| Regular City Commission Meeting | Mayor Bennett presiding |
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL: City Commissioners present: Joan Bennett, Bill Beecher, Randy Gray and John Rosenbaum. Bill Downer was absent. Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Directors of Community Development, Public Works, Fiscal Control, Management Information Services, Library, Park & Recreation, Acting Director of the Fairgrounds, Planning, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the City Clerk.
PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Bennett declared April 19-26, 1998, as Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust; the week of April 19 - 25, 1998, as Victim Rights Weeks a Right for America; and the week of April 19-25, 1998, as National Library Week.
PRESENTATIONS: Mayor Bennett presented Tim Magee, Budget/MIS Director the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Mayor Bennett also presented a representative from the Great Falls Tribune the "Public Works News Story of the Year" Award. The story was selected by the APWA Rocky Mountain Region.
PUBLIC HEARINGS |
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Ord. 2736, Uniform Building Code amendments. Adopted. |
1.
ORDINANCE 2736, AMENDING UNIFORM BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION CODES PERTAINING TO OCCGF 15.01, 15.08 AND 15.09.
Administrative Rules of the State of Montana require that local governments with a code enforcement program must update the local codes to the latest codes adopted by the State within 90 days of receipt of notice. The City of Great Falls received notice that the State adopted these codes and amendments on February 19, 1998. The proposed changes are as follows:
Mayor Bennett declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Ordinance 2736. Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Gray, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2736. Motion carried 4-0. |
Ord. 2737, Rezone Broadwater Bay Business Park Add., B4, L8. Adopted. |
2.
ORDINANCE 2737, REZONE BROADWATER BAY BUSINESS PARK ADDITION, BLOCK 4, LOT 8.
Ordinance 2737 rezones Lot 8, Block 4, Broadwater Bay Business Park Addition, located immediately north of the Devine Brothers Distribution facility addressed as 601 River Drive South, from its present B-3 High Density Business to B-4 Heavy Commercial Business zoning classification. On March 24, 1998, the Planning Board conducted a public hearing on the proposed rezoning request and passed a motion recommending the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2737. The Planning Board stated that rezoning the lot is in substantial compliance with the objectives of the Central Place Revitalization Program and the applicant obtained the consent to rezoning of 100% of the surrounding property owners. Mayor Bennett declared the public hearing open. Clayton M. Braden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, stated he was concerned that the rezoning would bring in additional truck traffic which could conflict with the recreational nature of the area. Kevin Devine, 601 River Drive South, encouraged the City Commission to approve the rezoning request. He responded to Mr. Brayden's comment explaining that steps have been taken to mitigate traffic in the area. There being no one further to address the City Commission, Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2737. Bob Horne, City/County Planning Director, stated that the proposed rezoning could result in twenty-six additional truck trips per week. Mr. Horne added that the rezoning accommodates a modest expansion to an existing building and will be an improvement to the area. Motion carried. 4-0. |
Res. 8935, 1998 Swimming Pool Fees. Adopted. |
3.
RESOLUTION 8935, 1998 SWIMMING POOL FEES.
In 1994, the City Commission adopted Resolution 8626, setting the swimming pool daily and water slide pass fees necessary to repay the inter-fund loan to finance the Mitchell Pool enhancement project. Since 1996 minimum wage had increased from $4.25 per hour to $5.15 per hour. This represents a 21% increase in labor costs, which is the largest expense in pool operations. Staff proposed fee increases at the Mitchell and the Natatorium Pools. The neighborhood pool fees would remain the same. Mayor Bennett declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Resolution 8935. Mayor Bennett closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8935. Commissioner Gray reiterated that the fee increases apply only to the Mitchell Pool and Natatorium Pool and the neighborhood pool fees would remain the same. Motion carried 4-0. |
OLD BUSINESS |
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CDBG & HOME Funds Consolidated Annual Plan. Approved. |
4.
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PLAN AND USE OF 1998/99 CDBG & HOME FUNDS.
HUD regulations require the City Commission amend and/or adopt the final Consolidated Annual Plan. The Consolidated Annual Plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development in order for the City to continue to receive Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt the Consolidated Annual Plan including the 1998/1999 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program funds as recommended. Motion carried 4-0. |
OF 976, MDOT Construction Agreement. Approved. |
5.
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT FOR 10TH AVENUE SOUTH BETWEEN 20TH - WARDEN BRIDGE (OF 976).
The Montana Department of Transportation plans to reconstruct a 1.6 mile segment of 10th Avenue South between 20th Street South and the Warden Bridge. The Construction Agreement includes the following provisions: 1) City approval of the project plans and construction; 2) City/State responsibilities for traffic and signing related improvements and ordinances; 3) Sidewalk maintenance and street lighting maintenance and operation; and 4) State jurisdiction over access control and right-of-way encroachments. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the Construction Agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation for the 10th Avenue South 20th Street-Warden Bridge and authorize the City Manager to execute the document. Motion carried 4-0. |
NEW BUSINESS |
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ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS |
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Res. 8939, GF Townsite B416, 418 and 453. Remodel Tax Benefits. Adopted. |
6.
RESOLUTION 8939, REMODEL TAX BENEFITS APPLICATION, RENAISSANCE SQUARE, GF TOWNSITE, BLOCKS 416, 418 AND 453.
The property owner renovated the building at 202 Second Avenue South. The building permit was issued November, 1996, and the project was completed in December, 1997, at an estimated cost of $75,530. The applicant requested approval of the tax benefits and Resolution 8939 was presented to comply with the requirement that all applications be approved by resolution. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Gray, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8939. Motion carried 4-0. Motion carried 4-0. |
Res. 8940, 1997 Community Livability Award. Adopted. |
7.
