JOURNAL OF COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
MAY 16, 2000

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, Fairgrounds, Planning, Budget/MIS, Fiscal Services, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Park and Recreation, Public Works, Library, and the City Clerk.

Mayor Gray read proclamations pertaining to National Historic Preservation Week; Emergency Medical Services; and Nursing Home Workers Appreciation. He also thanked Bob Darnell and Marty Andrews - creators of the Gibson Park Stained Glass Display.

	PUBLIC HEARINGS
Res. 9079. Change the meeting times to 6:00 p.m. Denied.	1. RESOLUTION 9079, CHANGE THE COMMISSION MEETING TIMES TO 6:00 P.M. The City Commission adopted Resolution 7621 on July 7, 1981, establishing official meeting dates as the first and third Tuesdays of each month and the official start time of the meetings as 7:00 p.m. During the past few years, the use of the Civic Center has increased substantially resulting in the Commission adjusting meeting start times in order to avoid conflicts and to accommodate live broadcast of Commission meetings. Four meeting times had been adjusted this year and staff anticipated 3 additional groups requesting the meeting times be changed, prior to December 31, 2000, to accommodate their events. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of Resolution 9079. Clayton M. Braden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, stated that if the work sessions were moved to 5:00 p.m. to accommodate the new Commission meeting time, many people could not attend due to conflicts with work. There being no one further to address the City Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9079. Commissioner Beecher stated he did not support the Resolution because thought the 5:00 p.m. work session start time would not allow many people to attend them because it could require citizens to leave their workplace early. He added that the Airport Authority recently changed their meeting times to 7:00 p.m. and he thought it important to be consistent. Commissioner Hinz stated she supported an open government and that a 6:00 p.m. start time did not provide for that. Commissioner Rosenbaum concurred stating that consistent meeting times makes government more accessible. Mayor Gray concurred with the other Commissioners and added that adjusting the time to 6:00 p.m. may have a detrimental effect on those running for office because Commission time could interfere with their employment. Additionally, the Civic Center, while serving as a cultural center for Great Falls, was also the facility in which the affairs of the city government were conducted. He continued stating that the Commission only meets two nights per month and that it should not be difficult for those entities offering cultural events to avoid the nights and times traditionally scheduled for Commission meetings. There being no further discussion, Mayor Gray called for the vote. Motion did not pass 0-5.
	OLD BUSINESS
Great Falls International Raceway Market Feasibility Study. Approved.	2. GREAT FALLS INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY - MARKET FEASIBILITY STUDY. The City was asked to financially participate in funding 1/3 the cost of a market feasibility study to determine the possibility of a motor sports complex in Great Falls. The total cost of the study was projected to be $15,000. The City was asked to contribute $5,000 toward that amount. Central Montana Timing Association would also contribute $5,000 and requested the Airport Authority for the final $5,000. The City has funded other feasibility studies for other recreational interests. If the motor sports complex proved feasible, it would allow community members with an interest in motor sports expanded recreational opportunities. It could also lead to a facility with an significant economic impact on the community. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission approve the request by Central Montana Timing Association to invest $5,000 in a market feasibility study for the proposed Great Falls International Raceway. The following conditions apply: 1) an organizational structure acceptable to the City must be formed to establish a scope of work, write a request for proposals, select a consultant, and evaluate the results; 2) a representative of the City Commission and staff must participate in the organizational and consultant selection process; 3) if the project moves forward from feasibility to financing, the City must be reimbursed for its contribution from the financing proceeds. The following people spoke in support of the proposed contribution: Rod Stather, 3012 6th Street NE; Barney Cooper, 4 Eaton Avenue; Bob Loague, 42 Old Hwy 91; Jerry Post, 513 2nd Avenue NE; Arte Johnson; Ken Krause, 826 8th Avenue N; and Tom Masterson, 465 Eden Road. Commissioner Beecher stated he supported this for several reasons. First, because the organization promoting this study raised two-thirds the cost resulting in a good public/private partnership. Secondly, through the feasibility study, the answer as to the marketability of this site neutral facility will be provided. Finally, that through a study such as this, the Commission may learn what amenities the community will support. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz asked the motor sports people to reach out and form a board of all potential users of the facility in order to avoid the types of issues experienced with the Four Seasons. Commissioner Rosenbaum reiterated his support for the project. Commissioner Hinz cautioned that this was a site neutral feasibility study. Mayor Gray stated that the show of support from the motor sports enthusiasts was impressive. He also added a friendly amendment to the motion so that the motion would read: "The City Commission approve the request by Central Montana Timing Association to invest 1/3 the cost, not to exceed $5,000...." Commissioners Rosenbaum and Beecher accepted the suggestion as a friendly amendment. There being no further discussion, the Mayor called for a vote. Motion carried as amended 5-0.
