JOURNAL OF COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 11, 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, Assistant City Attorney, Directors of Community Development, Fairgrounds, Budget/MIS, Fiscal Services, Fire Chief, Park and Recreation, Public Works, Library, Acting Director of Planning, Acting Police Chief, and the City Clerk.

PROCLAMATION: Mayor Gray read a proclamation regarding Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) 2000 Celebration also known as Initiative 2000 (I-2000).

Mayor Gray also welcomed the delegation from Naryn Kyrgyzstan and presented Budget Director Tim Magee with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 1999/2000.

City Clerk Peggy Bourne introduced and showed the Great Falls video which was originally produced to welcome participants to the Max Baucus Montana Economic Summit.

	PUBLIC HEARINGS
Res. 9091, Annex 2nd Supp. to Skyline Heights Add., and Amended Plat for Skyline Heights Park. Adopted.	1. RESOLUTION 9091 ANNEX 2ND SUPPLEMENT TO SKYLINE HEIGHTS ADDITION AND AMENDED PLAT FOR SKYLINE HEIGHTS PARK. On June 6, 2000, the Commission adopted Resolution 9086 setting a public hearing for July 11, 2000, to consider annexation of the 2nd Supplement to Skyline Heights Addition and the Amended Plat for Skyline Heights Park consisting of 11 single family residential lots and short extensions of 11th and 12th Streets Northeast and 34th Avenue Northeast. This annexation request also included the unincorporated portion of an Amended Plat dedicating 1.7 acres of Skyline Heights Park.
Ord. 2775, Zoning for 2nd Supp. to Skyline Heights Add., and Amended Plat for Skyline Heights Park. Adopted.	2. ORDINANCE 2775, TO ESTABLISH ZONING UPON 2ND SUPPLEMENT TO SKYLINE HEIGHTS ADDITION AND AMENDED PLAT FOR SKYLINE HEIGHTS PARK. Ordinance 2775 assigns a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District, to 2nd Supplement to Skyline Heights Addition and the Amended Plat for Skyline Heights Park, upon annexation to the City. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open for both Resolution 9091 and Ordinance 2775. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to the annexation and zoning of the 2nd Supplement to Skyline Heights Addition. Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9091 and approve the final plat of 2nd Supplement to Skyline Heights Addition, the Amended Plat for Skyline Heights Park, the annexation and improvements agreement and three accompanying utility easements. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2775. Motion carried 5-0.
Res. 9087, FY 2000/01 Budget. Adopted.	3. RESOLUTION 9087, FINAL BUDGET ADOPTION. In accordance with State statutes, the City Commission completed its preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year; placed the budget on file, open to public inspection; and published notices regarding the preliminary budget hearing. The budget development process had a strong, refined direction with the Commission reviewing financial trend analysis revenue forecasts under existing assumptions, presentations of goals, major issues, performance indicators and budget implications. Initiatives within the budget document included the DUIT Program, an amenities program and collaborative relationships. The budget objectives included the avoidance of tax or rate increases; to live within the City's means; to create leveraging, to protect the investment in personnel; to protect the City's capital investments; and to maintain necessary reserves. Several rate changes were proposed. They included a 10% increase in the street assessment; 5% in the boulevard assessment; undetermined amounts for water and sewer; 10% in storm drain and a 3% for commercial sanitation. The emphasis remained on efficiency, productivity and innovation rather than increasing taxpayer burdens. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open on Resolution 9087. Nancy Luth, Municipal Judge, spoke in support of the proposed budget as far as it related to Court. There being no one further to address the City Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9087. Commissioner Beecher stated that the proposed budget was a Chevrolet budget and for the level of services provided with the dollars available, was a "good bang for the public dollar." Mayor Gray stated that he supported the budget process where the Commission had input before the budget process was too far along. There being no further discussion, Mayor Gray called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
Ord. 2777, Rezone West GF Add., B1, L10. Adopted.	4. ORDINANCE 2777, REZONE WEST GREAT FALLS ADDITION, BLOCK 1, LOT 10. The applicant filed a petition to rezone the property located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 9th Street Northwest and 8th Avenue Northwest in order to convert one of the two existing residential structures on the property to accommodate a home water treatment business. The Planning Board conducted a public hearing on the rezoning request and passed a motion recommending the City Commission approve the rezoning of the subject lot to "LB" Local Business District from "B" Residence Use. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Dave Thomas, owner of the property, spoke in support of the rezoning request. 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 adopt Ordinance 2777. Motion carried 5-0.
