Selection of Officers - Officers will remain the same

Bylaws
Robert’s Rules of Order will form the basis for Council rules of order but will not be required.

According to the Council orientation, secret ballots can not be permitted. We will continue to elect officers by discussion and consensus.

Section 7B will defer to Section 3A.

Great Falls Police Department - Ofc Tilman
The discussion was primarily about parking and traffic around the H.S, and the possibility of “citation by complaint”.

40 Assets Program - Stephanie Langston - Alliance for Youth
Stephanie outlined the 40 Assts program and had us complete a short survey.

Phil Faccanda spoke as the representative of home owners near the proposed Walgreen’s on 10th. They are very concerned about traffic and it’s effect on property values. The Council declined to formally support their opposition to Walgreens, as they did not believe they had the competance to properly evaluate their concerns. They agreed to convey the residents concerns to the Commission and Zoning, but encouraged the residents to present their own case.

Revising the City Code re: Neighborhood Councils
It was agreed to consider possible changes to the City Code and Charter at the next meeting.

Montana Public Power Update
The Council agreed to the idea of having several Council’s meet together for such presentations.

City Budget

Patty announced that meetings will be held to involve the Council’s in the budget process.

9th Ave S Development - Mark Macek
Walgreens is proposing to build a store at 23rd St S and 10th Ave S between 9th Ave S and 10th Ave S. They had previously met with residents of the area, and this presentation took some of their objections into account. They have agreed not to build a commercial structure on the northeast corner of the property. Landscaping on the northern edge of the property will screen residents on the north side of 9th Ave S from noise and visual contact with their facility. One resident expressed continued concern about street parking for his property on the west side of 23rd St S.

The Council's only concern is traffic flow, especially if turn lights are not going to be installed at 23rd St and 10th Ave S. This corner is already problematical, and the additional traffic could make it a significant problem. The Council suggested that the developer to encourage the city and state to install turn lights at this corner.

Humane Society Blue Ribbon Committee - Chuck Tourtillott
They are re-writing the Animal Control Ordinance and are considering a cat ID system. They will be having a task force in town next spring providing low cost spay/neuter services.

Habitat for Humanity - Susan McCord
The Habitat Re-Store is opening. Hours will be Wednesday 10:00 A.M. -> 6:00 P.M. and Saturday 9:00 A.M. -> 3:00 P.M.. They will re-cycle home construction materials much like Salvation Army does clothing and household goods. Donations are encouraged. All profits will go to constructing additional low cost homes.

Paris Gibson School
Gary attended the community meeting. A number of ideas were advanced and discussed. He indicated that selling the property did not seem to have much support, but all other ideas were up for consideration.

Council elections
There were many write-ins for the 5th opening on the Council, but it does not appear that any one had more than one. The Election Office will be determining eligibility of the write ins and it will probably be up to the Council to pick one for membership.

Council of Councils Report - Art/Patty

Neighborhood Council Orientation - Nov 15/16

12 January 06, 7:00 P.M., room 106, Great Falls H.S. South Campus

Lion's Park - Bob Deming
Bob discussed the current status and plans for Lions Park, including a $40,000 fund to put in playground equipment.

Local Government Study Commission - Marie Mares
Marie gave an overview of the Local Government Study Commission.

Purple Curbs -
There have been some problems with parking around the H.S., especially due to the roofing work that has pushed lot parking onto the street. There has also been a report that some people are "renting" their purple curbs to students. There has been discussion of the possibility of reducing parking close to the H.S. in order to encourage students to walk more.

Moving Roosevelt School to Paris Gibson
There was a lengthy discussion of the Paris Gibson situation and problems with both it and Roosevelt School. It was the decision of the Council that this issue needs far more study to be sure any action taken is both effective and efficient. Participation in upcoming meetings on this issue was encouraged.

Council of Councils Meeting - Oct 26, Gibson Rm, 7P

Nerighborhood Council Orientation - Nov 15/16

Weed & Seed -

The second Community Policing Officer is now in place in Parkdale.

Community Policing Officer Tilman
Officer Tilman presented police stats for the last couple years and discussed a specific case with a guest.

Signage around the school on 25th
Gary is concerned about the traffic on 6th Ave S and 26th Street when school is starting and getting out. It was agreed to request a traffic study to determine the extent of the problem.

Weed & Seed has received approval to expand the district to include the near north side west of 24th. The existing Weed & Seed district has been so successful that the money will be available Oct 1 rather than the normal Nov 1.

School Safety Plan - Gary has concerns about signage on 25. He'll check on it and report back next meeting.

Yard sale signs - What does the ord say? What about dating?

Feral Cat problems- live traps seem to be the best solution

Purple Curbs - painting not completed but hopefully will be by beginnng of school.

Set up schedule for room at H.S - Patty is working on this.

Cert of Appreciation - For the Campfire office for allowing us to use their office for meetings during the summer the last several years.

Time to sign-up for Council vacancies

Land Use Meeting - Aug 15

8 Sept 05, 7:00 P.M., room 106, Great Falls H.S. South Campus

Purple Curbs - They are being painted this year, and should be completed by the end of July.

