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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-03-08 10 ,-, (SEE PAGE for THE MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 1982) ~.i' a:-. ,~ 337 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA March 8, 1982 ********************* The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room, I Municipal Building, March 8, 1982 at 4:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, City Manager Evans, Assistant City Manager Barrick, City Attorney Planalp and the Clerk. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Commissioner Weaver. The minutes of the regular meeting of March 1, 1982 were approved as corrected. None of the Commissioners requested that any of the items listed under Consent Items be removed for discussion. Open Bids - SID No. 638 - sanitary sewer - East of Jordan's ~ Dan Henderson and Gary Cline This was the time and place set for opening bids for the construction of Special Improvement District No. 638 - sanitary sewer - on a parcel of land containing four lots located on East Main Street, just east of Jordan's Restaurant. The affidavit of publication for the IICall for Bidsll as advertised was presented. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that I the bids be opened and read. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. The following bids were then opened and read: Engineer's Estimate $8,937.50 Ma rk Story Construction, Belg rade, Montana $8,048.50 White & McNeil Excavating, Inc., Bozeman, Montana $5,890.25 Underg round Construction, Bozeman, Montana $8,050.00 It was moved by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Mathre, that the bids be referred to the Staff for a recommendation to be presented at next week's meeting. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Decision - whether or not blight exists in the proposed Urban Renewal District This was the time and place set for a decision on whether or not blight exists in the I proposed Urban Renewal District. City Manager Evans recommended that the Commission lay the Plan to rest in view of the fact that blight has not been adequately addressed, and the proponents state that to succeed, the Plan must have support. He stated that the lack of support has dominated. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that the downtown is the heart of a city. Without a good downtown, a city is not healthy. She feels that she was elected not only to react to 327 situations when bad but was asked by the people to look into the future and see what needs to be planned. She noted that, while we don't have a huge amount of blight in Bozeman, the Commission has cause for concern. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that the City is losing some of the la rge stores from downtown and should consider trying to get big stores back in the downtown area again. She suggested that, whi Ie the Downtown Development Association's I Plan has a lot of bad things and she cannot go along with the condemnation aspect, it is important that all downtown property owners join together in the future to consider improving the downtown area. She suggested the elimination of condemnation and forming a smaller district, with the involvement of tax increment financing. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that she wished the opponents had not hired a lawyer. She feels there were omissions, irrele- vancies and distortions in some of the items presented to the Commission. Commissioner Anderson noted that the development of any town depends on the full co- operation of the citizens. She noted that several of the property owners in the downtown area have formed an association and she feels that they should cooperate in this effort. Commissioner Anderson further noted that a self-help program has been developed which depends on cooperation between the states and model communities. She noted that this type of program may include low-interest loans from the banks to the businesses. Commissioner Mathre noted that sometimes we have to give up something to gain some- thing. She feels that it is unfortunate that there is no support for the Plan. She feels that in the long run we do need to be concerned about the community and the tax base. I Commissioner Weaver stated that the proponents and opponents of the Plan have been patient. He noted that the process has been slow. He further noted hope that the process has restored, regenerated or renewed the understanding that the government is serious about the future. He noted that the people have been through a lot of inconvenience in attending the meetings which have been held and commended them for their political involvement. He expressed the hope that this has established a basis for trust between the community and government. It was moved by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that it is the consensus of the Commission that insufficient evidence of blight has been presented to justify a resolution of necessity for urban renewal and that, therefore, the Commission should discontinue any further consideration of the Downtown Development Association's Urban Renewal Plan. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Com- missioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Decision - Conditional Use Permit - Donald Turner - Warehouse in M-1- T -4 District I This was the time and place set for a decision on the request on behalf of Donald Turner for a Conditional Use Permit. The site is located on Lot 4 of the Industrial Properties and is commonly referred to as 1609 Gold Avenue. Mr. Turner requests the Conditional Use Permit to construct a building which will house three small businesses. 3.