PUBLIC HEARINGS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

In May of 2002, the City of Great Falls, the Great Falls International Airport, and the Great Falls Development Authority partnered to solicit Request for Proposals for consulting services for the community of Great Falls. The RFP specifically requested five main areas of interest be addressed:

1. Diversify the missions at Malmstrom Air Force Base to secure its long term future;
2. Develop more opportunities for civilian businesses by leveraging the military presence in Great Falls;
3. Identify and develop opportunities to expand the civilian federal agency presence in the community;
4. Mobilize resources to assist small businesses;
5. Help secure additional federal funding for infrastructure and quality of life needs.

The City of Great Falls, the Great Falls International Airport, and the Great Falls Development Authority will enter into a separate agreement for cost sharing of this agreement.

Under the terms of this agreement, Capitol Decisions, Inc. (CDI), agreed to provide consulting and advising services with regard to various federal agencies and legislatives issues. The City agreed to pay CDI the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000) per month, plus Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000) for reimbursement of reasonable associated expenses. The term of the agreement would extend at least through January 2, 2004, or until terminated by either party.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission approve the agreement, and authorize the City Manager to execute the document.

Commissioner Beecher stated to not do this would be foolish in light of the fact that federal officials are again talking about a reorganization of the armed forces in this nation.

Mayor Gray stated this was the creation of a partnership and was a step in the right direction. He added that this agreement had the unanimous support of the Montana Congressional delegation.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

Staff reported that Resolution 9282 would set a public hearing for February 4, 2003, to consider the annexation of 5th Supplement to Skyline Heights Addition, consisting of 10 single-family residential lots and dedicated segments of 35th Avenue Northeast and 11th Street Northeast.

The segments of 35th Avenue Northeast and 11th Street Northeast abutting lots in the subdivision would contain water and sanitary sewer mains, paving, curb and gutter to City specifications.

Surface drainage from the subdivision would be directed south to Skyline Heights Park where it would be collected in a City storm sewer system that runs south to and through the City Shop Complex to 25th Avenue Northeast.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9282 and set a public hearing for February 4, 2003.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Ordinance 2838 would assign a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District, to 5th Supplement to Skyline Heights Addition, upon annexation of same to the City.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2838 on first reading and set a public hearing and final reading for February 4, 2003.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The City determined in June, 2000, that a use variance granted in 1967 allowed on-premise sale and consumption of alcohol. and consequently, gaming on Montana Addition, Block 1, Lot 2A. More commonly known as 1608 Fox Farm Road.

If approved on final reading, Ordinance 2836 would rezone Montana Addition, Block 1, Lot 2A, from "LB" Local Business District to "GC" General Commercial District. The property is occupied by the Country Club Express, and consists of a convenience store, fueling station, car wash and Foxy's Casino.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2836 on first reading and set a public hearing and final reading for February 4, 2003.

Clayton Braden asked why the City Commission assigns a zoning classification to property when it is annexed since they will only turn around a few years later and rezone it for a casino.

Mayor Gray reminded Mr. Braden that he needed to limit his remarks to the issue at hand which was setting the public hearing on this issue.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Montana Addition, Block 1, Lots 2-7 was granted a use variance in 1967 to allow on-premise sale and consumption of alcohol and subsequently received a gaming license.

If approved on final reading, Ordinance 2836 would rezone Montana Addition, Block 1, Lots 2-7, from "LB" Local Business District to "GC" General Commercial District. This property is occupied by the Heritage Inn, addressed as 1700 Fox Farm Road, and includes 200+ motel rooms, a restaurant, the Max Casino, a gift shop and convention facilities.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2836 on first reading and set a public hearing and final reading for February 4, 2003.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Recently, Town Pump, Inc., purchased Tietjen Triangle, Block 1, Lot 1, razed two buildings on the premises and initiated construction of a building to accommodate a retail liquor store and casino. The building permit issued by the City was for purposes of a commercial building inclusive of a use variance granted in 1962 for on-premise sale and consumption of alcohol.

To address the City's determination to allow gaming on subject property, the City initiated the rezoning from "LB" Local Business District to "GC" General Commercial District.

If approved on final reading, Ordinance 2835 would rezone Tietjen Triangle, Block 1, Lot 1 from "LB" Local Business District to "GC" General Commercial District. Town Pump, Inc., recently initiated construction of a 4,136 sq. ft. building on subject property, addressed as 1605 Fox Farm Road, intended to accommodate a retail liquor store and casino.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2835 on first reading and set a public hearing and final reading for February 4, 2003.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The Sign Code Review Committee recommended Ordinance 2839. This ordinance would serve to replace the existing regulations governing on-premise signs in commercial and industrial districts only. The ordinance was intended to serve as interim regulations until a final sign code could be recommended and approved by the City Commission.

The major changes proposed included: the elimination of roof signs, limiting signage to correspond to the size of the building for wall signs and pole signs, and reducing the height allowable for pole signs from 35 feet to 25 feet. All current regulations outside of section 15.11.200 OCCGF would remain the same.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2839 on first reading and set a public hearing and final reading for January 21, 2003.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CONSENT AGENDA

Commissioner Hinz asked that Item 16 be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission approve the Consent Agenda as printed minus item 16.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Staff requested acceptance of the proposed policies for use in the 2003 CDBG allocation process. The Policies were as follows:

Based on written comments and testimony given at the Community Issues and Needs Public Hearing held by the City Commission on December 17, 2002, staff recommended the following priorities for the 2003 program year. The only change in the recommended funding priority categories from the 2002 program year is the elimination of an allocation to economic development/job training. With this change, the recommended amount of the grant to be allocated to Public Facility Improvements/Handicap Accessibility had been raised to 49% of the grant. The funding percentage for the remaining priorities remained the same as in 2002. They were: 20% of the grant allocated to Housing, 15% allocated to Public Services, and 16% allocated to Administration.

Mayor Gray stated that he was concerned that the Indian Health Center would not receive adequate funding to continue offering a valuable service to the community. Therefore, he proposed Alternate 1 whereby the $59,000 available to be reallocated and $41,000 from the Public Service entitlement be set aside for the Indian Health Center should they submit a qualified application for CDBG funding.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the amended CDBG policies, and approve the 2003 Community Development Block Grant funding priorities as included the Alternate Option described by Mayor Gray.

Commissioner Hinz stated that in her opinion the Native American community was the most underserved group in the area and that she was banking on them to submit a proposal.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

The Civic Center Advisory Board was created in 1997. The Board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Commission and the City Manager on all matters related to the successful operation of the Civic Center facilities. The Board consists of five to seven members with an attempt to have representation from the areas of performing arts, conventions and meetings, and civic leaders.

The term of Marianne Granlie expired on December 31, 2002. Ms. Granlie was not interested in reappointment; therefore, it was necessary to appoint one new member to this Board.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission appoint Tia Dear to the Civic Center Advisory Board for a three-year term, ending December 31, 2005.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

The Parking Advisory Commission is comprised of five members appointed by the City Commission and one ex-officio member appointed by the Business Improvement District. The Commission advises the City Commission, City Manager, and Community Development Staff on matters related to parking issues within the Parking Districts.

Donn Lassila resigned from his position on the Parking Advisory Commission. Therefore, it was necessary to appoint one member to fill the remainder of his term through April 30, 2003.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission appoint Charles Bennett to the Parking Advisory Commission to fill the remainder of a three-year term through April 30, 2003.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

ADJOURNMENT