OF 1259 Contract Award to Sletten Construction in the amount of $3,723,000. Approved.	3. GREAT FALLS PARKING STRUCTURE (OF 1259). Construction of a parking structure containing 311 parking spaces is planned on seven lots along 1st Avenue South between 3rd and 4th Streets South. Currently the site contains two at-grade parking lots. Staff received bids from five contractors and recommended the City Commission award the contract to Sletten Construction in the amount of $3,723,000. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission award a contract in the amount of $3,723,000 to Sletten Construction Company for the City of Great Falls Parking Structure, OF 1259, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract. Terri Tronson, 504 58th Street South, stated she supported the idea of more parking in the downtown area. Motion carried 5-0.
	NEW BUSINESS
Montana Electric and Gas Alliance Inc., (MEGA) Participation. Approved.	4. MONTANA ELECTRIC AND GAS ALLIANCE INC. (MEGA). The Montana Electric and Gas Alliance Inc., will be a private, non-profit corporation. Its purpose is to provide broad and balanced representation of public and private interests committed to in-state ownership of the Montana Power Company system with the intent of pursuing public ownership. The action requested of the City Commission would allow Great Falls' participation as one of the local governments represented by the new corporation. Other local governments will include Billings, Bozeman, Butte/Silverbow, Helena, and Missoula. The City's loan share of up to $57,000 to the corporation is based on the population of Great Falls. The corporation will finance the initial work of analyzing the prospectus and preparing bid documents. IF MEGA is the successful bidder, City funds will be repaid from bond proceeds. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission authorize the City's participation in the Montana Electric and Gas Alliance Inc., (MEGA) for the purpose of pursuing public ownership of the regulated utility assets of the Montana Power Company. Further, to approve a loan up to $57,000 to MEGA to finance the initial work of preparing a qualified bid. City Manager John Lawton stated that Cheryl Patton has been staff point person on this project and would continue as the City's representative on the MEGA's board of directors. Motion carried 5-0.
	RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
Ord. 2770, Naming and Renaming Parks. Adopted.	5. ORDINANCE 2770, PROVIDING A PROCEDURE TO NAME AND RENAME PARKS. Ordinance 2770 establishes a procedure for naming and renaming City parks. The procedure to name parks would involve Neighborhood Councils and the Park and Recreation Board, with final approval of the City Commission. A similar process would be followed for the renaming of City parks. Parks named in memory, dedication or in honor of someone, would only be done if there has been a significant contribution to the development of the park or notable contribution to the City, state or nation. Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2770. Motion carried 5-0.
Consent Agenda Approved as printed.	CONSENT AGENDA 6. Minutes, May 2, 2000, Commission meeting. 7. Total Expenditures of $740,760 for the period of April 20-May 3, 2000, to include claims over $500, in the amount of $728,830. 8. Contract, Medical Director for Great Falls Fire Rescue. Approved a contract with Dr. Kevin Eichhorn to provide services as medical director for Great Falls Fire Rescue. 9. Proposal Award, Network Wiring Project (OF 1287). Approved the proposal submitted by Lantek Inc., in the amount of $44,786. 10. Contract Award, 1999 Infrastructure Improvements (OF 1240). Awarded a contract to United Materials in the amount of $251,829.50. 11. Postpone Bid Award, 10th Street Bridge (OF 979.1). Postponed bid award until June 2, 2000. 12. Agreement, Traffic Signal Maintenance. Approved an agreement with Montana Department of Transportation for maintenance of state-owned traffic signals within the city limits for FY 2000/2001. 13. Declared six Mine Safety Appliance SCBA units as surplus equipment. 14. Agreement, Montana League of Cities and Towns, Agency Agreement for Power. Approved an agreement with Energy West and the Montana League of Cities and Towns to purchase electricity for the term of July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2002. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed. Motion carried 5-0.
	BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Civic Center Advisory Board. Appoint Lighter.	15. APPOINTMENT, CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD. Lucy Weeder resigned her position on the board, therefore, it was necessary for the Commission to appoint someone to fulfill the remainder of her term through December 31, 2000. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission appoint Shelley Lighter to the Civic Center Advisory Board through December 31, 2000, to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Lucy Weeder. Motion carried 5-0.
	NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS
	17. Bob Mehlhoff, 407 9th Street NW, representative of Neighborhood Council 2, spoke on behalf of the Council and many residents of the area, in support of the 5-lane proposal of 6th Street NW rather than the 3-lane proposal. He requested to be placed on a future work session to discuss the matter further with the Commission.
	CITY COMMISSION
Energy West Appeal.	18. ENERGY WEST APPEAL. Larry Geske, CEO of Energy West, requested the City Commission attend a Public Service Commission public hearing on May 31, 2000, to testify in opposition to a Montana Consumer Council's recommendation that Energy West not be allowed to recover $850,000 in wholesale gas costs. Mr. Geske stated that, in his opinion, the Montana Consumer Council has reversed its position over the years which could result in devastating losses for Energy West.
	PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
	21. Clay Braden, 2708 4th Avenue NW, stated that there was one period light out near the Dairy Queen on Central Avenue West.
	ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn	There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of May 16, 2000, adjourned at 8:43 p.m.