January 23, 2006 | February 27, 2006 | March 20, 2006 | April 14, 2006 | August 21, 2006 | September 18, 2006 | October 23, 2006 | November 20, 2006 | December 18, 2006
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter, chairperson
Tawny Newth
Carole Gilmour
Jean Stone
Gloria Bedker
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by Diane Gelernter leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes of the November 20, 2006 meeting were read & approved.
Tawny reported on ACTION and there are t-shirts available.
The Christmas Stroll was a big success & the Neighborhood Council “booth” was very popular with lots of interest shown.
Diane reported on the Medical Corridor Mast plan – the committee was formed in June, 2004, & she & Stan Meyer are on the committee. Lots of exciting things in the future & the Master plan will go to the City Commission on January 2, 2007.
Lots of discussion on the development in our East end of Great Falls. Bob Corwin of C&W Development Company stated the “Last Best place in Great Falls is in the east end” & he talked about the future development they hope to begin in June 1, 2007.
The Council of Councils meeting will be January 17. The next ACTION meeting is January 22, 2007. The next meeting for Neighborhood Council #5 is scheduled for January 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., same location. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20.
Respectfully submitted by
Gloria Bedker, Secretary
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter, chairperson
Tawny Newth
Carole Gilmour
Jean Stone
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Diane Gelernter leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes of the October 23, 2006 meeting were read and approved.
Tawny had several reports: about the professionals in our community – The Action (Advocates Coming Together Improving our Neighborhoods) Committee which promotes Neighborhood Councils & Neighborhood Watch. The Christmas Stroll is December 2nd this year, Neighborhood Councils will have a booth in Times Square & our shift is 2:00-5:00. Diane, Gloria, & Tawny will work during that time. Tawny is making a bulletin board for our Council.
Diane reported on the Advisory Board.
The concrete residue has been cleaned up in Whispering Ridge.
Steve Erwin of the Great Falls School District was available to answer questions.
Officer Slaughter gave a lengthy talk about the Single Container law being proposed for the City.
Kevin Devine also spoke about this proposal, saying the beer industry is on of the most heavily regulated companies in the nation.
In a telephone conversation with Sargent Stinar of the GFPD, Gloria was advised the city ordinance about on-street parking does include boats, trailers, flat beds, etc. Carroll Lorang has problems w/vehicles in his neighborhood & would certainly like to do something about it. Jesse Slaughter suggested a public service announcement on this ordinance or a letter written by the Council to be distributed to the parties w/vehicles etc. on the street. Patty will print the letter on city stationary for us once it is written.
Carole talked about the Emergency Response team training. Great Falls is ahead of other cities in Montana in this training. She said it was a very good training session.
Tawny passed out leaflets for the Restore store, saying they are in need of volunteers.
Next neighborhood Council #5 meeting is scheduled for December 18 at 7:00 p.m., same location. The meeting adjourned at 8:30.
Respectfully submitted by
Gloria Bedker, Secretary
List of attendees: November 20, 2006 Neighborhood Council #5
Hazel Parzych
Dolores Chapman
Jean Stone
John W. Stone
Steve Erwin
Patty Cadwell
Jesse Slaughter
Kevin Devine
Gene Betz
Cord Yoder
Tasha Tucher
Carole Gilmour
Tawny Newth
Gloria F. Bedker
Donald L. Bedker
Carroll G. Lorang
Robert Haffner
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter, chairperson
Tawny Newth
Carole Gilmour
Jean Stone
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Diane Gelernter leading the Pledge of Allegiance. New members, Carole Gilmour and Jean Stone were introduced and welcomed to Neighborhood Council #5.
The minutes of the September 18, 2006 meeting were read and approved.
City Commission Meetings: Tawny reported Carole Gilmour was sworn in at the 3 October 2006 meeting and Jean Stone at the 17 October 2006. For more details on these meetings see the City Web Site.
Police Advisory Board: Corky Grove spoke concerning Emergency Response Team Training. It would be good to have a representative from each neighborhood council attend these meetings. Diane Gelernter said she would attend. The individual neighborhood council members attending can use this opportunity to bring up any concerns. etc.
Public Works- Jim Rearden: A concern of low water pressure within our neighborhood five district was voiced at our September meeting. Mr. Rearden gave an overview of the City’s water system and the master plan. He explained the various grids, spoke on pump stations, water towers, water pressures, etc. There are a few areas within the city that have lower than desired water pressure. Mr. Rearden explained the city’s plan to correct these few situations. There are a few low pressure areas on 33rd. St. So. It was reported two residences on 17th. Ave So. were experiencing low water pressure. The water department checked with these residents and was told they have no water pressure problems. Water pressure in our area has been consistent for the past 15 years. The construction requirements which apply to newly developed housing areas within our district actually fortified our overall water system. In a nutshell, Neighborhood Council #5 district is well served with good water pressure.
