January 24, 2008 | February 28, 2008 | March 27, 2008 | April 24, 2008 | May 22, 2008 | June 26, 2008 | July 24, 2008 | August 28, 2008 | September 25, 2008 | October 23, 2008 | November 21, 2008 | December 22, 2008
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:40p. All council members were present.
City Commission:
Sandra reported on the December 2 and December 16 meetings.
County Commission:
No council member attended. A council member will try to attend but it is hard to do because of the time the commission meets.
Police Advisory Board;
No report. Bob is waiting for a response from Police Chief Grove.
Home Place and property near 900 52nd St. So.:
No action necessary
Meade Property:
Clean up continues but is now dependent on the weather.
10th Av. No.:
Council is still trying to get the speed limit lowered on this road.
4727 2nd Av No-condemnation:
Condemnation process continues on this property. The absentee owner has appealed the condemnation procedure but the process continues. Letters of condemnation will be sent to the renters of the trailers.
Other:
No other old business
52nd St No Annexation:
Mike Tobacco and Joe Filopwicz asked the Council for approval of City annexation of property to be used by Steel Etc. The members of Council 4 voted unanimously in favor of the proposed annexation will send a letter to the City stating our approval.
People’s Park and Recreation Foundation:
No one from the foundation was present and they will reschedule to our January meeting.
Neighborhood concerns:
None
Good Neighbor Award:
A suggestion was made to remind all the councils of the award at the next Council of Council meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:40
Next meeting: January 22, 2009
Election of Officers
Meeting was called to order at 6:30
All council members were present.
The first order of business:
Motion was made and passed to have Rick Kavulla become the secretary for Council 4 for the remainder of Bob Church’s position. He will continue to be an active member of the council but not as secretary.
Committee Reports:
Sandra reported on the City Commission meetings for the month of November.
Nov. 5th meeting: Sandra reported that the City has given permission to rezone a tract of land near the intersection of 57th St. No. and 2nd Av No.. The land will be zoned C2.
Sandra also reported the City decided to keep the current logo and not replace the logo with a new version.
Nov. 18 Much of the meeting revolved issues with water rights and the City applying for additional water rights. The commission voted 3-1 to research the possibility of acquiring new rights. They are also going to issue Christmas ornaments that will be sold to honor the 75th anniversary of the Civic Center Building.
County commission: No one attended the meeting
Police Advisory Committee: No one attended the meeting
ACTION committee: Rick K. reported on the proposal to enhance the entrance to the community of Black Eagle as part of a project of the ACTION committee members.
Old Business:
Minutes of previous meeting were read by Sandra. Motion was made and seconded to pass the minutes as corrected.
Home Place properties:
Property on 10th Av S is in compliance.
Property on 2nd Av No has received a final warning to be compliant. Must be within 30 days.
Meade Property:
Area continues to be cleaned up and more needs to be done but most is dependent upon the weather.
10th Av. No.
Still working on speed issue.
38th St. and 3rd Av So. Intersection (Schultes) A traffic study was completed and fall short of requirements for a controlled intersection. Jerry McKinley will contact the owners of Schultes and ask them to address the issue of service trucks blocking the view when attempting to cross the street..
4727 2nd Av No. properties:
Condemnation of the trailer park. City staff has received permission from some residents to inspect the housing at the site and then will issue a response to the absentee owner.
New Business:
Sheriff Castle update:
Sheriff Castle gave a very detailed update on the activities and the history of the department that he heads. This was a very informative meeting and was well received by the attending neighborhood citizens. Sheriff Castle is to be commended for his presentation to our council.
The December meeting date was changed to accommodate Christmas. We will meet on December 22.
No other neighborhood concerns were brought up.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35.
Respectively submitted,
Richard Kavulla
NC vice chair and new secretary
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Sandra called meeting to order at 6:30. Members attending Sandra Guynn, Rick Kavulla, and Bob Church.
City Commission meeting: Sandra Guynn recommended to the City Commission about condemning the property at 4727 2nd Ave. North. City Commission voted 5-0 to rezone 38th and River Drive North from POS to M-2. NC#4 and NC#8 recommended the zoning remain as POS
County Commission meeting: NC#4 did not attend
Council of Councils meeting: No meeting
Police Advisory Board: Meeting to be held November 20th
Amended and approved minutes of the September 25th meeting
Home Place and property near 900 52nd Street South
No report on the Home Place. – 900 52nd Street South is still in compliance with county zoning
Meade Property- continues to be cleaned up
10th Avenue North annexation - motorists driving too fast. NC#4 asked the city to annex. City Manager Doyon in a letter to us said he does not recommend the city annex at this time. Sheriff Castle said the County Commissioners can set a speed limit but he added the Sheriff’s department cannot patrol because they are undermanned.
