| 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, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the City Clerk.
Barrier Industries, Inc., submitted a petition to rezone the described lots from (B-2) Medium Business classification to (B-4) Heavy Commercial Business zoning classification to allow the construction of a warehouse and office space on the property. As required by the Revitalization Plan Amendment procedures, the petitioner obtained the consent of the necessary 75% of legal owners of property and land area within the prescribed consent area. Properties to the north of the land area within the prescribed consent area are currently occupied by a wholesale business.
The Planning Board passed a motion to accept the Staff report and recommendation to approve the rezoning request subject to the property owner entering into an agreement with the City regarding the necessary infrastructure improvements.
Mayor Morris declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in opposition to Ordinance 2693. Mark Macek, 801 Fox Drive, spoke in support of the proposed rezoning. There being no one further to address the Commission regarding Ordinance 2693, Mayor Morris declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2693 on final reading and approve the accompanying agreement.
Motion carried 5-0.
As required by Title 3, Chapter 12, OCCGF, before final consideration of the lease of the City property, the City Commission shall hold a public hearing to receive comment regarding such a lease. The City Commission held a public hearing on August 1, 1995 and postponed awarding of the leases until the September 5, 1995, Commission meeting to allow the Evaluation Committee additional time to evaluate the proposals.
The Evaluation Committee reviewed the proposals and ranked them based on the bidders ability to provide a recreational activity using the following criteria: basic qualifications, proposal approach, and bid price. Based on the proposal receiving the highest number of points and deemed in the best interest of the City, the Evaluation Committee made recommendations to the Park and Recreation Board. The Park Board approved these recommendations at their meeting on August 29, 1995.
Mayor Morris opened the floor for public comment. Rich Brown, 1916 Mountain View Drive, asked why the Evaluation Committee recommended two year leases with a three year option, when the bid specs stated a five year lease with a five year option.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that although the Evaluation Committee recommended that, he, as a Commissioner did not agree with it and would not vote for it. He would make a motion that would be in line with the specifications.
There being no one further to address the City Commission regarding the leases, Mayor Morris asked for the direction of the City Commission.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area A to Great Falls Ski Club for a yearly rental of $100.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that the City Commission would make a motion for each individual lease. However, his comments pertained to all of them. He cautioned the members of the Skeet Club to begin making plans for a new location in the future. He stated that they have been "under attack" recently, and he suspected they would remain under attack until they relocated.
Commissioner Gilbert also stated that after reviewing the bid specifications, and the information provided by the Evaluation Committee, he was comfortable that Staff, and the City Commission, followed the ordinance regarding leasing of park land. Additionally, that he supports all the public use of the property.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Morris called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area A to Roy and Susan Patte for a yearly rental of $500.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area A to Golden Triangle Dog Club for yearly rental of $150.
Commissioner Bennett asked when the scheduling would begin for Area A since four groups were being awarded leases. Jerry Sepich, Park and Recreation Director, stated that Staff would contact members of the group as soon as possible and begin working on a coordinated schedule.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area A to Great Falls Saddle Club (no grazing allowed) for a yearly rental of $201.
Motion carried 5-0.
City Attorney, Dave Gliko, requested that the City Commission, upon making a motion regarding the leases, explain their reason for the motion including whether or not they concur with the Evaluation Committee's recommendation.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that his comments after the first motion were addressed toward all the Wadsworth Park leases. He stated that the only portion of the Evaluation Committee's recommendation he did not concur with is the two year lease rather than the five year lease.
Commissioner Everson concurred. She stated that the Committee put great thought into their recommendation and that it followed the request for proposals.
Commissioner Deming stated that the process followed the ordinance and thought that the Evaluation Committee did a great job in evaluating the proposals and developing the recommendation.
Commission Bennett expressed gratitude for the Committee and the process. She stated that the process gave validity to the recommendation.
City Attorney, Dave Gliko, stated that because the Evaluation Committee did not always recommend the bidder proposing the highest dollar value, he wanted the Commission to include, for the record, why the Commission agreed with the recommendation, even if the recommendation did not provide for the most amount of monetary gain for the City.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area B to Great Falls Saddle Club for a yearly rental of $251.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that only one bid was received for Area B.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioners Bennett and Everson, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area D to Sun River Skeet Club for a yearly rental of $150.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that three bids were received for this area. The Sun River Skeet Club did not offer the highest monetary amount of money, however the criteria did not hinge on being the highest bidder. The Evaluation Committee also considered the use, historical use and ability to perform. Historically, the Skeet Club has been there and has provided a good service. Commissioner Gilbert added that, by far, the Skeet Club was the best choice for this lease if all factors are taken into account.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area E to Sun River Skeet Club for a yearly rental of $300.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that comments regarding this motion are the same as for the previous motion.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission approve a five year lease with a five year renewal option of Area F to 300 Archery Club for a yearly rental of $100.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that only one bid was received for this area.
Motion carried 5-0.
