| 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, Finance, Park & Recreation, Fairgrounds, Planning, Personnel, Acting Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the City Clerk.
On April 19, 1994 the City Commission adopted Ordinance 2646 recodifying Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). It was the intent of the recodification process to delete City ordinances which were duplicated by Montana state law. During the recodification process, two sections were deleted which were not duplicated by state law and Staff requested the City Commission re-insert them into the Code. Specifically, the sections Staff requested the Commission re-adopt included: Stopping or parking on the traffic way and handicap zones.
Although State law does address handicap parking, it does not give a municipality the authority to confiscate the vehicle. Staff requested that authority be re-granted to the Police Department in order to have an additional enforcement mechanism for violators of the handicap parking ordinance.
Mayor Morris declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or in opposition to Ordinance 2676. Mayor Morris closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2676.
Motion carried 5-0.
Staff recommended a water rate increase of 4% and a 3% sewer rate increase. The increases are recommended due to inflation in operation and maintenance costs and the need for capital improvements. The average monthly bill would increase 29 cents for sewer and 68 cents for water.
Mayor Morris declared the public hearing open. Those speaking in opposition to Resolution 8702 were as follows:
Gary Stott, 148 Division Road East, Fairfield Montana. Mr. Stott stated he opposed the proposed rate increase for sewage waste disposal. He added that the rate was $5.00 per 1000 gallons and the proposed rate would be $15.00 per load, up to 1000 gallons, until December 31, 1995 and then the cost would increase to $35.00 per load up to 1000 gallons or a portion thereof.
Commissioner Gilbert asked if Mr. Stott opposed the rate increase or the "a portion thereof" or "per load" concept. Mr. Stott indicated he opposed the "per load" concept. He stated that currently, the City keeps track of the loads he brings in and charges per 1000 gallons and not per load.
Erl Tufte, Public Works Director, stated that the rate resolution includes language authorizing Staff to enter into agreements for sewage waste disposal which could accommodate Mr. Stott's concerns.
City Manager, John Lawton, suggested that the proposed rate increase for 1996 could be eliminated from the resolution and addressed in next year's rate resolution.
Commissioner Gilbert insisted that Staff negotiate a contract with Mr. Stott and charge per 1000 gallons rather than per load.
Tim McKinley, McKinley Septic & Drain Cleaning, Fort Shaw, concurred with Mr. Stott's testimony.
Ross Heikkila, 411 5th Street SW, stated he opposed the rate increase. He added that according to his calculations, the City would collect approximately $18,000 more a month. He stated that he has had to learn to do more with less and suggested that the City also do more with less.
Erl Tufte, Public Works Director, concurred with Mr. Heikkila. However, he stated the primary reasons for the proposed rate increase are due to federal and state mandates; an older system which requires more maintenance; and increased cost in supplies. Mr. Tufte stated that the O&M for the water and sewer system has maintained the same level for the last four years.
Bill Raynes, 1609 3rd Avenue North, stated he was concerned about the looks of Great Falls. He added that as water prices increase, people are less inclined to water their lawns and the looks of Great Falls deteriorates. He suggested that the City provide a rate break during the summer months.
There being no one further to speak in support of or in opposition to Resolution 8702, Mayor Morris closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8702 with the following amendment to Appendix D to one year.
Staff asked to clarify the proposed amendment by dropping any date reference and place the $15.00 rate opposite the $5.00 rate. The City Commission concurred that this was the intent of the amendment.
Commissioner Deming stated that even with rate increases the Capital Improvements Program is minimal.
Commissioner Everson stated that raising rates is never easy. However, City staff works hard at controlling costs by increasing efficiency and using better technology.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that he requested a report from the Park and Recreation Department on efforts made to increase savings regarding watering the City parks. City Manager, John Lawton, stated that the report was completed and would be distributed soon.
Motion carried 5-0.
Park & Recreation staff proposed golf membership increases and golf car storage rental fee increases. The increased revenue was budgeted to improve the quality of play and meet the needs in the golf course fund by specifically: providing for additional capital improvements including irrigation design and improvements; paving additional cart paths, improvements to tee areas and renovation of buildings; and having the required cash reserves for bond indebtedness.
