Neighborhood Council #6 - Minutes
December 7, 2005
Sunnyside Elementary Music Room

Present:	Sally Macmillan, Matt Ott, and Ken Robison, Council 6 representatives elected at the November City Election.
Neighbors:	Neil Curry, Bill Sigler, Ron Bennett, Marge Anderson, MaRae "Rhadee" McDonald, Therese McDonald and Conrad Service.
Guests:	Betty Bucklin, RSVP; Cory Reeves, GFPD Community police Officer; Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Liaison for City of Great Falls and Jim Rearden, Public Works Director for City of Great Falls.

The meeting was called to order by acting Council Chair Ken Robison. The minutes of the November Council meeting were approved as printed.

New Business:

Committee Reports:

The meeting was adjourned

Next meeting: Wednesday, January 4, 2006.

Submitted by
Sally Macmillan, Secretary

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Neighborhood Council #6 Minutes
November 2, 2005
Sunnyside Elementary Music Room

Present:

Council Members: Therese McDonald, chair; Sally Macmillan, secretary; Ken Robison, and Stuart “Stu” Nicholson. Matt Ott was absent serving with MT Air Guard on Gulf Coast.

Neighbors: Rep. George Golie, Rhadae McDonald and Jay Robinson

Guests: Chuck Tourtillott, Humane Society of Cascade County and Dr. Jack Newman, DVM and Member of the Humane Society Foundation; Susan McCord, Habitat for Humanity; and Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Liaison for City of Great Falls.

Neighborhood Council #6 November meeting was called to order by chair Therese McDonald at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.

Old Business

Approval of minutes for October 2005 were approval.

New Business

Susan McCord presented a program on Habitat for Humanity and the new program, ReStore, a building materials thrift store. Habitat for Humanity began 1991. The 13th house located at 1533 4th Avenue NW is almost ready for occupancy. A lot for the 14th home has been purchased located in Portage Meadows by Morningside Elementary School and hope to have foundation in before ground freezes. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located at 816 20th Street North, recently opened and Susan explained its concept.

Chuck Tourtillott spoke on the Blue Ribbon committee looking over existing City of Great Falls ordinances on animal control and changes being proposed. The document is 18 pages in length, but he condensed its highlights to one page. Ken Robison asked questions concerning licensing of cats, especially house cats that never run free. Chuck said there would be Public Hearing to gather citizen input and comments. It would be Spring 2006 before revised ordinances would be ready for City Commission action.

Committee Reports

City Commission Meetings: Ken reminded those present that there is a place at each City commission meeting agenda for Neighborhood Councils' input and comments.

Other Committee Reports: none

Neighborhood Council Liaison: Patty reminded all of City election November 8th and orientation for newly elected NC members Nov. 15 and 16. Newly elected NC members would be sworn in Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Therese reported that Jim Rearden, Public Works Director, would be invited to December 7th meeting to comment on on-going water pressure problems and other NC's concerns.

The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting Wednesday, December 7th.

Submitted by, Sally Macmillan

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Neighborhood Council #6
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Sunnyside Elementary School Music Room

Present:
Neighborhood Council Representatives: Therese McDonald, chair; Sally Macmillan, secretary; Ken Robison. Absent: Stuart Nicholson and Matt Ott.
Neighbors: Conrad Service, Anita Hepner, Ron Bennetts, Lillian Zeller, Richard Zeller, and Rhadae McDonald.
Guests: Community Policing Officer Travis Tilleman

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by chair Therese McDonald. A quorum of Council members were present.

Old Business

The minutes of the June meeting were lost. There are no September 7th minutes as the meeting was cancelled so Council #6 could attend city wide Meth meeting being held that night.