The proposed changes to 12.04 OCCGF would allow permits to be issued to utilize portions of the public boulevard for a fee, where the use would not cause a hazard to public health, safety or welfare. Additionally, the proposed changes contain provisions that would allow staff to revoke the permits should the encroachment be found to be a hazard at a future date or if it becomes necessary for the City to utilize the right-of-way. The owner would agree to remove the improvement at no cost to the City should the need arise.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2694 on first reading and set 7:00 p.m., September 18, 1995, as the date for the public hearing and final reading.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that this Ordinance is an example that bureaucracy can be tamed. He added that it creates a win-win situation. Commissioner Gilbert said that a problem was brought to the attention of Staff and Staff found a solution to it.
Commissioner Deming stated that this is a good example of great customer service and complimented Staff for developing the ordinance.
Motion carried 5-0.
If adopted, Ordinance 2695 would establish a law encouraging property owners to maintain their properties in a safe, healthier, aesthetic, and appealing condition. Thereby, improving the image of the City as a whole and allowing the rights of adjacent property owners to enjoy their properties.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2695 on first reading and set 7:00 p.m., September 19, 1995, as the date for the public hearing and final reading.
Motion carried 5-0.
Cascade County Commissioner, Peggy Beltrone, asked the City Commission to adopt a joint resolution urging Senator Baucus to recommend to President Clinton, as a replacement for Federal Judge Hatfield, a person who would be willing to be in Great Falls.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioners Everson and Gilbert, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8793.
Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Gilbert moved, seconded by Commissioner Everson, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed minus items 17 and 19.
Commissioner Gilbert stated that although rejecting the bids for the landscaping was difficult to do, it was the right thing to do. He added that rather than hurrying up and not doing a good job on the landscaping, he supported redoing the specifications so the landscaping is what is right.
Motion carried 5-0.
The BID presented the idea of a message center jointly funded between the City and the BID in early 1995. Staff prepared the necessary bid specifications and sought proposals regarding an electronic message sign to be placed in the northeast corner of Whittier Park.
Commissioner Deming moved, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, that the City Commission contract to Northwest Sign & Service in the amount of $38,941.40 to construct an electronic message sign for the Civic Center. Message Sign contingent upon the BID agreement to share one half the cost of the sign and all installation costs.
Commissioner Everson stated it is a nice idea, however, she cannot support it. She stated the reasons she cannot support it are: 1) The people using the facility already market their event to the groups they want to attend. So, having the message sign will not help the people using the Civic Center. 2) The BID's goals should address higher needs for the downtown area and $19,000 could be used to reach those goals.
Commissioner Bennett stated that she appreciated Commissioner Everson's concerns. However, the message sign is more than a marketing tool. The message sign says that "good things are going on in our community," and, the City Commission should be a part of that.
Commissioner Gilbert stated he thinks the message sign is in the "nice to have" category, rather than the "need to have" category.
Commissioner Deming stated that he perceives the sign to have aesthetic value and that the issue of a marque is an emotional issue. The emotion experienced when the old marque was damaged was prominent and the marquee needs to be replaced.
Mayor Morris called for the vote. The motion carried 3-2 (Commissioners Everson and Gilbert dissenting).
High Plains Development Authority purchased the building located at 710 1st Avenue North in order to facilitate a one-stop service center for economic development. They requested $29,780 of CDBG funds to bring the building up to current building codes and make energy efficient improvements.
Commissioner Bennett moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the City Commission approve the request of High Plains Development Authority for a grant of $29,780 of 1994/95 Community Development Block Grant funds for the rehab of the building located at 710 1st Avenue North contingent on environmental clearance and restricted use of this building by High Plains Development Authority as a one-stop service center for economic development for a minimum of 5 years.
Commissioner Everson moved, seconded by Commissioner Deming, that the motion be amended to include: That the City put a lien (subordinated in the future, if necessary, to secure primary financing) on the building for the total amount of the grant, to be repaid if the building is ever sold or not used for an economic development one-stop service center.
Commissioner Everson stated that the reason for the amendment to the motion is to protect the City's investment in the event the building is sold. She added, that the money will be returned to the City.
Motion to amend carried 5-0.
Motion as amended carried 5-0.
No reports.
No reports.
Clyde Byerly, 3425 7th Avenue South, asked if those clubs who have leased portions of Wadsworth Park, but did not have the lease renewed, could remove their personal property prior to the new clubs using the park.
Dave Gliko, City Attorney, stated that if the club could provide a list of the property they wish to remove from the park, which includes an approximately time of when the improvements were put in, then he could make that determination. He stated that the intent of the City was to be fair, reasonable and consistent.
Mr. Byerly stated he would provide a list to the City in the near future and asked when the issue could be resolved.
City Attorney, Dave Gliko, stated that the issue could be resolved by the next City Commission meeting to be held September 19, 1995.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of September 5, 1995, adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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Gayle Morris, Mayor
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Peggy J. Bourne, City Clerk