| 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, Public Works, Planning, Finance, Park & Recreation, Fire Chief, Assistant Police Chief, and the City Clerk.
Ordinance 2663 rezones property located at 2400 Second Avenue North from "B" Residence Use to "C" Resident Use allowing utilization of the basement on an existing two-story structure located on the northerly portion of Lot 1 as a separate dwelling, making the structure a triplex or three dwelling units.
During the Planning Board public hearing on the rezoing held January 11, 1994, Mr. Ken Sollid, the petition's father, and Mr. Jeff McPartlin and Rose Hendrick, realtors, spoke in support of the rezoning. Mr Ray Reavley of 2404 Second Avenue North spoke in oppositin. The Planning Board also received by the time of the public hearing, letters opposing the rezoning from Barbara Mittal of 2405 First Avenue North and Hugh Enloe of 2324 Second Avenue North. The Planning Board passed a motion recommending the City Commission disapprove rezoning petition.
Mayor Morris declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Ordinance 2663. Mayor Morris closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission deny Ordinance 2663.
Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 8626 increases the daily fee of $1.50 for adults and $.75 for youth to $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for youth, and establishes a $2.00 slide pass fee. Based on a five (5) year average pool attendance and anticipated increase in usage at the Mitchell pool, the fees would generate $70,870 in swimming pool admissions. This revenue would allow for financing the interfund loan for the project as well as expanding the summer hours at the Jaycee and Water Tower Pools.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8276.
Commissioner Everson asked if the Park & Recreation Staff had developed a marketing campaign for the enhancements. Jerry Sepich, Park & Recreation Director, stated that the numbers used to project revenues were very conservative and after one year of operation, Staff was planning on developing a marketing strategy that would focus on any weak areas determined by firm statistics.
Commissioner Deming stated that the pool users will see expanded pool hours at the neighborhood pools in exchange for a modest fee increase. He added that there will be a separate fee for those wanting to use the water slide. He reminded the audience that the City is not building a water park. The equipment is recreational.
Commissioner Bennett stated that even with the fee increase, the City's pool fees are in line with other municipalities fees.
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 a more active and attractive play area and increase usage of the Mitchell swimming facility.
Staff called for formal bids for the enhancement equipment. Bids were within expectations, making the concept economically feasible. Staff recommended the City Commission authorize an interfund loan to finance the project, increase swimming pool fees in order to repay the loan; and accept the low bids.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioners Everson and Bennett, that the City Commission authorize 1) an interfund loan of $139,490 from the Central Garage Fund to the Recreation Fund effective March 1, 1994, at an interest rate of 3.1% through June 30, 1994 with interest rates to be reset annually, equal to interest earnings potential at July 1 and to be repaid on an annual schedule, from the net revenue of the swimming pool; 2) Award bids to the low bidders: Whitewater, Inc. in the amount of $66,585 for the pool deck slide materials; and SCS Company in the amount of $32,905 for interactive waterplay equipment materials.
Motion carried 5-0.
In the City Commission's 1993/94 Goals and Objectives, the City Commission identified the goal of promoting creative organizational change which responds to the needs of those we serve. An objective to this goal was to continue to investigate and implement privatization where appropriate. In July 1993, Wheelabrator EOS (WEOS), the firm currently under contract to operate the Waste Water Treatment Plant, submitted information that indicated that there was potential for savings through privatization of the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant. In January 1994, WEOS delivered a report to the City stating that "significant cost savings compared to the current water plant budget and expenditures can be guaranteed by WEOS."
Staff reviewed four options for privatization of the Water Treatment Plant:
Staff recommended the first option.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission direct Staff to form a committee to develop a Request for Proposals for the Operation and Maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant and associated facilities, seek competitive proposals, and that City staff be directed to prepare a competitive proposal with the support of contracted technical expertise.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that the Commission is not selling the water treatment plant; that the City is not giving up quality; that the City will not allow erosion of the water quality; and that the City is not bowing to political pressure. He added that what the City is doing is allowing employees to prepare a proposal for the operation of the water plant with the assistance of technical experts.
Mayor Morris stated that the waste water treatment plant is an example of privatization working. He added that in privatizing the waste water treatment plant, the City did not give up control over the rates or the quality of the operation.
Commissioner Deming reminded the audience of the Commission's goal to support creative change that will provide better service to the residents of Great Falls. He added that the Commission has a fiscal responsibility to the tax payer to explore all avenues of cost savings. He emphasized that a decision to privatize has not been made.
Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Morris enumerated the nine (9) 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.
Clay Braden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, asked for clarification on the Fairgrounds Improvements discussion at the work session.
Les Hayes asked the City Commission several questions regarding the visitors center, hiring employees from out of state, the status of the ethanol plant, the use of the motor vehicle tax money and the operation of the water plant. City Manager, John Lawton, and Terry Peyhan, Chamber of Commerce, responded to several of his questions.
Dona Stebbins, 811 8th Avenue North, expressed concerns regarding privatizing the water treatment plant.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of March 1, 1994, adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
/S/
Gayle Morris, Mayor
/S/
Peggy J. Lamberson, City Clerk