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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-01-12 USl MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONT ANA January 12, 1987 ************************ The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, January 12,1987, at 2:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Mathre, Commissioner I Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull, 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 Consent Items be removed from the agenda for discussion. Minutes It was moved by Commissioner Jordan, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the Commission approve the minutes of their regular meeting of January 5, 1987, as amended. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Jordan, Commis- sioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. (a) Commission Resolution No. 2645 ro ram; (b) authorize Mayor to si ayor to sign 1986 CDBG economic City Manager Wysocki presented Commission Resolution No. 2645, as reviewed by the City Attorney, entitled: COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2645 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, I MONTANA, AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT MONIES. Senior Planner Mike Money stated that the deadline for applications for 1986 CDBG econo- mic development monies is Friday, January 16, 1987. He noted the proposed grant application would be in the amount of $162,000.00, with $12,000.00 of that being for administrative costs. The interest rate on the loan would be 5 percent; and the program income would be $12,500.00 per year for a 20-year period. The Senior Planner stated that this agenda item includes the actions necessary under the program guidelines for submittal of the proposed application. Mayor Mathre noted a question was raised at last week's meeting concerning liability to the taxpayers and asked the Senior Planner to respond. Senior Planner Money stated that the only time a City is asked to repay the monies to the State of Montana Department of Commerce is when the grant monies are not spent in accordance with the guidelines of the program. He noted that if a local government can show that it has attempted to meet the guidelines, the Department of Commerce is willing to work with them in expending those monies. He then indicated he knows of only one instance in which a city was instructed to repay the monies; and in that instance, the city had not spent the monies for the proposed project, but had used the monies for other purposes. The Senior Planner then stated that he has received letters of support for the appl ica- tion from Mrs. Jane Newhall and Mr. John Vincent since last week's meeting. Mr. Steve Schnee, Schnee's Boot Works, stated that the budget for his proposed relocation I and expansion is $300,000. He noted the project would be funded through a $150,000 loan from the City through the CDSG program; and a $150,000 SBA-guaranteed loan through a local bank. He also noted that an existing bank loan would be added to the bank loan, resulting in only one bank loan payment. Mr, Schnee stated that the proposed expansion will create eight new low- and moderate-income jobs over a two and one-half year period. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that parking on Main Street is scarce and asked if the employees will be encouraged to park where they won't impact customer parking. Mr. Schnee indicated that he faces the same type of parking problems at his present location; and he will encourage his employees to park away from the downtown business area. 01-12-87 052 Commissioner Vant Hull asked Mr. Schnee if he is confident that he will be hiring low- or moderate-income persons to fill the new positions. Mr. Schnee noted that 100 percent of the new employees will be low- to moderate-income persons. He stated that the Human Resource Development Council has indicated a willingness to screen applicants; and he has worked with on-the-job training programs in the past and is will- ing to do so again. He further noted that employees will be given an opportunity for advancement within the organization. I Commissioner Martel asked Mr. Schnee if he has purchased the Sears building. Mr. Schnee stated that he has entered into an interim purchase agreement with the Montana Bank, but he has not yet made any long-term financing arrangements. In response to another question from Commissioner Martel, Steve Schnee stated that he had planned to lease out the back portion of the building as a warehouse area, but has found that the use would not be allowed in the downtown business district. He noted that he will work with the City staff to determine what type of use might be acceptable in the rear portion of the building. He does not plan to use all of the building initially; therefore, the rear portion may be used to provide a supplemental income. He then indicated that he hopes to begin remodeling by July 1 and to occupy the building by September 1, 1987. Mrs. Doris Fischer, Gallatin Development Corporation, indicated that the Corporation fully supports Mr. and Mrs. Schnee in their efforts to expand their existing business. She noted that the Corporation has helped to prepare the application, which includes several sections. She