Public Works Director Jim Rearden explained that at the Commission meeting held September 19, 2006, staff demonstrated the need for utility rate and fee increases, as well as the effect on the public, should the increases be adopted. The proposed rate changes were 5 percent for water, 5 percent for sewer and no increase for storm drain services.

The public had been notified of the public hearing and the proposed rate changes through legal ads and inserts sent in the utility bills the end of October and the first part of November. Staff requested the rates be effective January 1, 2007.

Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Resolution 9557. Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing closed and asked for direction from the Commission.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9557.

Commissioner Hinz thanked staff for providing a list of needed capital improvement projects for each of the utilities. She explained that the rate increases were necessary to keep the utility systems operational.

Motion carried 4-0.

Community Development Director Mike Rattray reported that property owners Alfred and Naomi Kleinert were issued a “Notice of Hearing” to appear at 7 p.m., November 21, 2006 before the City Commission to show cause why they should not be liable for costs incurred in razing and cleanup of a structure at 509 15th Street North. Staff incurred expenses in the amount of $7,987.30 and requested the City Commission to adopt Resolution 9620 which would provide staff the tools necessary to recover the costs.

Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing open. No one appeared to speak in support of or opposition to Resolution 9620. Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing closed and asked for direction from the Commission.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9620.

Motion carried 4-0.

Community Development Director Mike Rattray reported that property owner Sangchan Sirpundon, was issued a “Notice of Hearing” to appear at 7:00 p.m., November 21, 2006 before the City ommission to show cause why the owner of the property should not be liable for the costs incurred in abating the property. Staff incurred expenses in the amount of $429 cleaning up the property. Mr. Rattray added that the property owners paid the $429 in full therefore it was not necessary for the Commission to adopt the Resolution.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission deny Resolution 9622.

Motion carried 4-0.

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

Motion carried 4 -0.

Henry Devereaux was appointed to the Native American Local Government Commission on August 8, 2002. His term expired on August 1, 2006; therefore, it was necessary to reappoint him to the Commission.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission reappoint Henry Devereaux to the Native American Local Government Commission for a four-year term through August 1, 2010.

Motion carried 4-0.

Park and Recreation Deputy Director Patty Rearden reported that the Skate Park was the target of a significant amount of graffiti. She added that this was a continual problem since the skate park opened. She cited the following examples of some of the vandalism that had taken place since the park opened: the fence had 25 panels replaced; the rules sign was replaced several times and staff was continually cleaning off graffiti. Additionally, two to three fires were started in rest rooms each fall. In July, extensive damage was done to women’s rest room caused by a fire which actually burned through a wall.

She said that the current round of graffiti will cost approximately $1000 in graffiti remover and between $1,065 and $1,776 in manpower to clean it up.

Staff was currently exploring options as to how to effectively deal with this problem. Some of the choices included leaving the graffiti which would eventually fill in completely; host an artistic spray-on art event which would most probably be covered by graffiti over time; paint the spray park battleship gray which makes the surface slippery and less desirable; or fence and man the skate park which may require the City to charge admission.

In checking with other communities, Mrs. Rearden reported that Helena and Billings have given up and allow graffiti. One out-of-state park invites people to paint artistic spray-on art. No one currently has their skate park fenced, manned and charges admission.