March 13, 2006 | April 10, 2006 | May 8, 2006 | June 12, 2006 | July 10, 2006 | August 14, 2006 | October 9, 2006 | November 13, 2006
The Neighborhood Council #7 meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Council members present were Mike Taylor, Donna Sadler, Aaron Weissman, and Erin Tropila. Guests present were Traci Hronek, Stuart Nicholson, Jayci Kolar, Mac McGiboney, Abby Zent, and Patty Cadwell.
Great Falls Public Schools Trustee Stuart Nicholson gave information about activities at the School District, which will be replacing 3 top staff in the near future: Superintendent Dunn, Lonnie Yingst, and Dick Kuntz. Bob Oderman will also be leaving. The District is searching for a replacement for Dr. Dunn and has a survey on the web for public input. The search will open on Nov. 17 and will end on Jan. 19.
The Board is looking into the legal ramifications of the possibility of a “hybrid” board with 3 at-large trustees and 4 from districts. There will be public meeting in late 2006 or early 2007.
The Board will be working with the State Legislature for funding for the all-day kindergartens.
GFPS enrollment continues to decline with numbers down by 231 this year.
The Auto Center and Paris Gibson Middle School is up and working. The training will allow students to find jobs locally.
The Board is looking at what to do with Roosevelt Elementary—whether to fix the existing school or build a new one. There is a question of where the students will go if the existing school is renovated.
The Board is looking at moving Skyline Alternative School to the Paris Middle School building.
The Board is shopping for health insurance for school district employees.
Each school in the District is now making presentations at the Board meetings.
The Trustees plan to keep the public more informed about school district activities.
There is a committee looking a childrens’ wellness as obesity and its associated diabetes are growing problems. Aaron suggested more nutritious lunches and ½ hour PE, 2 times a week. Mr. Nicholson said better lunches may end up costing more. Council members also suggested lengthening the school day and/or year to allow the children more time for other activities and learning opportunities.
Mac asked the Neighborhood Watchers to sign privacy statements that would allow him to share their information with the Neighborhood Council coordinator. He also reminded them to turn in the number of hours they spent “watching.”
Donna mentioned 2 young children who were being dropped off at the Whittier School by the Boys and Girls Club. They were not being picked up by their parents and were walking home in the dark, crossing 9th Street. She was very concerned about their welfare.
Patty gave a report on Code Enforcement activities at 512 and 516 6th Street North.
The minutes from the October meeting were approved with one change: Aaron’s blog address from treasurestatejudism.blogspot.com to treasurestatejudaism.blogspot.com.
Jayci Kolar from Weed and Seed asked the meeting attendees several questions for the purpose of using their answers for the Northside Weed and Seed recognition application.
The Whittier teacher parking problem has not been resolved. Dave from the school district is looking into it.
Aaron brought up the subject of traffic problems in the Longfellow School area. Patty mentioned that stop signs had been installed at 12th Street and 6th and 8th Avenues South.
There will be no December meeting. The next meeting will be January 8, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Heisey Center in collaboration with the Northside Neighborhood Watch.
Respectfully submitted by,
Patty Cadwell
Neighborhood Council Coordinator
The Neighborhood Council #7 meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Present were Mike Taylor, Donna Sadler, Aaron Weissman, Erin Tropila, Kate Riley, and Patty Cadwell.
The minutes from the September meeting were approved as written.
Erin Tropila made a motion to change the Council meeting time to 6:30 p.m. for all future meetings. Donna seconded. Motion passed.
The properties at 512 and 516 6th Street North were mentioned. Heather Rohlf from Community Development is working with the tenants on code violations. Opportunities, Inc., who oversees the Section 8 tenants in 516, has mailed a notice to verify the number of occupants. It seems that not much more can be done at this point.
Laura Dietrick is working with the teachers at Whittier School on the teacher parking issue. Donna volunteered to talk to Tracy at St. Ann’s to see if parking spaces are available on the church property.
Council members discussed the need of a school sign on 9th Street and 4th Avenue North.
Aaron gave a report on Council 7’s Good Neighbor Day project done in collaboration with Neighborhood Housing Services. Volunteers included Aaron and Wendy Weissman and their two children, Mitch and Erin Tropila, Mike and Nan Taylor, Sheila Rice, Zedda Galegos, Charlie Rice, and Betty Fox, a resident of the Council 8 area. The volunteers were able to scrape and paint a portion of Sue Buck’s house and cut down and trim multiple bushes surrounding it. Ms. Buck will write a letter to the editor expressing her sincere gratitude.
Aaron put information on his blog about the single can beer sale ban proposed by Officer Jesse Slaughter to curb crime, especially in the downtown area. All of the comments thus far have been in opposition. The blog web address is treasurestatejudism.blogspot.com.
Kate Riley from Neighborhood Housing Services spoke to the group about the new Individual Development Accounts that allow low-income people who have never owned homes to receive a 4 to 1 match for saving $1000 over five years. The savings and the match would then be used for down payment and closing costs on a home in the Weed and Seed area including the proposed north side.