	OLD BUSINESS
Four Seasons, Ice User Fees.	Judy Mortensen, expressed dissatisfaction and concern regarding the new Four Seasons fees adopted by the City Commission on June 20, 2000. She apologized for not attending the public hearing and requested the City Commission conduct a thorough review of the accounting practices at the Fair to ensure that the revenues collected from ice users were used to offset costs associated with the Four Seasons.
	NEW BUSINESS
	RESOLUTIONS/ORDINANCES
Res. 9093, Name Change for RO Speck Golf Course. Adopted.	5. RESOLUTION 9093, NAME CHANGE FOR RO SPECK GOLF COURSE. With the current renovation of the course, the Golf Advisory Board determined it was an appropriate time to consider a name change. The Board thought a new name would facilitate better marketing of the golf course and dispel the thought of the course being a typical "municipal course." The Board conducted a name contest for R.O. Speck Golf Course. A total of one-hundred sixty-one entries were received. The proposed name was selected by a committee including City Commissioner Diane Jovick-Kuntz, Golf Advisory Board member Kris Jupka, Course Superintendent Connie Cramer-Caouette, Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President Rick Evans and Ronda Banik of Banik Creative Group. The Course will continue to be dedicated in the honor of R.O. Speck, a former park superintendent. A permanent plaque describing this dedication is displayed in the pro shop. Additionally, the dedication to Mr. Speck is noted on the course scorecards and will be on the new entrance sign. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9093. Kris Jupka, Golf Advisory Board, asked that the Commission support the recommended name change and vote in favor of the resolution. Motion carried 5-0. Park and Recreation Director Jerry Sepich explained when the original contest rules were written, it was decided there could only be one winner. Since seven people submitted the name Eagle Falls Golf Club, Mr. Sepich asked Mayor Gray to draw the final winner's name out of a hat. Mayor Gray complied announcing the final winner to be Charmaine Bell.
Res. 9092, Intent to Annex Whispering Ridge Add., Phase 1. Adopted.	6. RESOLUTION 9092, INTENT TO ANNEX WHISPERING RIDGE ADDITION, PHASE 1. Resolution 9092 sets a public hearing for August 15, 2000, to consider the annexation of Whispering Ridge Addition, Phase 1 consisting of 8 single family residential lots located in the vicinity of 19th Avenue South and 39th Street South. In March 1999, the City and County Commissions conditionally approved the preliminary plat of Whispering Ridge Addition Phase 1. All eight lots are to be served by the extension of the City water main and sanitary sewer main from the end of the currently improved incorporated section of 19th Avenue South. The dedicated portions of 19th and 20th Avenues South and 39th Street South included in the plat will be improved to City standards with paving, curb and gutter. Storm drainage will be directed towards the northerly boundary of the subdivision and the proposed cul-de-sac on 20th Avenue South. Drainage from the northerly boundary of the subdivision will be collected in an existing temporary detention facility about 200 feet north of the subdivision. Drainage from the cul-de-sac on 20th Avenue South will be directed to the above mentioned temporary detention facility which will eventually be supplanted by a planned permanent detention facility at the bottom of the coulee to be designed to serve the entire sub-basin. The developer plans to fulfill the park obligation by dedicating or reserving open space in the coulee to accommodate not only drainage facilities but wildlife habitat, trails and observation points. The Planning Board, during a meeting held May 23, 2000, recommended approval of the final plat of Whispering Ridge Addition Phase 1, subject to the following conditions: the applicant execute an annexation agreement; the Public Works Department approve the final engineering drawings; any errors or omissions noted by staff be corrected; applicable fees be paid; and until the open space related to the subdivision and a viable entity to assume responsibility for the open space are established, the owner escrow 11% x 2.8 net acres x the current fair market value per acre. The escrow shall be released upon establishment of the open space. If the open space is not established in a reasonable time, the funds in escrow will be deposited in the City Park Trust fund. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9092 expressing an intent to annex Whispering Ridge Addition, Phase 1, and setting a public hearing on the annexation for August 15, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
Ord. 2778, Zoning for Whispering Ridge Add., Phase 1. Set public hearing for August 15, 2000.	7. ORDINANCE 2778, ESTABLISH CITY ZONING ON WHISPERING RIDGE ADDITION, PHASE 1. Ordinance 2778 assigns a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District to Whispering Ridge Addition, Phase 1, upon annexation to the City. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2778 on first reading and set a hearing for 7:00 p.m., August 15, 2000, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2778. Motion carried 5-0.