New Business

Community Policing visit: Officer Travis Tilleman was introduced. He presented information on statistics from GFPD from years 2001 – 2004 Cascade County 9-1-1 Center; 2004 crime statistics; Patrol Division Statistics for 2004; Proactive Patrol Division; Property/Evidence; Weed and Seed 2004 results; and Property Recovery and a handout was distributed. Officer Tilleman answered questions and asked for neighborhood concerns. He stated UGF was planning a Meth In Community program and asked for input. Officer Tilleman will return in January 2006 and will have a 20-minute program at that time. He also gave a community GFPD report and stated GFPD is down 5 officers and that 3 officers are still in training (doubling with another officer); that fines in school zones have increased as of October 1, 2005; a 4-way stop is now at 17th Street South & 17th Avenue South and he inquired about its effectiveness; the Weed and Seed program in effect in parts of Great Falls.

Sally reported there are two(2) active Neighborhood Watch programs in NC#6. They are at Grandview Terrace Apts and Grandview Trailer Court. Both programs were honored at August 2nd Night Out at Senior Citizen Center. Tina Lopez, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator is now with Foster Grandparents and her replacement has not been hired.

Issues of Neighborhood Concern

Richard Zeller: intersection at 18th Avenue South and 15th Street South

Conrad Service: speeding of trucks belonging to Bresnan Communications and Volk Construction by his house, and abandoned vehicles.

Officer Tilleman explained new abandoned vehicle policy and will look into other concerns and get back to Mr. Zeller and Mr. Service in a few days.

NC#6 is still interested in water pressure difficulty in our area. Therese will try to have someone at November council meeting from City of GF.

Committee Reports

City Commission meetings: none

Other Committee reports: none

Announcements

Filing deadline for declared write ins for Neighborhood Council positions 2006-2008 is October 27. So far only 3 names are on ballot for Nov. 8th election from NC#6.

November 15-16 is training session for newly elected Council members.

Multplex playground equipment is going to be taken down.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Submitted by,

Sally Macmillan

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Neighborhood Council 6
Sunnyside Elementary School Music Room
Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2005

PRESENT

Council Members: Sally Macmillan, Secretary; and Stuart "Stu" Nicholson, and Ken Robison

Neighbors: Rhadee McDonald, Donna Fornfiest, David Evanko, Dennis Russell, Fred Lederer, Ron Bennetts, Bob Deming, Matthew Ott, Lillian and Richard Zeller, and 4 GFHS students: Koles Kercher, Mike Kennedy, _____ and ______.

Guests: Betty Bucklin, RSVP; Jane Meyers and Robert Deming, Local Government Study/Review Commissioners; City of Great Falls Public Works Department Operations Branch Chief, Marty Basta; Traffic Engineer, Jerry McKinley; City Engineer, Dave Dobbs; City-County Planning Director, Ben Rangel; George Gallagher, member of Planning Board; and Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator.

A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by Ken Robison, in the absence of Council Chair, Therese McDonald, at 7:00 p.m.

The minutes of April meeting were approved with corrections of spelling of Fred Lederer's last name and his address as 1723 14th Street South.

OLD BUSINESS

Matthew "Matt" Ott of 1505 Balsam Ct. (Castle Pines Addition) was approved to fill vacancy on Council 6.

NEW BUSINESS

Ben Rangel, Marty Basta and Jerry McKinley gave a report on the Traffic Calming Project Analysis of the intersection of 17th Street South and 17th Avenue South. The complete report is attached to these minutes. Jerry McKinley stated traffic counts were taken over a 48 hour period. This count found that the peak hours of vehicles and pedestrians entering intersection 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The department looked at entering volume count, accident history and a speed survey. The vehicle entering count was 2300, there were few accidents, but speed is a problem on 17th Street South. After receiving a petition signed by 18 taxpayers in the council area, the problem was identified and a neighborhood meeting was held. The recommendation from the Public Works Department was to put in a 4-way stop by start of school Augusts 2005. The intersection will be monitored to se if 4-way stop solves the problem. If not, other measures will be looked at eg: traffic circle, speed bumps, or lane elevation.