Individual Development Accounts – Kate Riley, Neighborhood Housing Services briefly explained these accounts. These are established for first-time home buyers. This organization conducts financial counseling sessions, assists with down payments and closing costs, etc. Kate provided handouts giving a fuller explanation of this program.
Issues of Neighborhood Concern:
Whispering Ridge Concrete Residue – There is concrete residue which is being deposited along the side of the new road leading up from Whispering Ridge to Mountain View school. Mr. Rearden said he will check this out. Tawny said she would get pictures to him showing the residues and locations.
Single Container Law: There is a problem with selling single cans of beer. There is much discussion on this. One of the problems stemming from this is with panhandlers collecting enough money to purchase single cans and panhandling again to collect enough money to purchase another can. It was stated a city wide ordinance outlawing single can sales may be good, however, beer distributors are not happy with this. There will be more information coming down to the councils on this subject.
Emergency Response Team Training. Carole Gilmour stated there would be training on this subject on November 15-17, 2006, here in Great Falls. If you have any questions or need further information, please call 454-6987.
Neighborhood Watch Training 2 November. Either Tawny Newth or Diane Gelernter will attend this training.
Next Neighborhood Council #5 Meeting is schedules to be held November 20 at 7 p.m., same location.
Meeting Adjourned: There being no further topics for discussion, the meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Jean P. Stone
(For Gloria Bedker, Secretary)
Encl: Info on Individual Dev Accounts. (Not Available Online)
List of attendees:
Jean Stone
John W. Stone
Renee M. Malisani
Penny Malisani
Jim Whitaker
Kate Riley
Jim Rearden
Holly Molosz
Shannon Blunn
Allyson English
Patty Cadwell
Tim Kempff
Carole Gilmour
Tawny Newth
Diane Gelernter
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter, chairperson
Tawny Newth
Gloria Bedker
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Diane Gelernter leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
OLD BUSINESS: The minutes were read and approved.
Diane reported on the Commission meeting where she gave Council #5’s approval for the East end retail center being annexed. It was approved by the City Commissioners to re-zone it to Zone 2, general commercial.
Tawny spoke about the Council of Council meeting she attended.
Patty Cadwell encourages the Neighborhood Councils to meet year round because when builders want Council’s approval before they meet with the City commission, there months of no meetings is a hardship for the. So Neighborhood Council #5 will meet in the summer if needed. Patty is also coordinator of the Pandemic – what training would council members want?
NEW BUSINESS
We have tow vacancies in our Council – Carol Gilmour has accepted a position and Jean Stone will fill the other vacancy. They will be sworn in at the next City Commission meeting.
Ed Stahler of Big Sky Pipe & Supply gave a very interesting talk and presentation about recycling plastic, encouraging everyone to recycle to help save the earth. His assistant was his granddaughter, Kelsey, who has moved here with her family from Belgium.
Mac (Don) McGiboney of RSVP Homeland Defense talked about Neighborhood Watch and really encourages us to be “watchers” for the neighborhood. He also needs a Captain for each block.
Stu Nicholson called Diane and wonders if our Council is interested in having a school trustee come to our meetings? “No, not really we decided,” unless there is a concern or problem, then we would be interested.
There was discussion about water pressure problems in Mountain View, Andre and Michelle Jezewski are very concerned about this. Council #6 is having BIG water problems.
OTHER BUSINESS
Our Council has no definite plans for National Good Neighbor Day, just always remember to be a “good neighbor” and PLEASE bring a neighbor to Neighborhood Council!
The next meeting will be Monday, October 23, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Bedker, Secretary
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter, chairperson
Tawny Newth
Gloria Bedker
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Diane Gelernter leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
OLD BUSINESS: The minutes of the May, 2006 meeting were not available. Tawny Newth gave committee reports. There will be a public hearing on September 5, 2006, for final reading of the dog ordinance and she encouraged people to let the City Commission know their wishes. Diane was out of town for the Police Advisory Board but said this board is to work closer with the Police Department and feels it will be very interesting.
Our first speaker was Dan Huestis who spoke about the retail center on the East end of 10th Avenue South. He and his partners are seeking annexation and zoning and encourages the support of our Council. He has no contracts with any retailers yet.
Joe Sullivan of the Great Falls Central Catholic high school presented plans for this new building and answered questions. Completion date is the fall of 2007.
Police Officer Travis Tilleman encourages residents to pay attention to the speed limits as school is beginning and they will be strictly enforced. He also spoke about bicycle safety and encourages everyone to be aware of all bicycle riders. There was also discussion about the serious problem of trailers, campers, RV’s, boats parked on the city streets and what can be done about it. There being no city ordinance addressing this situation, where would we start?