The rates were changed as follows:
| Annual Golf Car Storage: | Gas | $200.00 (includes $100.00 trail fee) |
| Electric | $220.00 (includes $100.00 trail fee) | |
| Membership: | Full | $240.00 |
| Restricted | $185.00 (no week-end/holiday play) |
|
| Junior Full | $135.00 | |
| Junior Restricted | $80.00 (no week-end/holiday play) |
Mayor Morris declared the public hearing open. Those speaking in opposition to Resolution 8705 were as follows:
Alda Nurmi, 352 Lamplighter Lane, stated she was concerned about the 6% increase. She stated that she was having a hard time justifying the fee increases done two years ago and the elimination of the senior discount rate. She asked why it was discontinued.
Dennis Petrak, 1909 Colorado Avenue, Black Eagle, stated he thought the golf fees were more than fair. However, if there is an increase he insisted that the City maintain the golf courses in a more efficient manner. He stated that the equipment used was not the right type of equipment and the quality of golfing suffers. Mr. Petrak also recommended that golf etiquette classes be taught and that a qualification program be required before golfers are allowed to use the golf courses. He stated that the elimination of the senior discount was in poor taste and the City should cater more to the senior citizens. In conclusion, Mr. Petrak recommended the City privatize the golf courses.
Mayor Morris asked Mr. Petrak if he was familiar with the Golf Advisory Board. Mr. Petrak stated he was. Mayor Morris asked if he let the members of the Golf Advisory Board know of his concerns. He stated he had.
Bill Morris, 505 3rd Avenue North, spoke on behalf of the golfing senior citizens in the area. He stated he encouraged the City to reinstate the senior citizen discount for golf passes. He added that perhaps the current rates could be kept for senior citizens rather than have them pay the increased fee.
Mayor Morris asked Jerry Sepich, Park and Recreation Director, to explain why the senior citizen discount was discontinued. Mr. Sepich stated that Staff asked the City Commission to look at the golf fees as a usage package. He added that the Senior Citizens were not the only group receiving a discount two years ago. He stated that the fees currently in place are based on usage.
Ray Nelson, 205 17th Avenue NW, stated he was representing senior citizens and also encouraged the City to reinstate the senior citizen discount for golf passes. Mr. Nelson added that the younger players should be required to learn the rules of the game before they are allowed to play on the courses.
Commissioner Everson stated that she would like the City Manager to ask the Park and Recreation Staff to find a solution to the etiquette concerns brought before the Commission during this public hearing.
Ed Hedstrom, 3808 5th Avenue North, suggested that the golf courses be opened earlier in the day. He also stated that the increased fees be spent on upgrading the golf courses. Mr. Hedstrom, concluded, stating that the Marshall be more involved in enforcing the etiquette rules.
Bill Tautges, 1115 7th Avenue North, stated he is a member of the Golf Advisory Board and did not support the recommended golf fee increases.
Commissioner Deming asked if the Golf Advisory Board had heard about these problems before. Mr. Tautges stated the Golf Advisory Board had heard of a few of the complaints mentioned but he felt the issues should be handled administratively.
There being no one further to address the City Commission, Mayor Morris closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8705.
Commissioner Deming stated that first of all he is a senior citizen and has played golf when the rates were $175 annually and now the rates are proposed to be $185 which is not a significant increase. Secondly, he instigated the creation of the Golf Advisory Board and was pleased that there was adequate representation and input from the golfing community regarding the operation of the golf courses.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that it was important for the audience to understand that the money paid for golf fees is used to operate the golf courses. He added that Mr. Petrak mentioned privatization and that is an issue the City has been looking at. Mr. Gilbert suggested Staff accelerate the research efforts towards privatization. He added that there is a privately owned and operated golf course in Great Falls that asked the City to operate it because it was in serious financial condition. Finally, Mr. Gilbert stated that perhaps Staff was asking for a 6% increase this year, however, there was not an increase last year.
Commissioner Everson concurred with the comments made by Commissioners Deming and Gilbert.