then stated that the application provides for an eighteen-month deferral before the first payment in the twenty-year repayment schedule begins, noting that falls well within the three-year deferral allowed under the program guidelines. Mrs. Fischer then noted that the purpose of the economic development segment of the Community Development Block Grant program is to provide a funding mechanism for a project which would not be otherwise viable through conventional financing and no other sources of public assistance are available. She stated that this project would not be viable through strictly conventional financing; and there are no other sources of public assistance available. I Mrs. Doris Fischer indicated that several members of the public are present in support of the project, including Kathy Dawkins, Downtown Bozeman Association; Bud Lilly, Montana Ambassadors; Laurie Shadoan, Gallatin Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce; and Daria Joyner, Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce. She also noted that Mr. Roose has helped in preparing the grant application. Commissioner Stiff noted that expansion of an existing business seems to be the best and safest method of economic growth in a community. Mr. Barry Roose, Department of Commerce, stated support for the proposed project. He indicated that he works as a financing packager in the Business Assistance Division of the DOC. Commissioner Vant Hull asked if the DOC will require that program income from other projects be used to lower the amount of this grant if it is approved. Senior Planner Mike Money stated that the Department of Commerce only addresses program income for projects which have been closed out; and the City has none which fit that category. City Manager Wysocki recommended that the Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 2645, authorizing submittal of an application for CDBG monies on behalf of Schnee's Boot Works, and authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents. It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that the Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 2645, authorizing the submittal of an application for the 1986 Community Development Block Grant economic development program on behalf of Schnee's Boot Works, and authorize and direct the Mayor to sign the necessary documents for submittal of said application. The motion carried by the following Aye and NQ vote: those voting Aye being Com- I missioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. Preliminary Plat review - sourdou~ Creek Properties No. _..l4 - Sourdo~'2.."~!eek Properties, Inc. - 25. 95 acres located in the of Section 30, T2S..-: R6E~_.~PM [west of"SOUrdo~h Road, south of Sourdough Properties No. 12, east of 13uckskin WTITrams Park} This was the time and place set to review the preliminary plat for Sourdough Creek Properties No. 14, consisting of 25.95 acres located in the southeast one-quarter of Section 30, 01-12-87 u53 Township 2 South, Range 6 East, Montana Principal Meridian. This parcel is located west of Sourdough Road, south of Sourdough Properties No. 12 and east of Buckskin Williams Park. Senior Planner Marcia Elkins presented the Staff Report. She noted that at its October 1985 meeting, the City-County Planning Board tabled action on this preliminary plat; and it was resubmitted in September 1986, at which time the applicant requested a continuance, She stated that at its December 1986 meeting, the City-County Planning Board conducted the public hearing I on this preliminary plat and subsequently recommended approval, subject to eight conditions. The Senior Planner then stated that the County Commission has reviewed this preliminary plat and approved it subject to the conditions recommended by the City-County Planning Board. Senior Planner Elkins stated that the preliminary plat provides for a twenty-one lot sub- division on a 25. 9S-acre tract of land located west of Sourdough Road and south of Sourdough Properties No. 12, which lies south of Goldenstein Lane. She noted the proposed subdivision does not comply with the Master Plan as it is currently written, which designates the area as Agricultural--Vacant; however, it is in compliance with the current RS-1, Residential--Country Suburban Estates, zoning designation. The Senior Planner then stated that the parkland dedication requirements for this sub- division have been previously satisfied through dedication of Buckskin Williams Park. Senior Planner Elkins indicated the major concern raised was over road and street improvements, especially to Sourdough Road; however, one of the conditions addresses that issue. The Senior Planner stated that the applicant has received a variance from the Board of Adjustment for this subdivision, since some of the lots are narrower than the minimum width allowed. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that a portion of Sourdough Trail runs through Buckskin Williams Park and asked if that portion of the trail might be closed at some time in the future, like a portion of the trai I to the north. Senior Planner Marcia Elkins stated that Buckskin Williams Park is a dedicated public park and will remain open for public use. I City Manager Wysocki asked if all of the lots meet the square footage requirements of the zoning district, even though some of them are narrower than permitted under the regulations. The Senior Planner indicated that all of the lots meet or exceed the square footage re- qui rements . She further noted that in the covenants for the subdivision, some of the setback requirements exceed the City's regulations to assure compatibility of development with the zoning designation. Mr. Jim Cummings, Thomas, Dean and Hoskins, indicated that his firm represents the appl icant. He stated that the conditions as recommended by the City-County Planning Board are fair and acceptable to the developer. He noted that Sourdough Creek Properties has been developed in fourteen phases over the past twenty years. He further indicated that five lots are currently available for sale on the open market within the first thirteen phases; and this new phase will provide more lots for those wishing to build in a nice rural setting. Mr. Babe Goldenstein, 7810 Goldenstein Lane, stated that Mr. Carter Williams has done a good job of subdividing the Sourdough Creek Properties, He also noted that the developer was instrumental in getting Goldenstein Lane paved this past summer, which has been beneficial for that entire area. Mr. Goldenstein then noted that the subject parcel has houses around it already; it is difficult to move heavy equipment onto the site to farm it; and it would be more appropriately developed as a subdivision than left in agricultural use. Mr. Clair Daines, local contractor, stated there is a need for the type of lots contained in this subdivision, noting that they provide a type of urban setting in a nice rural develop- ment located close to the city. He stated support for the proposed subdivision and requested I that the Commission approve the application. Mr. Brad Stratton, American Land Title Company, stated that he has worked with the developer on land transfers since 1972, noting that the developer has established a benchmark for all rural subdivisions around Bozeman. He noted that the manner in which the Sourdough Creek Properties has been developed is a credit to the community and the jurisdictional area; and encouraged the Commission to support the proposed subdivision. Commissioner Vant Hull noted this proposed subdivision does not meet the Master Plan 01-12-87 051r designation; and it is within the City's sewer service district but would not be serviced by that faci Iity . Senior Planner Marcia Elkins stated that the RS-1 zoning designation overrides the Master Plan land use designation. She noted that the staff feels the Master Plan designation may not be appropriate because of existing development in that immediate area. She then stated that extension of the City sewer service is not feasible because of existing development lying be- tween the end of the sewer trunk line and the proposed subdivision. I Commissioner Stiff asked if the City may be mandated to provide sewer service at some time in the future if the groundwater becomes contaminated through the individual septic systems. Senior Planner Elkins stated she is not aware of any situations in which a city has been mandated to provide sewer service to a subdivision located outside city limits. Mr. Jim Cummings noted that the sewer plan was based on existing zoning. He then re- minded the Commission that the nearest sewer trunk line is located in Kagy Boulevard, approxi- mately two miles from this subdivision. He then noted that the costs of providing City services to one-acre tracts are much higher than the costs to citY-Sized lots. Also, the capacity of the plant would be exceeded if all development between the end of the sewer trunk line and this subdivision were added. Mr. Cummings stated that the groundwater is not high on this subject parcel, so the septic systems and drainfields should not create any problems. City Manager Wysocki recommended that the Commission approve the preliminary plat, subject to the conditions as recommended by the City-County Planning Board. It was moved by Commissioner Martel, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the Com- mission approve the preliminary plat for Sourdough Creek Properties No. 14, subject to the conditions as recommended by the City-County Planning Board, as follows: 1. That the final plat will contain all required certificates and the appropriate language as required in Chapter 16.40 of the Bozeman Area Subdivision Regulations; 2. That the applicant document that the $35-per-lot initiation fee for all lots has been paid to the Sourdough Volunteer Fire Department prior to final site plan approval; I 3. That Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences approval be obtained prior to final plat approval; Utility easements shall be included on the final plat, subject to the review 4. and approval of the Planning Director. All utility services shall be installed underground in accordance with the Bozeman Area Subdivision Regulations; 5. All property owners' association documents shall be submitted for the review and approval of the Planning Director prior to final plat approval. A property owners' association ensuring the perpetual maintenance of all subdivision roads shal I be created at the time the final plat is filed; 6. A weed control plan, as may be required, shal