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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-01-25 .-' 46 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA January 25, 1988 ************************ Orientation Session - 1: 00 p. m. City Engineer Forbes distributed to the Commissioners an outline of the various functions in which his office is involved. I Phill Forbes stated his office is responsible for five basic functions, with several items contained under each: (1) engineering, (2) review, (3) inspection, (4) administration and (5) public assistance. He noted that the City utilizes four traffic counters whenever possible to determine traffic patterns; however, wintertime use creates problems so the counts are done dur- ing good weather. He indicated that the engineering office reviews plans for various proposals, submitting input to the planning staff concerning requested land uses. He stated the depart- ment does inspect water, sewer and paving improvements, often reviewing a consulting engi- neer's work to ensure that the project is acceptable to the City. Mr. Forbes stated that the department includes a draftsman and an engineering technician in addition to himself; and the technician spends six to seven hours a day inspecting various projects and working with consulting engineers during the summer. Phill Forbes stated that his office issues permits for installation of sidewalks and curb cuts; and he requires that the proper sidewalk section be installed in a driveway whenever pos- sible. Mr. Forbes then stated that his office administers the pretreatment program for waste water. He noted that only three industrial users are currently being monitored under this pro- gram, those being Darigold, Lehrkind's Coca-Cola and Montana State University. He stated a monitoring manhole was also required for the new building located in the Tech Park so that fu- ture uses can be monitored whenever necessary. He indicated that the engineering technician is currently working with the hospital to determine whether their discharge may require pretreat- ment. I Phill Forbes indicated that his office also is charged with administration of the sidewalk snow removal program. He stated two part-time inspectors are hired for this purpose on an as- needed basis. He stated that recently a change was made in the door hangers for failure to shov- el so they now appear as courtesy hangers; and the number of sidewalks that must be contract- ed has greatly increased. He indicated that, although the former hangers may have appeared more formidable, they did seem much more effective. The City Engineer stated that the staff has placed an advertisement in the newspaper reminding the citizens of the snow shoveling re- quirements under this ordinance in an attempt to address the matter. I n response to a question from Commissioner Hawks, Mr. Forbes stated that the actual charges are 2 cents per square foot plus $20 or 20 percent of the cost, whichever is greater. He noted the typical bill is in the low $30's. Phill Forbes stated the first new sidewalk construction program in years was implemented last year. He indicated the staff is currently reviewing potential areas for the upcoming pro- gram, noting five or six neighborhoods do need sidewalks. He stated the staff does have con- cerns about the process that was followed in the construction program and is currently reviewing ways to change it. He suggested that to establish a district and provide a one-year advance notice and time period for individuals to install the sidewalk may address some of the concerns raised this past year. Commissioner Vant Hull suggested that the North 7th Avenue sidewalk be included in the next program; and the City Engineer reminded her that project must be approved through the I State. Director of Public Service Dick Holmes stated that the staff is considering a district to include the North 21 st Avenue and North 22nd Avenue area; the South Black Avenue and South Rouse Avenue area; and Marwyn Addition for the next project area. He indicated that would be followed by Figgins Addition, Westridge Subdivision and Hyalite Subdivision. Mr. Holmes re- minded the Commission that the staff had pursued the issue of installing sidewalks along North 7th Avenue before and found that encroachments exist where the sidewalk would be. He a I so noted that acquisition of additional right-of-way would be necessary before the project could 01-25-88 47 move forward. City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that during previous discussions, a ques- tion arose on whether the sidewalk should be constructed at the back of the curb or whether a boulevard should be provided. He indicated that those questions were not