Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
Neighborworks
Monday July12,2010

Chairman Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7pm. Councilors Erin Tropila, Jim Super and Alvina Sayers were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and concerned citizens were also present. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the call to order.

The June minutes were approved.

New Business

County Commission Candidate- Johnny Walker-was not present yet, so we moved on.

Discussion of Council Priorities-Aaron suggested we post our ideas on Google Doc.,so that maybe by our Sept. meeting we might have a workable draft. We are all in agreement.

Candidate-Mr. Walker gave a brief, but interesting presentation for his election to the County Commission Office. There was some discussion with the council and audience.

Problem Properties-Building at 512 6th.St.N.- has been resolved.
Parking on 6th.N.-need to follow up on.
Parking issues on 4th.ave.&8th.st. S.

Neighborhood Concerns-7th.ave&11th.st.N.-loud parties,parking issues, playing basketball in the roadway. Aaron has offered to assist with this issue.

Old Business

Whittier School Zone-Approval from City Commission-June6,2010. Signs should be in place by the end of August.

Park Drive Speed Project-monies have been raised and should be under construction this fall.

Property Taxes-Carli Boland stated that citizens can still file an appeal on their taxes, more information to follow.

Reports

City Commission-Approval of Whittier School Zone passed on June6,2010.

Police Advisory-no report

Council of Councils-no report

CSI:Great Falls(Citizens for Saving Indoor-Swimming)-currently working on some grants and fund raisers.

Pea Pods-Aaron Weissman made a motion for NC7 to ask the City Commission to create a task force to revise the zoning ordinance for establishing community gardens in Great Falls. It was seconded by Erin Tropila, and passed by the council.

Other Reports-none, although Carli Boland extended on invitation to NC8's annual Ice Cream Social.

Adjourned at 8:30
Submitted by Alvina Sayers

Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
NeighborWorks
Monday, June 14, 2010

Chairman Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Councilors Alvina Sayers, James Super, Erin Tropila and Kenny Volk were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and concerned citizens were also in attendence. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the call to order.

The May minutes were approved.

9th Street Traffic Study – Jim Rearden offered a report re: progress for the 9th Street traffic study. 

New Business

Proposal to allow for better flow of Downtown Traffic - Rep. Anders Blewett – Rep. Blewett offered a proposal to make our downtown area more livable and navigable. He suggests that downtown traffic lights change from red-yellow-green to flashing yellow after 7 p.m. Chairman Weissman asked Councilor Volk to draft a document for the next meeting.

Parking problems on 6th Ave. N. - Amanda Gray – Ms. Gray described the difficult parking situation on her block, which currently allows for virtually no parking for property owners, as tenants are taking up all of the available spots.

Problem Properties – Problems with possible Section 8 tenants were discussed at the property at 3rd and 4th Avenue at the 500 block.

Neighborhood Concerns – Further discussion on Downtown Police Officer issue was resumed. Police Advisory Board report was lumped into this discussion item. Councilor Volk explained that contrary to previous reports, Chief Grove has provided data that crime has actually decreased downtown. 

Old Business

Discussion on Urban Chickens – Neighborhood Council #7 will take no action either in favor of, or opposition to, urban chickens.

Great Falls Natatorium Budget Update – Chairman Weissman pointed out that the Natatorium still needs help, but that the city will be extending the life of the pool another year.1

Status of Park Drive Speed Petition – No news

Status of Gibson Park Lighting Project – No news

Other Old Business – There was some discussion concerning graffiti within the neighborhood.

Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, July 12, 2010 at the Neighborworks, 509 5th Avenue South, at 7 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kenny Volk
Neighborhood Council 7

Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
Great Falls Recreation Center
Monday, May 10, 2010

Chair Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Councilors Erin Tropila, Alvina Sayers and James Super were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and Concerned Citizens were also in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the call to order.

The April minutes were approved.

New Business

Maroney Natatorium closure discussed. Proponents spoke to save the Nat and will try to find monies to keep open. Marty Basta from City Park and Rec explained City position: l) Fund Maint need $250,000
2) Need to fund capitol improvements. City doesn’t want to see closure, but money is tight. Cost $350,000 to operate.
Discussion as to why Great Falls High Pool operates for less. May raise money by grant writing, large fund raiser, and Peoples Park & Rec could help fund.

Down Town Police Officer - Discussion since officer not present has been increased crime, drug abuse, pan handling. BID thinking about hiring officer. Council 7 endorses hiring another officer. Staffing on the force very short. Maybe have officer at the meeting.

Community Development Permit Changes - Terre Gift. Residential building energy code adopted by City.

Medical Marijuana. Sen Trudi Schmidt. Mt legislature is gearing up for action on Medical Marijuana Law. Gathering information by interim committee. If you have comments, mail to Sen Trudi Schmidt.

Introduction of Jean Price for Legislature

Problem Properties
710 5th Avenue North
717 5th Avenue North
400 4th Avenue North
512 6th St. North - owner Larry Freitas - complaint Jeanne Wilson
212 8th St. North - Parking problems

Old Business

Pea Pod Neighborhood Garden - Letter of support for zoning variance.

Whittier School Zone Project - No response

Park Drive Speed petition - No response

Gibson Park Lighting - Could have design phase by July. Possible start by fall.

Chicken Ordinance - Charles Bocock. Gave another side of story. More discussion in June by council.

Possibility of using DOT monies for curbing train whistle.

Reports

Council of Councils. No report

Adjourned

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM, Next meeting June 14, 2010, 7PM, at Neighbor Works.