38th Street and 3rd Avenue South traffic concerns- Sandra indicated the city did a traffic study and will have results soon.
4727 2nd Avenue North—condemnation- addressed again by Sandra at the City Commission meeting on October 21st.
Presentation by Pre Release on proposed sex offender program- Curtis Thompson outlined transition model for sex offenders from prison to productive lives. Great Falls has some 142 sex offenders here. This proposed plan will only take sex offenders who have resided in Cascade County for one year prior. This program would provide jobs for sex offenders to pay for their treatment. These people would be monitored for one year with zero tolerance. This model has had a 75% success rate to not re-offend.
Patty Rearden from the Park and Recreation gave NC#4 an overview of Park and Recreation’s job. Survey provided for citizens of Great Falls seeking information on how P&R can better serve the city. Survey is due November 21.
Police officer Tad Kimmet gave a report of crime in our area: 19 accidents, 3 sex offenders, 22 abandoned vehicles, and a few animal reports.
Renters from 4727 2nd Avenue North apprised NC#4 of conditions of this trailer park and how dangerous the property is and how bad the landlord is. Sandra handed out housing complain forms for renters to fill out.
George Littlefield defined school zone according to Montana State traffic code.
Next meeting—November 20, 2008
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Sandra called meeting to order at 6:30. Members attending Sandra Guynn, Brenda Martino, and Bob Church.
City Commission meeting: No food drive in December. Judge Nancy Luth was told by the judge of the judicial commission that it is unethical. City Commissioner Bronson said city ordinance might be passed to allow food drives. Library –you can now download books to MP3. Changed next city commission meeting to October 6. Re-zoning 38th and River Drive will be discussed.
County Commission meeting: No council members attended.
Council of Councils meeting: Budget presentations by Fire Chief Randy McCamley and Police Chief Grove. Need for 16 new firefighters. Undermanned because they are currently staffed by 1960 numbers. City Manager Doyon is considering Public Safety levy for 2009.
Police Advisory Board: Police Chief Corky Grove said the number one priority is providing 5-6 patrol cars per night. Grove again outlined the need for a new police building and communication center.
Minutes of NC #4 meeting of August 28, 2008 amended and passed.
Steve Bolstad reported to Sandra that the Home Place is not in compliance. Property near 900 52nd Street South is in compliance.
Meade property shows good progress, but further work needs to be done.
Tenth Avenue North annexation, traffic study results: NC4 believes 45 mph too fast for Tenth Avenue North. City Manager Doyon is looking to see if city can annex.
Alley traffic east on 38th Street and 4th Avenue North—city traffic report data say there is no speeding. Study showed average speed 16 mph by alley users.
Gang Presentation—GFPD officers Don Gerhart and Jeff Beecroft gave gang assessment tool presentation to NC#4. “Gangs will be part of GF forever.” No wannabe gang members—same as LA or Detroit but smaller scale. Six street gangs active in GF with 200 members. UGF student service organization is helping to take care of graffiti.
Neighborhood concerns: Property on 4727 4th Avenue North. Landlord out of state, delinquent taxes. Would NC#4 petition city to clean up or condemn? Criminal element present. NC#4 voted to ask the city to condemn.
John Juras discussed bike paths on 38th and River Drive at our August meeting. Sandra asked if neighbors are still interested in pursing. Yes.
Pre-Release Tier 1 and Tier 2 sex offender presentation at NC#4 October meeting.
Next meeting—October 23, 2008
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Sandra called to order 6:30. Members attending: Rick Kavulla, Nancy Weinzettel and Bob Church. Others attending Greg Doyon, Ben Rangel and Bill Walters.
City Commission meeting: Sandra reported the annexation of 10th Avenue North was discussed with no decision reached.
County Commission meeting: No meeting was held.
Council of Councils meeting: None held.
Police Advisory Board: Police Chief Corky Grove outlined the need for a public safety levy. Also there is a need to upgrade the present communication system. Police department would like to have a new police station. The police department faces issues of recruiting new police officers and keeping them here.
Action Team: Action Team is dealing with defining their mission and will meet in October.
Approved minutes of NC #4 meeting of July 24th amended and passed 4-0.
Home Place and property near 900 52nd St. South- People using property as a dump
Meade property- Property owners’ children have been cleaning up the area and taking care of problems.