School Safety Plan - This was briefly reviewed.

20th Street condition - A resident noted that there has been a problem with drainage at the corner of 5th Ave S and 20th St since the water project was completed. This issue was continued with a discussion of the poor general condition of the surface of 20th St.

Turn Lights on 10th - Gary is going to propose a resolution for the next Council of Councils meeting that turn lights be installed on 10th at each corner where there are turn lanes.

Council Retreat - This is scheduled for Sept 16 & 17. Invitations will be mailed shortly. Question - Is free parking arranged?

Election - New Councils will be elected this year. Nomination papers can now be submitted.

Community Policing Officer Cory Reeves
Officer Reeves reported that it was likely that the individual responsible for the graffiti around the H.S. had been arrested as part of a gang investigation. He also noted that the cop-in-a-box sometimes was counter productive since some drivers liked to see how high a speed readout they could get.

Rep. Tim Callahan - Montana Legislature Update
Rep. Callahan discussed some of the ins and outs of the last legislative session. He noted that given the relative ease with which the School Zone speeding bill was passed, the idea of a Play Zone bill being passed was now realistic.

There was discussion of traffic and parking around the H.S. Gary is going to continue working on preliminary work on getting stop signs reconsidered in the area. There was some question as to whether this was the year that the purple zones will be repainted. There were questions about the implementation of the School Zone law and the crosswalks around schools. Patty will check on this.

A copy of a letter from Sue Strickland to Bill Wiseman was received and a response from Bob Deminger. It was decided that no action was warranted.

Planning Board Hearing - Land Development Code
June 14 - 6P, Commission Chambers

Weed & Seed -
They are applying for a grant to provide for a second Community Policing Officer for Parkdale for one year. A major part of his duties will be working with the youth and children.

Great Falls Parks & Recreation - Patty Gumenberg
Patty gave an overview of the situation with the swimming pools and the skate park. Much of the discussion revolved around the costs involved and possible solutions being considered.

Boys & Girls Club - JoAnne Maxwell
JoAnne discussed summer activities planned through the Boys and Girls Club and showed an artists rendition of a proposed new center to be built in Chowen Springs Park. Concern was expressed about provision for parking and the problems of building on a former swamp that still is noted for drainage problems.

Animal Foundation - Sally Cerny, Trustee
The Animal Foundation provides support for the Humane Society Animal Shelter. They are in the process of raising funds for a new shelter and proposed "dog park".

Mapril Cleanup Report - Gary, Don
Gary and Don reported on Mapril Cleanup activities around the H.S. and in Parkdale. Both were very successful.

Council of Councils Meeting Report - Art
Art represented the Council at the Council of Councils meeting. There was a presentation of the most recent version of the Zoning Proposal. It was agreed to meet semiannually so that Council members can exchange concerns and ideas.

Announcements, etc
Neighborhood Councils will be re-elected this year. "Nominations" will be accepted beginning June 1

There is a need for candidates for the Parking Advisory Board.

A Council member retreat planned for Sept 16-17.

School District Trustee Candidate Elna Hensley
Discussed some issues surrounding the School Board and her opposition to single candidate districts.
The Council decided not to support a move to single candidate districts.

Cascade County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Castle provided an update. He noted that the finances are getting straightened out and inter-departmental cooperation is improving.

Mapril Clean-up
The council will cooperate with the Student Council on this. They will meet at the Camp Fire Office at 9:30, April 30.

Council of Councils
While the original impetus for a Council of Councils meeting is moot, there will be a meeting April 27 at 7:00 in the Gibson Room of the Civic Center. Gary will be the formal representative.

Graffiti around the H.S.
There has been an increase in recent incidents. Gary will talk to the SRO.

Community Policing Officer - Officer John Runner
They are working on speeding and smoking around the H.S.

Neighborhood Housing Services
25th Aniversary of Great Falls NHS, one of the largest and most successful programs in the northwest.

Mapril Clean-up
Tentatively set for 30 April at 9:30. Meet at the Campfire office. Rain date is 7 May.

Travis Kavulla
Petition for School District trustees districts
Asks that the Council sign off on the idea

Terry Bailey - La Pastada
They are applying for a Cabaret license to serve beer and wine since the zoning which would permit it has been delayed. They will not be introducing gaming machines.

Golden Triangle Mental Health Center - Cindi Dolan, Board Member, Golden Triangle Foundation Board member
Cindi gave a review of the activities of Golden Triangle Mental Health Center and an update on the project to convert the former Largent School for their use.

Voices of Hope -
We received an overview of the activities of Voices of Hope, including the Crisis Line and their work against familial abuse.

NoCasiNo - Ben Forsyth
Ben, Bob Alford and John Hazxe of the Cascade Tavern Association gave an overview of the current status of attempts to restrict casinos in Great Falls.

School Zone Speed law -
Supporting letters were sent to Sen Schmidt, Rep Wilson, and Rep Callahan who represent areas of Neighborhood Council in the Montana Legislature.