There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of allegiance.

OLD BUSINESS: The September 2005 minutes were accepted.

Committee Reports: none

NEW BUSINESS:

Proposed Animal Control Ordinance: Chuck Tourtillot and Dona Stebbins came to discuss the proposed City animal control ordinance. Tourtillot handed out an overview sheet and fielded questions. Stan Meyer asked who was on the committee that developed the ordinance and whether it included dog breeders, which it did not. Gloria Bedker said she felt two dogs and five animals were too many. She suggested one dog and one cat. Katie Myers asked about the multiple animal permit and whether there was a fee for those who want to keep more animals (there is). Lynn Russell asked many questions about the Humane Society and its relationship with the city and whether it was taxation without representation to have animal control fees go to a non-profit group. She also questioned the amount of money the animal control officers made (too little) and the amount of education they had (too little). She objected to them questioning her about the welfare of her animals. She thought they were making bogus complaints about her cats, and that she had a picky neighbor who complained about everything including the height of her vegetation. After Russell was through, Tourtillot explained that there would be a grandfathering in for people who currently own more pets than the new ordinance allows and that animal control officers will be acting on complaints, not seeking people out who are above the limits. Tawny Newth asked about the new barking regulations—what is 10 minutes of continuous barking or 30 minutes of intermittent barking. Tourtillot explained intermittent as off and on barking which it is still subject to interpretation but better than the complainant having to keep a barking log for five days as with the old ordinance.

Neighborhood Council Upcoming elections – Sharon Odden and Tawny Newth as well as seated members Bedker, Myers (write in) and Gelernter are running for council seats in the November election, so five people are running for the five seats available. Meyer and Jean Stone are stepping down. Odden addressed the neighbors by saying she is a GF native who used to travel with her job but now has time to serve the community. She is the Program Officer for Children's Mental Health and is interested in politics. She thought the Neighborhood Council would be a good place to start. Newth also talked to the audience. She has lived in GF for four months, coming recently from Havre. She thinks being on the council will be a great way to meet her neighbors and the surrounding community. She, too, has time now that her daughter is in college. Her husband is an optometrist with the clinic. Dona Stebbins, who was attending as a party to the animal ordinance, is running for mayor. She said she is running because she wants more community input in city issues. She said her phone number is in the phone book, and she welcomes calls and concerns. She said she is a better listener than a talker. Her experience has been as an original council member of Council #7 and is currently chair of this council. .Patty Cadwell mentioned that there would be a Council orientation for all newly elected members to the councils. Those interested need to let Cadwell know by Nov. 10 if they plan to attend.

Council of Councils Meeting: At this meeting, Oct. 26, 7 p.m., in the Gibson Room of the Civic Center, the councils will discuss what is going on in their areas and coordinate any efforts as needed. One member from each council should plan to attend, and all are invited, including members of the public.

Rails to Trails: Meyer passed around a support petition for the Rails to Trails initiative. He mentioned it was a personal interest and encouraged others to sign if they were interested as well.

Dates of January and February meetings: The December meeting was cancelled and the January meeting moved to Jan. 23 and the February meeting moved to Feb. 27 (the fourth Mondays), due to holidays on the third Mondays. All current and prospective future council members agreed to these dates.

Next Meeting: January 23, 7 p.m., Mountain View Cafeteria.

There being no further topics for discussion the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of allegiance.

OLD BUSINESS: The May 2005 minutes were accepted.

Committee Reports:

Health District - Medical Corridor: Diane Gelernter reported on the Health District Medical Corridor. The landscapers, architects and planners reviewed the project including landscaping, streets, traffic control, signage, etc. The long-range plans for this unified health service system will be a wonderful asset to Great Falls and surrounding areas.

Neighborhood Council Retreat: Katie Myers and Diane Gelernter attended this retreat. They found Mickey Fern from Seattle to be a very inspirational speaker. Topics such as conflict resolution, mission and vision were discussed.

Other Meetings and Information: Stan Meyer reported Great Falls might be getting another Wal-Mart? The location will be east of the KOA Campground on 10th. Ave. So. Discussions held stated a 200,000sf store would be built on a 26-acre plot. Although Wal-Mart was not named per se, the store was described as belonging to a national retailer who is already doing business here. Time will tell.

Neighborhood Council Upcoming elections – Patty Cadwell reported we have four names on the ballot. They are Sharon Odden, Tawny Newth, Diane Gelernter, Gloria Bedker and one write in – Katie Myers.

NEW BUSINESS:

Community Policing Visit: Travis Tilleman reviewed with us the GFPD yearly report. His handout is included with these minutes. (Handout not available online; contact Neighborhood Council Coordinator) Next year he will work to get a detailed breakdown by our district.

Other Neighborhood Issues:

Loose Pets and Cleanup: Jean Stone reported a seemingly lack of animal control in our district. There have been incidents when loose dogs prevented the mailman and the Consumer Press carrier from making deliveries. Also, it appears people are not picking up after their pets in Russell Park, as they should. Patty Cadwell stated the city is in the process of forming a group from different entities who will be working on, "How to be a Good Neighbor." It will provide education on what it takes to be a good neighbor and will address this and other neighborhood issues.