RESOLUTION 8940, JOINT RESOLUTION TO HONOR 1997 COMMUNITY LIVABILITY AWARD RECIPIENT.
Tim Murphy has shown creativity, vision, dedication, and commitment to revitalizing the downtown through renovation of the 100 block of Central Avenue by encouraging an interesting mix of businesses appealing to downtown employees, the community as a whole, and visitors to our area. Through Tim Murphy's investment, the health and vitality of downtown has improved. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 8940 honoring Tim Murphy as the 1997 recipient of the Community Livability Award. Motion carried 4-0. |
Consent Agenda |
CONSENT AGENDA
8.
Minutes, April 7, 1998, regular Commission meeting.
9.
Claims over $500.
10.
11.
Set public hearing, Resolution 8938, Cost Recovery, Community Hall Addition, B6, L2. Sets public hearing for May 5, 1998, 7:00 p.m., to assess the costs of the demolition of a garage at 115 20th Street Southwest.
12.
Audit Contract. Contract with Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, Stevens, P.C., for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, at a cost of $35,775 and authorizes the renewal for four subsequent years subject to: 1) Audit Committee review and recommendation; 2) Satisfactory negotiation of terms; 3) a cost of $35,775 for FY 1998/99, and $35,775 for FY 99/2000; 4) satisfactory negotiation of price for FY 2000/2001 and FY 2001/2002; and 5) availability of appropriation.
13.
Surplus Property declaration. Declared six air-raid sirens as surplus property.
14.
Park and Recreation Trust Policy. A policy addressing the criteria for income, expenditures and investment of the funds in the "Park Land Trust" portion of the Special Park Revenue Fund.
15.
Bid Award, Liquid Chlorine. Awarded bid to D.P.C. Industries in the amount of $398 per ton for FY 1998/99.
16.
Bid Award, Anhydrous Ammonia. Awarded bid to D.P.C. Industries in the amount of $62 per cylinder for FY 1998/99.
17.
Bid Award, Liquid Aluminum Sulfate. Awarded bid to Kemwater North America Company in the amount of $123.23 per ton for FY 1998/99.
18.
Deed and Easements for River's Edge Trail (OF 1006). The Montana Power Company (MPC) requested the City accept ownership of a former Burlington Northern Railroad bridge at 15th Street North, subject to MPC providing a trail easement to and from the bridge for use by River's Edge Trail. The proposed use of the donated bridge and granted easements would be for the construction, operation, inspection, repair and maintenance of a 10 foot wide paved recreation trail. A segment of the easement located east of 15th Street North is located in Art Higgins Memorial Park.
19.
Loan Agreement, High Plains Development Authority. Agreement provides for the City to subsidize the loan interest rate paid by National Electronics Warranty Corporation by making monthly payments to the Development Authority in relationship to the loan agreement between the Development Authority and National Electronics Warranty Corporation. The City will pay the difference between 2% and 4.75% interest payable under the agreement with the Development Authority.
Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Gray, that the Consent Agenda be approved as printed. Clayton Brayden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, stated that the new jail could use the air raid sirens as a means to alert neighbors of an escape. He also asked if tax dollars were being used to subsidize the loan for N.E.W. Cheryl Patton, Community Development Director, explained that the dollars being used in the N.E.W. loan agreement were Economic Development Revolving Loan funds. Jerry Sepich, Park and Recreation Director, stated that it was his understanding, the air raid sirens were not in operational order. There being no further discussion, Mayor Bennett called for the vote. Motion carried 4-0. |
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS |
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Parking Advisory Commission. Reappointment. |
20.
REAPPOINTMENT, PARKING ADVISORY COMMISSION.
Mary Glynn's term with the Parking Advisory Commission expires April 30, 1998. Therefore, it was necessary to make an appointment to this board. Ms. Glynn was interested in and eligible for, reappointment. Normally, appointment would be for a three year term, however, Ms. Glynn was interested in serving a one year term. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission reappoint Mary Glynn to the Parking Advisory Commission for a one year term beginning May 1, 1998, and expiring April 30, 1999. Motion carried 4-0. |
Police Commission Appoint McFarland. |
21.
APPOINTMENT, POLICE COMMISSION.
The term for Kenneth Kleven expires April 30, 1998. Mr. Kleven has served two consecutive three-year terms and was not eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission appoint Dan McFarland to the Police Commission for a three year term beginning May 1, 1998, and ending April 30, 2001. Motion carried 4-0. |
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS |
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NC #9 |
22.
Joe MacMahon, NC #9, updated the City Commission on the Great Falls High School parking issue. He added that the Council will be collecting data on the number of existing parking spaces not being used by students. He advised the Commission that the Council may be asking that residential parking stickers be issued. |
NC #4 |
Jenny Pfennings, NC #4, thanked Jerry Sepich and Kim Thiel for working to remove the air raid sirens from the neighborhoods.
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CITY MANAGER |
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City Manager Reports and Announcements. |
23.
The City Manager did not have any miscellaneous reports or announcements.
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CITY COMMISSION |
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City Commission Reports and Announcements |
24.
The City Commission did not have any miscellaneous reports or announcements. |
ADJOURNMENT |
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Adjourn |
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of April 21, 1998, adjourned at 7:37 p.m. |
/S/
Mayor Joan Bennett
/S/
Peggy J. Bourne, City Clerk