Jane Meyers presented history of local government review and asked about successes of Councils since they were restarted n 1996. Sally Macmillan stated she served on 94-96 Review Commission and many Council #6 highlights were reported such as Sunnyside Park, one side of street parking on 13th Ave. South between 10th Street and 9th Street South, and 9th Street South between 17th Ave. South and 13th Ave South, speed limit signs in several areas eg 16th Avenue South alley, which is paved and many use it as a street, improvement of 13th Street South between 10th Avenue South and 21st Avenue South, intersection of 13th Avenue South and 9th Street South study—good possibility of becoming a 4-way stop, improvement of problem properties, hedge and bush pruning, reporting of site distance obstructions/violations and while water pressure problems in parts of council area are not completely solved, some home owners have found relief. We, as a Council, feel we have benefited the city and our Council area. Bob Deming stated Great Falls' Neighborhood Council system is touted statewide.

ISSUES OF NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERN

Matt Ott said water pressure not the best it could be in Castle Pines Addition and asked who he and neighbors should contact to state area concern.

Dennis Russell and Fred Lederer said dirt/dust from Don Olson Baseball complex still needs to be addressed. Also new boulevards on eastside of 13th Street South between 13th Avenue South and 18th Avenue South need seeding. Asked who is responsible—city or landowner?

Sally stated Archival business at 13th Ave. South and 4th Street South is in process of remodeling, but nothing is visible yet at recently sold closed movie theatre on 13th Avenue South and 9th St. South. This property is now owned by Harold and Mark Poulsen and is to be offices. Jaycee Park pool and Water Tower Park pool will be open summer of 2005.

COORDINATOR'S REPORT

Patty Cadwell: A Council retreat for current council members and candidates running for councils in November, 2005 city election will be held Sept. 9th Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday Sept. 10th 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Air Host at the Great Falls International Airport.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

City Commission meetings: none

Great Falls Citizen Council: Ken and Stu reported on April 27th meeting. It lasted 2 hours and Land Use Code was discussed. At least one representative of each of the 9 Councils, as well as City Commissioners Bill Beecher and Sandy Hinz were present. It was decided Citizens Council should meet at least twice a year. Therese McDonald also attended meeting as our Council's official representative.

Other Committee Reports: none

The next Council #6 meeting is Wednesday, June 1. Council #6 will not meet July or August unless a concern becomes evident.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

Submitted by
Sally L. Macmillan, Secretary

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Neighborhood Council 6
Sunnyside Elementary School Music Room
Meeting Minutes
April 6, 2005

PRESENT

Council Members: Therese McDonald, Chair; Sally Macmillan, Secretary; and Stuart "Stu" Nicholson, and Ken Robison

Neighbors: Paul and Anita Hepner, Lillian and Richard Zeller, Donna Fornfiest, David Evanko, and Dennis Russell.

Guests: Sheriff David Castle; Ward "Mick" Taleff and Elna Hensley, School Trustee Candidates; Tom Schmidts, Jan Cahill, School Trustee Candidate; Betty Bucklin, RSVP; Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by chair Therese McDonald. A quorum was present. The minutes of March meeting were approved as printed. Sec. Sally explained on pgs 2 and 3 of minutes the top sentences did not print, but Patty Cadwell had original minutes and they are posted on City of Great Falls website.

As no no one has come forward to fill vacancy on Council #6, it was not filled tonight.

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS

Cascade County Sheriff David Castle gave an overview of his first eight months in office. His handout comprised of 23 points. His points of success are attached to these minutes. He answered audience questions and spoke of his plans for the future as Cascade County Sheriff.

Current Great Falls Public Schools Trustees Mick Taleff and Elna Hensley spoke on their personal opposition to electing Trustees from single member districts instead of city as a whole as is the current practice. They answered question. They feel changing the way Trustees are elected is a solution looking for a problem. Billings Public Schools are currently electing in single member districts. May 3rd is school election and they urged all present to vote.

Ken Robison stated for the record he is in favor of electing school trustees by single member districts. He was unable to be at March Council meeting. He feels current practice is not representative government. Council 6 split on single member districts vs. at large city vote.

