PUBLIC HEARINGS

Bill Walters of the City/County Planning Department reported that Whispering Ridge Addition, Phase 3, consists of 15 single family residential lots located near the south end of 38th Street South. In March 2003, the City and County Commissions conditionally approved the preliminary plat of Whispering Ridge Addition, Phase 3.

Access to the proposed 15 lots in Phase 3 would be provided by the southerly extension of 38th Street South to 19th Avenue South, an approximate 350 foot stub of 17th Avenue South and two lots would be accessed from the existing 20th Avenue South cul-de-sac. The proposed dedicated segments of 38th Street South and 17th Avenue South would be improved with standard City paving, curb and gutter.

City water and sanitary sewer mains would be installed in the portion of 38th Street South and 17th Avenue South being dedicated in Phase 3. The subdivision would be served by an off-site sewer lift station to be installed adjacent to the existing City Storm Water Detention Facility with a force main to discharge into the City sewer system south of Mountain View School.

Surface drainage from Phase 3 would be directed into the existing storm sewer channel at the west boundary of 38th Street South which discharges into the City's Storm Water Detention Facility.

The developer intended to fulfill Phase 3's park obligation by escrowing the applicable park fee. At such time the developer arranges an acceptable program to reserve open space in the coulee, the escrowed park fee would be released to him.

The City/County Planning Board during a meeting held April 8, 2003, passed a motion recommending approval of the final plat of Whispering Ridge Addition, Phase 3, and annexation of the property contained therein, subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant execute an Annexation Agreement acceptable to the City of Great Falls and shall submit the appropriate supporting documents referenced in the Agreement.
2. The Department of Public Works approve the final engineering documents for required public improvements to serve the subdivision.
3. Any errors or omissions noted by staff be corrected as part of the final plat.
4. All applicable fees owed as a condition of plat or annexation approval be paid.

The above stated four conditions have been fulfilled with the following exceptions. Design of the lift station to serve the subdivision delayed completion of the final engineering documents, but no insurmountable issues were anticipated. Several off-site utility easements would be necessary which would be completed in conjunction with the infrastructure installation.

This property was zoned in the County as “R-1” Suburban Residential and it was proposed the property be zoned “A” Residence Use, “B” Area District, upon annexation to the City. The “A” Residence Use District primarily permits single family dwelling units constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code. The “B” Area District dictates minimum building setback distances from property/lot lines, which are 20 feet for the front yard, 5 feet for the side yards and 10 feet for the rear yard.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open on both Resolution 9316 and Ordinance 2851. There being no one to speak for or against either item, Mayor Gray closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9316 and approve Final Plat and Agreement.

Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2851.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Community Development Director Mike Rattray reported that the owner of the property known as 408½ 3rd Avenue South was given sixty (60) days from May 22, 2002, to obtain either a repair or razing permit. Neither a permit nor an appeal was filed for during the allotted time set by the Uniform Building Code. Proposals for razing the structure were taken with the contract awarded to John Gordon Construction. Razing was completed on April 21, 2003.

Mr. Rattray further stated that the property owner paid the obligation owed since the setting of this public hearing. Therefore, Mr. Rattray recommended denial of Resolution 9301.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission deny Resolution 9301.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Bill Walters of the City/County Planning Department reported that the owners of the property known as 3408 and 3412 10th Avenue South sent a letter that asked for a second 30 day continuance of the public hearing.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum to continue the public hearing on Ordinance 2846 to the June 24, 2003 Commission meeting.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

Bill Walters of the City/County Planning Department reported that the owners of the property known as the Southwest corner of the intersection of 10th Avenue South and 35th Street sent a letter that asked for a second 30 day continuance of the public hearing.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher to continue the public hearing on Ordinance 2847 to the June 24, 2003 Commission meeting.

Commissioner Hinz asked if there was any information from the owner of the property as to the reason for the rezone request. Bill Walters stated that there has been nothing specific stated by the owners.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

Fire Chief Randy McCamley stated that the only change in the fee structure was the addition of a charge for filling air cylinders. Great Falls Fire Rescue fills air cylinders for some businesses and outside departments and agencies. This practice was performed as a courtesy at no charge. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of this equipment and the ever increasing maintenance costs, it was necessary to assess a fee to recover a portion of these expenses.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9315.

Motion carried 5-0.
 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

Motion carried 5-0.
 

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS

CITY COMMISSION

PETITIONS/COMMUNICATIONS

ADJOURNMENT