answered during pri- or discussions. The City Manager also stated if the Commission wishes to pursue this issue again, it must give the staff direction on what type of information is necessary before dis- I cussions begin. Commissioner Hawks asked who determines what the sidewalk project area is to be. Director of Public Service Holmes stated that staff discussion usually generates a recom- mendation to the Commission, which makes the final determination. He then indicated that the portion of last year's district lying south of West Koch Street is automatically this year's project area due to Commission decisions. City Engineer Phill Forbes then continued review of his outline of activities. He noted the staff hires a consultant to test the groundwater at the landfill twice a year, monitoring the results of those tests. Mr. Forbes stated that the engineering office has developed quarter-section maps for the City, based on a 1-inch for 200 feet scale. He noted the base maps have been completed; and the staff will develop overlay maps for water and sewer lines as well as drainage, addresses and zoning designations. The Commission thanked Phill Forbes for his presentation. Street Superintendent Clinton Gee distributed to the Commissioners an outline of the ac- tivities within the street, sanitation and vehicle maintenance operations. City Manager Wysocki stated that Mr. Gee has worked for the City for about 32 years and has submitted his letter for retirement, effective March 1, 1988. He then thanked Mr. Gee for a job well done. Street Superintendent Clinton Gee reviewed his outline of activities, noting that the street portion has been spl it based on the four seasons. He stated that during the winter, the depart- I ment does sanding and salting of streets in the downtown area and intersections in the residen- tial areas as needed. He noted that arterials and snow routes are plowed; and snow in the down- town area is hauled when about six inches accumulates. He also indicated that the staff cleans the sidewalks at City-owned buildings, including City Hall, the Carnegie Building and the Li- brary. Mr. Gee indicated that thawing of storm sewer intakes is completed on an as-needed basis so that the water has a way to escape. Commissioner Vant Hull asked if the lower-than-average snowfall has allowed the street crew to work on other items. The Street Superintendent stated that the crew has been working on the lower yard. He noted they also patch potholes when possible and trim trees and hedges in the alleys so that the garbage trucks can get through. City Manager Wysocki asked Mr. Gee about staffing levels in the Street Department, not- ing that several annexations have been completed, which has added streets to the system. Clint Gee stated that the department has two less employees than it did in 1978, and less than it did when he started working for the City 33 years ago. Mr. Gee stated that spring activities include sweeping the streets, cleaning up the sand, and vacuuming the sand out of the storm sewers. He noted that spring cleanup includes hauling brush and trash from the alleys and streets, which takes about two weeks. He also indicated that the crosswalks are painted in the downtown area. Clint Gee then reviewed the summer activities, including spraying of weeds on paved streets, mowing weeds as necessary, patching and maintaining streets through various methods, I and painting the school crosswalks just before school starts. The Street Superintendent stated that in the fall, necessary street repair is done, along with grading of gravel streets. He noted the fall cleanup in the streets and alleys takes about two and one-hal f weeks to complete. He stated this cleanup helps avoid freezing of the storm sewers during the winter. Street Superintendent Gee stated that the department maintains the traffic signals under a contract with the State, as well as installation of maintenance of signs, on a year-round basis. He noted that the City staff makes most of the street marker signs; and vandalism or theft of those s ig ns resu I ts in a cost of $3,000 to $6,000 each yea r. He stated that the signs were 01-25-88 "". 48 raised two feet, so they are now nine feet; and that did alleviate some of the problem. Commissioner Vant Hull suggested street maintenance districts might help the department to maintain the streets, since it would provide additional monies for that purpose. Street Superintendent Gee stated that at the present time, each spring he reviews all of the streets to determine what maintenance must be done during the summer. He noted that to create a maintenance district might be helpful; however, the entire community should be viewed rather than just portions to determine what maintenance work must be completed. I I n response to a question from Commissioner Goehrung, the Street Superintendent indi- cated that the tree trimming program is under the Park Department; however, the Street Depart- ment does some tree trimming where the garbage trucks incur problems. The Commission thanked Clint Gee for his presentation. Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Si lence The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, January 25, 1988, at 2:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Hawks, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Goehrung, City Manager Wysocki, City Attorney Becker and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. None of the Commissioners requested that any of the items listed under Consent Items be removed for discussion. Minutes It was moved by Commissioner Hawks, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the min- utes of the regular meeting of January 11, 1988 be approved as amended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Hawks, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Goehrung and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that the min- utes of the regular meeting of January 18, 1988 be approved as amended. The motion carried I by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commis- sioner Martel, Commissioner Goehrung, Commissioner Hawks and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Pledged Securities as of December 31, 1987 In compliance with the provisions of Sections 7-6-201 to 7-6-212, M.C.A., Commissioner Martel and Commissioner Goehrung have examined the receipts of Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities held by the Director of Finance as security for City funds deposited in Bozeman banks. The inventory of the Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities was found to be in or- der. It was moved by Commissioner Martel, seconded by Commissioner Goehrung, that the Com- mission approve the inventory of the Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities as of December 31, 1987, and a list of these be set forth as follows: DEPOSITORY BONDS AND SECURITIES DECEMBER 31, 1987 RATE MATURITY RECEIPT NO. TOTAL AMOUNT FIRST SECURITY BANK - Bozeman Federal Deposit I nsurance Corporation $ 100,000.00 Trusteed with United Bank of Denver: North Slope Borough Alaska GO 9.5 06/30/90 312086 105,000.00 I North Slope Borough Alaska GO 9.5 06/30/90 314724 45,000.00 Minn. Hgs. Fin. Ag. 9.10 02/01/93 144337 100,000.00 Blaine Minn. GO Tax Incr. 8.10 02/01/97 478054 100,000.00 Saint Cloud, Minn. GO RFOG 8.25 02/01/97 478625 100,000.00 Bozeman, MT, S.1. D. #625 9.75 1/01/2001 SK155026 100,000.00 Gallatin County, MT HSD #7 5.20 7/01/88 SK155028 25,000.00 01-25-88 --,_. 49 North Slope Borough, AK GO 9.25 9/20/89 257806 200,000.00 State of Hawaii 11.5 8/01/90 181125 200,000.00 So. Dakota Health Ed Rev 6.70 9/01/90 069431 100,000.00 U. S. Treasury Notes 10.0 5/15/88 447081 1,000,000.00 SUB TOTAL - First Security Bank - Bozeman $2,075,000.00 Pledging Amendment to Repurchase Agreement: I U.S. Treasury Note 6.25 2/28/89 591223 1,000,000.00 U. S. Treasury Note 9.5 8/15/88 463380 500,000.00 Minn St. H FA St Asst'd 8.75 2/01/90 304391 180,000.00 Conrad Spec Imp Dist #63 6.625 1/01/98 161428 110,000.00 Western Wy CCD GO 11 .25 7/01/91 226882 150,000.00 Sherburne EI k River Law Fac. 6.5 2/01/92 526060 200,000.00 Sherburne Elk River Law Fac. 6.25 2/01/91 526061 200,000.00 Alaska Housing Auth Fin 7.55 9/15/91 583683 300,000.00 Montana St Bd Hsg SFM 6. 1 6/01/97 161429 100,000.00 Summit Co SD RE-l 5.5 12/01/94 161431 100,000.00 Montana BRD Regents Higher Ed. 8.25 11/15/94 473235 100,000.00 Kalispell Flathead County HSD #5 7.8 7/01/93 512799 100,000.00 Maple Grove MN. GO Impt. 8.0 2/01/93 146439 100,000.00 Chisholm, MN 7.0 4/01/94 504783 100,000.00 TOT AL - First Security Bank - Bozeman $5,315,000.00 MONT ANA BAN K - Bozeman Federal Deposit I nsurance Corporation $ 100,000.00 Trusteed with Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis: Grade Sch. Bldg. Dist #11 of Powell Co. (Ovando), MT, Sch. Bldg. Bd. 6.00 6/04/88-89 H 1127 2,000.00 City of Polson, MT GO Bd. of 1970 6.00 1/15/90 H29829 1,875.00 City of Polson, MT GO Bd. of 1970 6.00 1/15/89 H29972 3,750.00 Trout Creek, MT Sch. Dist. #6 of Sanders Co., School Bldg. Bd. 5.25 12/31/93 H30310 19,000.00 I 5.30 12/31/94 H30311 19,000.00 5.35 12/31/95 H30312 19,000.00 Flathead Co. SD #44 (Whitefish) 5.20 1/01/96 H943 120,000.00 TOT AL - Montana Bank of Bozeman, Montana $ 184,625.00 FI RST CITIZENS BANK OF BOZEMAN - Bozeman Federal Deposit I nsurance Corporation $ 100,000.00 Trusteed with First National Bank of Minneapolis: U.S. Treasury Notes 6.75 9/30/90 9893 200,000.00 