Neighborhood Council 3
Minutes 2010
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Minutes Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday, Dec 2, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 by Chairperson Lori Fay.
Members present: Lori Fay, Rich Callsetta, Larry Boggs, Jack Stimac
Others Present: Mike Raile, Marlena Halko, Dexter Busby, Carol Martinell, Cyndi Baker, Ron and Kathy Gessaman, Doug Bennyhoff, Chris Imhoff, Pat Halcro, and Patty Caldwell.
Minutes from November meeting were approved.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Chris Imhoff, the city block grant administrator, was present to explain the Community Development Block Grant program. There will be a needs hearing Dec. 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the city commission chambers. Applications for grant are due by Jan. 28, 2011.
City mapper Pat Halcro presented the problems associated with the addressing of 22nd Ave NW and Montana Ave between Riverview Blvd and 6th St NW. He said it has been an ongoing problem since the 1970’s. Many landowners do not want to change addresses because of the inconvenience. He said that mappers are not able to put the area in the GPS system because of the dual name of the street and emergency services still use paper maps in the area. Fire Marshall Doug Bennyhoff said that emergency personnel and dispatchers are aware of the area and that they have mandated training for address and area familiarization. He is not aware of any instances where response was delayed because of the dual name. Patty will try to set up a meeting in February with city personnel and affected.
Issues of neighborhood concern:
Ron Gessamam asked if we had heard about a roundabout being proposed at 33rd Ave NE and Hwy 87. No one on the council was aware of it and Rich said he would look into it.
Mr. Gessaman also asked about an air quality permit application taken out by the refinery. Mike Raile from MRC said that it was a process they had to go through any time they had to go through anytime a new piece of equipment was added to insure that it met manufacturers specifications and DEQ requirements.
Cyndi Baker said there is going to be a reception for The Open World Russian Delegation on Friday, Dec 10 at 4:15 p.m. at the library downstairs meeting room.
Patty Caldwell said that they will be discussing large vehicle parking and BMX use of the skate park at the commission work session on Dec 7 at 5:45.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00
Respectfully submitted, Jack Stimac, Secretary, District 3
Minutes Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday November 4, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 7:00pm
Members present: Larry Boggs, John Sturgeon, Jack Stimac
Others Present: Marlena Halko, Dexter Busby, Cyndi Baker, Mike Kleinsauser, John Wipf, Todd Hanson, Bonnie Sturgeon, Cleave Loney, Patty Caldwell
Minutes from previous meeting approved.
No old business
New business:
Todd Hanson, John Wipf and Mike Kleinsauser from Montana Eggs proposed an addition to their plant on Stuckey Road to increase their capacity to 5 ½ million dozen eggs per year. They would also add appx. 14 jobs. They would like to be annexed into the city so they can add water and sewer and other improvements to the property. A motion was made, seconded and carried for Neighborhood Council 3 to recommend to the city commission to approve the annexation.
Cyndi Baker brought up the fact that addresses on Montana Ave. and 22 ave. NW and other areas in the district were confusing to emergency responders and others. She stated that citizens were put at risk because of delayed response times. Patty will invite a representative of the fire dept. to the Dec. meeting to discuss the issue.
John Sturgeon stated that people talking on cell phones while driving was getting out of hand. A motion was made,seconded and carried that Neighborhood Council 3 recommend that the city draft an ordinance banning cell phone talking and texting while driving.
John also commented that the driving around Riverview School was terrible and something needs to be done. Patty said there would be a representative from law enforcement at an upcoming meeting.
Larry Boggs congratulated Cleave Loney on his victory in H.D. 25
Meeting adjourned at 7:48. Respectfully submitted, Jack Stimac, Secretary
Minutes Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.*
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members present: Lori Fay, John Sturgeon, Larry Boggs
Others Present: Ron Gessaman, Kathy Gessaman, Bonnie Sturgeon, Mike Witsoe, Cindy Baker, Patty Caldwell, Jennifer Reichelt, (New Deputy City Manager), Johnny Walker (County Commission Candidate), Ed Buttery (Senate District 13 Candidate), Cleve Looney (House District 25 Candidate)
Minutes from the June 3, 2010 meeting were approved.