ISSUES OF NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERN

Dennis Russell speaking for himself and Fred Leider asked who should be contacted about "Dust Bowl" which is a result of 13th Street South reconstruction. Mr. Leider lives at 1726 13th Street South. He and other neighbors are subject to high quantities of dirt blowing on to their properties because vacant areas have not bee seeded. Chair Therese will look into matter and contact appropriate people and departments. A report will be given at May Council meeting.

Jan Cahill, a school trustee candidate reported that three school trustee forums will be held: Tuesday, April 19; Tuesday, April 21; and Wednesday, April 13.

COORDINATOR'S REPORT

Patty Cadwell: Final report of Student Safety Plan isout and gave copy to Therese for Council #6.

The Council of Councils will meet formally Wednesday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m. in civic Center. A representative of each neighborhood council is asked to be present. City Commissioners Bill Beecher and Sandy Hinz are also on Council of Councils.

Matthew Ott who lives on Balsam Court is interested in Council #6 vacancy.

Stu reported on new sign code adoption April 5th by City Commission. It passed on a 3 to 2 vote with Commissioners Rosenbaum and Hinz voting no. The Land Use Code revision adoption will come before commission soon.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

The next Council #6 meeting is May 4th.

Submitted by
Sally L. Macmillan

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Neighborhood Council 6
Sunnyside Elementary School Music Room
Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2005

PRESENT

Council Members: Therese McDonald, Chair; Sally Macmillan, Secretary; and Stuart "Stu" Nicholson

Neighbors: Lillian and Richard Zeller, Ron Bennett, Donna Fornfiest, and David Evanko.

Guests: Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator; Betty Bucklin, RSVP; Sally Cerny, Animal Foundation; Chuck Tourtillott, Director of Humane Society of Cascade County; GFPD Community Policing Officer Keith Perkins; Jan Cahill, GFPS Trustee Candidate, and a member of the SAFE Team; Travis Kavulla and Spencer Gray, Single Member Trustee Districts.

A quorum of Neighborhood Council Representatives being present, the meeting was called to order by Chair Therese McDonald at 7:00 p.m.

OLD BUSINESS

The minutes of February 2nd Council meeting were approved with four corrections. Stu Nicholson's committee report on advertising benches: $15,000 not $1,500 revenue and Billings not Helena receiving 40%. Sally pointed out sign code meeting was February not January and a misspelling.

As no one has come forth to fill our council vacancy, this item will be on April agenda.

NEW BUSINESS

Sally Cerny spoke on the purpose and mission of the Animal Foundation which was formed in 2002. The Foundation is attempting to raise funds to build a new animal shelter building. She had power point presentation and brochures. She asked for persons supporting the Humane Society, the Animal Shelter and /or fund raising efforts to come forward. She outlined plans for the new shelter to provide humane care, reduce animal stress and facilitate successful adoption of animals. The new shelter would include a dog park. Sally and Chuck answered questions.

Travis Kavulla talked on his proposal to change the way school districts trustees are elected. He wants Trustees to be elected by districts rather than at large by all residents of all school district. He pointed out that Billings now does this and in Great Falls currently 4, possibly 5, members of the School Board live in SW Great Falls. The Board is composed of 7 members who serve staggered 3 year terms. Travis is putting together a petition and is mapping trustee districts in hopes of getting the proposition on the ballot in 2006. He answered audience questions and concerns and asked for volunteers to gather petition signatures at Sunnyside Polling station District 20B. He had a prepared resolution supporting the formation of Single Member Trustee Districts within School District #1. Chair Therese called for a vote and representatives voted 2 to 1 against the resolution—Macmillan and Nicholson against and McDonald for, so motion failed.

Officer Keith Perkins made his quarterly Community Policing visit. David Evanko brought his concern of speeding on 17th Avenue South and harassment and vandalism at his home. Others spoke of safety concerns in council area.

There was not coordinator's report or other issues of neighborhood concern.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

City Commission Meetings Report: none

Sign Code Committee: Stu reported after February 7th meeting of committee, the sign code would be on April 5th City Commission agenda.

