| Regular City Commission Meeting | Mayor Randy Gray presiding |
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL: City Commissioners present: Randy Gray, Bill Beecher, Sandy Hinz, Diane Jovick-Kuntz, 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, Planning, Fairgrounds, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Acting Director of Park & Recreation, and the City Clerk.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
Mayor Gray swore in two new Neighborhood Council members.
PUBLIC HEARINGS |
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Res. 9062, Water and Sewer Rates. Adopted. |
1.
RESOLUTION 9062, WATER AND SEWER RATE CHANGES.
Staff recently completed the annual analysis for financing needs in the Water and Sewer funds. In Fiscal Year 1999, the City did not increase these rates. Water and Sewer Rates have not been increased for 2 years. A combined rate increase of 3.52% was recommended for FY 2000, due to inflation in operation and maintenance costs and the need for capital improvements. The average monthly bill would increase 56 cents for sewer and 53 cents for water. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Tim Ryan, High Plains Development, spoke in support. John Hubbard, 615 7th Avenue South, spoke in opposition, stating that utility rate increases were hard on those with fixed incomes. Elmer Fauth, 1210 55th Avenue South, asked a question regarding the quality of the water. There being no one further to address the Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9062. Commissioner Hinz stated that rate increases were never comfortable. However, the Commission needed to be forward thinking which could save rate-payers in the future. Commissioner Beecher stated that setting rates appropriately was the Commission's fiduciary responsibility to the public. He added that he was convinced the rates being set by Resolution 9062 were appropriate. Motion carried 5-0. |
CDBG & HOME GRANT CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY ISSUES PUBLIC HEARING. |
2.
CDBG & HOME GRANT CONSOLIDATED PLAN COMMUNITY ISSUES PUBLIC HEARING.
The purpose for the Consolidated Plan Community Issues Public Hearing was to allow citizens, especially lower income citizens, an opportunity to advise the City Commission of the community's issues. Ideas were encouraged as to how federal grant funds could be used to address those issues and to help eliminate needs. The comments heard at the public hearing will be considered by the City Commission when allocating the 2000/2001 Community Block Grant and HOME Grant Funds. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Those addressing the Commission regarding the CDBG & HOME Funds were as follows: Dave Kovatch, 15 Chanelle Lane, stated that the Riverside Little League recently entered into an arrangement with the City for new little league fields. The arrangement provided for the City to purchase the property and the Little League to develop it into baseball fields. Mr. Kovatch explained that this new field will clean up a neighborhood because currently the area was just a weed field and that the field will be ADA accessible for all children in the area. He asked that some CDBG funds be made available to assist with the development of the fields. Bob Deming, 1718 12th Avenue South, explained that Memorial Stadium needed some improvements including making it ADA accessible. He added that many organizations, including the School District, were helping to finance the improvements and asked the Commission to consider CDBG funding to make the Stadium accessible for the disabled and the elderly. Elmer Fauth, 1210 55th Avenue South, stated that the community needed more affordable housing for the elderly. Additionally, that the community needed affordable health care for the elderly. Bill Jones, 2733 Greenbriar Drive, stated the community needed more assisted housing for the elderly and the disabled. He explained that many people are institutionalized before they need to be because there was no place else for them to go if they have a disability or were elderly. He thanked the Commission for past years support and encouraged the Commission to consider, once again, funding projects that would create housing for the disabled. Randy Barrett, Cascade County Aging Services, stated he was concerned because people were spending their life savings in assisted living facilities before they needed to. He added that there were alternatives to institutionalized care such as subsidized housing for the elderly and the disabled and encouraged the Commission to fund projects that would provide the subsidized housing. Finally, he explained that he did not agree with HUD's required allocable percentages and stated that he would try to lobby HUD to change them. Sharla LaFountain, 412 5th Avenue South, stated that Great Falls was lacking in handicapped accessible transitional shelters. She added that Neighborhood Housing Services homes were not ADA accessible and while that organization was meeting a need in Great Falls, there was another one not being met. She encouraged the Commission to fund programs that would create ADA accessible homes in Great Falls. Jackie Lewis, 821 2nd Avenue SW, explained that