Tawny spoke about Russell park maintenance, or I should say, “the lack of it.” She would like to see a long term project to take care of it. MayApril Clean Up last spring didn’t happen in Russell Park so will be a major task in spring, 2007. The Russell Park committee purchased, with funds from the last Russell Park Celebration, another doggie post which Giles set in the northeast corner of the Park. Tawny also wondered if Russell Park could have a bake sale at Mountain View school during Parent Teacher Conferences to benefit the park?
Diane talked about Good Neighbor Day, a city wide celebration on September 24, 2006 to promote good neighborliness and what our Council could or would do. Lots of suggestions were thrown out: neighborhood block party – neighborhood barbecue – light your porch light for friendliness - bring your neighbor to a barbecue or better yet – bring your neighbor to Neighborhood Council!! More will be forthcoming on this project.
The next meeting will be Monday, September 18, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at Mountain View School or the Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Bedker, Secretary
List of Attendees:
Spencer Woith
Dan Huestis
Hazel Parzych
Dolores Chapman
Donald L. Bedker
Anna Sherer
Frederick Sherer
Carole Gilmour
Linda Slavik
Travis Tilleman
Don Ryan
Tom Berkner
Bob Stubbs
Richard Kavulla
Jim Whitaker
Joe Sullivan
Gloria Bedker
Tawny Newth
Denis Gray
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter (chairperson)
Katie Myers
Tawny Newth
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. and Diane Gelernter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
OLD BUSINESS:
Katie Myers read the minutes of the 20 March 2006 meeting. The minutes were approved as read.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Tawny Newth gave a report on the Council of Councils meeting that was held April 19, 2006. Neighborhood Council District 5 was officially represented by Sharon Odden. Discussion took place regarding the structure and frequency of Council of Councils meetings. It was decided that the Council of Councils would meet three times per year and each council would rotate chair of the meetings. Council 5 is scheduled to chair the next Council of Councils meeting. The Local Government Study Commission gave a report on the recommendations they will be presenting to the City Commission and Patty Rearden presented an update on Parks and Recreation business and budget.
Newth also reported on the April 4th City Commission meeting. The City Commission adopted Resolution 9561, proposed annexation of property located south side of 10th Ave. So, between 26th and 29th Streets, and set public hearing for May 2nd, 2006 during the City Commission meeting of same date. Anyone wishing to express an opinion is welcome to speak at the public hearing.
NEW BUSINESS: Senior Patrol Officer Travis Tilleman gave a report on school busing issues facing the City and school bus violations. The traffic violations involving school buses is becoming a huge problem for communities nationwide including the City of Great Falls. We can expect to see increased fines and enforcement. Officer Tilleman also gave an educational presentation called “Drugs in Your Community”. He pointed out that drugs are a problem everywhere. They are in every neighborhood and the problem is very costly to society in many ways. Good neighborhoods can help by reporting any suspicious activity.
OTHER BUSINESS: Police Advisory Board – Chairperson Diane Gelernter is the representative for Neighborhood Council #5.
Mapril Clean Up and Russell Park Clean Up: What do we need to do to clean up Russell Park? Date for Russell Park clean up to be announced.
Also attending this meeting: Patty Cadwell, guest from Neighborhood Council #4, Officer Travis Tilleman
Next meeting of NC#5 will be May 15, 2006, 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain View School cafeteria.
MEETING ADJOURNED 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tawny Newth
Acting Secretary for Gloria Bedker
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter, chairperson
Tawny Newth
Sharon Odden
Gloria Bedker
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Diane Gelernter leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
OLD BUSINESS: The minutes of the February 27th meeting were approved.
Diane stated that Jerry McKinney has asked to be an ex-officio member of Neighborhood Council #5 but it will not be possible at this time.
Jean Stone has a petition for development on the east end of 10th Avenue South.
NEW BUSINESS: Paul Lloyd-Davies from America Core Vista talked about "Get Fit Great Falls". National Trail Day will be June 3, 2006.
Abby Zent of Homeland Defense VISTA talked about Neighborhood Watch and encourages all neighbors to get involved in this program. John Stone stated that we have had Neighborhood Watch in this area but now it is a "dead issue". He had several suggestions and hopefully, it will be reinstated.
Our third speaker was Stephanie Langston, Program Coordinator of Alliance for Youth, Inc. She "seeds the good things" in the neighborhood and was very enthusiastic about this program. Thursday night, March 23, was a program at the Pre-release center and a town hall meeting for underage drinking on March 28th.
Tawny said the first reading for the new Wal-Mart will be April 18 with the public hearing May 16. These dates are subject to change.
The Police Advisory Board would like a person from Neighborhood Council #5 to attend monthly meetings. No one volunteered at the present time but a few members are considering it.
