Bill Walters, Planning Department, reported that Northview Phase 2 is a portion of the Preliminary Plat of Northview Addition Phases 2 – 7 which was conditionally approved by the City Commission on February 6, 2007. The preliminary plat consists of 80 internal lots for single-family residences and 3 lots around the perimeter to contain a total of 21 duplex condos. The developer requested as part of the preliminary plat that the zoning be changed from the current County “A” Agricultural District to PUD (planned unit development) as each phase was annexed. The Zoning Commission approved the PUD zoning request on January 9, 2007.

The primary reason the applicant requested the PUD zoning classification was to provide for a larger front yard setback then the minimum front yard setback (20 feet) required by the R-3 zoning district which Phase 2 would normally be based upon.

The Planning Board during a meeting held February 13, 2007, unanimously recommended the City Commission approve the Final Plat and its annexation subject to the following conditions: the applicant sign an annexation agreement, pay applicable fees, correct any errors or omissions on the final plat; provide a financial surety (i.e. certificate of deposit) in the name of the owner/developer and the City to cover the costs for a roadway and an 8-inch water main; and all final engineering documents are to be approved by Public Works.

The Zoning Commission at the conclusion of a public hearing held January 9, 2007, unanimously recommended the City Commission approve establishing a City zoning classification of PUD planned unit development district upon the Final Plat of Northview Addition Phase 2, upon annexation of the area contained therein.

Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing open. Ron and Kathleen Gessaman, 1006 36th Avenue NE, asked several questions regarding 36th Avenue NE and 9th Street NE. They expressed concern about the increased traffic on the roadways and that the current configuration and size were dangerous. There being no one further to address the Commission, Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing closed.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9641 and approve the final plat and Annexation Agreement all related to Northview Addition Phase 2.

Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2963.

Motion carried 5-0.

Bill Walters, Planning Department, reported that in 2001, the City Commission conditionally approved the preliminary plat of Discovery Meadows Addition, located immediately north of Portage Meadows Addition. The applicant wants to proceed with the final portion of the Discovery Meadows Addition Phase 3 under the new title of Cottage Grove Addition Phase 2 consisting of 10 lots along the northerly extension of 49th Street North. The applicant also desires to have Cottage Grove Addition Phase 2 zoned PUD, planned unit development district, to accommodate a mix of residential lots ranging in size from 4,608 to 11,107 square feet.

The Great Falls City–County Planning Board previously recommended the subdivision be assigned a zoning classification of “A” Residence Use, “B” Area District on the preliminary plat. With the adoption of the Unified Land Development Code the compatible classification would be “R-3” single-family high density. However, the applicant instead requested it be assigned the PUD designation. The primary reason the applicant requested the PUD zoning classification was to allow more flexibility in lot sizes in order to accommodate more affordable housing.

At the conclusion of a combined public hearing held February 13, 2007, the Planning Board recommended the City Commission approve the Final Plat and its annexation subject to the following conditions: the developer sign an annexation agreement, pay all applicable fees, correct any errors found and submit for approval final engineering documents to Public Works.

The Zoning Commission recommended the City Commission approve establishing a City zoning classification of PUD planned unit development district.

Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing open. No one spoke in support or opposition to Resolution 9642 and Ordinance 2964. Mayor Stebbins declared the public hearing closed.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9642 and approve the final plat and Annexation Agreement all related to Cottage Grove Addition Phase 2.

Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Ordinance 2964.

Motion carried 5-0.

Bill Walters, Planning Department, reported that upon adoption Ordinance 2970 assigns a zoning classification of C-2 General commercial district to Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, and R-5 multi-family residential medium density district to the unincorporated portion of Lot 1, Block 2, of Hilton Garden Inn Minor Subdivision and rezones the presently incorporated portion of Lot 1, Block 2, of the Subdivision from R-2 Single-family medium density district to R-5 Multi-family residential medium density district.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 2970 on first reading and set the public hearing for May 1, 2007, to consider adoption of Ordinance 2970.

Commissioner Hinz asked if staff knew what type of multi-family dwellings would be constructed in this area. Mr. Walters stated that staff was unsure because there was a change in land ownership during the annexation, zoning and rezoning processes. He added that there were height restrictions in place and the proposed development was required to be approved by the Design Review Board.

Motion carried 5-0.

Fiscal Services Director Coleen Balzarini reported that the City owns and operates four swimming facilities that were constructed in the 1960s. These facilities have aged and now require substantial investment for renovation and rehabilitation if they are to continue to serve Great Falls citizens. Resolution 9647 calls for the issuance and public sale of $2,270,000 of general obligation bonds to repair and improve certain pool facilities, as approved by a majority of the qualified voters on November 7, 2006.

Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9647.

Motion carried 5-0.

Marilyn Swenson resigned her position on the Advisory Commission on International Relationships. Ms. Swenson was appointed on August 3, 2004, for a three-year term through March 31, 2008. Patricia Craumer also resigned her position. Ms. Craumer was appointed in August of 2004 and resigned from the board in August of 2006.

Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz moved, seconded by Commissioner Hinz, that the City Commission appoint Charles Tyler to the Advisory Commission on International Relationships to fill the remainder of a three-year term through March 31, 2008, and appoint Jay Buckley for a three-year term through March 31, 2010.

Mayor Stebbins thanked Bob Harris and Lee Neibuhr for their work on this board. She added that both of them have served on this board since its inception.

Motion carried 5-0.

Library Board member Paul Comer passed on December 17, 2006, therefore it was necessary to appoint one member to fill his position on the board.

Commissioner Hinz moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Jovick-Kuntz, that the City Commission appoint Sheila Kelly to the Library Board to fill the remainder of a five-year term through June 30, 2007.

Motion carried 5-0.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Beecher moved, seconded by Commissioner Rosenbaum, that the regular meeting of April 3, 2007, be adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Motion carried 5-0.