Mayor Morris called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
Representatives from the "10th Street Save the Bridge Efforts" Steering Committee requested the City's support by contributing $3,000 to offset the costs of engineering services. The State of Montana Department of Transportation offered to contribute $6,000 to hire a local engineer, Lee Ebeling. Mr. Ebeling has been asked to develop detailed renovation plans for a low maintenance pedestrian type bridge. Mr. Ebeling's total fee is $12,000. The Steering Committee indicated that they requested the City and Cascade County governments to jointly contribute the other $6,000 or $3,000 per entity.
On January 10, 1995, the Cascade County Commission voted to appropriate $3,000 toward this effort. In Staff's research of this issue, the following was discovered:
Arlyne Reichert, spokesperson for the "10th Street Save the Bridge Efforts", addressed the City Commission. She stated that she was asking the Commission for $3,000 to be matched with an additional $9,000 to research the costs of restoring the bridge. She added that there is a federal law which requires that any monies put aside for the destruction of the bridge may be put aside for the restoration of the bridge. She concluded, stating that the request for $3,000 will go to offset the costs to determine how far the money allocated for the bridge's destruction would go towards its restoration.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission declare its support of the "10th Street Save the Bridge Efforts" by appropriating $3,000 to offset the costs of hiring Lee Ebeling with the understanding the City will not assume responsibility of liability and maintenance of the bridge.
Commissioner Everson stated that according to her information ownership and maintenance of the bridge were critical issues associated with the appropriation of $3,000. Commissioner Everson added that the ownership issue needed to be addressed by the community committee, perhaps formally organize to assume the ownership of the bridge.
Mrs. Reichert stated that her information was different from Commissioner Everson's. She added that the Department of Transportation does not need ownership information before they will release the funds for the study.
Commissioner Bennett agreed that the appropriation of the $3,000 needs to be spent to determine the total cost so the community can make the decision to save the bridge. She added that many people stated they would not like to see tax dollars used to save or maintain the bridge. She encouraged the Save the Bridge group to establish its own identity.
Ray Nelson, 205 17th Avenue NW, stated he liked the idea of saving the bridge. However, he asked how many people would actually use it once its renovated? He concluded stating he really couldn't see a lot of people using it because of its location near the refinery and the waste water treatment plant.
Mayor Morris called for a five minute recess. Upon reconvening, Mayor Morris recognized Roy Aafedt to address the City Commission.
Roy Aafedt, County Commissioner, stated that the County Commission voted earlier that they would not assume responsibility for the bridge. Additionally, Mr. Aafedt stated that he spoke with Tom Barnard from the Department of Transportation. In his conversation with Mr. Barnard, he clearly told Mr. Aafedt that the Department of Transportation would not give "Save the Bridge Committee" the $6,000 until a group assumed ownership and responsibility of the bridge.
Mel Clark, 2221 1st Avenue South, stated that this issue is not a matter of using the bridge, it's a matter of viewing the bridge. He stated he supported the efforts to save it.
Arlyne Reichert stated that River's Edge Trail group supports the efforts to save the bridge.
Clayton Braden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, stated he opposed saving the bridge.
Dr. Cheryl Reichert explained that there must be miscommunication regarding the contribution from the Department of Transportation. She assured the City Commission that the State will provide the funds promised.
Myron Chase, 2001 4th Avenue North, stated he supported the $3,000 appropriation from the City Commission to save the bridge.
Don Thares, 620 7th Avenue NE, suggested that if there is such a strong interest in the community to save the bridge, then it would only take 600 people to contribute $5 each to raise the necessary $3,000.
Commissioner Everson stated that the intent of the motion she made was based on the premise that the Department of Transportation would provide the $6,000 as promised and that the County Commission also contribute $3,000.
Commissioner Gilbert stated he supported the City Commission supporting the efforts of the bridge. However, he did not support spending tax dollars to save the bridge. He also stated that he is concerned about ownership of the bridge. He did not find the maintenance of the bridge an issue. He did find parking for potential users a problem. He reminded the audience that tonight he heard from people opposing water increases and golf fee increases tonight and given that, how could he take $3,000 of tax dollars and spend it on saving the bridge. He encouraged community support but could not justify spending tax dollars.
Commissioner Deming stated that he received phone calls in the ratio of 4 to 1 opposed to the City Commission appropriating $3,000 to save the bridge. He added that long term responsibility for the structure is an issue.