Sally reported SB38 to increase fines for speeding in school zones has passed MT Senate and been transmitted to House. The bill first goes to House Transportation Committee and if it receives a favorable hearing, it then will go to House floor for debate. All signs are favorable for House passage, then it will reach Governor Schweitzer's desk.

Dan Rice Transystem has issued an invitation to visit building site on Benefis Court. They hope to be open July 1, 2005.

The next meeting of Council 6 is Wednesday, April 6th with Cascade County Sheriff David Castle on our agenda.

As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Submitted by
Sally L. Macmillan

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Neighborhood Council 6 Minutes
Sunnyside Elementary School Music Room
February 2, 2005

Present:
Neighborhood Council 6 Representatives: Sally Macmillan, secretary; Stu Nicholson; and Ken Robison.
Neighbors: Anita Hepner and Ron Bennett.
Guests: Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator; Betty Bucklin, RSVP; Heidi Gibson, Executive Director of Golden Triangle Mental Health Foundation; and Diana Myers, Victim Witness.

The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Ken Robison, in the absence of Chair Therese McDonald, at 7:00 p.m.

The minutes of the January 5th meeting were approved as printed and are on file in the Neighborhood Council Coordinator's office in the Civic Center.

Old Business: The vacancy on Council 6 was discussed. As no one has come forth to apply for the vacancy, it will be on the March Council meeting agenda.

New Business: Patty Cadwell was formally introduced as Kim Thiel's replacement in the Coordinator's position. Patty was hired in January 2005.

Heidi Gibson, Executive Director of Golden Triangle Mental Health Foundation, presented a PowerPoint program on mental health education and ongoing plans for the Golden Triangle Mental Health Center in Great Falls, currently the former Largent Elementary School building is being renovated to house mental health offices and many of its services. Completion date is June 2005. Heidi explained the prevalence of mental health disorders in today's society. She told of the area and its eleven outreach centers that Golden Triangle Mental Health serves, and how mental health impacts individuals and families. She explained that one in four families is affected, and it's critical to have more public education and awareness.

Issues of Neighborhood Concern: Sally shared the report on Impediments to Fair Housing in Great Falls. Every five years impediments are identified and an action plan is formulated. A public hearing will be scheduled and the plan will be forwarded to HUD.

Sally next read a letter signed by fourteen Council 6 residents and addressed to the City Public Works Director Jim Reardon to address concern over the intersection at 17th Street and 17th Avenue South. A copy is on file in Patty Cadwell's office.

Committee Reports:
City Commission Meeting: no report
Council of Councils Meeting: Land Use Code was updated

Sign Code Committee: Stu Nicholson reported on his concern about advertising benches. These benches are a private business venture and cost approximately $60 each and generate about $1500 in revenue for City of Great Falls. Stu stated there were between 240 and 250 benches. He said the City receives between 7% to 8% of the revenue while Helena receives 40%. These benches are not allowed in Kalispell and Bozeman. Helena and Missoula only allow advertising for the Transit System. Sally, as chair of the GF Transit Board, stated Transit has nothing to do with placement of the benches and receives no revenue from them. Concern in our Council Area about benches at 4th Street and 13th Avenue South and 9th Street and 13th Avenue South was expressed. Stu further stated that initial bench placement needs City approval, but we don't know how long the bench company contract lasts or when the contract is up for renewal. It was moved by Ken and seconded by Sally to 1) ask City to reduce number of benches by 20% over time, 2) negotiate an increase in revenues, and 3) make sure all benches meet City Code as to site distance. Stu stated Sign Code Committee would next meet Friday, February 7th.

Patty reminded us as of Tuesday, February 1st City Commission meeting a six month moratorium on casinos was in place.

Neighborhood Council 6's next meeting is Wednesday, March 2, with a visit by Officer Keith Perkins, our community policing officer. Ken advised us that Travis Kavulla, a 2001 GFHS graduate and current Harvard University student, would be present to present his proposal on electing Great Falls School District Trustees from districts of the city and not at large as being done.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Submitted by,

Sally Macmillan

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