Jayci Kolar from Great Falls Weed and Seed plans to use the attendees at the November Neighborhood Council/Neighborhood Watch meeting as a focus group for citizen input on the proposed Northside Weed and Seed site.
Council members discussed problems at the Skate Park including helmet violations. They agreed there should be surveillance at the Skate Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
The next Neighborhood Council meeting is November 13, 2006 in collaboration with the Northside Neighborhood Watch at the Heisey Memorial at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Cadwell
Neighborhood Council Coordinator
Called To Order at 7:00 p.m. by acting chair Aaron Weissman
Present were Council members Aaron Weissman, Erin Tropila, Donna Sadler and Mike Taylor.
July minutes were accepted.
Aaron Weissman will follow up on the National Good Neighbor Day project. He will contact Sheila Rice, Director of Neighborhood Housing for more information on the houses we will be helping with.
Fireworks were discussed and will be on the agenda for September’s meeting. We need input from the community.
Crosswalks on 9th street near Whittier School and 14th and 15th streets near Longfellow School need to be addressed. Erin Tropila and Aaron Weissman will contact the Great Falls Tribune to see if they will run an article on cross walks and safety before school starts.
Donna Sadler will talk to Channing Hartelius about running a television commercial to inform the driving community their responsibility when driving through a cross walk.
There were some complaints that too many cats were running loose in the lower north side. It was suggested that these people call the Humane Society to see what can be done.
It was also suggested that we find ways to get the lower south side more involved in the Neighborhood Council.
Aaron Weissman will be attending the Council of Councils meeting on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, in the Gibson Room at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:30p.m.
The next meeting will be held at The Heisey Center at 6:30p.m. On September 11, 2006 this meeting will be held in conjunction with the Neighborhood Watch meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Taylor
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL 7 MEETING
Heisey Center, 313 7th Street North
July 10, 2006
The combined Northside Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Council #7 meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Council members present were acting chair Aaron Weissman, Mike Taylor, and Erin Tropila. In attendance were several guests and Neighborhood Watch people.
The meeting began with Neighborhood Watch information including:
Neighborhood Concerns included:
The next Neighborhood Watch meeting will be September 11, 2006 at the Heisey Center in collaboration with Neighborhood Council #7.
Old Business
The minutes from the June meeting were approved as written.
Donna Sadler was nominated to fill the vacant seat on Council #7. Acting Chair Aaron Weissman asked if there were any other nominations. None responded. Chair Weissman called for a vote. Donna Sadler was appointed by unanimous decision. Ms. Sadler will be sworn in at the July 11 City Commission meeting.
New Business
Neighborhood Concerns:
Other Business
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
The next Neighborhood Council meeting is August 14, 2006 in the Gibson Room at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Cadwell
Neighborhood Council Coordinator
Neighborhood Council # 7--Regular Meeting--June 12, 2006
Called to order at 7:00 p.m. by acting chair Bob Gaskell
Present were Council members Bob Gaskell, Aaron Weissman, Erin Tropila and Mike Taylor. NC Coordinator Patty Cadwell, Ole Stimac, Jeff Chaffee, Sheila Rice, Chris Ebeling, Bill Bourret, Stewart Leuin and four residents.
Old Business
May minutes were accepted.
The filling of the fifth position on the council was tabled until next meeting.Stewart Leuin and Donna Saddler are willing to serve.Donna is out of town this week so the council will wait to talk to her.
New Business
Sheila Rice Director of Neighborhood Housing presented an update and some history on the Neighborhood housing projects.Sheila also asked the council for suggestions on the pros and cons of the neighborhood housing.
Chris Ebeling and Bill Bourret of Benifis Healthcare discussed the services that Benifis provides for the community and the accomplishments they have had.
Ole Stimac SR. and Jeff Chaffee made a presentation on the new coal fired generating plant.They discussed the number of jobs and the amount of income this plant would bring to our community.they also explained how this plant would be one of the cleanest coal fired plants in the nation.
Concerned citizen Stewart Leuin who is concerned about the mercury levels of this plant and the health problems that go with it. He feels the mercury levels are still way to high to be safe.
Aaron Weissman would like to see if Park and Rec. would be willing to open up the Mitchell pool for lap swim.The council decided to make a request to Park and Rec. Aaron was asked to write a letter to Patty Reardon, Interim Director of Park and Rec. The council will have to approve the letter.
Other Business
National Good Neighbor Day is September, 24
The next meeting will be held at the Heisey Memorial 313 7th Street North at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the Neighborhood watch meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Taylor
Secretary Council 7
Neighborhood Council #7–Regular Meeting–May 8, 2006
Called to order at 7:00 p.m. by acting Chair Bob Gaskell
Present were Council members Bob Gaskell, Aaron Weissman, Erin Tropila and Mike Taylor. NC Coordinator Patty Cadwell, Officer Slaughter, Betty Stickey, Bonnie Beuning and nine residents.
Old Business
April minutes were accepted.
Acting Chair Kim Thiel-Schaaf has turned in a letter of resignation to Patty Cadwell. The Council appointed Bob Gaskell to fill her position as Acting Chair.