she lives in subsidized housing for the disabled and that it was not kept up, scary, and not acceptable to raise a family in. She urged the Commission to fund projects that would improve living conditions for those people who rely on the City's subsidized housing for the handicapped. Sharon Odden, 1833 Beech Drive, explained that she works at Easter Seals which is a business serving people with disabilities and the elderly. She concurred with the comments made by Mr. Jones and encouraged the Commission to fund projects that would provide housing for the elderly and the disabled. Sally Macmillan, 1925 15th Avenue S, #2, read a letter from Neighborhood Council 6, encouraging the Commission to fund playground equipment and a picnic shelter in Sunnyside Park. She explained that Sunnyside Park was the only park in her District where children can play. Ann Hagen-Buss, 1405 2nd West Hill Drive, thanked the Commission for funding the HANDS program in the past and encouraged their support again this year. Tracy Houck, 1105 Brairwood Loop, spoke on behalf of the Golden Triangle Community Mental Health Center. She stated that this organization offered many services to the community and was looking forward to expanding to assist more of those in need. She stated that Golden Triangle would be submitting a CDBG grant application and encouraged the Commission to support it. Ron Staley, Neighborhood Council 2, asked that the Commission fund infrastructure projects that would benefit areas of low and moderate income families. He explained that in his District there were several unpaved streets and areas without curbs, gutters and sidewalks. Mr. Staley added that some residents in his District did not have the funds to pay for those types of improvements through traditional funding mechanisms such as Special Improvement Districts. Karen Worth, 117 16th Street South, stated there was a need to create a network for people who weren't elderly or completely disabled. She explained that there were too many loopholes and too many brick walls for those who didn't quite fit into the established programs. Jodi Martin, Boys and Girls Club, encouraged the Commission to fund programs that would target and eliminate gangs in Great Falls. She also explained that she would be submitting a grant to fund kitchen improvements for the Club because it does not meet the health code and they need it to provide nutritional snacks for the members. Dave Dobbs, City Engineer, explained that public infrastructure was an important element to the quality of life. He added that the Public Works Department has used CDBG funds to improve the infrastructure in low and moderate income areas throughout Great Falls. Mr. Dobbs said that the common funding source for these types of improvements was through the Special Improvement District process. However, in low and moderate income areas, that funding mechanism was not feasible. Mr. Dobbs encouraged the City Commission to continue to fund the public infrastructure projects with CDBG funds. Nevella Hall, 823 2nd Avenue South, asked if any CDBG money could be allocated to individuals who need financial assistance for housing. She explained that she was too young for many of the programs, and not disabled enough for others. Donna Haggerty, Quality Life Concepts, thanked the Commission for previous years support of their programs and explained that she will, once again, apply for CDBG funding. Tim Ryan, encouraged the Commission to continue funding training programs in the work setting. He explained that most of the people receiving the training would not otherwise have access to programs targeted to improve their working skills. There being no one further to address the Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. |
OLD BUSINESS |
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GF Townsite B314 L8-9, Development Agreement. Approved. |
3.
N.E.W. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (GF TOWNSITE, B314 L8-9).
On July 6, 1999, the City Commission approved the sale of the former Bon Building to National Electronics Warranty Corporation (N.E.W.) for $300,000. In return, the City pledged a $2,000,000 loan at 2% interest for 20 years pending EDA approval, $250,000 in CDBG job training funds over the next four years, $50,000 in CDBG funds toward the electrical remodel of the building and $35,000 toward repair of the roof. The Development Agreement outlines the commitments of each party as it related to the future development of the former Bon Building. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the Development Agreement between the City of Great Falls, High Plains Development Authority, National Electronics Warranty Corporation and 321 Associates LLC which provides for the redevelopment of the former Bon Building and authorize the City Manger and Staff to execute the necessary documents. Tim Ryan, High Plains Development, explained that the $35,000 for the roof repair, will be matched by N.E.W. and that N.E.W. will be contributing millions of dollars to complete the renovation of the building. Mayor Gray called for the vote. Motion carried 4-1 (Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz dissenting). |
OF 1258. Update. |
4.
