There were no miscellaneous reports or announcements from Neighborhood Council members.

Patty Rearden, Interim Park and Recreation Director, reported that Resolution 9549 sets the rates and fees for the Mansfield Theater. A change in the rate structure involved calculating the fee as 8 percent of gross admission charges with a minimum rent of $900 and a maximum rent of $4,000 rather than a set per day fee. Also built into the rate structure was an annual increase based on the Consumer Price Index as well as including the box office services and use of all Theater equipment owned by the City in the rate structure. The former rate and fee structure required users of the theater to pay additional costs for box office services and equipment. In order to phase in the new rate structure, staff proposed that for Fiscal Year 2007, the Great Falls Symphony would be offered a 20 percent discount and Great Falls School District would be offered a 40 percent discount.

The Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts Advisory Board approved the rate structure and recommended the City Commission approve it as well.

Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Resolution 9549.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9549.

Motion carried 5-0.

Fire Chief Randy McCamley reported that the City Commission expressed interest in a third party evaluation of the emergency medical system currently serving Great Falls citizens. Staff developed a Request for Proposals which identified eight areas of examination and analysis including: State Licensing/Local Transport Agreement, City Regulations/Ordinances, Compliance with Federal Regulations and Nationally Recognized Response Standards, Local Response Agencies, Emergency Room Interface, 911 Dispatch Procedures, Cost/Revenue Impact On System Participants and Contracting Ambulance Services.

Four qualified proposals from consulting firms were received ranging in price from $32,525 to $35,705. A review panel consisting of Commissioner Beecher, Assistant City Manager Patton and Fire Chief McCamley reviewed and ranked each proposal. The review panel unanimously recommended the City Commission contract with The Abaris Group who submitted the superior proposal, detailing a very comprehensive work plan and had an experienced and diverse consultant workforce.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the contract submitted by the Abaris Group and the City Manager be authorized to execute the same.

David Kumn, Great Falls Emergency Service, encouraged the City Commission to approve the agreement and that the Ambulance company would support anything that would improve the quality of patient care.

Motion carried 5-0.

City Manager John Lawton reported that the City committed to make improvements to both municipal golf courses this season to attract past and new golfers, and to improve satisfaction of the continuing golfers. Staff compiled a capital improvement list containing items that would make visible improvements to the golf courses which totaled $95,000.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission approve activating general fund reserves in the amount of $95,000 for golf capital improvements identified in the Staff report.

Commissioner Beecher stated he supported these improvements and believed that upon their completion, more golfers would be attracted to the courses.

Mayor Stebbins thanked Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz for her work with the ad-hoc golf committee.

Planning Director Ben Rangel reported that, upon annexation, Ordinance 2936 assigns a zoning classification of R-3 single-family high-density district, to Discovery Meadows Addition Phase 2 which is located along 48th Street North. Additionally, the Commission would be asked to consider a conditional use permit which would allow two-family residences to be constructed on the lots.

During approval of the preliminary plat, the former City–County Planning Board recommended the subdivision be assigned a zoning classification of “A” Residence Use District, “B” Area District. With the adoption of the Unified Land Development Code the most appropriate zoning classification would now be “R-3” single-family high density.

The applicant changed the development plans for Phase 2 and instead of constructing single-family units, wanted to construct two-family residences. Two-family residences are allowed in the R-3 zoning district upon approval of a conditional use permit.

The Zoning Commission, at the conclusion of a public hearing held March 14, 2006, recommended the City Commission assign a recommended zoning classification and approve a conditional use permit to allow two-family residences to be constructed on the lots, when the City approved the final plat and the annexation of the area.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Hinz, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2936 on first reading and set a public hearing for May 16, 2006, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2936.

Motion carried 5-0.

Planning Director Ben Rangel reported that, upon annexation, Ordinance 2937 assigns a zoning classification of R-3 single-family high density district, to Beebe Tracts 22 and 23 and the westerly portion of Tract 21. The property is located along the north side of 3rd Avenue South between 44th and 46th Streets and the Catholic Church intended to construct a worship facility on the property.

The Planning Board conducted a public hearing on the annexation and rezoning requests and at the conclusion of the hearing, passed a motion recommending the City Commission annex Beebe Tracts 22 and 23 and the westerly portion of Tract 21, rezoning subject parcels to “B” Residence Use, “B” Area District (now R-3 Single-family high density district with a conditional use permit allowing a worship facility), subject to the applicant paying all applicable fees and agreeing to the terms and conditions in the annexation agreement The applicant has met both conditions.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2937 on first reading and set a public hearing for May 16, 2006, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2937.

Motion carried 5-0.

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

Motion carried 5-0.