PUBLIC HEARINGS

The proposed three year lease with the Farmer's Market would allow the group to use Whittier Park, Park Drive between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South, and the City parking lot behind the Downtowner. The term of the lease would run from June 1 to October 31 each year for an annual rental fee of two hundred dollars ($200) per year.

For a number of years, the City issued a use permit with Farmer's Market for the use of Margaret Park (north of the Civic Center). Due to the growth of the Market, potential parking issues resulting from the new water attraction, and concerns regarding continued use of Margaret Park, Staff met with the Farmer's Market Board to negotiate changing the location of the Farmer's Market to the south side of the Civic Center and entering into a 3-year lease rather than a annual use permit. The Park and Recreation Board on June 11, 2001 approved this lease and recommended approval by the City Commission.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in opposition to the proposed lease with Farmer's Market. Jamie Fossum, President of the Farmer's Market, and Marv Brewster, Executive Director of the Farmer's Market, spoke in support of the lease.

There being no one further to address the City Commission, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission approve the lease of Whittier Park and other City property with the Farmer's Market.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

The Memorandum of Understanding was drafted and approved by the Community Economic Development Council (CEDC) to set forth voluntary guidelines for communication and the sharing of information among CEDC participants. It distinguishes between general information and confidential information of a proprietary nature which must not be divulged. It also sets forth guidelines for one participant to take a public position on an initiative of another participant so that positions taken are based upon the best available information.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept the provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding among the various CEDC participants and that we authorize the Mayor to sign the MOU on behalf of the City of Great Falls.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

Resolution 9168 pertains to proposed rate changes for use of Civic Center event areas, equipment, and other services provided.

The primary changes in the proposed rate schedule included an increase in the Convention Center rent from $750 to $850. Staff proposed the Theatre rent remain unchanged except for an increase in the rehearsal rate from $25/hour to $35/hour. The proposed rates for the Missouri Room and the Gibson Room would eliminate the charge for having a non-food event; most of the current events do serve food and beverages; making the charges $300 for the Missouri Room and $125 for the Gibson Room. The new rates would also offer a discounted rate for setup and tear-down in the Missouri Room of 50% from the regular rate. It was recommended that weekend events pay a minimum rate of $150, and holiday events pay a minimum rate of $350. All other room rentals were proposed to remain the same. There were some minor changes in support services charges.

Rate increases were essential to meet the expenses in the next fiscal year. In proposing the fees, staff and the Civic Center Advisory Board weighed the covering of rising costs against the loss of business.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission postpone action on Resolution 9168.

Commissioner Hinz explained that she needed additional information on what other entities charge and she would also like to give the public an opportunity to have some input. City Manager John Lawton asked if the postponement was to a date certain. Commissioner Hinz replied no, that the postponement was somewhat nebulous because she did not know how long it would take staff to provide the additional information.

Commissioner Beecher stated that staff needed direction so they may continue to enter into contracts for the use of the Civic Center. He added that if staff could gather the requested information by the next meeting, then this Resolution could be brought back for Commission consideration.

There being no further discussion, Mayor Gray called for the vote. Motion carried 5-0.
 

The developer of the subdivision, C & W Development, Inc., desired to proceed with finalizing the platting and annexation of the next phase, (Phase 8), of Berkner Heights, which consists of 8 residential lots along the easterly extension of 14th Avenue South and including a segment of the southerly extension of 43rd Street South. The plat is entitled Berkner Heights Addition, Phase 8.

Phase 8 public improvements include water and sanitary sewer mains and paving, curb and gutter in the sections of 14th Avenue South and 43rd Street South contained within the final plat. Surface drainage from a majority of the subdivision will be directed west in 14th Avenue South to a storm sewer main being installed in conjunction with Phase 7. This storm sewer main will discharge into the storm water detention facility planned to be constructed this year on the City owned parcel south of the subdivision.