U.S. Treasury Notes 6.375 9/30/88 2149 200,000.00 TOT AL - First Citizens Bank of Bozeman - Bozeman $ 400,000.00 This is to certify that we, the Commission of the City of Bozeman, in compliance with the provisions of Section 7-6-207, M.C.A., have this day certified the receipts of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the First Bank of Minneapolis, the United Bank of Denver, for the Depository Bonds held by the Director of Finance as security, for the deposit for the City of Bozeman funds as of December 31, 1987, by the several banks of Bozeman and approve and accept the same. I ALFRED M. STIFF, Mayor WAL TER MARTEL, Commissioner JAMES L. GOEHRUNG, Commissioner MARY B. VANT HULL, Commissioner R. L. HAWKS, Commissioner 01-25-88 -----.--- 50 The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Goehrung, Commissioner Hawks, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Appointments to the ad hoc committee to review the business license ordinance (10) City Manager Wysocki submitted to the Commission a list of twenty-six applicants for ap- pointment to the ad hoc committee to review the business license ordinance. I The Commissioners briefly reviewed the various categories represented by the applications and determined the process they would follow in making the appointments to this committee. They concurred that the paper ballot process would be utilized, with all appointees being re- quired to have a majority of Commissioner votes. Following tally of the ballots, the Commission found that eleven persons had received at least three votes. They concurred that the eleven seem to provide a good cross section of in- terests. They further concurred that to form a committee of eleven would avoid a tie vote situ- ation; and minority reports will reflect any concerns or opinions not contained in the majority report. It was moved by Commissioner Goehrung, seconded by Commissioner Hawks, that the fol- lowing eleven applicants be appointed to serve on the ad hoc committee to review the business li- cense ordinance: (1) Katherine A. Ball, (2) Reese Bassett, (3) Patty T. Cowles, (4) Gordon Elder, (5) Steve Hample, (6) Robert S. MacDonald, (7) Douglas E. McClelland, (8) John P. Parker, (9) Tom Simkins, (10) James W. Stephens, and (11) Terri Jean Sullivan. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Goehrung, Com- missioner Hawks, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Martel and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Break - 2:40 to 3:00 p.m. Mayor Stiff declared a break from 2:40 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in accordance with Commission policy established at their regular meeting of March 14, 1983. I Appointments to the ad hoc committee to review the business license ordinance (10) (continued) Mayor Stiff asked how those appointed to the committee will be notified and how they will be organized. City Manager Wysocki indicated that the staff will contact the committee members. He then suggested that the Commission set the initial meeting for the committee to begin the pro- cess. He noted at that meeting, the guidelines could be reviewed and the committee could orga- nize itself. He stated the staff could be present at that meeting as well, if the Commission wishes. Following a brief discussion, the Commission set the initial meeting of the ad hoc com- mittee for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 1988 in the Commission Room; and the Commission will be in attendance at that meeting to respond to questions. Orientation session (continued) Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Noyes distributed packets of information on the plant operations to the Commissioners. WWTP Superintendent Don Noyes reviewed the information contained in the packet. He noted on the right side of the folder are information brochures on the waste water treatment plant, waste water treatment and household hazardous wastes, along with a history of the City's sewer system. He noted that this plant is one of the most advanced, and probably produces the best effluent, in the state. I The WWTP Superintendent then reviewed the information contained on the left side of the folder. He noted the plant has fourteen employees, eight with Class I certificates, two working on certificates, and one with a Class I operator-in-training Water Certificate. He further in- dicated that three of the personnel have degrees; two in microbiology and one in chemistry. He stated that the maintenance people are proud of the facility--keeping it spotless and all of the equipment in working order. He stated the plant has approximately $8 million in equipment that operates 24 hours per day; and there are at least two people on every shift. 