PARKING STRUCTURE REPORT (OF 1258).
Staff from CTA Architects reviewed the initial plans for the new parking structure. |
NEW BUSINESS |
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ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS |
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Res. 9063, Cost Recovery Nusiance Weeds. Adopted. |
5.
RESOLUTION 9063, COST RECOVERY, NUISANCE WEEDS.
In accordance with OCCGF 8.44.040, property owners were notified in writing of weed violations. Determinations of the existing violations were made by the City Weed Inspector. Re-inspections confirmed the weeds had not been removed and were subsequently cut by City crews. Property owners were billed for the charges numerous times and payment has not been received. Resolution 9063, assesses the cost incurred by the City in removing the nuisance weeds. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9063. Motion carried 5-0. |
Consent Agenda |
CONSENT AGENDA
6.
Minutes, January 4, 2000, regular Commission meeting.
7.
Total Expenditures of $1,261,711 for the period of December 23, 1999 - January 5, 2000, to include claims over $500, in the amount of $1,209,629.
8.
9.
Citizen Participation Plan. Adopted the Citizen Participation Plan for use in funding HUD programs.
10.
Final Pay Request, 1999 Miscellaneous Street Repairs (OF 1247). Approved the final payment to Shumaker Trucking and Excavating and the State Miscellaneous Tax Division in the amount of $15,082.48.
11.
Final Pay Request, Great Falls International Airport Cargo Facility Utility Extensions (OF 1236). Approved the final payment to Shumaker Trucking and Excavating and the State Miscellaneous Tax Division in the amount of $32,675.58.
12.
Bid Award, Two Front Deck Mowers. Awarded a bid for two new front deck mowers to Midland Implement of Billings, in the amount of $30,185.
13.
Bid Award, Four Greens Mowers. Awarded a bid for four new greens mowers to Midland Implement of Billings, in the amount of $76,056 including trade-ins.
14.
Reject Bids, Two Light Fairway Mowers. Rejected all bids for two new light fairway mowers and authorized staff to modify the specifications and request new bids.
Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission approve the Consent Agenda as printed. Motion carried 5-0. |
CITY MANAGER |
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HAZMAT Partnership. Report. |
16.
BENEFIS/GREAT FALLS FIRE RESCUE PARTNERSHIP.
Randy McCamely, Fire Department, reported that the City and Benefis will be entering into a new partnership. The partnership provides for Benefis to furnish detailed medical examinations for the HAZMAT crew at the Fire Department resulting in a cost savings of $8,000, while the Fire Department will provide, at no cost, HAZMAT services for Benefis including decontamination services. |
Special Meeting to Discuss Police Inquiry Results. |
17.
SPECIAL MEETING.
City Manager, John Lawton, announced that the City Commission has been asked to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2000, at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the results of the police inquiry. He added that portions of the meeting may be closed when an individual's right to privacy exceeded the public's right to know. |
CITY COMMISSION |
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Mayor Pro-tempore. Elect Beecher. |
18.
APPOINTMENT, MAYOR PRO-TEMPORE.
The City Charter states that "(t)he mayor pro tempore shall serve in the absence of the elected mayor. The city commissioners shall elect from among themselves a mayor pro tempore no later than one month after taking office. The mayor pro tempore shall serve a term of two years, or until the city commission has held an election. Any vacancy in this office shall be filled by a special election among the remaining city commissioners. Any person elected to fill such a vacancy shall serve the remaining portion of the term which the vacancy occurred." Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission elect Bill Beecher to serve as mayor pro tempore for two year terms effective immediately. Motion carried 5-0. |
ADJOURNMENT |
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Adjourn |
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of January 18, 2000, adjourned at 9:17 p.m. |
/S/
Mayor Randall H. Gray
/S/
Peggy J. Bourne, City Clerk