The Planning Board, during a meeting held May 22, 2001, recommended approval of the final plat of Berkner Heights Addition, Phase 8, and annexation of the property contained therein subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant execute an Annexation Agreement acceptable to the City and submit the appropriate supporting documents referenced in the Agreement.
2. All applicable fees and charges due as a consequence of either plat or annexation approval, including the park fee, shall be paid by the applicant.
3. Any errors or omissions on the final plat noted by staff shall be corrected.
4. Final engineering documents for required public improvements to serve the subdivision are subject to approval by the Public Works Department.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioners Hinz and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9173 expressing intent to annex Berkner Heights Addition, Phase 8, and setting a public hearing on the annexation for July 17, 2001, at 7pm.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Ordinance 2805 assigns a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District, to Berkner Heights Addition, Phase 8. Subject 8 lot subdivision is located along the easterly extension of 14th Avenue South.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission accept Ordinance No. 2805 on first reading and set a hearing for 7pm, July 17, 2001.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

John T. Mitchell, owner of Lot 8, Block 6, Fairview Addition, located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 11th Avenue South and 15th Street South and addressed as 1425 11th Avenue South, submitted applications regarding:

1. A request to rezone Lot 8, Block 6, Fairview Addition, from "A" Residence Use to "C" Residence Use District; and
2. A request for a conditional use permit to allow subject Lot 8 to accommodate a vehicle parking lot.

Parking lots are not permitted in "A" Residence Use District but are allowed as conditional uses in "C" Residence Use District.

The Planning Board held a public hearing on the rezoning and conditional use requests on April 10, 2001. The only citizens who spoke during the hearing were Ted Mitchell, representing the owner/application, and Walter Roth, 1423 11th Avenue South, who spoke in support of the proposed landscaped parking lot.

The Planning Board passed a motion recommending:

1. Lot 8, Block 6, Fairview Addition, be rezoned from "A" Residence Use to "C" Residence Use District with permitted uses limited to those in "A" Residence Use District and a parking lot as granted through the conditional use process; and
2. a conditional use permit be granted to allow Lot 8, Block 6, Fairview Addition, to accommodate a vehicle parking lot subject to the applicant entering into an Agreement with the City agreeing to:
   1. adhere to the details contained in the Memorandum from the City Engineer dated February 20, 2001;
   2. obtain, through joint review by the Community Development Department, City Forester and Planning Staff, approval of the final landscape plan including addition of shrubs as recommended by the City Forester;
   3. take extra precautions to protect the hedge along the west boundary during construction of the parking lot;
   4. construct and maintain the parking lot and accompanying landscaping in accordance with applicable City Code and the parking lot plan and landscape plan attached hereto as may be amended in adhering to fulfillment of the conditions contained herein.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission accept on first reading Ordinance No. 2804 and set a public hearing for July 17, 2001, at 7pm.

Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission set a public hearing on Resolution 9172 for July 17, 2001, at 7pm.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioners Jovick-Kuntz and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

The term of Timothy Peterson expires on June 30, 2001. Mr. Peterson was appointed to the Business Improvement District on July 1, 1997. He was not interested in reappointment; therefore, it was necessary to appoint one new member to the Business Improvement District.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission appoint Bill Stuff to the Business Improvement District for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2001, and expiring June 30, 2005.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The term of Steve Hudspeth expires on June 30, 2001. He was not eligible for reappointment; therefore, it was necessary to make one appointment to this board.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission appoint Tim Murphy to the High Plains Development and Port Authority Commission for a five-year term, beginning July 1, 2001, and expiring June 30, 2006.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The term of John Palagi expires on June 30, 2001. Mr. Palagi has served on the State Fair Advisory Board since July of 1995 and was not eligible for reappointment; therefore, it was necessary to appoint one member to the Board.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner, Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission appoint Chuck Olson to the State Fair Advisory Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2001, and expiring June 30, 2004.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CITY MANAGER

CITY COMMISSION

ADJOURNMENT