10th Avenue North annexation, no change to speed limit and neither the city nor the county can patrol. NC#4 wants city to annex. No decision reached yet
Alley traffic east on 38th and 4th Avenue North- traffic study done; the Traffic Dept. will make a decision
Greg Doyon thanked NC#4 for what we do and was getting out in the community to see what is happening.
38th Street and River Drive Zoning change. Not in our NC area but rather NC#8. Talk of rezoning to M-2. Ben Rangel and Bill Walters outlined the zoning changes and effects. Rebecca Engum’s goal for area property is to not allow unsightly development and offered only to businesses that would be a good fit. Stuart Lewin was opposed to city planning and wants to keep area as POS, not M-2. Stuart is concerned about more traffic, more pollution. Bob Church motioned to keep area zoned, POS, seconded by Nancy Weinzettel. Motion passed 3-1 with Rick Kavulla voting no.
Neighborhood concerns- Neighbors on 51st St. So. Worrying about the appearance of house at 508- 51st St. So driving down their property values.
Noise complaints on the property adjacent to 57th and 3rd Avenue So. caused by ATV’s and motorcycles.
Jim Larson spoke of vehicles stopping on 57th by the soccer fields and the safety issues. People were making u-turns over the median.
John Juras of the GF Bicycle Club addressed NC#4 about potential bike lanes along 38th North to River Drive. The biggest problem will be funding
Next meeting—September 25, 2008
Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Sandra Guynn at 6:30 pm. Council members in attendance were Sandra, Rick, and Brenda.
Sandra reported on the City Commission meetings for July. She asked the Commission who was responsible if there was a fire on the Meade property. (July 1)
Sandra reported that the next Commission meeting was about the City’s budget proposal. (July 15)
Sandra read minutes of the previous meeting. The minutes were approved as amended.
Home Place: Weeds are becoming a nuisance on the property and the county is aware of the problem and will try to find a solution. The property is on 2nd Av No. It is the site of the former Falls Motor View and the Home Place mobile home sales.
Meade property: Sandra stated that there is litigation started regarding the property. Fire Chief McCanley will report on that issue.
10th Av No
A speed report was complete on 10th Av No during the month. Three samples were taken regarding the speeding issue on the avenue. Jerry McKinley stated the results were that 85% of the speed was 45.9 mph- there was no crash history on the road-the road is not overly used. These results show no significant problem on the road.
Ben Rangel stated in a letter that if the city annexed the property the city then could lower the speed limit to 35 mph from the current 45 mph. but that would only occur if warranted.
MAFB is aware of the problem of military people speeding on the road and the deal with their personnel on those issues.
City Manager Doyan is looking into the land issues on the east end of Great Falls and was wondering about all the county areas located or surrounded by city property and may be looking into possible annexation of some of those properties which could include 10th Av No.
Sandra read a petition regarding speeding on 3rd alley NE of 38th St. The petition will be forwarded to Jim Rearden by Patti Cadwell.
Fire chief McCamley was introduced and explained the fire situation regarding the Meade property. He stated that he and his staff is preparing a fire contingency plan for the property in case of a fire. They will then have a plan in place to address a potential fire in this area. He stated there is a potential environmental problem on the property but he has no authority since the property is on county land. The City will work with the county to assist in the cleanup of this property. Information was submitted to the county attorney for further follow up. The fire chief explained the fire districts in the city and discussed the responsibility of the city and rural fire districts regarding fire near the city limits.
He also discussed the city’s budget regarding the fire and police departments and the need for more money to support both departments. He stated there may be a levy proposal that will specifically address safety issues in the city and will address financial shortfalls in both the police and fire departments.
A concern was brought up about loud noise from vehicles, both engine and music. The issue will be brought to Officer Scott’s attention.
Another concern was the meeting room location of the council. The issue was the stairs and how hard it is for people to go to the second floor. Sandra and Rick will look into the issue.
Another concern was to have the meeting moved to another location. Rick stated that meeting place has been changed three times in three years and we need to stay. Sandra agreed and we will stay at our present location.
One final concern was a house located at 508 51st St So. The city is aware of the problem with this house.
On our next meeting in August we are asking a member from city planning to meet with the Council #4 regarding the property located on the southwest corner of the intersection of 38th St. No. and River Drive. The land is currently undeveloped park land and the city want to rezone it. Since the property in question is within our council’s area we are requesting to have a staff person explain the need for the rezoning request. There are potential neighborhood concerns the least of which in the lack of notification of our council.
Sandra will schedule a time for John Juras to discuss a potential bike path within our council area.
Another suggestion was to make a sign to direct people to our meeting place and place the signs near the road.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
City Commission meetings: Disorderly Premise ordinance discussed, outlining procedures to be followed for fines.