Commissioner Bennett stated the City Commission owed it to the community to find out if the bridge can be saved.
Motion was defeated 2 - 3 (Commissioners Gilbert and Deming and Mayor Morris dissenting).
The Park and Recreation Department reserves city parks with shelters for group and special events, the band shell in Gibson Park, and for extended use of parks for recreational activities, including sports. Resolution 8706 establishes use permit fees for such usage.
The fees reduce the burden on the City's general fund required to provide the necessary services, such as garbage, electricity, and other amenities.
The fees are as follows:
| City Parks (with shelters) | |
|---|---|
| Up to 75 people | $30/day |
| 75 to 200 people | $40/day |
| Over 200 people | $50/day |
| Band Shell | $50/day |
| Flower Garden Area | $10/use |
| Monthly Park use | |
| 1-5 parks | $100/month |
| 6-10 parks | $200/month |
| Over 10 parks | $300/month |
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8706.
Motion carried 5-0.
Recently, fairgrounds users requested more opportunities for input on various fairgrounds issues. Because of the expanded use of the facility and the concerns of the many entities using the it, Staff recommended formally establishing the Fairgrounds Users Advisory Board. It was proposed that this board be a five member board, appointed by the City Commission. A sixth member will be appointed from the Fair Board, by the Fair Board, as an ex-officio member. The Fairgrounds Users Advisory Board will fall under the same requirements pertaining to open meeting laws and minutes.
Sue Hennessey, spokesperson for the Fairgrounds Users Task Force, presented a slate of proposed individuals for appointment to the newly created board. Those people were: Brett Loney, Donna Johnson, Clay Loney, Ken Brown and herself. She also suggested that the resolution be amended to exclude a person representing "horse related events" and insert that a person be appointed to represent "horseracing."
Donna Johnson, 1046 Briggman Rd, Belt, encouraged the City Commission to adopt Resolution 8707 and to give her utmost consideration for appointment to the Board.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8707.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that he supported this resolution. However, he wanted to make it clear that this would be an advisory board and that the fairgrounds would not be run by committee.
Commissioner Bennett concurred with Commissioner Gilbert. She added that the Commission would give every consideration to the proposed slate, however, they would also consider anyone else who applies for appointment.
Motion carried 5-0.
The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind was preparing the necessary paperwork to sell a parcel of land located near the School. During the title search, it was discovered that:
Resolution 8708 releases the easement given to the City for the use of the public park. In addition, the release of easement document releases the easement for street purposes. Once these documents are executed and recorded, the title for this parcel will be cleared and the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind will be able to proceed with the sale of the property.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8708 which releases the easement for park purposes; and authorize the City Manager to execute a release of easement for the public roadway easement.
Commissioner Gilbert stated he was pleased to hear the City was planning on diversifying the City's investments from STIPS.
Commissioner Deming stated he would abstain due to a potential conflict of interest.
Motion carried 4-0-1 (Commissioner Deming abstaining).
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed.
Motion carried 5-0.
Theresa Walker's term on the Great Falls Housing Authority Board expired December 31, 1994. Ms. Walter was interested in reappointment and no one else qualified for appointment as a tenant member by petition process.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission reappoint Theresa Walker to the Housing Authority Board for a two year term as a "tenant" member beginning February 1, 1995 and ending December 31, 1995.
Motion carried 5-0.
Staff indicated the negotiations were challenging and time consuming to complete. In the end, a mediator from the Board of Personnel Appeals was called to assist in reaching an agreement. The final agreement is streamlined, more flexible and includes a fair wage scale. The terms of the agreement extend from August 15, 1994 through August 14, 1996. The economic impact for each of the two years is 2%. The 2% for FY '95 went on the plumbers' health and welfare. The 2% for FY '96 will be added to base wages.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission approve the labor agreement between the City of Great Falls and the Plumbers and Fitters Local #139 and authorize the City Manager to execute said labor agreement.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Deming reminded the City Commission that the City's Local Government Study Commission scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, January 18, 1995 at 7:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of January 17, 1995, adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
/S/
Gayle Morris, Mayor
/S/
Peggy J. Bourne, City Clerk