Old Business
No old business was presented due to absense of two Council members.
New Business
Jennifer Reichelt introduced herself and provided a little of her background. Grew up in Yuma, Az. Attended Northern Arizona. Has a Master Degree in Public Administration??? She is still on a learning curve about Great Falls issues i.e. water rights and the animal shelter. Kathy Gessaman asked her about the disposition of the large donation given for benefit of animals. Ms Reichelt would make it a point to check on it.
Johnny Walker spoke of his effort and desire to become County Commissioner. Running against Joe Briggs. He presented his personal history and his qualifications. He fielded questions and stated his platform.
Cleve Loney spoke briefly. Touched on his philosophy and desire to become a Legistator to try to help the people. Fielded questions.
Ed Buttrey spoke. Presented his personal history. His platform is all about creating jobs. Fielded questions.
Kathy Gessaman brought up a concern about the intersection of Smelter and 6th St. NW. Possible could up grade to a 4 way stop intersection. Patty Caldwell mentioned that it is a State maintained road and provided names of persons to contact regarding this issue.
Lori Fay mentioned that the Master Plan for West Bank Park area is ready for review on 13 Sept at 3 P.M. Location was uncertain at this time.
Ron Gesseman brought up about the Zone change along Boot Legger Trail. Lori Fay stated she had performed a survey of residents in the area and that no one had a problem with the change.
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 PM. Respectfully submitted, Larry Boggs, Acting Secretary.
Minutes
Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members present: Lori Fay, Rich Calsetta, John Sturgeon, Jack Stimac
Others Present: Ron Gessaman, Bonnie Sturgeon, Brent Moore CTA, Taylor Woods, Patty Caldwell
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.
Old Business
Rich Reported on the city commission meeting and clarified the Medical Marijuana ordinance.
Ron Gessaman asked if anyone had found out what was going on by the water tower on 36th Ave N.E. No one had heard.
Jack will try to get an update on the traffic circle from the highway dept.
New Business
Brent Moore from CTA gave a West Bank Park Master Plan Update and said it was in the preliminary stage and they were looking for input. Lori was appointed to the steering committee.
Rich was appointed to the Police Advisary Board.
It was decided that District 3 would not have summer meetings unless issues of importance came up.
Issues of Neighborhood Concern
Jack brought up that parking around Madison Park could be dangerous during heavy use times such as soccer and baseball seasons. He also pointed out that other parks in the area might have the same problems. Rich will contact the park and rec dept.
Traffic and zoning /development issues were discussed and the council decided we need to be more active in these areas.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jack Stimac
Secretary
Minutes
Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
Council members present: Lori Fay, John Sturgeon, Larry Boggs
Others present: See attached list. (Not available online.)
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Lori Fay.
Minutes from the April Council 3 meeting was not available.
Lori Fay addressed the letter that was delivered to residents of Council area 3 by Nick Bourdeau. Her contention is that the letter was not factual and contained mis-information.
New Business: Mr. Lyle Meeks presented information on the proposed Great Bear Innovation Park. The park will be located just east of the Malt Plant on Black Eagle Road. The Council made no recommendations and chose to table this plan until next meeting, pending return of the other Council members.
Mr. Ron Gessaman asked what is going on near the water tower off Boot Legger Trail. There appears to be some kind of construction. The Council as well as members of the audience has no knowledge of what is going on. The Council will look into it.
A safety concern was brought to the Councils attention by a Valley View resident. The dirt road coming down Hill 57 need a stop sign where it intersects with 9th St. NW and Smelter. The Council will address this concern with the city.
Mr. Charles Bocock addressed the Urban Chicken issue as a proponent to amend the city ordnance to allow urban chicken. He stated facts, statistics, and gave examples of other cities that allow urban chickens.
Mr. Nick Bourdeaux gave the dissenting point of view. He addressed the possibility of low property values, odor, disease, chickens running through out the neighborhoods, quality of life issues should the Urban Chicken ordnance amendment be approved.