I be submitted for the review and written approval of the County Weed Control Board prior to final plat approval; 7. A one (1) foot wide no access strip must be identified on the final plat between Lot 11, Block 1, and Lots 1,4,5, and 10, Block 2, and Sourdough Road; 8. All roads, culverts, drainage improvements and other improvements, including the removal of the necessary hedges along Sourdough Road, shall be installed and approved prior to final plat approval. However, if the plat is to be filed prior to all improvements being installed and approved by the local governments, the developer shall enter into an Improvements Agreement with the local governments; and that is to be secured by an acceptable method of security equal to the amount of 150 percent of the installation of the remaining scheduled improvements. Also, plans and specifications for construction must be approved as per Chapter 16.26 and I Section 16.42.030 of the Bozeman Municipal Code, prior to the submittal of the final plat. The Improvements Agreement will contain a construction time schedule and a method for the inspection of the improvements installation. Further, the Improvements Agreement shall identify the phased development of the subdivision and appropriate timeframes. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. 01-12-87 U5b Break - 3:10 to 3:20 p.m. Mayor Mathre declared a break from 3:10 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., in accordance with Commission policy established at their regular meeting of March 14, 1983. I Phases I and II - Tract 4 of COS of the NEt of Section 2, T2S, R5E, MPM - 42.2408 City Manager Wysocki stated that Commission Resolution No. 2646 has not been completed and requested that action on that Resolution, as well as the three subsequent actions, be de- ferred unti I such time as the Resolution has been completed. Ordinance No. - Tentative Appropriation Ordinance for the Capital Improvement Program for FY1986-87 City Manager Wysocki presented the Tentative Appropriation Ordinance for the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 1986-87, entitled: ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, APPROPRIATING CITY FUNDS FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL ITEM EXPENDITURES FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 1986 TH ROUGH JUNE 30, 1987. City Manager Wysocki noted that this Tentative Appropriation Ordinance is for the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 1986-87, which started July 1, 1986. He then reviewed I each of the items contained in the ordinance, as follows: Rebudgeted Projects 84-306 Well This project has not yet been done, due to problems with the bidding process. The City Manager noted that the well was originally I isted as the Bogert Park well; however, the staff is considering possible relocation to a point in the linear park, to provide for more effective ice control. 84-314 Dump truck w/reversible plow This item has been purchased; however, the costs have been incurred in this fiscal year. 86-202 Radio updating This project has been completed in this fiscal year. 86-204 Hazardous Materials Van equipment - Phase I This project has also been completed in this fiscal year. New Projects 85-205 Word processor This word processing equipment, which would be on a PC, will provide for greater efficiency in the Bui Iding I nspection Division. 87-205 Hazardous Materials Van equipment - Phase II The City Manager reminded the Commission that the County contributes matching funds for this project, which contains five phases. He stated that Phase I has been completed, as noted above. I Commissioner Vant Hull asked once again if the monies appropriated by the County Commission are from the General Fund. She noted that if they are, the city residents are paying twice, through the County taxes as well as the City taxes. The City Manager indicated that he will check with the County Commissioners' office. 87-208 Ladder fire truck The fire truck has been included in this ordinance so that all major purchases and improve- ments are set forth in one document. 01-12-87 05C 87-209 Comput!l!..^PE~_U!:.~r'!:l a nd__~a~__e_~ i pment This item would provide the computer and necessary programs to meet the Police Divisionis requirements. The City Manager noted that a printer and terminal to tie to the System/38 have been previously purchased for the Police Division; however, their use of the system would re- quire that it be left on twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He noted that could create problems for the entire system, particularly if the power were to go off, thus a PC would be much more practical. He then stated that the terminal is currently being used in the I Data Processing Division; and the printer is the same as the one the City Court has requested for the past two years, so the City wi II have no extra equipment as a result of this change in strategy. 87-210 Patrol cars - (2) This option has been included in this tentative appropriation ordinance; however, it could be transferred to a lease of five vehicles if that is determined more feasible. The City Manager noted that if the lease option is used, it will not result in any increase in vehicles because those currently in the fleet would be used to replace old worn-out vehicles used within that department as well as other departments. 