| Regular City Commission Meeting |
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL: City Commissioners present: Joan Bennett, Bill Beecher, Bill Downer, Randy Gray and John Rosenbaum. Also present were the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, Directors of Community Development, Public Works, Fiscal Control, Management Information Services, Library, Human Resources, Park & Recreation, Fairgrounds, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Acting Director of Planning, and the City Clerk.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Judge McKittrick swore Mayor Gray, Commissioners Hinz and Jovick-Kuntz and Municipal Judge Nancy Luth into office.
ROLL CALL: City Commissioners present: Randy Gray, Bill Beecher, Sandy Hinz, Diane Jovick-Kuntz, and John Rosenbaum. Mayor Gray called the meeting to order.
PUBLIC HEARINGS |
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Res. 9058, Golf Fees. Adopted. |
1.
RESOLUTION 9058, GOLF FEES.
The proposed golf fees represented an increase of approximately 5% in all categories with the exception of family memberships and punch cards. It was recommended that the 18-hole punch cards offer a discount over regular green fees of $15 for a 5-time punch card and $30 for a 10-time punch card. The proposed $90 cost for a 5-time punch card kept the cost reduction consistent with a 10-time punch card. Additionally, Staff proposed two new options: a 9-hole 10 punch card for $125 and a weekend twilight rate of $15. The weekend twilight rate was proposed primarily because only nine holes were available for play at the RO Speck golf course due to the renovation which was anticipated to be completed in mid-summer. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Jim Huber, member of the Golf Advisory Board, spoke in support of Resolution 9058. Carl Swanson, 2604 6th Avenue North, opposed the proposed golf fees. Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9058. Motion carried 5-0. |
Lease, Riverside Little League. Approved. |
2.
RIVERSIDE LITTLE LEAGUE LEASE.
Staff proposed a one (1) year lease with the Riverside Little League that would allow the use of property located in T21N R3E Sec 25 which was purchased in 1997 and is still unnamed. The one year lease would expire the same date as an existing lease with Riverside Little League for the use of Sacajawea Park. Staff proposed an annual lease rate of $200. The City would be responsible for water costs for irrigation, up to a maximum of $1,000 per year. This is an accepted policy with other baseball programs. The Riverside Little League would be responsible for all costs associated with the development of the baseball/softball complex. Mayor Gray opened the public hearing. No one appeared to speak in opposition to the Riverside Little League Lease. A member of the Riverside Little League Board spoke in support. There being no one further to address the Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission approve the lease of City park land to the Riverside Little League and authorize the City Manager to execute said agreement. Motion carried 5-0. |
Lease, American Legion Baseball Program. Approved. |
3.
AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL PROGRAM LEASE.
The proposed lease with the two American Legion baseball clubs, the Electrics and the Stallions, would be for three years with a two year renewable option. The leased park land, located in Missouri River Manor Addition is commonly referred to as the Don Olson baseball field. The Commission approved the purchase of the proposed park land on June 15, 1999. However, the paperwork to transfer the property has not yet been completed. Therefore, Staff requested the City Commission approve the lease pending the closing on the land purchase. The proposed rent would be $500 annually. The Legion programs would be responsible for improvements, upkeep and grounds-keeping, with the exception of mowing. The City would be responsible for water costs for irrigation, up to a maximum of $1,000 annually. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to the American Legion Baseball program lease. Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the lease of City park land to the American Legion baseball programs, pending the completion of the land transfer, and authorize the City Manager to execute said agreement. Motion carried 5-0. |
OLD BUSINESS |
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AUDIT FY 1998/1999. Responses to Management Letter. Approved. |
4.
RESPONSE TO AUDIT MANAGEMENT LETTER FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FY 1998/99.
MCA 2-7-515 requires the City Commission notify the Montana Department of Commerce within 30 days of receipt of the audit report as to what action was planned on any deficiencies and recommendations noted by the independent auditor. The responses will be forwarded to the State in compliance with this requirement. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission approve the responses to the Audit Management Letter findings and recommendations as presented, and authorize Staff to submit the responses to the State of Montana Department of Commerce and other government agencies as necessary. Motion carried 5-0. |
NEW BUSINESS |
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ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS |
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Res. 9059, Cost Recovery GF Townsite B452, L10. Adopted. |
5.
RESOLUTION 9059, COST RECOVERY, GF TOWNSITE, B452, L10.
The property owner at 321 5th Avenue South, was issued a Notice to Remove Diseased Elm Trees, after verification by the City Forester that the tree had Dutch Elm Disease. The property owner did not remove the tree on his own accord and Staff received three bids to remove and dispose of the tree. The lowest bidder was hired and a cost of $250 was incurred. Resolution 9059 placed a lien on the property for the reimbursement of the costs incurred for the removal of the diseased tree. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9059. Motion carried 5-0. |
Res. 9060, Cost Recovery GF Townsite B452, L11. Adopted. |
6.
RESOLUTION 9060, COST RECOVERY, GF TOWNSITE B452, L11.
The property owner at 315 5th Avenue South, was issued a Notice to Remove Diseased Elm Trees, after verification by the City Forester that the tree had Dutch Elm Disease. The property owner did not remove the tree on his own accord and Staff received three bids to remove and dispose of the tree. The lowest bidder was hired and a cost of $250 was incurred. Resolution 9060 placed a lien on the property for the reimbursement of the costs incurred for the removal of the diseased tree. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9060. Motion carried 5-0. |
Consent Agenda |
CONSENT AGENDA
7.