In attendance were Mary Jolly, City Commissioner; Travis Kavulla, Candidate for Public Service Commission; Rod Lukasik, Candidate for H D 25 and Rick Tyron, Candidate for HD 25. There were over 36 residents in attendance. Of those 16 expressed a No to Urban chickens, while 11 indicated Yes to Urban Chickens while 9 abstained from voting,(this is documented on the attendance roster). Nineteen residents stated a wide variety of opinions for and against Urban Chickens.
City Commissioner Mary Jolly spoke of the process to bring things before the City Commission and to effect change. She also stated that the Urban Chicken has not made the City Commissions Agenda and has no idea when it will make the agenda.
Other Business: The issue of summer time meeting was tabled until next Council meeting to allow the full Council to have input. All those in attendance were asked to recommend a meeting site since the school will be closed in the summer. A recommendation of the Moose Lodge was given.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Next meeting will be June 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Riverview School Cafeteria.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Boggs, Neighborhood Council 3.
Minutes
Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 7:05
Council members present: Richard Calsetta, Jack Stimac, Larry Boggs
Old Business:
Minutes from previous meeting were approved.
Nick Bourdeau was here for a report on allowing chickens in the city limits. A motion was made, seconded and carried that District 3 recommend that the city commission should revisit the ordinance banning chickens within the City of Great Falls.
The Smelter Avenue road work was discussed and it was agreed that a letter would be drafted to the highway dept. asking that our input be included in the design and naming of the traffic circle at Division and Smelter. A draft will be brought to the next meeting for approval.
Medical Marijuana was again discussed at length. A motion was made, seconded and carried to recommend to the city commission that the commercial growing and distribution of medical marijuana not be allowed in residential areas. And only medical marijuana patients should be allowed to grow plants in their own homes for their own use in residential areas.
New Business:
Rick Tyron introduced himself as a candidate for H.D. 25
Larry Boggs asked about the concrete structure in the Twilite Center. Evidently, it is involved in a lawsuit and nothing can be done until that is resolved.
Sheriff David Castle gave an update on the Cascade County Sheriffs Office. He said there is not enough money budgeted to operate the Cascade County Detention Center and he has to supplement it by bringing out of area felons. He is working with county, state and federal officials to best serve the citizens of Cascade County.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15
Next meeting April 8, 2010 Riverview School Cafeteria
Minutes
Neighborhood Council
District 3
Thursday February 4, 2010
Riverview School Cafeteria
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 7:00
Council members present: Lori Fay, Richard Calsetta, Jack Stimac
Others present: Patty Caldwell, Lindsay Love, Nick Bourdeau, Mike Dalton, Ronald Gessaman, Kristal Kuhn
Minutes from Previous Meeting: None
Old Business: None
New Business:
Election of Officers: Lori Fay was elected Chair, Richard Calsetta was elected Official Delegate and Jack Stimac was elected Secretary all by voice vote.
Kristal Kuhn provided information on Nixle, a network to provide emergency and community information by text messaging, e-mail, and web alerts. Residents and others can sign up for service and will be provided updates.
Mike Dalton, Executive Director of Sunburst Unlimited, gave a report on their company’s efforts to provide support for neighborhood gardens, “green” composting systems, and recycling waste.
Nick Bourdeau discussed the city ordinance banning chickens in the city limits and asked for input from council members. It was agreed that we would talk to our neighbors about it and see what the general consensus was.
Lindsay Love introduced her self as a candidate for Montana House District 25.
Review of the By-Laws was tabled until the March 4 meeting so that council member had more time to review them.
There was a discussion of the Highway Department’s plan to improve Smelter Avenue from Division Road to 3rd St. It included widening the road, installing bike and pedestrian paths, an a round about at the intersection of Division and Smelter. Jack suggested that we try to get the area inside the circle named “Kessner Circle”.
The city’s moratorium on medical marijuana was discussed.
We would like to get the ball rolling on Neighborhood watch. Patty Caldwell will invite the coordinator to our meeting.
Richard Calsetta was appointed Council of Councils representative.
Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Next meeting will be March 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Riverview School Cafeteria.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jack Stimac, Secretary , Neighborhood Council District 3
