PUBLIC HEARINGS

Resolution 9198 annexes Skyline Park Addition, Phase 7, which is located between Skyline School and Skyline Park. The final plat of Phase 7 consists of 16 single family lots. Two accompanying easements accommodate extension of water and sanitary sewer mains along 35th and 36th Avenues Northeast.

In October 1998, the City and County Commissions conditionally approved the amended preliminary plat of Skyline Park Addition, a single family residential subdivision located north of 33rd Avenue Northeast between Skyline Park and Skyline School. Phases 1 through 6, encompassing 78 lots, have been annexed and developed. The developer and property owner, Jim Workman Construction Company, desired to final plat and annex Phase 7, consisting of 16 lots along the westerly extensions of 35th and 36th Avenues Northeast.

The Planning Board, during a meeting held June 26, 2001, recommended approval of the final plat of Skyline Park Addition, Phase 7, and annexation of the area.

Ordinance 2811 assigns a zoning classification of "A" Residence use, "A" Area District, to Skyline Park Addition, Phase 7.

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

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9198 and approve the annexation and improvements agreement and two easements all related to Skyline Park Addition, Phase 7.

Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2811.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The Consolidated Plan Community Issues Public Hearing allows citizens, especially lower income citizens, an opportunity to advise the City Commission of the community's issues. Ideas as to how federal grant funds could be used to address these issues and help eliminate needs were encouraged. The comments heard at this public hearing will be considered by the City Commission in allocating the 2002/2003 Community Development Block Grant and HOME Grant funds.

A forum to obtain public input as to the needs of the community is required by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development in order for the City to secure federal grant dollars. The Citizen Participation Plan, adopted by the City Commission on January 18, 2000, stipulates a public hearing to allow citizens, especially lower income citizens, the opportunity to speak of the needs of the community, and to make recommendations to the City Commission of the use of the Community Development Block Grant and the HOME Grant funds to help address issues and eliminate needs.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. Those addressing the City Commission were as follows:

Collette Gray, Opportunities Incorporated, asked the Commission to use the CDBG and HOME funds for affordable housing in Great Falls. She suggested that housing could be constructed and, in addition to creating affordable housing, would create jobs during their construction.

Nancy O'Brien, Neighborhood Housing Services, explained that HUD repossessions were starting to come back on the market, which were usually in bad condition. She added that non-profits were allowed to purchase the repossessions under the market value and sell them for 110% of the cost incurred. Taking advantage of these would provide homes for lower income families. She added that rental housing was a problem in Great Falls especially on the middle north side which was becoming a social issue. She also concurred with Ms. Gray's remarks.

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

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Jeanine Johnsrud, Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, Stevens, P.C., Certified Public Accountants (JCCS), provided an overview of this year's audit results. She stated that JCCS conducted the City's FY 2000-2001 Annual Audit and based on the Independent Auditor's report, the general purpose financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the City of Great Falls, Montana, as of June 30, 2001, and the results of its operations and the cash flows of its proprietary fund types for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Section 2-7-515, MCA, requires the City Commission notify the Montana Department of Administration within 30 days of receipt of the audit report as to what action is planned on any deficiencies and recommendations noted by the independent auditor. The responses provided will be forwarded to the state in compliance with this requirement.

The City's Audit Committee received a copy of the FY 2000-2001 CAFR, the Independent Auditor's report, responses to the GFOA's (Government Finance Officers Association) comments on the FY 1999-2000 CAFR and a brief summary of the FY 2000-2001 audit December 10, 2001. The Audit Committee recommended the City Commission accept the CAFR and annual Independent Auditor's report.

Along with the FY 2000-2001 Audit Report, the City's auditors issued a separate Audit Management Letter. The letter comments on internal control recommendations related to the operations of the City that could adversely affect the City's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data. The document described the auditor's FY 2000-2001 recommendations, status of prior year recommendations, and the City's response/disposition to each of the recommendations.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept the FY 2000-2001 comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Independent Auditor's report as presented as well as approve the responses to the Audit Management Letter recommendations as presented, and authorize staff to submit the responses to the State of Montana, Department of Administration and other government agencies as necessary.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The proposed changes reflect the recent modifications made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS). Simultaneously, the City is updating another section of Chapter 17.84 (Section 17.84.330 B.4a.) by incorporating a minor revision to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2812 on first reading and set the final reading for 7 pm, January 2, 2002.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Ordinance 2813 amends the size of the Civic Center Advisory Board from a nine member board to one that is not less than five or more than seven members for the composition of the Civic Center Advisory Board. This amendment was at the request of the Advisory Board.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioners Jovick-Kuntz and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2813.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Ordinance 2814 re-establishes the Commission salary by ordinance as required by the City Charter.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2814.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Ordinance 2816, if adopted, will rezone Lots 12-14, Block 266, GF 3rd Addition from B Residence use to C Residence Use District with permitted uses on subject Lot 14 limited to those in B Residence Use District and an office building and permitted uses on subject Lots 12 and 13 limited to those in B Residence Use District and a parking lot.

Resolution 9201 was presented as a Conditional Use Permit to allow the existing structure on Lot 14 to be converted to an office and the southerly portions of Lots 12 and 13 to be used as a parking lot.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept on first reading, Ordinance 2816 and set a public hearing for January 15, 2002 at 7pm.

Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission set a public hearing on Resolution 9201 for January 15, 2002, at 7 pm.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioners Hinz and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept the Consent Agenda as printed with the added provision that on Item 15, purchase of the Yaw Kinney property, Staff obtain additional support for the appraised price that would be satisfactory the City Commission in determining if the value was okay.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Terms for Marva Hoard and Doug Ormseth expire on December 31, 2001. Ms. Hoard and Mr. Ormseth served on the City-County Planning Board since 1996 and were not eligible for reappointment. Therefore, it was necessary for the City Commission to make appointments to this board. Section 76-1-201, MCA, requires that appointments be designated as "citizen" or "official" members. Since the two expiring terms were "official" members, it would be appropriate for the new members be designated as "official" members.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission postpone making appointments to the City/County Planning Board and ask staff to re-advertise the openings.

Commissioner Beecher explained that the Planning Board was a very important board and while the Commission received applications from three qualified people, he wanted the opportunity to generate more community interest.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CITY MANAGER

CITY COMMISSION

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the regular meeting of December 18, 2001, adjourned into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.