| Regular City Commission Meeting | Mayor Morris Presiding |
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: City Commissioners present: Gayle Morris, Joan Bennett, Bob Deming, Vicki Everson and John Gilbert. Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Directors of Community Development, Public Works, Finance, Park & Recreation, Fairgrounds, Planning, Assistant Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the City Clerk.
On March 15, 1994, the City Commission adopted Resolution 8627, re-creating the Great Falls Transit District Board from a three-member elected board to a seven member appointed board. MCA 7-14-212 sets out provisions for the re-creation of transit district boards by joint resolution of the City and County governing bodies.
Upon adoption by the City Commission, the Cascade County Commission was asked to adopt the same. The Cascade County Commission made a counter proposal of a five member board, three elected and two appointed with the City Commission making one appointment and Cascade County making the other. After discussion between the two governing bodies, the City Commission agreed to accept the counter proposal of Cascade County.
Mayor Morris declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or in opposition to Resolution 8677. Mayor Morris closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8677.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the Resolution be amended to read:
Item 5. That vacancies by an elected member be filled by joint selection between representatives of the City and County and shall serve until the next election according to State law; and vacancies by appointed members of the Board be filled by appointment by the body which appointed such member;
Commissioner Deming stated that the purpose of the resolution is to strengthen the board and to increase public awareness of it. He stated that as the resolution was originally drafted, a vacancy could be open on the board for up to two years which defeats the intent of Resolution 8677.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that the City Commission had not yet received a copy of the audit report for the Transit District for the Fiscal year ending June 30, 1993. He directed the City Clerk to write a letter to the Transit District on the Commission's behalf and ask the County to join in that letter requesting that audit report.
Motion to amend the resolution carried 5-0.
Motion on Resolution 8677 as amended 5-0.
The Finance Department received a petition signed by 100% of the property owners, requesting lighting in 3rd Alley SW between 11th and 12th Streets SW. The estimated annual costs for the entire district, including the City's 10% administrative charge are $104.02. A one time charge of $5.00 per lot will be added to the first assessment payment to cover the cost of setting up the district.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8674.
Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 8678 provides uniform procedures for the approval and ratification of contracts. It addresses: contracting definitions, including an expanded use permit definition; the existing claims list regularly presented to the City Commission; uniform guidelines for the approval and/or ratification of all contracts; establishing a contract list to be regularly presented to the City Commission; and the issuance of use permits, which are generally more appropriate than leases for City operations.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8678.
Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 8679 outlines a general process and suggests potential players, roles and responsibilities regarding the South Arterial project. It further acknowledges that the proposed process may be lengthy and may entail long term commitments to contact and work closely with the Montana Congressional delegations, community leaders, statewide leaders and the public.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8679.
Motion carried 5-0.
The AICUZ study identifies noise and accident potential zones and compatible and incompatible land use in such zones. There are various options available to recognize or implement elements of the AICUZ Study. The most obvious option as recommended by the AICUZ Study would be to amend current zoning and subdivision regulations and formulate fair disclosure ordinances, building codes, and a capital improvement program incorporating land use controls reflected in the Study. However, due to Staffing limitations, this option was not viable. The second option was to adopt Resolution 8680 which recognizes the Study on a timely basis with minimal effort and controversy.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8680.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that the City Commission needs to continue to protect MAFB and that Resolution 8680 is a compromise to make sure that a safe flying zone is provided for the air base.
Motion carried 5-0.
Ruth Scribner submitted an application to annex an unplatted tract of land at 2315 Fifth Avenue Southwest. Ms. Scribner is currently having a manufactured house located on the property and wanted to annex in order to obtain City water service.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8681.
Motion carried 5-0.
Volk Construction, Inc., petitioned to annex the above listed property. The applicant wanted to construct a single family residence on the parcel. The water main was installed in the abutting portion of Valley View Drive in conjunction with the development of Falcon Ridge No. 2 Addition and a sewer main was installed along the south boundary of Lot 2-A in conjunction with the development of Falcon Ridge No. 3 Addition.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8682.
Commissioner Gilbert stated he would abstain due to a potential conflict of interest.
Motion carried 4-0-1 (Commissioner Gilbert abstaining).
Resolution 8683 sets a public hearing for November 1, 1994 to consider the annexation of 1,798.15 acres owned by the City at the International Airport (including 19.89 acres contained in the former Robertson parcel) and 42.64 acres comprising a portion of U.S. Highway 91 Ulm North Frontage Road.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8683.
Motion carried 5-0.
The Community Development Department and the Parking Advisory Commission studied the existing monthly off-street lot lease rates in order to determine if changes to the existing rates should be proposed. Based on the level of existing usage, it was recommended that the existing rates on three of the off-street facilities be raised effective November 1, 1994.
A $3.00 increase on Lot 4 (Sixth Street and First Avenue North); a $2.00 increase on Lot 5 (Fourth Street and First Avenue South); and a $3.00 increase in the City Parking Ramp are proposed.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8685.
Commissioner Everson stated that raising rates is never an easy task. However, the City Commission must also look toward the future and protect any bonding opportunities.
Motion carried 5-0.
The passing of the Fair Housing resolution accomplishes the following: Demonstrates the City Commission's commitment to Fair and Equal Housing Opportunities for all its citizens; outlines a procedure for City employees to follow in processing reports received of housing discrimination; affirmatively furthers Fair Housing; and satisfies Montana Department of Commerce requirements for release of HOME funds.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8686.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that the City Commission unequivocally supports fair housing.
Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Morris enumerated 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.
Donald Keith and Dona Stebbins terms expired September 30, 1994. Therefore, it was necessary to make appointments to this board.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission reappoint Donald Keith and Dona Stebbins to the Board of Adjustment/Appeals for three year terms beginning October 1, 1994 and expiring September 30, 1997.
Motion carried 5-0.
The City Commission, earlier in the October 4, 1994 Commission meeting conducted a public hearing on the proposed composition of the Great Falls Transit District Board, repealed Resolution 8627 and adopted a new resolution specifying the new composition of the board. Adoption of Resolution 8677 created two appointed positions to the Transit District Board. One to be filled by the City Commission and one to be appointed by the County Commission.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission appoint Jim Meade to the Great Falls Transit District Board for a four year term beginning October 4, 1994 and ending December 31, 1998.
Motion carried 5-0.
Clayton Braden (2708 4th Avenue NW) addressed the Commission regarding a variety of issues. He was asked by the City Commission to write down his concerns in order to give the City Commission and Staff an opportunity to prepare responses.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of October 4, 1994, adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
/S/
Gayle Morris, Mayor
/S/
Peggy J. Bourne, City Clerk