Consent Agenda Approved as printed.	CONSENT AGENDA 8. Minutes, June 20, 2000, Commission meeting. 9. Total Expenditures of $1,498,440 for the period of through June 8-28, 2000, to include claims over $500 in the amount of $1,409,378. 10. Historic 10th Street Bridge Project (OF 979) expenditure list for use of funds held in trust by the City. No local tax payer funds included. 11. Contracts List. 12. Military Appreciation Support. Supports the military appreciation picnic by paying the fees necessary to use Montana ExpoPark. 13. Bid Award, Morony Natatorium Pool Roof Replacement. (OF 768). Awarded bid to McLees Roofing in the amount of $24,907. 14. Engineering Services Contract, Wastewater Treatment Plant Solids Handling Project (OF 1176.1). Approved an engineering services contract with Neil Consultants in the amount of $1,237,700. 15. Contract Award, Phase 1, Historic Preservation of 10th Street Bridge (OF 979.1). Awarded a contract to Tamietti Construction Company on a unit price basis up to an amount equal to available funding for Phase 1. 16. Amended Plat, GF Townsite, Block 248, Lot 3. Subdivided a parcel of land into two lots. 17. Amended Plat, Sun River Park Addition, Block 18, Lot 2. Subdivided a two-acre parcel of land into two equal lots. 18. Labor Contract, IBEW. Approved an 18-month agreement. The economic impact for the term of the contract is 2.5 percent. Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed. Motion carried 5-0.
	BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Variance Request, Grande Vista Add., B7 L6&7. Approved.	19. VARIANCE REQUEST, GRANDE VISTA ADD B7 L6&7. Kent Funyak, owner of the property located at 1 Ferguson Drive, requested a variance to OCCGF 17.57.010. The variance would reduce the required 30' front yard setback to 21'. The applicant wanted to build an addition to the attached garage. The Board of Adjustment met to discuss the request on June 15, 2000, and voted with one abstention, to recommend approval of the variance. Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission approve the variance request. Motion carried 5-0.
Variance, GF 10th Add., B748, L14. Approved.	20. VARIANCE REQUEST, GF 10TH ADDITION, B748, L14. Romeo Ranieri, owner of the property located at 521 18th Street South, requested a variance to OCCGF 17.48.010. The variance would allow the applicant to exceed the permitted lot coverage of a corner lot (60%) by 181 square feet which was approximately 2% beyond the allowed lot coverage. The applicant wanted to enclose the area between the duplex and the garage in order to reduce the amount of vandalism done to the property. The Board of Adjustment heard the request on June 15, 2000, and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the variance request. Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioners Jovick-Kuntz and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the variance request as recommended by the Board of Adjustment. Motion carried 5-0.
Business Improvement District. Delayed action.	21. APPOINTMENTS, BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. It was the consensus of the City Commission to delay action on this item.
Housing Authority Board. Appointed Davidson and Fitzpatrick.	22. APPOINTMENTS, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD. Bruce Davidson was appointed to the Housing Authority Board in March 1999 to fill the remainder of the term vacated by the late Bob Gillis. Mr. Davidson was interested in and eligible for reappointment. The Housing Authority also had two openings for tenant members due to the resignation of Sharon Favel and Iola McCoy's term expiration. Only one application was received for a tenant member, therefore, it was necessary to make one tenant member appointment to the Board. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission reappoint Bruce Davidson for a term through May 31, 2005, and appoint Mary Francis Fitzpatrick as a tenant member for a term through May 31, 2005, to the Housing Authority Board. Motion carried 5-0.
	NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS
Neighborhood Council 2 ALS Service Needs.	23. Ron Staley, Neighborhood Council 2, commented on their meeting held at Fire Station 2 and the need in the community for ALS service, equipment and paramedics at all the fire stations.
	ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn	There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of July 11, 2000, adjourned at 8:18 p.m.