01-25-88 51 WWTP Superintendent Noyes stated that the plant utilizes 80 to 100 percent of the me- thane gas produced for electricity to operate the digesters and maintain temperatures in the out- side buildings during most of the year. He noted that, since methane gas is dirty and the plant has only one generator, he does not wish to utilize it on a full-time basis. The Plant Super- intendent stated that the facility uses well water, not City water, for its operation. City Manager Wysocki noted that when he became City Manager, Don Noyes was superin- I tendent for both the waste water treatment plant and the water treatment plant. He stated that later, Dean Elliott, one of the WWTP employees, was transferred to the water treatment plant as its superintendent. The WWTP Superintendent briefly reviewed other information contained in the folder, in- cluding a process flow chart for the plant, a site plan of the facility, a performance potential graph, a comparison of "dry" and "wet" years, a comprehensive performance evaluation compi led in June 1985, a list of capital items needed, and a copy of the report which must be submitted to the State and EPA each month. WWTP Superintendent Don Noyes stated that the I P beds are not properly functioning; and City Engineer Forbes is in the process of preparing an application for grant monies to fully fu nd the repa i r of those bed s . He noted that the beds were built to strip ammonia; however, they do not strip the coliforms so that the water can be put back in the river. The WWTP Super- intendent stated the project is estimated to cost $1 million. He also indicated that the staff has noted interest in possibly trying a new approach to see if it will work better than the existing system. Mr. Noyes stated that the City has used a sludge injection system for the past few years; and this is the first year the City has realized any revenues. He indicated the plant uses a sludge injector and two tanker trucks for this operation. He stated that the sludge injector can cover about five acres per day, using about 14,000 gallons per acre; and indicated that the plant generates about 3 million gallons of sludge each year. He noted that the production on acreage which has been injected increases dramatically, citing an increase from 75 to 120 bushels I per acre as an example. Commissioner Hawks asked if it is feasible to extract the fluid from the sludge. WWTP Superintendent Noyes indicated it is. He noted that once the sludge is dried, through the proper equipment, it can be spread in the same manner as dry fertilizer. He stated the only problem with that method is that the initial cost of the equipment is extremely high; and the costs of operation, including electrical costs, may be prohibitive. The WWTP Superintendent stated that the season for sludge injection is only three to four months in length. He noted that last year, sludge was injected on a total of 305 acres, be- longing to four different individuals. He indicated that to be feasible, the property must be lo- cated within eight miles of the plant; and it must first be tested to determine whether the sludge can be used. Commissioner Hawks asked if it would be feasible to contract the sludge injection process. Director of Public Service Dick Holmes stated the costs would be prohibitive. He further noted there are a substantial number of. federal rules and regulation that must be complied with. Commissioner Vant Hull asked the WWTP Superintendent how he would handle a heavy metal problem. Don Noyes stated that if a user produces a product that would interfere with the plant operation, the pretreatment program must be followed. He noted that before Darigold entered the pretreatment program, there were times they would dump a 6,000-gallon tanker of milk be- cause it had been injected with penicillin. He noted that such dumps created many problems for the plant. He then stated that the labs at MSU often dumped their experiments down the drain; I however, the University has hired a full-time employee to collect all such wastes and send them to a dumping site. The WWTP Superintendent indicated that the State will also take hazardous materials that are dropped at the plant and send them to a dumping site. WWTP Superintendent Noyes stated that the plant also incurred problems with oil being dumped into the sewer system. He noted that after an article was placed in the newspaper, the amount of oil in the system suddenly dropped. Commissioner Martel asked about the rank smell of methane gas that sometimes comes from the plant. WWTP Superintendent Don Noyes stated that the smell comes from the top of the digest- 01-25-88 52 ers. He noted that the digesters have a pop off safety valve; and sometimes that