Letter from City Manager Doyon expressed his desire to change the number of police calls from 3 to 5 before issuing a ticket.
Realtor Ronda Wiggers expressed concerns about how the Disorderly Premise ordinance would inconvenience landowners, some of whom live out of state.
At the June 17 meeting, a plan for the Advisory Committee for Animal Shelter will be adopted. Residents can apply for three positions.
County Commission meeting: No report
Council of Councils meeting: No report
Police Advisory Board: Bob Church called Police Chief Corky Grove to remind him about the new zero tolerance policy in dealing with fireworks violators.
Action Team: Rick Kavulla presented idea to welcome new families to Neighborhood Council to explain what the NC does.
Approved minutes of May 22, 2008 meeting
Home Place: Property owner in non-compliance, lives in Kalispell.
Mead property—no clean up yet.
10th Avenue North annexation: City Commissioners will proceed attempting to annex this street. Possibility of lowering the speed zone from 45 mph to 35 mph. Speed test machine set up
900 52nd Street South: Parking of mobile homes and trailers along 10th Avenue South.
Neighborhood Concerns: Sandra Guynn will resend a letter originally sent to Col. Finan in April to the new base commander, Col. Forney about airmen speeding on 10th Avenue North.
Mr. and Mrs. Kenison, 3812 3rd Avenue No., reported trouble in alley in back of condos across the street from Eddie’s Supper Club.
Motorcycles and ATVs are creating problems at 57th and 3rd Avenue So.
The Great Falls Bicycle Club sent a letter to NC4 asking us to support an extension of the Rivers Edge Trail. Members voted 4 to 1 to decline letter of support.
Next meeting—July 24, 2008
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Sandra Guynn called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
Rick Kavulla, Bob Church, Sandra Guynn, and absent were Nancy Weinzettel and Brenda Martino. City Commissioner Bronson was present
City Commission meetings: Public hearing on June 3rd on annexing Murph’s Bowling property. Committee on building new animal shelter tabled proposal.
County Commission meetings: No report
Council of Councils meeting: No report
Police Advisory Board: Bob Church reported Police Chief Corky Grove stressed the Police Department needs to know about night complaints. Also call the police if you see graffiti in our neighborhood.
Approve Minutes of last meeting: Approved minutes of April 24th meeting
Home Place letter: Steve Bolstad stated the county is working on cleaning up Home Place
Other: Sandra reported City Commissioners meeting May 6th to consider annexing 10th Avenue North from 38th to 57th. Sandra also wrote letter to Col. Finan asking him to apprise Malmstrom personnel of excessive speed on this street and stricter law enforcement.
Kristen of Get Fit Great falls introduced National trails Day 2008 and listed several hikes around the GF area to participate in. Visit www.getfitgreatfalls.org for updates. Heather Rohlf GFPD talked to Council #4 of how to handle neighborhood concerns.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40
Next meeting—June 26, 2008
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Sandra Guynn called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
Rick Kavulla, Bob Church, Sandra Guynn, and Nancy Weinzettel, Brenda Martino absent also attending County Commissioner Lance Olson and City Commissioner Mary Jolley and other community members.
City Commission meetings: April 1, Budget amendment to animal shelter
Water rights issue tabled
County Commission meetings: No report
Council of Councils meeting: No report
Police Advisory Board: Bob Church reported on Police Chief Corky Grove proposal placing status 1 and 2 sex offenders in Pre-Release Center
Approve Minutes of last meeting: Approved minutes of March 27, 2008 meeting.
Home Place letter: Lance Olson reported on clean up plan for Home Place and 56 other properties under process
Other: Steve Bolstad presented dates for “Clean Up Great Falls” for the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4.
Mike McCloskey talked about the importance of voters supporting Cascade County Search and Rescue in the upcoming June election.
Soccer Moms Kelly Martinez and Lisa Brown voiced concerns about parking at the soccer park. Some Airmen are parking their vehicles there during the day
Mr. Al Smith, 4114 North Park Trail, asked NC #4 what he could do about access to his Church being cutoff.
Bill Salina, Democrat running for County Commission, presented his stands on major issues.
George Littlefield to write letter to County and City Commissioners on NC#4’s questions about school speed zones on 10th Avenue North.
GFHS students from Mr. Greg Dart’s Government class poised question to NC#4, “do neighbor councils work?”
Motion to support George Littlefield for police power to take DUI impounded vehicles from suspended license drivers.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Next meeting—May 22, 2008
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Sandra Guynn called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
Rick Kavulla, Brenda Martino, Bob Church, and new member Nancy Weinzettel.