Minutes, December 15, 1999, regular Commission meeting.
8.
Total Expenditures of $1,245,149 for the period of December 2 - 22, 1999, to include claims over $500, in the amount of $1,179,343.
9.
10.
CDBG Allocation, Downtown Parking Garage. Allocated $300,000 of CDBG funds to assist in the construction of the Downtown Parking Garage.
11.
Agreement Addendum, Golf Course Concession. Extended the R.O. Speck Municipal Golf Course concession contract through the 2003 golfing season.
12.
Agreement Addendum, Gibson Park Concession. Addendum to existing Gibson park Concession contract to address winter operation of the Park and Ponder.
13.
Quit Claim Deed, GF 1st Add., B5 L2. Released the City's interest and cleared the title on the Lumber Yard Supply property.
14.
Contract Award, 1999 Emergency Sewer Rehabilitation, Phase 7 (OF 1174.2). Awarded a contract to United Materials in the amount of $34,620 for emergency sewer re-route in the Country Club Addition - Cherry Drive and Beech Drive.
15.
Engineering Services Contract, Water Treatment Plant Residuals Handling (OF 1199.3). Approved an Engineering Services contract in the amount of $97,651 with Neil Consultants for engineering services to be performed on the Water Treatment Plant Residuals Handling.
16.
Final Pay Request, Skyline School Loop (SID 1282). Authorized final payment to Great Falls Sand and Gravel and the Miscellaneous Tax Division in the amount of $43,345.47.
17.
Final Pay Request, Oddfellows Park Landscaping and Parking Lot Improvements (OF 1093.4). Authorized final payment to Great Falls Sand & Gravel in the amount of $49,052.32 and the State Miscellaneous Tax Division in the amount of $495.48.
18.
Bid Award, Flatbed Truck. Awarded bid for one new 2000 flatbed truck to Bison Motor in the amount of $50,101.
Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission approve the Consent Agenda as printed. Randy Barrett, Cascade County Aging Services, requested the Commission table action on the CDBG Allocation until after the needs public hearing which was scheduled for January 18, 2000. Mike Rattray, Community Development Director, stated that a two week postponement for the CDBG Allocation would not have a detrimental affect on the funding package for the new parking structure. However, because the CDBG allocations are usually approved by the Commission in April, Staff requested the Commission allocate the $300,000 at a different time. Mr. Rattray also stated that the requested allocation for the parking garage would not impact the amount of funds available for public service agencies such as Aging Services. Motion carried 5-0. |
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS |
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Park and Recreation Board, Appointed Levine, Spagenberg, and Vance. |
19.
APPOINTMENTS, PARK AND RECREATION BOARD.
The terms for Marvin Anderson, Carol Fitzpatrick, and James Hertel all expired on December 31, 1999. All members were not eligible for reappointment. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission appoint Dan Levine, Eric Spangerberg and Scot Vance, to the Park and Recreation Board each for a three-year term, beginning January 4, 2000, and expiring December 31, 2002. Motion carried 5-0. |
Civic Center Advisory Board. Appoint Marianne Granlie, Dorothy Sullivan and Harold Nichols, reappoint Johnson-Thares. |
20.
APPOINTMENTS CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD.
The terms of Gary Baron and Bill Larson expired on December 31, 1999. Mr. Baron and Mr. Larson were not interested in reappointment. Additionally, James Flaherty resigned his position on the Board requiring the Commission to appoint someone to fill the remainder of his term. The forth opening on the Board was that of Sandra Johnson-Thares. Since Ms. Johnson-Thares was appointed to fill the term for Jackie Wren, it was recommended that she be reappointed to another term. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioners Rosenbaum and Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission appoint to the Civic Center Advisory Board Marianne Granlie and Dorothy Sullivan each serving a three-year term beginning January 4, 2000 through December 31, 2002; appoint Harold "Bud" Nichols to fill the remainder of the term vacated by James Flaherty, expiring December 31, 2000; and reappoint Sandra Johnson-Thares to a three year term beginning January 4, 2000 through December 31, 2002. Motion carried 5-0. |
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS |
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Neighborhood Council 2. 6th Street NW project. (OF 1188). |
21.
Ron Staley, Neighborhood Council 2, invited the City Commission to the next Neighborhood Council 2 meeting, on January 12, 2000, to discuss the 6th Street NW project with the Montana Department of Transportation. |
CITY MANAGER |
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Building Condemnation. GF Townsite B247 B247, B6&7. (Linden Terrace Apartments). |
22.
City Manager, John Lawton, requested that Mike Rattray, Community Development Director, update the Commission on a condemnation of an apartment building located at 4th Street and 4th Avenue North. Mr. Rattray, demonstrated the need for the condemnation. He added that there were fifteen units in the apartment building and six of those were inhabited. He stated that Staff would be working to assist the families to relocate to new residences. |
CITY COMMISSION |
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23.
There were no reports or announcements by the Commission. |
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PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS |
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Intersection Report. |
24.
Clayton M. Braden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, expressed concern about the off-ramp of I-15, onto Central Avenue West from southbound traffic. Jim Rearden, Public Works Director, stated that the Department of Transportation was aware of the intersection and was working to correct the problems. |
ADJOURNMENT |
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Adjourn |
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of January 4, 2000, adjourned at 8:21 p.m. |
/S/
Mayor Randy Gray
/S/
Peggy J. Bourne, City Clerk