pops. City Manager Wysocki asked Mr. Noyes to address the air quality monitoring program. WWTP Superintendent Noyes stated that the plant has become involved in air quality test- ing because they have the equipment to do 50. He noted the program has been refined over the past two years so that now one of the plant employees takes the filter off the air quality monitor at the Fire Department, dries and weighs the filter, and transmits that information to the State, who then contacts the newspaper with burning information for the day. The WWTP Superinten- I dent noted that the numbers from prior years have been insignificant, although some of the data was not accurate; and he had a difficult time getting the equipment back on the building for additional monitoring this year. The Commissioners thanked Don Noyes for his presentation. Fire Marshal Figgins distributed a written report on the Fire Department, which he brief- ly reviewed. He noted the number of employees is down slightly, indicating that when the Fire Chief retired, the Assistant Fire Chief moved up and his position was left open. He noted the training program is the same as it has been in the past, with the department being highly skil- led and certified by the State. He noted the fire prevention program is very important, since most of the fires are caused by human carelessness. Commissioner Hawks asked about the significance of the City's Class 4 fire rating. Fire Marshal Figgins stated that the insurance premium rate is determined by the fire rat- ing, as established by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). He stated that in a basically unpro- tected area, the rating is Class 10, areas covered by volunteer departments are usually Class 9, and many of the communities in Montana are rated at Class 5. He indicated that Bozeman is one of three communities with a Class 4 rating; and there are no lower ratings in the state. Commissioner Hawks then noted that when the City's personnel levels were dramatically reduced in 1979, there was a threat to change the fire rating. City Manager Wysocki stated the City was able to address concerns in ways other than personnel levels. He noted those include a requirement for hydrants in specific locations as well as looping of the water system to ensure adequate pressure. I The Fire Marshal then stated that two phases of the hazardous materials van have been completed, with equal funding from the County and the City. He noted a thi rd phase is yet to be completed; and a program for maintaining that equipment must be established. He noted that four people have been certified to operate the equipment; however, the department's goal to have 75 percent of the employees qualified is unrealistic. He noted that all of the employees must be familiar with the equipment; however, they are not required to be certified. The Fi re Marshal then stated the "haz mat van" also is used as a communications point, noting it has a propane heater and air supply and is large enough to hold some of the firefighters during winter- time fires. He indicated the computer program for this operation takes a substantial amount of the computer's capacity; and it has just recently been expanded to accommodate that function. Fire Marshal Figgins stated that Fire Chief Shearman is currently at a refurbishing fa- cility to review their operation and obtain a cost estimate to refurbish one of the City's pumper trucks. He noted that once that information is available, the City can then determine whether it is best to refurbish or replace the pumper unit. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that Belgrade has a substantial number of fire trucks. She then questioned why and asked if the City should possibly consider increasing its service area to place itself in a better position for equipment. The Fire Marshal stated that Belgrade does not have a paid fire department; therefore, they are able to spend the monies available on equipment. He then expressed concern about try- ing to service an area to which the Fire Department cannot respond within four to six minutes. He noted that the rapid response time currently enjoyed by Bozeman residents is one of the rea- I sons why the community has a Class 4 rating. Fire Marshal Figgins reminded the Commissioners that included in this year's budget for capital items are a bench tester and monies to upgrade the self-contained breathing apparatus. He noted that the firemen will be able to test a breathing apparatus to ensure it is working properly. He also noted the upgrade is required by OSHA regulations. The Fire Marshal stated that the University has taken action in recent years to address some of the department's concerns. He noted that the recent fires in which toxic wastes were found have helped them address that area. He also noted that a sophisticated sprinkler system 01-25-88 53 has been installed in Hedges North and Hedges South. He indicated that at the beginning of each school year, the Fire Department does incur false alarms; however, if one individual is caught it usually slows down rapidly. Fire Marshal Figgins stated that the department currently has a half-time secretary. He indicated that to have a full-time secretary would enhance time scheduling and coordination and would relieve a firefighter from answering the telephone for half a day. I The Commissioners thanked Dan Figgins for his presentation. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" item s . (1) A memo from the Cemetery Board dated January 13, 1988 recommending that a vault, or payment in lieu, be required for all burials. The City Manager noted that caskets break down and the graves sink after a period of years; and the crew must then lay the sod back and raise the grave. He stated that to require a vault would alleviate much of the main- tenance work now incurred. He also noted that about half of the newer burials include vaults. Commissioner Vant Hull indicated a desire to discuss this item further. Commissioner Goehrung asked for information on the number of graves that must be raised each year. He also asked for the costs involved in that maintenance as well as the costs incurred through the requirement for a vault. (2) Minutes for the Board of Appeals meeting that was held on Tuesday, January 12, 1988. (3) Agenda and packet for the Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Janu- ary 26, 1988 at 7:00 p.m. (4) The City Manager indicated that the Highway Commission met on Friday. He noted that on Thursday, members of the staff as well as PCC Chairman Jane Jelinski met with Maria Murray, Highway Commissioner for this area, concerning the City's proposal for a third inter- I change. (5) The City Manager stated that he and Administrative Services Director Miral Gamradt will attend a meeting of large cities on Thursday in Helena; and he will be attending an MMIA meeting on Friday as well. (6) The Mayor indicated that he has received a letter from Three Rivers Disposal and will have copies distributed to all of the Commissioners. (7) Commissioner Vant Hull stated that the League Board of Directors will meet on Fri- day, February 5 in Helena. She noted that topics of discussion include the possibility of a spe- cial legislative session as well as review of three legislative actions that affect local governments. (8) Commissioner Vant Hull distributed to the Commissioners copies of a pie chart pre- pared during lobbying efforts concerning CI-27 which shows the percentages of revenue from various sources. She noted that the fines and fees category includes the business license fees. (9) Commissioner Hawks stated he received a letter from the band committee concerning the conflict incurred for funding during last year's budgetary process, as well as a request that the band board be responsible directly to the City Manager. He suggested that possibly a board that would review all cultural activities might be more appropriate than having separate boards, such as the art advisory committee and the band board. (10) Commissioner Hawks indicated that he has also been considering a way to organize a beautification program for all of the major entryways to the community. He suggested that in- stallation of sidewalks along North 7th Avenue could be part of a beautification project; and in- dicated that community involvement could make this a reality. I City Manager Wysocki stated that the staff will need more specific information before it can respond to this item. (11 ) Commissioner Goehrung expressed concern about the number of trees in the com- munity with disease problems. He suggested that a program be implemented to address this is- sue. Commissioner Vant Hull indicated this issue would be appropriate for a fifth Monday dis- cussion. 01-25-88 54 letters to icense - Samanta and Warren Jones, 2302 West Claims I It was moved by Commissioner Hawks, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the Con- sent Items be approved as listed above, and the appropriate persons be authorized and directed to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Hawks, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Martel, Commis- sioner Goehrung, and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Adjournment - 5: 02 p. m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Goehrung, Commissioner Hawks and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. ALFRED M. STIFF, Mayor ATTEST: ROBIN L. SULLIVAN I Clerk of the Commission I 01-25-88