynthia Schultz April 10th. Mac McGiboney was present and advised that a small portion of NC 2 is included in the ‘noise’ map.
Bob Mehlhoff offered to contact Cynthia to obtain a map for viewing at the next meeting.
None
None
Brief discussion regarding invitations and advertising.
Sue Strickland made a motion to adjourn at 8:21PM. Kelly Manzer seconded and motion passed.
Next meeting will be May 9, 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Neighborhood Council #2
Attendees: Bob Mehlhoff, Phyllis Hemstad, Sue Strickland, Kelly Manzer, and Jon Thompson.
It was decided to have a ceremonial dirt shoveling (to plant a tree) rather than a ribbon cutting to dedicate the park.
Jon Thompson suggested inviting other neighborhood councils. Also, the mayor will be the keynote speaker as well as a representative from the state to give the ‘Tree City USA’ Award.
The mayor could also make an announcement at the ceremony regarding the CDBG money for playground equipment.
Jon Thompson:
Portable canopy, PA system, chairs, tables, coolers, etc. from city.
Award portion.
Bob Mehlhoff:
Peggy Bourne for money
Invitations: Mayor, City Comm., NC’s, Lawton, Dept. Heads, etc.
City e-mail via Patty Cadwell
Press
Sue Strickland:
Beverages - Donations from Hardees, McDonalds, etc.
Phyllis Hemstad: (NC #2 slush fund?)
Cookies and other refreshments
Kelly Manzer:
Posters from Insty Prints
Meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. Members present were Steve White, Kelly Manzer, Phyllis Hemstad, Sue Strickland and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
Minutes from February 14th, 2007 meeting approved.
City Commission Meetings: Bob Mehlhoff advised of a public hearing for West Bank Park project next Tuesday (3/20/07) at 7:00PM.
Council of Councils: Steve White gave a synopsis of the February 15th meeting. The park funding was discussed. The $126,000 approved by the city commission in 2004 to pave the golf course parking lot was of concern but is a done deal. A motion was made to have Phyllis Hemstad address the city commission to prevent further dispersal of such funds without notification of neighborhood councils and others. Peggy Bourne, City Clerk, presented a memo discussing Neighborhood Council District Boundaries.
ACTION Team: No report as meeting was cancelled.
Police Advisory Board: Bob Mehlhoff mentioned the academy training coarse open to the public. A meeting will be held March 15th, 2007.
Natural Areas Management Program: City forester, Jon Thompson, gave a slide presentation describing ‘Natural Areas’ and explaining the management program. He requested that everyone write a letter to the city commission for or against developing a master plan for managing public lands. There was some opposition expressed to West Bank Park being included in this plan.
Animal Ordinance Appeal Process: Kory Larsen, from the City Attorney’s Office, gave a presentation on the newly adopted animal control ordinance. He explained the multiple animal permit which would involve a hearing with the associated neighborhood council, should an appeal arise. He volunteered to provide assistance during the initial hearing.
Zoning Changes: Jabby Young presented a signed petition from neighbors in the area of his property at 1401 1st Ave. NW, where he requesting a conditional use permit to construct a rental duplex. A brief discussion ensued and Bob Mehlhoff suggested tabling the topic until next meeting to allow time for the council members to be updated.
Election of Officers: Steve White submitted his resignation from the council citing health reasons. The remaining officers agreed to continue in the same position currently held. The council will actively seek another member to replace Steve White.
None
Meeting was adjourned at 9:28 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Neighborhood Council #2
Bob Mehlhoff called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. Members present were Kelly Manzer, Steve White and Bob Mehlhoff. A quorum was present.
City Commission Meetings: Bob Mehlhoff reported that a no transfer of land stipulation would likely be incorporated in the West Bank Park arrangements. He also mentioned the walk system under the Central Ave. W. bridge described in the park plan development. The next planning meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2007 at 5:30.
Council of Councils: Steve White gave a synopsis of the January 17th meeting. A main topic was the lack of park improvements and the city’s funding responsibilities. A special meeting was scheduled for February 15, 2007 at 7:00 pm to address how the city’s parks capital improvements are funded. Each council reported on their activities and projects.
ACTION Team: Kelly Manzer gave an update on the current projects of the ACTION (Advocates Coming Together Improving Our Neighborhoods) group.
They are currently composing flyers from each neighborhood council to be given out in ‘New Neighbor’ packets.
Police Advisory Board: Bob Mehlhoff commended the GFPD for all of their efforts that go unnoticed.
Community Policing: Officer Steve Pre’tat informed the group of a web site with instant updates imperative to Great Falls. The web site is www.CrimeWeb.net. Great Falls is the first department in the state to have this capability. Officer Pre’tat also provided the yearly criminal statistics for our neighborhood. Kelly Manzer requested a comparison with other neighborhoods or the city as a whole. Patty Cadwell stated that she would try to get this information for us. Officer Pre’tat also advised of the downtown officer in a new storefront location ( #6 5th St. N.), Officer Slaughter’s proposed single beer can purchase city ordinance, and encouraged involvement in the Neighborhood Watch program. He also mentioned the RSVP VIP program which includes volunteers in policing and encouraged applications.
VISTA Volunteer: Gary Nowell gave a brief presentation about VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) and appealed for mentors in their three major programs:
Big Brothers and Sisters
Excel Mentors
Casa-Can
Some discussion about the AGAPE center ensued.
Bloomingdale Park Dedication scheduled for Friday April 27th, 2007 (Arbor Day) at 2:30 pm. Additional events can be scheduled later in the year.
Steve White mentioned election of new officers and moved that current officers remain. This decision was tabled until next meeting when all officers are present.
Bob Mehlhoff suggested the ambulance service be invited to next meeting with an update on their status in Great Falls.
None
Steve White made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Kelly Manzer. Meeting was adjourned at 9:07 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Manzer
Secretary Neighborhood Council #2
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