With the resignation of Kim Thiel-Schaaf, there is a vacancy on the Council. The Council has decided to wait another month to fill this vacancy. This will give residents more time to hear about the vacancy so they can run if they wish.
Community Policing visit was presented by Officer Slaughter. Officer Slaughter discussed alcohol compliance checks and under age drinking. Crime in the lower North side was discussed as well as crime in the Gibson Park area. The Police department is working on this problem by patrolling the area more frequently. They are also conducting surveillance in several of the problem areas.
New Business
Betty Stickey has asked the Council to support a Conditional Use Request for a Day Care at 10th St. and 3rd Ave. South. The Council’s vote was three to one in favor of support. There was not a “no” vote but one member requested more information.
Bonnie Beuning asked the Council to support a conditional Use Request for a Beauty Shop at 10th St. and 2nd Ave. North. Aaron Weissman abstained from the vote due to a personal interest in the building. The Council voted two to one in favor. There was not “no” vote but one member requested more information.
NC Coordinator Patty Cadwell will write a letter of support to the City Council for both of these requests.
Neighborhood Concerns
Paul Zallek inquired how the Council was appointing new members. NC Coordinator Patty Cadwell explained the procedure.
Reports
Aaron Weissman gave a report on the Council of Councils meeting that he attended.
Bob Gaskell attended the Police Advisory Board and gave his report. It included community policing.
Aaron Weissman attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting and gave a report to the Council. It was also decided to combine the July meeting with the Neighborhood Council’s meeting. It will be held at the Heisey July 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Other Business
The Council made a decision to continue meeting on a regular schedule through the summer months.
National Good Neighbor Day is September 24, 2006. It was suggested to celebrate by having a pot–luck or special event.
The next meeting will be June 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the Gibson Room at the Civic Center.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Taylor
Secretary Council 7
Council 7 - Regular Meeting - April 10 2006
Present were council members Erin Tropilla, Aaron Weissman, Bob Gaskell and Mike Taylor. NC Coordinator Patty Cadwell, Mayor Dona Stebbins and 3 residents Mitch Tropila, Paul Zallek and Kelly Wetzel.
Called to order at 7:00 p.m. by council member Bob Gaskell.
New member Erin Tropila was sworn in by Mayor Dona Stebbins.
Old Business
A motion was made and seconded to accept last meetings minutes.
The council elected Aaron Weissman as delegate to the Council of Councils.
A motion was made and seconded to select Bob Gaskell to the Police Advisory Board.
New Business
Concerned citizen Kelly Wetzel brought up the subject of policing of the Lower North side. In the last two months he has had a window in his car broken, his car scratched and last night he was robbed. Each time he said the police told him that they couldn't do anything because they didn't have a suspect.
It was also brought up that the curfew was not being enforced.
The graffiti ordinance was also discussed.
(Experience Works) which used to be called Green Thumb was presented to the council. It is for persons 55 or older who would like to train in a new job.
Next meeting we will discuss whether we want to continue our meetings thru the summer or take a month or two off.
Next meeting will be on May 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Mike Taylor
Secretary Council 7
Council 7-Regular Meeting-March 13, 2006
Called to order at 7:00 p.m. by acting chair Kim Thiel-Schaaf
Present: Mike Taylor, Bob Gaskell, Kim Thiel-Schaaf, 9 residents, Police Chief Corky Grove, Patty Cadwell, NC Coordinator
Officer Elections were held. Kim Thiel-Schaaf will serve as chair for the time being. Mike Taylor will serve as secretary. It was decided that for now the Official Delegate will be the chair or their designee. Everyone agreed that they would help out with this role as needed.
Bylaws were reviewed. The only change that is required is to section 4 paragraph C with relation to the meeting time. It was moved, seconded and approved that the meeting time be changed to 7:00 p.m.
Vacancies - Clary Cory and Karie Howell have resigned from the council. Present and interested in serving were Paul Zallek, Erin Tropila, Aaron Weissman, Eve Haggen, Joseph Moll. All were given a few moments to express why they wanted to serve. It was decided that a secret ballot would be used by the three council members to determine who would fill the vacancies - the top two vote getters would be appointed. Kim Thiel-Schaaf asked Patty Cadwell to prepare ballots while the meeting moved on with other business.
Stephanie Langston from Alliance for Youth was in attendance. Although not on the agenda, she requested a few moments of our time to discuss reaching out to neighborhood youth and general neighborliness.
Chief Grove gave a NC update on the police department - crime in Great Falls - the Weed and Seed request for expansion was denied. He requested that Council 7 provide their priorities for the law enforcement for the next year as well as appoint someone to the newly formed Police Advisory Commission. Q&A followed. We will be in touch on priorities and appointment.
As it was nearly 9:00 p.m., the Chair requested that those present continue with Q&A and that the Council members would cast their ballots to fill the vacancies. Two ballots were required to break a tie. The vacancies will be filled by Erin Tropila and Aaron Weissman. Patty Cadwell will arrange to have them sworn in prior to the April meeting.
Next meeting is April 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Taylor
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