1. There were no miscellaneous reports or announcements from neighborhood council representatives.

Interim Planning Director Bill Walters reported that in September the City Commission conditionally approved the Preliminary Plat of Castle Pines Addition, Phases VIII-IX. The developer of Castle Pines Addition, Harold Poulsen, has requested approval of the final plat and annexation of Phase VIII of the Preliminary Plat. The subdivision consists of 14 single-family residential lots along 29th Avenue South between 15th and 16th Streets South. Ordinance 3046 assigns a City zoning classification of R-3 Single-Family district to Castle Pines Addition, Phase VIII.

Mr. Walters requested that the Commission accept Ordinance 3046 on first reading and set a public hearing for December 1, 2009, when the final plat and annexation documents will also be considered.

Commissioner Rosenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner Bronson, that the City Commission accept Ordinance 3046 on first reading, and set public hearing for December 1, 2009.

Mayor Stebbins asked if there was any discussion amongst the Commissioners or inquiries from the public. No one responded.

Motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner Bronson reported that in 2006 the City Commission passed Resolution 9623 supporting federal recognition of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Recently, it was made aware that the Office of Federal Acknowledgements (OFA), despite having made preliminary findings in support of recognition of the Tribe in 2000, has now come to the conclusion that the Tribe is not entitled to federal recognition.

Senators Baucus and Tester, and Congressman Rehberg have spoken out publicly about the long delays in the administrative process. Senator Tester has commented that the system is “broken.”

Commissioner Bronson proposed at the agenda meeting that the Commission reaffirm its support, and to recognize that the only way for the Tribe to receive recognition is through the congressional process.

Commissioner Bronson moved, seconded by Commissioner Beecher, that the City Commission adopt Resolution 9871.

Mayor Stebbins asked if there was any discussion amongst the Commissioners. No one responded.

Mayor Stebbins asked if there were any inquiries from the public.

James Parker Shield, reported that Great Falls serves as the headquarters for the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe. The largest population of tribal members resides in the Great Falls area, and they see the City of Great Falls as one of their strong partners in their effort to obtain federal recognition. The process through the Bureau of Indian Affairs is broken. The United States Senate is conducting a hearing tomorrow about the process. He noted that the recognition would benefit the community as a whole.

John Gilbert, 3509 14th Avenue South, commented that he is a small business owner in Great Falls. Living in the City of Great Falls for the past six years has been a pleasure. Mr. Gilbert reported that he is a Little Shell Tribe member, past-chairman of the Tribal council, and has been to Washington D.C. to represent the Little Shell Tribe on the federal recognition committee. He did not think they were being treated fairly. The Department of Interior has made a gross mistake on behalf of the Little Shell people. All members across the state were saddened by the negative determination. On behalf of the Little Shell people, he thanked Commissioner Bronson for coming forward with this resolution.

Motion carried 4-0.

Interim Planning Director Bill Walters reported that the Salvation Army has leased property from the City at 17th Avenue South and 9th Street for their recreation facility and softball field since 1975. In preparation of the possible sale of the property to the Salvation Army, the City has caused to be prepared the Minor Plat of Salvation Army Addition which consolidates various parcels and updates the description of the involved property. The portion of the Minor Plat not leased by the Salvation Army is the City Pet Cemetery which the City intends to retain and for which a variance is needed for an access easement.

The Planning Board has recommended the City Commission approve the Minor Plat of Salvation Army Addition and the involved variance.

Commissioner Bronson moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the City Commission approve the Minor Plat of Salvation Army Addition and grant a variance allowing access for Lot 2 through an easement provided within Lot 1 of said Minor Plat.

Mayor Stebbins asked if there was any discussion amongst the Commissioners. No one responded.

Mayor Stebbins asked if there were any inquiries from the public.

Ron Gessaman, 1006 36th Avenue NE, inquired if the water service to the Pet Cemetery would continue, and was informed the irrigation and maintenance would continue. Mr. Gessaman commented that he did not see the access easement on the Minor Plat. Park and Recreation Director Marty Basta responded that the property was recently surveyed by Woith Engineering. The City will retain a 20’ easement on the eastern boundary of Lot 1 for access to the Pet Cemetery.

Motion carried 4-0.

Assistant City Manager Cheryl Patton introduced Mike Haynes, the new Planning Director, and welcomed him to the management team as well as to the City of Great Falls.

Mayor Stebbins opened the meeting to Petitions and Communications.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Bronson moved, seconded by Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum, that the regular meeting of November 3, 2009, be adjourned at 7:43p.m.

Motion carried 4-0.

Minutes Approved: November 17, 2009