Next Neighborhood Council Meeting. The next scheduled meeting will be October 17, 2005 at the Mountain View School cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.

Council of Councils Meeting: The next scheduled meeting is October 26, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Gibson Room, Civic Center.

There being no further topics for discussion the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of allegiance.

OLD BUSINESS: The March and April 2005 minutes were read and accepted.

Committee Reports: Diane Gelernter and Gloria Bedker attended the Great Falls Citizens Council of Councils meeting. This group will be meeting twice a year to discuss common items. The City and Planning Board reviewed the Land Development Code. This includes building, traffic and landscaping etc. There will be a public hearing on this matter on 14 Jun 2005.

Coordinator's Report:

Neighborhood Council Upcoming elections – Patty Cadwell encouraged those interested in serving on the Neighborhood Council for the year 2006 to have their names placed on the ballot for the upcoming election in November 2005.

Neighborhood Council Retreat: This retreat sponsored by "Weed and Seed (crime) will be held on September 15 and 16 for members and candidates of the Neighborhood Councils. The speaker is coming from Seattle. The retreat will be held at the Airport Air Host Friday night from 5 until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. A bus will be provided to transport attendees for a tour of all the city departments.

Neighborhood Council Orientation: This meeting is to be held November 15 and 16.

Other Issues of Neighborhood Concern: Gloria Bedker reported on the success of the Mapril cleanup in Russell Park. Attendance was very good and lots of work was accomplished.

NEW BUSINESS:

Local Government Study Commission: Bill Wiseman and Sharon Gerhart spoke concerning the functions of this commission. The public voted to study City Government once every 10 years. It was noted the voters turned down studying the County Government. The commission makes recommendations to the City Commission. They, in fact, made the recommendation to establish the Neighborhood Councils. They look at ways to merge some governmental functions, sit through budget sessions, etc. Bill Wiseman stated they are here to listen to us for subjects for the Study Commission. This commission is readily accessible to us. Sharon's number is 799-7709 (cell). Bill can be reached at either 452-3078 for 844-0105.

Other Neighborhood Issues: The question was asked, "How does Patty Cadwell stimulate interest in potential council members to place their names on the ballot?" Katie Myers suggested Patty send out emails to those who have attended our Neighborhood Council meetings. It was also suggested to have Jean Stone prepare a history of Neighborhood Council #5 so that Patty Cadwell can generate an article for the Great Falls Tribune. The history would give a good picture indicating the value and necessity of our Neighborhood councils and hopefully encourage people interested in their community to place their names on the ballot for positions for the upcoming election year.

Next Meeting: There will be no meetings scheduled for June, July and August. The next scheduled meeting will be September 19th, 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain View cafeteria. If an emergency meeting needs to be called during June, July or August it will be held at the Russell Park gazebo.

There being no further topics for discussion the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of allegiance.

OLD BUSINESS: Accepting of the minutes of the last meeting was deferred until the May meeting.

Committee Reports: None

Coordinator's Report:

Council of Councils Meeting: Patti Cadwell informed us of the Great Falls Council Council of Councils meeting to be held on 27 April at 7:00 p.m. in the Gibson Room of the Civic Center. Single delegates from each of the nine neighborhood councils along with two City Commissioners will comprise the Great Falls Citizens Council. The agenda will include organizational items for future meetings and an introduction to and comments on the Land Use (Zoning) Chapter of the Land Development Code and updated zoning map. Diane Gelernter will attend as our council's representative. If Diane is unable to attend, Gloria Bedker will attend.

School Board Candidates: Neighborhood Council 4 will sponsor a Forum for the School Board candidates April 21 at 6:30 at the East Middle School cafeteria.

Medical District Plan: This meeting will be held 19 April at 3:00 p.m. in the Gibson Room of the Civic Center. The purpose of the meeting will be to meet key members of the consultant planning team; to review and discuss the study mission and goals, study areas parameters, study phases, chain of command, and public relations and to see the general course of the study process.

NEW BUSINESS:

Animal Foundation: Sally Cerny gave a presentation on the Animal Foundation of Great Falls, their purpose and goals. She explained who they are and their vision to build a new animal shelter and a dog park in Great Falls. The current shelter, built in the 1970's is inadequate. She informed us of their fund raiser to construct a new animal shelter which will provide more kennel space, an animal management program, adoption areas, triage—intake room, grooming area, exercise area, non-traditional pet area, public reception, education and waiting areas, adequate ventilation, heating and cooling and waste control systems. Sally also explained the foundations' plan to construct a Dog Park. Sally passed out handouts with contact numbers; etc. for those interested in helping and/or contributing to the cause. All contributions are tax deductible. She conducted and question and answer session.

