PUBLIC HEARINGS

On December 5, 2000, the City Commission adopted Resolution 9129, declaring the property at 510 5th Street South a nuisance. Mr. Witsoe had 30 days to complete the cleanup of his property in which he failed to do. The City retained Austin-Reid Demolition to provide the clean up services. In total, the City incurred $796 in costs associated with the clean-up of this property. If the debt is not paid within 30 days, Resolution 9141 will be filed with the Clerk and Recorder to have a lien placed on the property in the amount of $796.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Mr. Mike Witsoe, 510 5th Street South, spoke in opposition to the placement of the lien on the property. He offered to pay $500 instead of the amount of $796. Mayor Gray stated that the Commission was not in a position to negotiate the costs incurred. However, he asked Mr. Witsoe to work with Staff on his offer. There being no one further to address the City Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9141.

Commissioner Rosenbaum stated that if there was any room to negotiate the costs of the clean-up it should be done by Staff. However, he added, that if all the costs are legitimate, then Staff is obligated to recover them. Commissioner Hinz concurred.

There being no further discussion, Mayor Gray called for the vote. Motion carried 4-0.

As required by OCCGF 3.12, the City Commission must hold a public hearing prior to authorizing leases for City parks. The proposed three year lease with Great Falls Soccer Association includes the use of Meadowlark, West Kiwanis, Riverview, North Kiwanis, and Lions Parks for $700 per year. The proposed lease language was similar to previous language with a few minor modifications.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to the proposed leases. Mayor Gray closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the leases with the Great Falls Youth Soccer Association and the Electric City Soccer Club and authorize the City Manager to execute said agreement.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz asked if the proposed Youth Sports Park would conflict with these leases if the bond issue passed. Mr. Sepich stated they would not.

Motion carried 4-0.

As required by OCCGF 3.12, the City Commission must hold a public hearing prior to authorizing leases for City parks. All the leases were proposed for three years and included minor modifications from previous leases. Specifically, the leases were: Americans Little League for the use of Veterans Memorial park for $200/year; Westside Little League for the use of Grande Vista Park for $200/year; Riverside Little League for the use of Sacajawea park and the park land known as the Smith/Peretti property for $250/year. Additionally, the Leagues would be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the fields, however, the City would pay up to $1500 annually for irrigation.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to the proposed leases. Mayor Gray closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the leases with the Americans, Westside, and Riverside Little Leagues and authorize the City Manager to execute said agreement.

Motion carried 4-0.

The parcel of land is a portion of former Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way owned by the City. It was vacant and .39 acres in size. The River's Edge Trail parallels the parcel, but would not be affected by its use as public right-of-way.

The granting of the parcel would facilitate long standing plans to relocate a segment of Giant Springs Road immediately adjacent to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. The road relocation would improve pedestrian safety, improve the vehicle and trail access and provide additional space for permanent parking and on-site operations at the Center.

The Giant Springs Road Relocation Working Group was created over two years ago to draw together various organizations, government jurisdictions and groups to jointly develop strategies and plans to relocate a portion of Giant Springs Road.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Dale Gorman and Jane Weber spoke in support of the land grant. No one spoke in opposition. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing closed.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission authorize the granting of a .39 acre parcel of land in Section 33, Township 21 North, Range 4 East, to the Montana Department of Transportation for use as public right-of-way for the Giant Springs Road Relocation Project and authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents.

Motion carried 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

In November 1996, the City and County Commissions conditionally approved, in accordance with a recommendation from the Planning Board, the preliminary plat of Prairie Ridge Addition. Last year, the Planning Board and City and County Commissions approved the final plat of the first phase of the subdivision, consisting of four residential lots along the easterly extension of 14th Avenue South. The proposed name Prairie Ridge was replaced with Berkner Heights Addition and the four lot subdivision was designated Phase 6.

The developer wanted to proceed with finalizing the platting and annexation of the next phase which consists of 13 residential lots along the easterly extension of 14th Avenue South and the northerly extension of 41st Street South, known as Phase 7.

The Planning Board, during a meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended approval of the final plat of Berkner Heights Addition Phase 7 subject to the applicant executing an annexation agreement; paying applicable fees; correcting any errors or omissions on the final plat noted by staff; and subject to final approval of the engineering documents by City staff.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9142 expressing intent to annex Berkner Heights Addition Phase 7, and setting a public hearing on the annexation for April 3, 2001 at 7 p.m.

Motion carried 4-0.

Ordinance 2797 assigns a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District to Berkner Heights Addition Phase 7. The subject 13 lot subdivision is located along the easterly extension of 14th Avenue South and the northerly extension of 41st Street South.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2797 on first reading and set a public hearing for 7 p.m., April 3, 2001, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2797.

Motion carried 4-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed.

Motion carried 4-0.

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

The terms for Ben Carter and Ken Sievert (architect) expire on March 31, 2001. Mr. Carter and Mr. Sievert were not eligible for reappointment.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission appoint Ryan Smith to the Design Review Board for a three-year term beginning April 1, 2001 and expiring March 31, 2004.

Motion carried 4-0.

CITY MANAGER

Jerry Sepich, Park and Recreation Director, reported that Staff has been working to find a new location for the Farmers Market. He stated that the Market is quite successful and continues to grow each year. He added that because of that, Staff anticipated parking problems this next year especially when the Farmers Market event was coupled with the new Electric City Wave.

Mr. Sepich explained that the current location of the Farmers Market is Margaret Park which is north of the Civic Center. He added that Staff's goals when looking for a better site for the Market are to continue to promote the Farmer's Market as a community event in downtown Great Falls; to foster opportunities for the Farmer's Market to continue grow and expand; to allow the Market to better serve its customers; and to address, with Market management, concerns regarding parking, handicap access and expanded usage by the public and convention center in the area.

Marcia Bundi, representative of the Farmer's Market, read a letter from George L. Slater, Manager of the Farmer's Market. According to the letter and Ms. Bundi, they were concerned about some of the proposed sites specifically those using City streets rather than a City park. She added that the Downtowner parking lot was not big enough and did not have the necessary electrical hookups or bathroom facilities nearby.

Commissioner Kuntz stated that moving the Farmer's Market to a location without electricity was not acceptable. She asked Staff to move quickly on this issue so the Farmer's Market participants would not lose time advertising the upcoming event. Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz concurred.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

ADJOURNMENT