City Commission meetings: On March 17, Nancy Weinzettel was appointed as fifth member of NC#4.
County Commission meetings: Reviewed contract on gas. Council of Councils meeting: Idea for sandwich board to advertise times and places of Neighborhood Council meetings to community.
Police Advisory Board: Police Chief corky Grove outlined proposal to place status 1 and 2 sex offenders in Pre-Release Center—103 sex offenders in Great Falls.
Approve Minutes of last meeting: Approved minutes of February 27, 2008 meeting.
Home Place letter: Mayor Stebbins sent a letter to Cascade County Commission asking them to address appearance and unsafe conditions of said property.
Other: Yield sign was placed at 8th Avenue South and 54th Street along with no parking zones.
KEY Committee—School levy—Stuart Nicolson handed out brochures supporting the mill levy election. KEY stands for Kids Education, Yes.
Dewey Goering, candidate for County Commissioner, spoke about his campaign for the position.
George Littlefield spoke on updates on school zones and speed signs on 10th Avenue North.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Next meeting—May 22, 2008
Meeting was called to order by Sandra Guynn at 6:32. Rick Kavulla, Brenda Martino attended. Bob Church was absent. Various community members and GFHS students attended.
City Commission meetings: Sandra reported on the Home Place and the response of the City. A letter from Ben Rangel to the city manager was read. It basically stated that the city will not annex the Home Place area but they will send a letter from the city to the County Commissioners on behalf of Council #4 and recommend they maintain the clean up of the area.
County Commission meetings: No report
ACTION Team: Nothing to report until after the March meeting.
Police Advisory Board: Sandra briefly discussed what the advisory board is and does.
Approve Minutes of last meeting: minutes were approved as amended.
Home Place Annexation: Sandra reported on the memo from Ben Rangel addressed to John Lawton and Cheryl Patton. A motion by Rick Kavulla and seconded by Brenda Martino to accept the comments of the letter which Mayor Donna Stebbins will forward to the county on our behalf.
Sandra explained the problem with the appointment of the 5th member to our council to the citizens that were present. The issue may be resolved by the end of the month.
Other
Community Policing—Officer Scott: Officer Scott explained about the officer stationed at the community Recreation Center and the police department attempting to create a mentoring program through the recreation center. He also reported on the lack of police officers that the City is experiencing. He said there is a web site on the City of Great Falls home page that asks for comment from citizens regarding the police department. Officer Scott also presented statistics from the neighborhood that showed our area is the second safest in the City among the nine council areas.
Neighborhood Concerns: A concerned citizen was concerned about parking along 2nd Av. No. behind Autumn Run Apartments. Other areas of concern were 8th Av So and 54th St. Officer Scott said he would look into these areas of concern.
Mitch Tripola presented a report on the City of Great Falls’ dog park. This would be an off leash area open to all people and will have limited hour of operation. The City would be responsible for the mowing and watering and the rest will be funded from private donations and run by the Animal Foundation.
Sandra brought up the problems we have with the Meade place at 4600 10th Av No. Steve Bolstad-Deputy County Attorney will look into this situation. He stated he thought they had some basics but he will look further into the matter and contact Sandra in the near future.
None
was made to adjourn and the meeting ended at 8:05
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
Members present: Sandra Guynn, Rick Kavulla, Brenda Martino, Bob Church Others were Patty Cadwell, George Littlefield, Bob Stubbs, and Betty Stimac
Chair – Sandra Guynn
Vice Chair- Rick Kavulla
Secretary- Bob Church
Official delegate to City Commission and Council of Councils- Sandra Guynn
Police advisory Board- Bob Church
Action team- Rick Kavulla
City Commission meetings- water rate increases according to Jim Reardon
Animal shelter will have new inspector and inspections and
Rick reported information for people about the Neighborhood Councils Police Advisory Board- Chief of Police Corky on animal shelter investigation- no criminal intent
Approved minutes of meeting
Regular NC #4 meetings to be held at Heritage Baptist Church- 900 52nd St. No.
Review of by laws- Secretary shall submit minutes in a kindly order
Voting will be done vocally; first meeting will be in January
Bob Stubbs’ concern for a yield sign on the corner of 54th and 8th Ave. So.
George Littlefield mentioned need for traffic study for speed limit on 10th Ave. No.
Patty Cadwell would be taking a new job, “weed and feed”
Letter from GF Fire Rescue announcing dates for fireworks displays at Centene Ballpark, season 2008
Patty Cadwell drawing names for NC fifth member
Approved minutes of meeting
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