86-304 Carnegie Building roof; City Hall roof; Police Building roof The City Manager noted that these three roofs need to be replaced this year. He stated that combining of these roofs into one job, as well as possibly the Swim Center roof, should result in a cost savings to the City. 85-313 AC-DC welder This is a replacement item. 86-603 Book shelving - technical This is self-explanatory. 87-610 Swim Center remodelinS! The City Manager then stated that various improvements have been made at the Swim Center since the building was constructed; however, no comprehensive analysis has been completed, and not all of the improvements have been compatible. He indicated that he wishes to proceed I with an analysis before any improvements are made, even though $110,000.00 is shown for improve- ments in this ordinance, as well as additional monies listed in the Energy Conservation CIP. He then suggested that the improvements may result in savings in the operations budget, which could possibly be rebudgeted in future CI P projects if the Commission so desires. 87-611 Carpet The carpet at the Senior Center needs to be replaced. 87-401 Software and data equipment This will cover costs of purchasing a PC for the Director of Finance, as well as develop- ing additional software for the System/38. 87-801 Highland Boulevard - adjust curve - This item will be funded through Gas Tax monies. It will provide for softening of the radius curve in the north-bound lane near its intersection with Main Street. 84-304 Breathing apparatus This is a second breathing apparatus for the Water Treatment Plant, due to their use of chlorine. 84-308 Water/Sewer capacity analysis This analysis will cover the capacities of the water and sewer service and trunk lines, showing any capacity for expansion. 84-309 Ai r compressor This is a replacement item. The City Manager noted that the existing air compressor has quit; and he has instructed the staff to prepare specifications so the bidding process can I be started as soon as possible. 84-310 3/4-ton pickup w/hitch This vehicle will replace an existing pickup as well as a Jeep at the Waste Water Treat- ment Plant. 87-306 Packer trucks - (2) These trucks have been bid; and one has been received. The City Manager noted these have also been included in this ordinance so that all major purchases are listed in one place. 01-12-87 J57 It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Jordan, that the Commission adopt the Tentative Appropriation Ordinance for the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 1986-87, and set the public hearing date for February 2, 1987. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. I Ordinance No. - Tentative Appropriation Ordinance for the Energy Conservation Capital Improvement Program for FY1986-87 City Manager Wysocki presented the Tentative Appropriation Ordinance for the Energy Conservation Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 1986-87, entitled: ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, APPROPRIATING CITY FUNDS FOR VARIOUS ENERGY CONSER- VATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ITEM EXPENDITURES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1987. City Manager Wysocki noted that this Tentative Appropriation Ordinance is for the Energy Conservation Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 1986-87, which started July 1, 1986. He then reviewed each of the items contained in the ordinance, as follows: Rebudgeted Projects 86-901 Tune boiler--twice during each heating season This item has not been done. 86-907 Reset and recaulk storm windows This item has not been completed. 86-910 SSOR lighting system This item has been completed during this fiscal year. New Projects 87-901 Motorized damper I This item is to be installed at the Library. 87-902 Insulation and vapor barrier These are to be installed at the Swim Center. The City Manager noted that this line item ties to the $110,000.00 contained in the Capital Improvement Program for remodeling and renovation of the faCility. Commissioner Jordan expressed concern that the amount of monies being expended at the Swim Center precludes the purchase of items for other departments. He then stated support for doing an analysis of the facility prior to doing any renovation. It was moved by Commissioner Jordan, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the Commission adopt the Tentative Appropriation Ordinance for the Energy Conservation Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 1986-87, and set the public hearing date for February 2, 1987. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. City Manager Wysocki presented Commission Resolution No. 2647, as prepared by the City Attorney, entitled: COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2647 I A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN AU- THORIZING ITS MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONVEYANCE TRANSFERRING THE CITY OF BOZEMAN'S INTEREST IN SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK IN THE SPAIN-FERRIS DITCH COMPANY TO THE GALLATIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY. The City Manager stated that on November 6, 1972, the City Commission adopted Joint Resolution No, 1553, authorizing transfer of the City's interest in shares of capital stock in the Spain-Ferris Ditch Company to the Gallatin Airport Authority; however, the stock certificates were never transferred. He then recommended that the Commission adopt this Resolution, authoriz- ing the Mayor to execute the stock certificates to complete this item. 01-12-87 055 It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that the Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 2647, authorizing the rvlayor to sign the certificate transferring shares in the Spain-Ferris Ditch Company from the City of Bozeman to the Gallatin Airport Authority. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. Appointment to the Pedestrian/Traffic Safety Committee I It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull that James L. Goehrung be appointed to replace Dora Anderson on the Pedestrian/Traffic Safety Committee, with a two-year term to expire on December 31, 1988. The motion failed for lack of a second. It was moved by Commissioner Martel, seconded by Commissioner Jordan, that M. S. "Steve" Kovatch be appointed to replace Dora Anderson on the Pedestrian/Traffic Safety Committee, with a two-year term to expire on December 31, 1988. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. Selection of Mayor Pro Tempore for Calendar Year 1987 City Manager Wysocki stated that Mayor Mathre had requested this item be placed on the agenda. Mayor Mathre reminded the Commissioners that in January 1986, the Commission selected Commissioner Vant Hull as the Mayor Pro Tempore for that calendar year, while considering the selection of Mayor Elect Stiff as the Mayor Pro Tempore for this calendar year. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Jordan, that Commissioner Stiff be selected as the Mayor Pro Tempore for Calendar Year 1987. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. Review of processes and procedures at the City ~f Great Falls - Commissioner Jordan I City Manager Wysocki stated that the Commission had indicated an interest in hearing Commissioner Jordan's observations about various processes and procedures followed at the City of Great Falls. Commissioner Jordan stated that he had observed the following while working as an MPA intern at the City of Great Falls. The City of Great Falls has a sidewalk snow shoveling ordinance, which they are now beginning to enforce more strongly to minimize risk to the City. The City is also pursuing sidewalk repair stronger than it has in the past for the same reason, particularly since they are now under the same pooled insurance program as the City of Bozeman. The Commissioner then addressed the area of planning. The Master Plan's land use desig- nation is carefully followed. The Zoning Commission and City-County Planning Board is a single body; and in their meetings they consider zoning items first, follo\Ned by a break and then planning items. The Board of Adjustment does not make any land use decisions; and if an applicant does not agree with the decision, he may appeal it to the City Commission. Commissioner Vant Hull expressed interest in seeing the ordinance for the Board of Adjustment. Commissioner Jordan then noted that the City of Great Falls has an agreement with the State Department of Highways for maintaining the highway-designated streets; and the City receives a substantial amount from the State for that maintenance. The Commissioner then stated that the City negotiates with businesses for traffic I signals, noting that Buttrey's installed a traffic signal at its own expense. However, there the State has encountered some traffic flow problems as a result of this system. The City Manager conducts staff meetings, meeting with a different department or division each week. The first fifteen to twenty minutes are set aside for the division to submit a presentation on any special projects they have done; and if the City Manager feels those presentations are outstanding, he will place them on the agenda so the City Commission is aware of staff activities. 01-12-87 J59 The City Commission conducts its regular meetings twice a month at 7: 00 in the evening. The Commission also conducts work sessions on the mornings of those days, reviewing the agenda items. If the Commissioners reach agreement during the work session, the agenda items are placed on the consent agenda. The Commissioner noted that the work sessions last two to three hours; and the evening meetings usually last from ten minutes to an hour. He then noted that press coverage of the Commission meetings is minimal. I City Manager Wysocki noted that a similar procedure is followed in Billings. He stated that one must approach that process carefully, avoiding any decision-making type of activity during the work session, since it is an information session only. The Commissioner then addressed the area of privatization. He noted his job at the City of Great Falls was to do a cost/benefit analysis of each department; and he found that the City was providing the services at a lower cost than private industry. He stated that Great Falls does have a private company operating the sewer treatment plant and lift stations because the private firm had expertise in the field, and they