JOURNAL OF COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
December 6, 1994

Regular City Commission Meeting

Mayor Morris Presiding

CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM

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, Park & Recreation, Acting Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the City Clerk.

In October, 1982, the City entered into lease agreements with Mae Carol Productions, Great Falls Theatrical Supply and other groups for the use of the Westside Community Center. Prior to this, the Center had been used for the Recreation offices.

In 1984, these leases were consolidated into one lease with the newly formed Center for the Performing Arts. Over the years, especially the last four years, the Center For the Performing Arts was unable to meet their fiscal responsibilities to the City. On October 31, 1994, the expiration date of the current lease, there was a past due balance of $2,873.50 owed to the City and $1,705 owed to Great Falls Gas. As a result, it was mutually agreed that the City assume the administrative responsibility and allow use by this performing arts group, and others, on a use permit basis.

Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8699.

Ms. Sonya Weinzetl, 520 7th Avenue North #2, spokesperson for the Performing Arts Center, stated that the Center developed plans to pay back the past due debt. She stated that the Center wanted a chance to continue and suggested that perhaps the Center become a part of the Park and Recreation Department. She added that the Park & Recreation Department currently focuses on sports activities but does not offer a lot of cultural activities for the community.

Commissioner Gilbert asked Ms. Weinzetl if the Center breaks even. Ms. Weinzetl replied that the group is a non-profit organization and anything earned is reinvested into the Center.

Mayor Morris asked if the use rates established by Resolution 8699 would be a detriment to the Center. Ms. Weinzetl stated they would not. However, she stated, the Center did not agree with Park & Recreation's proposal for them to rent the stage since the Center owned it.

Commissioner Gilbert stated that the City is responsible to protect public property. And, because the Center was having financial difficulties, the gas had been turned off which, during the winter months, which could have caused damage to the building. Commissioner Gilbert added that he recommended the Commission move ahead with the rates.

Motion carried 5-0.

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

Commissioner Deming asked Public Works Director, Erl Tufte, if item 7 was a Final Claim and a Change Order. Mr. Tufte replied, that in fact, it was both.

Commissioner Gilbert stated that on the Claims over $500 list was a payment to Max Davis in the amount of $2,515. He added that Mr. Davis is the attorney the City Commission hired to defend the City against the lawsuit filed by the County over the jail.

Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Mike Rattray addressed the City Commission regarding several issues which recently came up regarding off-street parking in the downtown area. He stated that the demand for parking is on the rise and in order to address the issue, Staff proposed the following policy.

1. All lots will have a monthly cap in order to ensure the availability of transient parking spaces throughout downtown.
2. A list of permit holders for each lot will be maintained by APCOA. Monthly lease purchases will open to customers on the current lease list on the 15th of each month. All permits not renewed as of the 25th of each month will be open to general purchase. This will serve to provide security to our regular customers while not locking out new customers.
3. No single lessee may obtain more than 50% of the leases on any given lot. This will ensure that parking will remain available to all users in any given area.
4. All permit sales are final and will not be refunded. With the current demand, we can not turn away a customer from a lot because it is full, and then have leases become available after the fact because somebody changed their mind.
5. Key cards, not renewed in the garage, will be removed from the system on the 1st of each month.

Commissioner Gilbert stated that these are reasonable business rules. However, they don't create more parking spaces.

Mr. Rattray explained that Community Development is working the CUC International and Strain Properties to develop more parking spaces. However, any construction will now have to wait for spring.

Commissioner Everson stated that if a goal of the City Commission is to enhance downtown, then perhaps the Commission should begin considering bonding for a new ramp.

City Manager, John Lawton, stated, that Commissioner Everson made a good point. Mr. Lawton suggested that because bonding takes several years, and the need is immediate, that Staff begin to look at property to purchase, develop it into surface parking, and then move towards a new ramp later on.

Commissioner Deming stated that the Commission concurred with Staff's proposed policy.

The following addressed the City Commission regarding supporting the Center for the Performing Arts. Phil Swartz (307 13th Street South), Dixie Boland (3601 7th Avenue South), Lola Galloway (1400½ 7th Street South), Ronda Shrock and Jullie Hoen (1626 7th Avenue NW).

Commissioner Gilbert suggested that the Center look at other non-profit organizations to find out how they thrive without the benefit of financial support from the City. He stated that the Commission supports their goals, however, the Center is responsible for itself and urged them to be responsible.

There being no further business to come before the City Commission, the regular meeting of December 6, 1994, adjourned at 7:58 p.m.