Cascade County's Sheriff's Office – Sheriff Castle: Sheriff Castle gave an informative synopsis on the work accomplished during his first eight months in office. He handed out copies of these accomplishments. This handout will be filed with these minutes. Upon conclusion of his presentation he opened the floor to questions and answers.

Other Issues of Neighborhood Concern: Gloria Bedker brought up the subject of the annual Mapril clean up of Russell Park. Two dates were proposed, April 30th or May 7th. Those attending the meeting chose April 30th. Those interested in participating are to meet at the park gazebo at 10:00 a.m. Bring shovels, rakes gloves, wheel barrows, pruning shears, etc. Don Bedker will confirm with County Market if they will be providing a lunch for the work gang. Contact person for further information is Gloria Bedker 452-6352.

Ron Hall: Patti Cadwell will send Ron Hall a Thank You note for the much appreciated work he has done in Russell Park.

Next Meeting: The next neighbor Council 5 meeting is scheduled for Monday, 16 May 2005, 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain View School cafeteria. There will be no meetings scheduled for June, July and August. The next scheduled meeting will be September 19th, 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain View cafeteria. If an emergency meeting needs to be called during June, July or August it will be held at the Russell Park gazebo.

There being no further topics for discussion the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Stan introduced Patty Caldwell and explained her job as replacement for Kim Thiel.

Committee Reports: --Some had suggested that neighborhood council members wear nametags, which Council 5 did not feel were necessary.

OLD BUSINESS

Minutes: The January 2005 meeting minutes were approved.

Land Use Code: Stan Meyer read a letter from Council 2 (Sue Ann Strickland), regarding the land-use code. They would like to request a Council of Councils meeting to have more discussion of the code. Stan's view is that the code is good but not good enough. He is not sure if discussing it would do much good, as the code is so confusing and complex even to Stan who was on the committee. However, Stan does think it would be good to have the meeting anyway.

Snow plowing of park: Background from previous meeting—some neighbors complained that someone was plowing the park pathways, resulting in damage to the path and surrounding turf. Stan Meyer explained the motor vehicle prohibition and that it doesn't apply to snow plows on other non-motorized paths. Stan researched the issue and found that Ron Hall, our neighbor who put in and maintains the sprinkler system at the park, was the one doing the plowing. In the past he used a small plow. This year, the snow was too deep and too hard, so he used a pickup truck which damaged turf and some sprinkler heads. Stan also talked to the department regarding the path and found out that the path is only 2-3" deep because we could not afford the traditional 3-4", so a truck could indeed do damage to this thin pavement. Stan then contacted Jeanette Haffner, the one who paid for the paving of the path. She did not like the damage and wanted to prohibit plowing. Other neighbors were concerned that not plowing would be a hindrance for some who enjoyed walking the path in the winter. Diane Gelernter made a motion to allow plowing with proper equipment only. Katie Myers seconded it. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Police Report: Sgt. Slavik discussed vandalism around town: mailboxes and car windows but explained not much in this neighborhood. He said his department has responded to several complaints about speed around 33rd and 39th street and he has placed an officer there at key times of day due to special requests. Neighbors brought up about a one-ton truck parked on 33rd St. and 17th Ave. S. that causes visibility problems. Other questions about vehicles parked for long times on the streets and on people's lawns. Slavik said to call police department and report it. They don't do anything if not reported; they don't' have time to drive around looking for this type of thing. Reporter can remain anonymous.

Golden Triangle: Cindy Dolan gave a slide presentation on the functions of Golden triangle and where their offices are located. They are federally legislated to provide mental health services. They have offices at the mall and run several group homes. She discussed the stigma involved and the fact that one in five people will suffer some form of mental illness in his/her lifetime. They run Voices of Hope, the crisis line too. They have purchased the Largent building from the school district and hope to locate all their office in this one building for a comprehensive wellness center. On Arbor Day, April 28, people can tour Largent. They serve over 3,000 people.

Single-Member Trustee Districts: Travis Kavulla spoke about creating single member trustee districts for school board members in Great Falls, similar to what Billings does. He proposes seven districts and handed out a map that indicated the district boundaries. Travis explained that some of the major decisions the board has made have been influenced by geographical considerations based on where the school board members reside. He says his solution would end biases based on neighborhood if all regions of the city had representation on the board. He also said it would be easier to run a campaign in a smaller area. He wants to put the issue on the ballot and requested Stan sign a letter of support. Stan and the rest of the council members chose not to do so. Laura Vukasin, a current trustee on the board, also attended. She says she votes with her head and not her heart and doesn't really see the need for Kavulla's proposal but will go along with what the people want. She herself had not seen any "location" voting on the part of the board and she is afraid that this proposal could pit districts against each other instead of forming a unified board that should look out for all kids. Comments from neighbors about the proposals: "We want the board to consider ADA, safety and room for expansion." "I remember when the city had districts in elections. It didn't work well. Certain people had an "in."

Patty Caldwell had pamphlets to hand out on the Lewis and Clark celebration, Oil and Grease disposal and the Ice Breaker run.