guaranteed payment of any fines resulting from failure to meet any EPA standards. Commissioner Vant Hull asked how the water and sewer rates compare with those charged here. Commissioner Jordan indicated it is not possible to compare those numbers because the treatment plants in Great Falls were built several years ago with substantial growth capacity. Also, Great Falls has the ability to take as much water as they want from the Missouri River, at no cost. Commissioner Jordan noted that the City of Great Falls went through a goal setting process while he was interning. He stated they invite people from various areas and groups to submit input each year. The staff then submits monthly and quarterly reports to the City Manager, with a portion of those reports being technical and a portion being in narrative form. The Commissioner stated that he feels a close communication network for the five or six larger communities in the state would be beneficial, since they face many similar situations. Commissioner Jordan then noted that being an entitlement city seems to make a big I difference on revenues. He noted that approximately 80 percent of the community development activities are funded through grants. The Commissioner stated that stability and continuity in a program are important when seeking federal funding. I n response to a question from Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan noted that the City of Great Falls does have a cable television franchise agreement which generates about $105,000 each year. Those monies are used for a public access station, with none of those monies going to the City.s General Fund. Mayor Mathre asked the Commissioner if there are one or two items he feels the City should carefully consider. Commissioner Jordan stated he feels the planning function should be closely reviewed. Appointment of subcommittee to review Pledged Securities as of December 31, 1986 City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that the pledged securities must be re- viewed quarterly in accordance with State Statute. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that Commis- sioner Stiff and Commissioner Jordan be appointed to review the pledged securities as of December 31, 1986. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Mathre; those voting No being Commissioner Jordan. Discussion - FY I items I City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1) A letter of resignation from the City-County Planning Board, submitted by Don McLaughlin. Commissioner Vant Hull suggested that the Commission send him a letter thanking him for his service on the board; and Mayor Mathre indicated that she does send a letter to all resign- ing board members. 01-12-87 OGO (2) A copy of two editorials from the Billings Gazette, as submitted by Commissioner Ma rtel, (3) The City Manager stated he will be attending an MMIA meeting on Friday. (4) The City Manager noted that he will probably go to Helena tomorrow for a hearing on the resort tax bi II. (5) The City Manager reminded the Commissioners that the SID survey should be re- turned as soon as possible for compilation. I (6) The City Manager reminded the Commission of the Interagency Breakfast to be held at the GranTree Inn on Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. (7) Commissioner Stiff noted the Commissioners have received a couple of scorching letters recently concerning sidewalk snow removal and asked if the Commissioners should respond. Mayor Mathre suggested that each Commissioner may respond to letters addressed to the Commission in whatever way he or she wishes. (8) Commissioner Stiff expressed concern about the information which the City has re- ceived about the rehabilitation of Hyalite Dam and asked if the City should get a second opinion about the situation. He also suggested that someone should be responsible for reviewing the study in a comprehensive manner. The City Manager noted that this project has been discussed at various times during the past two years. He further stated that he feels the stipulations and concerns included in the recent letter to the ON RC should alleviate the concerns which have been expressed by the Com- mission to date. (9) Mayor Mathre reminded the Commissioners that the evaluations of the City Manager are due today. She then noted the form used seems to be rather comprehensive for a six-month review and suggested that she would prepare a more abbreviated form if the Commission so desires. (10) The Mayor noted that she has received a newsletter from the Department of Commerce, which she will place by the mailboxes for Commissioner review. Consent Items I City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "Consent Items." Building I nspection Division report for December 1986 Claims It was moved by Commissioner Jordan, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the Commission approve the Consent Items as I isted above, and authorize and direct the appropriate persons to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. Adjournment - 5:15 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 Jordan, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Martel and Mayor Mathre; those voting No, none. JUDITH A. MATHRE, Mayor .......- ATTEST: Clerk of the Commission I 01-12-87