Respectfully submitted,
James, Super,
Neighborhood Council 7

Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
Community Recreation Center
Monday, April 12, 2010

Chair Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Councilors Erin Tropila, James Super and Alvina Sayers were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and concerned citizens were also in attendence. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the call to order.

The March minutes were approved.

New Business

Cascade County Sheriff Candidates- David Castle, Glen Stinar and Bob Edwards introduced themselves.

Strut Your Mutt Event – downtown Great Falls on May 22, 1010. Registration information at http://strutyourmuttgf.org/

Problem Properties & Neighborhood Concerns- the City of Great Falls Building Inspections Office sent a letter to the owner of the apartment complex at 801 4th Avenue North to reiterate that removal of temporary storage structures in an off-street parking area is required.

Old Business

Pea Pod Neighborhood Community Garden- raised beds are constructed and most are reserved for the upcoming growing season. 7 plots are left.

Reports

City Commission/Montana Legislature- Zoning for Medical Marijuana is on the agenda for the 3pm Planning Board Meeting on April 13, 2010 and The Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Committee of the Montana Legislature will discuss Medical Marijuana in Helena on April 27, 2010.

Police Advisory Board --Next meeting 3rd Thursday in May

Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. The next meeting is Monday, May 10, 2010 at the Great Falls Recreation Center, 801 2nd Avenue North, at 7 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Erin Tropila
Neighborhood Council 7

Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
Community Recreation Center
Monday, March 8, 2010

Chairman Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m.

Councilors Alvina Sayers and Kenny Volk were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and several concerned citizens were also present.

The February Minutes were approved.

Prior to the meeting we had a couple of informational items presented that we moved and seconded to pass into our minutes. They are as follows:

• Carlie Boland gave a quick report from The Dept. of Transportation.
• There is a study being done on River Dr. and 15th for a possible left-turn signal. Also on River Dr. and 25th, they are going to look into the pattern of driving there as soon as weather permits. On Park Dr. and 8th- will collect speed data as soon as possible.
  Aaron gave some information on the school levy.

Problem Properties; 801 4th Ave No., an inspection is being done March 12, 2010.

Medical Marijuana; after some discussion, Aaron moved that medical marijuana dispensaries and/ or grow operations be given fire safety certificates only if they meet minimum requirements for occupancy, parking and public safety. Kenny Volk seconded the motion. The motion passed by acclimation.

It is 8:20 p.m. and Kenny Volk needs to leave, so we no longer have a quorum and meeting is officially adjourned.

Traci Hronek gave an update on the Pea Pods.
Donna Hartelius gave a report on civil fines for speeders.

With no other business at hand we called it a night.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 12, 2010 at 7 p.m. We will meet at NeighborWorks.

Respectfully submitted,

Alvina Sayers
Neighborhood Council 7

Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
NeighborWorks
Monday, February 8, 2010

Chair Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Councilors Erin Tropila, James Super, Alvina Sayers and Kenny Volk were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and concerned citizens were also in attendence. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the call to order.

The January minutes were approved.

Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm. The next meeting is Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Great Falls Recreation Center, 801 2nd Avenue North, at 7 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Erin Tropila
Neighborhood Council 7

Neighborhood Council 7 Meeting Minutes
Community Recreation Center
Monday, January 11, 2010

Chairman Aaron Weissman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilors Alvina Sayers, James Super and Kenny Volk were present. Patty Cadwell, Neighborhood Council Coordinator, and concerned citizens were also in attendence. The Pledge of Allegiance followed the call to order.

The December minutes were approved.

New Business

Appointment of Council Secretary for 2010 - Chairman Weissman asked for volunteers to serve as Council Secretary. Kenny Volk agreed to take minutes
50% of the time when present.

Appointment of Council Bylaws for term – Chairman Weissman moved to amend bylaws, to wit: meetings will take place at different locations on a rotating basis, specifically at Neighborworks (509 5th Avenue South) and at the Community Recreation Center. Motion was approved, and bylaws stand reappointed.

Problem Properties – Myriad issues with property at 1101 3rd Avenue South were discussed. Need for greater development of Neighborhood Watch program was underscored.

Neighborhood Concerns – Nick Bordeau, referring specifically to a property in Prospect Heights, spoke broadly against the habitation of chickens and other foul within the City limits.

Old Business

Council Goals Discussion/Document – Motion to approve and present the 2010 NC 7 Goals Document was approved by the council.

Whittier Speed Petition – Concerned citizens Jan and Bob McGregor, who live immediately by Whittier Elementary School, encouraged NC 7 to hear more dialogue from “neighborhoods within the neighborhood,” and further urged NC 7 to incorporate something into the council charter regarding “consideration for the full neighborhood and all of its subsets.”

Discussion of Traffic Issues at Longfellow Elementary School – The traffic situation surrounding Longfellow Elementary School was discussed. Greater involvement from school PTA was suggested.

Status of Park Drive Speed Petition – Public Works Director Jim Rearden wrote a letter to Michael Johnson of the Montana Department of Transportation asking for a traffic study.

Status of Gibson Park Lighting Project – Project is still waiting for CTEP funding.

Out-Council Representation – The following councilors will represent NC 7 on the following boards: Aaron Weissman on the Council of Councils; Alvina Sayers on the ACTION Team; Kenny Volk on the Police Advisory Board.

Reports

City Commission – Councilors were encouraged to attend and present the 2010 NC 7 Goals Document at the next City Commission meeting on January 19, 2010.

Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, February 8, 2010 at the Neighborworks, 509 5th Avenue South, at 7 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kenny Volk
Neighborhood Council 7