Chief of Police Robert Jones reported that a new grant process has been developed for the administration of the previous Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. The program is now identified as the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and it has a new application process and new rules governing the distribution. The new allocation is $131,675 and it must be a joint application between the Great Falls Police Department and the Cascade County Sheriff's Office. The staff at both agencies stated that it was important to continue growth in data communication. Both agencies currently use the same mobile data equipment and the same communications center.

The proposed use of JAG grant funding would be used to purchase associated equipment, software, and installation of that equipment. The funds may also be used to make technological improvements to the existing system and to expand the system's capabilities. These may include but will not be limited to mobile data terminals, bar coding equipment and software. Once the system was fully operational it would improve crime response capabilities. The application process allows 30 days for the review by the governing bodies (City and County) and provides an opportunity for public comment on the grant application.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to the Justice Assistance Grant recommendations. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing closed.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Hinz, that the City Commission accept the recommendation of staff.

Motion carried 4-0.

Planning Director Ben Rangel reported that Resolution 9499 vacates the 60 foot right-of-way between the intersection of 6th Street NW and 1st Avenue NW and the southwest boundary of the Montana Expopark. The accompanying documents provide for the distribution of the vacated right-of-way to the adjoining property owners.

The subject 60 foot right-of-way was previously used as public access to the Montana Expopark for many years and was no longer needed because of the development of other entrances into the Fairgrounds. In fact, with the completion of the 6th Street NW reconstruction project by the Montana Department of Transportation and the City, access from the intersection of 6th Street Northwest and 1st Avenue Northwest was no longer possible. The 60 foot right-of-way would be aggregated into the abutting lots owned by Cascade County and Eklund's Appliance and TV. The County Weed and Mosquito complex occupies the parcels abutting the right-of-way to the south. The former Consolidated Freight Warehouse and now Eklund's Appliance and TV occupy the parcels to the north.

Mayor Gray declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Resolution 9499. Mayor Gray declared the public hearing closed.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9499 and approve the amended plat of Lots 2 and 3, Block 7, Fair Acreage Tracts and deeded parcels 33-2675, 256-1391 and 254-912, and the accompanying Findings of Fact.

Motion carried 4-0.

Planning Director Ben Rangel reported that Ordinance 2921 assigns a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District, to 1.152 acres of land in the NW¼ of Section 23, Township 20 North, Range 3 East, Cascade County, Montana, (abuts the east boundary of Lot 3A, Block 1, Fox Farm Addition No. 2) upon annexation of same to the City. On May 24, 2005, the Planning Board held a public hearing and at the conclusion, passed a motion recommending the City Commission assign a zoning classification of "A" Residence Use, "A" Area District, to said 1.152 acres of land, upon annexation to the City.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2921 on first reading and set a public hearing for July 19, 2005, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2921.

Motion carried 4-0.

Planning Director Ben Rangel reported that Montana law requires a municipality's zoning code and subdivision regulations be in compliance with an adopted growth policy. The growth policy currently used by the City of Great Falls was adopted in 2003 by the City and Cascade County for the City-County Planning Board's entire jurisdictional area. Due to the dissolution of the City-County Planning Board effective July 1, 2005, the Great Falls City-County Growth Policy would no longer be in effect. Therefore, a growth policy for the City of Great Falls must be prepared and adopted before July 1, 2005.

On April 26, 2005, the Cascade County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to dissolve the Great Falls City-County Planning Board, effective July 1, 2005. As a result, the Great Falls City Commission approved the creation of a City Planning Advisory Board on May 17, 2005, effective June 17, 2005. This new Board would advise the City Commission and Departments on planning issues, including zoning, subdivisions, annexations, long-range planning and transportation.

In order to ensure this new Board was able to provide continued, uninterrupted planning services, guidance and advice, the City asked the City-County Planning Board to prepare amendments to the current Great Falls City-County Growth Policy to reflect the jurisdiction of the City only. It was important that the City have a current and adopted growth policy for its jurisdiction so that zone changes and annexations can be legally processed.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9501.

Motion carried 4-0.

Action on Resolution 9503 was postponed

Mayor Gray asked for any comments. Sue Strickland, 609 2nd Avenue Southwest # 4, Acting Chair Neighborhood Council 2, asked what the landscape project was going to entail. Acting Park and Recreation Director Patty Gumenberg stated the project would include new irrigation system, seeding, trees and shrubs, 1300 lineal feet of sidewalk, benches, a welcome sign and a culvert to fix the drainage issue.

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

Motion carried 4-0.

The Great Falls Planning Advisory Board was created in lieu of the Great Falls City-County Planning Board. Further, the advisory board has jurisdiction within the City limits; consists of nine citizen members appointed by the City Commission; and, performs and provides the duties, services and functions specified in Ordinance 2913, generally involving growth policies, subdivision applications and plats, annexation applications, zoning and rezoning petitions, conditional use permits, long range planning, transportation planning, Community Transportation Enhancement Program administration, historic preservation services, etc.

Membership to the Board will become effective July 1st. Additionally, in order to ensure a smooth transition between the two boards and to provide for continuity of experience and knowledge, the four current City appointees to the City-County Planning Board have agreed to continue to serve the length of terms specified below with the understanding that each would be eligible for appointment to an additional three-year term. This approach would allow and provide for a staggering of future appointments so that overall two new appointments could be made each year, where thereafter, all appointees could serve a total of six years in accordance with City Commission policy.

To date, there were only two interested and eligible applicants for appointment to the five open positions. If appointed to the Great Falls Planning Advisory Board, Mr. Bundtrock would have to vacate his position on the Community Development Council.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission appoint up to nine members to the Great Falls Advisory Board as follows:

Motion carried 4-0.

Mark Meyer's term expires on June 30, 2005. Mr. Meyer was appointed in 1997 to fill the remainder of a five-year term; and reappointed on June 20, 2000, to serve a five-year term. He is interested in and eligible for reappointment.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission reappoint Mark Meyer to the Library Board for another five-year term, expiring June 30, 2010.

Motion carried 4-0.

Phyllis Hemstad, Neighborhood Council # 2, 931 1st Avenue Northwest, thanked City staff and Commission for working on Bloomingdale Park. She added that it took eight years to get started on it and they look forward to watching the work being done.

Mayor Gray reported that he met with Michael F. Neidorff, the CEO of Centene Corporation, and that they toured the Centene project that is being built near Benefis East campus. He added that it is a wonderful facility and in the next four to five years, Centene would be employing approximately 250 people that would include great benefits and wages.

Mayor Gray added that he and Mr. Neidorff attended the dedication of the Eagle at the Great Falls International Airport. Also present was Earl Oldperson, Chief of the Blackfeet, along with the Blackfeet drummers, who performed a traditional dedication of the Eagle project.

Mayor Gray and Mr. Neidorff also attended the dedication of the Centene Stadium at the Legion baseball park before the Commission meeting.