The next meeting will be Monday, April 17, 2006, 7:00 p.m. at Mountain View Cafeteria.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Gloria Bedker, Secretary
Atch: List of Attendees
Donald L. Bedker
Hazel Parzych
Dolores Chapman
John W. Stone
Jean P. Stone
Abby Zent
Stephanie Langston
Paul Lloyd Davis
Gloria F. Bedker
Sharon Odden
Diane Gelernter
Tawny Newth
Council members present:
Diane Gelernter (chairperson)
Katie Myers
Tawny Newth
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Diane Gelernter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
OLD BUSINESS: Tawny Newth read the January 2006 minutes, and they were accepted.
Committee Reports: Katie Myers gave suggestions for changes to the council bylaws, which were reviewed and approved. Most were minor errors in spelling/mechanics. Section 10, A5 will now be called B. Myers will forward changes to Patty Cadwell. Tawny Newth gave reports on the commission meetings and reported on the new golf fees. She said the new fees are not set in stone and that the commission is forming an ad hoc committee to study possible changes in how the golf courses are handled, including fee schedules. She also reported that the commission is calling for public comment on Res. 9550 on the accident potential zone of Malmstrom Air Force Base. Newth also mentioned a public hearing scheduled for Feb. 28, 2006 on the east end subdivision, rezoning, annexation and conditional-use permits requested by Wal-mart. She encouraged the neighbors to attend no matter which side of the issue they are on.
Coordinator's Report: No report as Patty Cadwell was unable to attend.
Ex-officio membership: This issue was tabled from last meeting due to time factors. Katie Myers spoke about the election results mix up between herself and Dr. Jerry McKinney and posed the possibility of having Dr. McKinney serve as an ex-officio member of the Council. Dr. McKinney would like to be involved and seeks this position. Diane Gelernter spoke about her hesitancy to go ahead due to setting precedents. Newth expressed concern about the legalities of doing so without consulting the commission first as the bylaws are not clear on the matter. Myers said she had checked with the Clerk of Court Peggy Bourne (sp?) and Bourne was the one who suggested the possibility. Nevertheless, it was decided to table the matter until either Newth or Myers has a chance to check with the commission.
NEW BUSINESS:
Police Report: Officer Travis Tilleman said he was going to open up for questions but would not give a formal report at this time, instead preferring to wait until the crime report on the Council areas was complete. He said this will be finished by the next meeting and will present it then. Some questions arose about vandalism, but he said nothing was significant in this area. It has been over a year since the department has seen a rash of vandalism on the east end of town, Tilleman said.
Police Department Overview: Captain Corky Grove, now the acting chief, gave an overview of the department and how it has changed from a strictly enforcement-minded entity to a community-oriented unit. Some examples of being pro-community and safety-minded is the presence of resource officers in the schools, LRE (Law Related Education) in middle and high schools, DARE in elementary schools, drug court, Weed and Seed along with other programs. Grove said these programs have helped shape a new image of officers and the department in general. To continue involving the community, the department is forming an advisory board and would like one member from each council to sit on the board. The other members of this new board will represent the Native American community, Malmstrom, minorities and youth. He said the question they will be discussing is "What are the councils' community safety priorities? McKinney said he would be interested in serving in this role. Grove gave many statistics on crime in the community over time. Great Falls is highest in property crime, which includes burglary/robbery. He discussed the eight street gangs and organized gangs in town, including motorcycle gang rivalries in answer to neighbors' questions.
Legislative Candidate: Jim Whitaker introduced himself and said he is running for the legislature this year.
Next Meeting: March 20, 2006, 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain View cafeteria.
There being no further topics for discussion, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectively Submitted:
Katie Myers/ Acting secretary
Atch: List of Attendees
Stan Meyer
Diane Gelernter
Katie Myers
Doloris Chapman
Jerry McKinney
Travis Tilleman
Jim Whitaker
Tawny Newth
Robert Haffner
Council members present were Diane Gelernter, Katie Myers, Sharon Odden, Tawny Newth, Gloria Bedker
There was a quorum present. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Diane. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The minutes of the November 21st, 2005 meeting were read and approved.
Katie Myers reported on the Northwestern Energy meeting at East Middle School she attended.
Next on the agenda was a presentation about the development of a new Wal-Mart on the East end of 10th Avenue South. For the next two hours, Dean Logsdon, ASLA, Project Manager from Spokane, Washington, and Kevin Carr, Architect of Boice, Raidl, Rhea from Merriam, Kansas, presented interesting facts and information about this project. There was a lively question and answer discussion with the 55 plus people in attendance at this council meeting.
The next meeting is Monday, February 27, 2006, 7:00 p.m. in the Mountain View Cafeteria. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Gloria Bedker
Secretary
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