JOURNAL OF COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 15, 1994

Regular City Commission Meeting

Mayor Gayle Morris Presiding

CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL: City Commissioners present: Joan Bennett, Bob Deming, Vicki Everson, John Gilbert and Gayle Morris. Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Directors of Community Development, Park & Recreation, Public Works, Planning, Finance, Police Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and the City Clerk.

Hamilton Misfeldt & Company, Certified Public Accountants, conducted the City's FY 1992/93 Annual Audit. Two findings by the auditors include:

1. The City was not in compliance with Ordinance 2623 requiring that the combined net revenues of the Water and Sewer enterprise funds be at least equal to 125% of the maximum principal and interest requirements for all future fiscal years commencing after June 30, 1992 for all revenue bonds issued under this ordinance. However, the audit indicated the problem had been identified and addressed by Staff.
2. An accounting system for the Fairgrounds enterprise fund that would provide for accurate accounting records and timely recording and reporting of financial information was not fully implemented at June 30, 1993.

Kevin Lee, Hamilton Misfeldt & Company, made a brief presentation to the City Commission regarding the audit document. He stated that the City received an "unqualified" audit which is the highest audit rating a City can receive.

Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission accept the FY 1992-93 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and audit report.

Motion carried 5-0.

In order to enhance the City's swimming pool programs, pool enhancements were recommended at the Mitchell swimming pool. These improvements are recreational in nature, rather than a "water park" concept. It is expected to make the pool more active, attractive, play area and increase usage of the Mitchell swim pool facility.

Staff called for formal bids. The bids were within expectations, making the concept economically feasible. In order to finance the new equipment, Staff recommended the City Commission authorize a low interest loan from the Central Garage Fund to be repaid using a modest increase in the swimming pool fees.

Jerry Sepich, Park & Recreation Director outlined five fee options to the City Commission.

Commissioner Gilbert asked that Mr. Sepich put a schedule together for each option and include the general fund subsidy information in it.

Commissioner Deming asked how much earlier the neighborhood pools could open. Mr. Sepich indicated that the neighborhood pools could open one week after Mitchell Pool opens rather than opening two to three weeks after the Mitchell Pool opens.

Mr. Lawton, City Manager, reported to the City Commission on the proposal to recreate the Transit Board District. He stated that all parties involved have indicated they would not oppose the idea. He added that the purpose for the re-creation is to raise visibility of the District and the Transit Board and to enhance the cooperation between the District's operation and local government.

The re-creation of the Transportation District Board for the operation of the Great Falls Transit District will improve the public awareness of the Transportation District Board which has been low in the past. The Transportation District Board is responsible for a single function. Despite attempts by the Transit District Board to publicize its activities, the positions and the District are not well known and often interest in running for these positions is not great. Since the Transportation District Board operates without much public awareness, it has received little public input. The Transportation District Board has the power to levy taxes. Therefore, the public needs to be more aware and have more input into the decisions which the Board makes concerning the public tax dollars.

Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission set the public hearing for Resolution 8627 on March 15, 1994, 7:00 PM.

Motion carried 5-0.

The Community Development Staff recommended denial of a General Business License for Scotty's Solar Window Tinting located at 3626 Second Avenue North. Staff recommended denial because the property lost its nonconforming commercial zoning status since it had ceased to be commercially used for more than two years.

In accordance with OCCGF 5.04.102, the Finance Director held a hearing on the proposed revocation; concured with the recommendation to deny renewal of the business license, and referred the recommendation to the City Commission. The City Commisison was required to hear the evidence and upon showing of good cause, affirm, or modify the suspension or revoke (deny renewal of ) the license.

Mr. Schroer, 3626 2nd Avenue North, appealed to the City Commission to extend the non-conforming use for his property because his business is already established. He added that his attorney advised him the City Commission could do that in lieu of Mr. Schroer seeking a zoning change.

Commissioner Gilbert stated that it appeared Mr. Schroer was misinformed about the zoning status when he purchased the property. He added that the City Commission has to follow its non-conforming use laws and suggested that the Commission grant Mr. Schroer a six-month extension on his license in order to give him an opportunity to seek a zone change.

Mr. Lawton stated that City Staff is willing to work with Mr. Schroer on a zone change and perhaps develop a zoning contract that would satisfy his neighbors.

Mr. Schroer stated that would be acceptable to him. Commissioners Deming and Gilbert stated that the business license expires in six-months and they would not support another extension.

Commissioner Everson suggested Mr. Schroer begin working with his neighbors immediately in order to complete the zoning process within the six month time frame. Commissioner Bennett concurred.

Commissioner Gilbert suggested Staff only charge Mr. Schroer $15.00 for the six month extension rather than the full $30.00.

Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that they extend the business license for Scotty's Solar Window Tinting at 3626 Second Avenue North for six months in order for Mr. Schroer to seek a zone change.

Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor Morris enumerated the eight (8) Consent Agenda items as follows:

Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed.

Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor Morris read a letter from the Housing Authority Board complimenting Cheryl Patton, Community Development Director, for her work as the Director of the Housing Authority.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of February 15, 1994, adjourned at 8:05 p.m.