~:-.' -" ~..' ..,. City Manager Evans recommended the request on behalf of Donald Turner for a Condi- tional Use Permit to construct a warehouse at 1609 Gold Avenue be conditionally approved, based upon the conditions as presented by the Planning Staff. It was moved by Commissioner Mathre, seconded by Commissioner Weaver, that the Commission approve the request on behalf of Donald Turner for a Conditional Use Permit, subject to the following conditions: I 1. That the parking plan include landscaping per the Staff report. 2. That the surfacing and drainage plan be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. 3. That a landscaping, irrigation and I ighting plan be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Staff. 4. That the proposed sign be situated outside of the fifteen-foot sight distance triang Ie area. 5. That construction plans for enclosu re of dumpster be provided. 6. Three (3) copies of a final site plan containing all conditions, corrections and modifications recommended and approved by the City Commission shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director prior to the issuance of a bui Iding permit for the project. One (1) signed copy shall be retained by the Planning Director; one (1) signed copy retained by the Bui Iding Department; and one (1) signed copy retained by the applicant. 7. All on-site improvements (i. e., paving, landscaping, etc.) shall be completed within eighteen (18) months of approval of the Conditional Use Permit and as shown on the approved final site plan. 8. The Conditional Use Permit shall be valid for a period of only eighteen (18) months following institution of the use and shall be submitted to the City Commission for renewal as specified on the Conditional Use Permit. Failure of the applicant to satisfy all conditions within the I designated time period may be grounds for terminating the Conditional Use Permit. If all required conditions have been satisfied, the permit shall be permanently renewed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Decision - Conditional Use Permit - James R. Schara - Lot 22-E of the Amended Plat of Lot 22 of Gordon Mandevi lie State School Section Subdivision This was the time and place set for the decision on behalf of James R. Schara for a Conditional Use Permit for Lot 22E of the amended plat of Lot 22, Gordon Mandevi lie State School Subdivision. This parcel of land is located on Lea Avenue. City Manager Evans recommended that the Commission approve the request on behalf of James R. Schara for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a building on Lea Avenue, subject to the conditions as set forth by the Planning Staff. It was moved by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the Commission approve the request on behalf of Mr. James R. Schara for a Conditional Use Per- mit, subject to the following conditions: I 1. The paving and drainage plans should be submitted to the City Engineer and approved by him prior to approval of the final site plan. 2. The final site plan should be revised to provide an exterior lighting system for the parking area. 3. The final site plan should also illustrate that adequate landscape protection devices such as curbing, fencing and wheel stops wi II be provided for the planted areas. 329 4. Provisions should be made for wheel stops to be utilized for the five exterior parking stalls. This should also be illustrated on the final site plan. 5. The plant legend should indicate the specific type of grass to be planted. Said grass should be adaptable to the area and free from weeds. 6. Runoff from the rear portion of the structure's roof should be piped I and discharged on the proposed project site. The method of piping and location of discharge should be illustrated on the final site plan. 7. The access (driveway) width should be narrowed to twenty-four feet (24') . 8. The final site plan should indicate the location of the loading berths and interior parking stalls. 9. All parking and landscaping improvements must be installed and approved prior to occupancy of the building/structure. Where these improvements will not be completed prior to occupancy, the developer must enter into an Improvements Agreement and provide an acceptable method of security such as a performance bond or a letter of credit equal to one and one-half times the cost of said improvements. 10. Three (3) copies of a final site plan containing all conditions, corrections and modifications recommended and approved by the City Commission shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director prior to the issuance of a building permit for the project. One (1) signed copy shall be retained by the Planning Director, one (1) copy retained by the Building Department, and one (1) signed copy retained by the applicant. 11. All on site improvements (i.e., paving, landscaping, etc.) shall be completed within eighteen (18) months of approval of the Conditional Use Permit and as shown on the approved final site plan. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre and Mayor I Stiff; those voting No, none. Final Plat Approval - Ice Pond Townhouse Subdivision Mr. Mike Money presented the Planning Staff report. He noted that the Subdivision Review process was completed and a Conditional Use Permit was granted in 1980. In September 1981, a one-year extension was granted on the final plat by the City Commission. This proposed subdivision would create fifteen townhouse lots. All of the conditions attached to the preliminary plat have been met; an Improvements Agreement has been signed; and a Letter of Credit for $58,000.00 and an itemized cost estimate of those improvements to be installed have been provided. Mr. Money noted that approval of the final plat by the City Commission would authorize the City Manager to sign the final plat and Improvements Agreement as the Director of Public Service. Mayor Stiff asked why the developer had requested an extension. Mr. Money noted that this extension was requested to obtain financing for the project. City Manager Evans noted that, in the past, the City Manager has signed the final plat when all conditions have been met. He prefers to have the matter before the Commission I prior to his signing the final plat. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that the Commission authorize and direct the City Manager to sign the final plat and Improvements Agreement for Ice Pond Townhouse Subdivision. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. 33J Proposed revisions to Sign Code (Draft) Commissioner Anderson asked if the proposed $10.00 fee on mobile signs is cost effective. Mr. Gene Yde, Building Official, stated that the Building Department has had problems with these signs for quite some time. He noted that some type of control needs to be placed on the mobile signs. Mr. Y de stated that approximately forty of these mobi Ie signs are I presently in use in Bozeman, and it is felt that a $10.00 fee per month would provide the form of control needed. Commissioner Weaver suggested limiting the uses of the signs to the most appropriate purposes within the new sign ordinance. The City Attorney noted that he would counsel strongly against the eradication of these signs. He noted that it is within the Commission's purview to exercise control of the uses of the signs, but not the el imination. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that, considering the salary of an inspector, she feels that a larger fee should be imposed on mobile signs. She also asked if the 25 percent pro- posed increase is reflected in the fees listed. Mr. Y de noted that all figures reflect the proposed 25 percent increase. He also noted that the inspectors are in the field every day. He feels that they can monitor the mobile signs for $10.00 per month because of this fact. Mr. Yde feels that, if a person must obtain a permit every thirty days for a mobile sign, there is a nuisance factor; and the people may consider getting rid of the sign. I Commissioner Mathre asked if the mobi Ie signs can be restricted to certain zones. Mr. Yde noted that they are already restricted to business zones only. City Attorney Planalp noted that the police powers of the Commission will allow restric- tion of the signs. He noted that the $10.00 per month fee causes a person to come back to the City periodically to renew his permit. Assistant City Manager Don Barrick noted that, while the initial $10.00 fee may not pay for the initial inspection, the $10.00 per month thereafter more than covers costs incurred. Mr. Yde noted that the proposed sign ordinance includes the largest size of mobile signs presently used in Bozeman. Mr. Yde then addressed the section of the ordinance for billboards. He noted that the ordinance limits these bi IIboards to not more than 300 square feet. City Attorney Planalp once again cautioned the Commission on eradication of the signs. He suggested that, if this is the desire of the Commission, they phase these signs out over a period of several years, and not allow the purchase of new billboard signs. The Commissioners requested that the Staff research the areas of the cost effective- ness of the fees and review the billboards and return with a recommendation. I Fire Services outside City City Manager Evans noted that fire service has been extended to certain parcels of private property outside the City limits without compensation to the City upon the property 331 owners' signing of a Waiver of Protest of Annexation. The City Manager noted that these properties should pay a fee on a contract basis for the City to provide this fire service. City Manager Evans stated that no written agreement with these parties has been found in the Staff research on this matter. He feels that each of the property owners involved should be given written notice stating that the City will no longer provide free fire protection outside I the City limits. , If they desire to retain the fire service, they may contract with the City, to be charged at the same rate as the property owners within the City limits. The City Manager noted that this procedure is followed in the contract with the Story Mill Fire District and has worked well. Commissioner Weaver asked how the City determines the feasibility of extending fire protection to a certain area. Fire Chief Bud Simpson stated that the City administration checks with the Fire Department to see if the Department is able to cover the area. He noted that the Fire Department considers the response time to the area, and tries to keep that time within four or five minutes. He further noted that the areas are usually contiguous to the City limits. City Manager Evans recommended that the City Staff write letters to the property owners involved, stating that the City will no longer provide free fire service, but would be willing to contract for those services if so desired. He noted that, as the City brings in revenues, it can expand the services to accommodate the people involved. Mayor Stiff requested that the matter be placed on the Commission agenda for a meeting I in the future. Report - Acquisition of Milwaukee Railroad right':"of-way land City Manager Evans noted that a citizen group has been reviewing the acquisition of the Mi Iwaukee Rai Iroad right-of-way under the direction of the Recreation Board. City Attorney Planalp stated that he had contacted the Milwaukee Railroad and requested the value of the fifty-foot right-of-way within City limits, mainly from Church Avenue south. The City Attorney further noted that, after speaking with the Recreation Board, they indicated interest in acquiring the section of right-of-way from the intersection of Story Street and Church Avenue to the intersection of Kagy Boulevard and Wi IIson Avenue. The Rai Iroad stated that the value of the right-of-way in this area would va ry between $1,000.00 and $2,500.00 per acre. He noted that the City must still resolve the question of whether or not the landowners would object to the City obtaining a fifteen-foot right-of-way for a linear park. City Manager Evans noted that it is important for the City to determine whether or not it is interested in pursuing the obtaining of a portion of the Mi Iwaukee Rai Iroad right-of-way. I He further noted that, if the City does not purchase this right-of-way at this time, recourse would be through condemnation; and a question arises on whether or not the City can condemn property for recreational purposes. City Attorney Planalp stated that part of the information to be gathered by the Citizen Committee was whether or not the adjacent property owners would be willing to grant a 3 ,") ( '~ ~) /:'. fifteen-foot right-of-way to the City. He feels that the most reasonable alternative is for the City to work with the property owners. He suggested that the right-of-way be placed in the landowners' names, with some financial participation and an agreement with the City that when they obtain the deeds, the City would then get a deed for the fifteen~foot right-of-way. Mrs. Joanne Jennings, Chairwoman of the Citizen Committee, stated that the Committee had asked those landowners contacted several questions, including (1) do you want the land; I (2) will you give an easement to the City; and (3) will you buy back a portion of the right- of-way from the City. Mr. Bob Lee, a member of the Citizen Committee, noted that the Committee had gone to the Courthouse and obtained the names of the adjacent property owners. The right-of-way area was then split into four sections, with people assigned to work each area. He noted that there are 55 adjacent landowners. Of these, 30 people were in favor of the proposed pathway; 9 were undecided; 5 were totally against the proposal; and the Committee was unable to contact 11 people during the two~week period. Mr. Lee noted that one item which was mentioned repeatedly is that the adjacent property owners would like to resolve the questions about the right-of-way and have action taken as soon as possible. Mr. John Parker noted that he had spoken with 16 people. He found that some of the people are reserved. He noted that some have had a problem with nuisances. Some of the people wanted the right-of-way for themselves. And some were willing to purchase the right- of-way and give the City a 1l-foot easement for the pathway. Mr. Don Weaver, a member of the Citizen Committee, stated that he had agreed to I represent the opinions of two realtors. He noted that Mr. Carroll Henderson's position is that if he could acquire the land up to the pathway, he would consider the pathway an asset. Mr. Don Nell would like to see the pathway go through, and purchase the land up to the pathway. Mr. Weaver has not spoken with anyone opposed to the proposed I inear park. Mr. Paul Brown, a member of the Citizen Committee, stated that he had contacted the adjacent landowners from Kagy Boulevard to Lincoln Street. He noted that some of the people wanted the pathway; others wanted the land and some said they would give easements. Mr. Don Weaver, representing the Rotary Club, noted that this could be a project for the Bozeman Centennial. He noted that the Railroad bridges need to be planked and rails put on them. He further noted that all three of the Rai Iroad bridges are in excellent condition. He stated that the Railroad grade is in good condition and simply needs to be smoothed. He also suggested fencing the linear park and placing access gates at Church Avenue, Garfield Street and B lack A venue. Mr. Weaver stated that maintenance should be minimal, with possibly mowing it a few times during the summer. Later, it may be possible to build an eight- to ten-foot wide asphalt path, which would provide minimum maintenance costs. Mr. Weaver further noted that members of the Rotary Club could check the deeds and I determine what type of ownership basis would apply to each parcel of land. He noted that this would eliminate a portion of work for the City. He noted that type information may be helpful in negotiating with the adjacent property owners. Mr. John Scully noted that he was present to learn the position of the City on the Milwaukee Rai Iroad right-of-way. He requested a statement from the City, stating the City's 333 position on the various portions of the right-of-way within the City limits, be filed immediately. Mr. Scully noted that apparently Montana Power has an interest in placing overhead I ines along the right-of-way and stated that the City's position must be made known as soon as possible. Mayor Stiff noted that the City is interested in the portion of right-of-way adjacent to I . Lindley Park. He asked if this portion should be considered now or after the problems are solved on the remaining right-of-way. City Attorney Planalp recommended that the Commission authorize and direct him to write a letter to Mr. Tyckosen, in the main office of the Milwaukee Railroad, stating that the City has substantial and immediate interest in purchasing the right-of-way from the inter- section of Church Avenue and Story Street to the intersection of Kagy Boulevard and Willson Avenue and that, unless we contact him, the City does not have any interest in other areas located within the City limits except the right-of-way adjacent to Lindley Park; with a carbon copy to Mr. John Scully which he can then present to his cI ients. The City Attorney further suggested that the letter state that public funds are being used to purchase the right- of-way; and request that the Railroad provide the City with documents showing the land they own, along with copies of the last recordable documents. This letter would allow the Citizen Committee to work with adjacent property owners and would provide time to review the source of financing for this project. It was moved by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the I Commission authorize and direct the City Attorney to write a letter to the Milwaukee Railroad stating the City's interest in acquiring ownership of the fifty-foot right-of-way from the intersection of Church Avenue and Story Street to the intersection of Kagy Boulevard and Willson Avenue; and that the City has no other interest in any Railroad right-of-way located within the City limits of the City of Bozeman, except the right-of-way adjacent to Lindley Park; and further to instruct the Citizen Committee to work with landowners adjacent to the right-of-way and to commend them for the work already completed. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Acknowledge receipt - donation to Mi Iwaukee Rai Iroad Righ't"Of-Wav Trust Fund -Erhardt Hehn - $1,000.00 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission a $1,000.00 donation to the Milwaukee Railroad Right-of-Way Trust Fund from Mr. Erhardt Hehn. He commended Mr. Hehn for his generosity in starting the fund. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that I the Commission acknowledge receipt of the $1,000.00 donation to the Mi Iwaukee Rai Iroad Right-of-Way Trust Fund from Mr. Erhardt Hehn. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. 3'.....: ,'\ ~,~, .. \... Application for Raffle License - Fraternal Order of Eagles - March 30, 1982 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission an application for a Raffle License, along with the required fee, on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, to be held on March 30, 1982. To be raffled are two liquor baskets valued at $25.00 each, for a total value of $50.00. It was moved by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Mathre, that the I Commission approve the application for a Raffle License on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Eagles to be held on March 30, 1982. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Application for Raffle License - RSVP - May 11, 1982 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission an appl ication for a Raffle License, along with the required fee, on behalf of RSVP, to be held on May 11, 1982. To be raffled are one large quilt valued at $50.00, one small quilt valued at $25.00 and two pillows valued at $10.00. It was moved by Commissioner Mathre, seconded by Commissioner Weaver, that the Commission approve the application for a Raffle Licence on behalf of RSVP to be held on May 11, 1982. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. I Application for Gambling License - Fat Boys Cards - March - June 1982 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission an application for a Gambling License, along with the required fee, on behalf of Fat Boys Cards for one card table for the period March to June 1982. City Manager Evans noted that the Pol ice Department had completed the usual background check and found no criminal activity associated with the applicant. It was moved by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the Commission approve the application for a Gambling License on behalf of Fat Boys Cards for not more than two card tables for the period March to June 1982. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Request - permission to attend - Bud Tuss - Annual State of Montana Electrical Code Semina r - Billings, Montana - March 2425, 1982 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission a request on behalf of Bud Tuss for permission to attend the Annual State of Montana Electrical Code Seminar to be held in I Billings, Montana, on March 24-25, 1982. It was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that the Commission approve the request on behalf of Bud Tuss for permission to attend the Annual State of Montana Electrical Code Seminar to be held in Billings, Montana, on March 24- 25, 1982 and, it being in the public interest, his expenses be paid out of the appropriate 335 fund. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Request - permission to attend - Glen White - Montana Recreation and Park Association I Conference - Bozeman - Apri I 12, 1982 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission a request on behalf of Glen White for permission to attend the Montana Recreation and Park Association Conference to be held in Bozeman, Montana, on Apri I 12, 1982. It was moved by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Mathre, that the Commission approve the request on behalf of Glen White for permission to attend the Montana Recreation and Park Association Conference to be held in Bozeman, Montana, on Apri I 12, 1982 and, it being in the public interest, his expenses be paid out of the appropriate fund. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Request - Permission to attend - Lee Lewis - Montana Fire Prevention and Montana Arson Association meetings - Helena, Montana - March 10-11, 1982 City Manager Evans presented to the Commission a request on behalf of Lee Lewis for permission to attend the Montana Fire Prevention and Montana Arson Association meetings to I be held in Helena, Montana, on March 10-11, 1982. It was moved by Commissioner Mathre, seconded by Commissioner Weaver, that the Commission approve the request on behalf of Lee Lewis for permission to attend Montana Fire Prevention and Montana Arson Association meetings to be held in Helena, Montana, on March 10-11, 1982 and, it being in the public interest, his expenses be paid out of the appropriate fund. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Mathre, Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Information Item - Reminder - League of Cities and Towns Mid-Winter Retreat City Manager Evans reminded the City Commission of the Montana League of Cities and Towns Mid-Winter Retreat to be held in Bozeman on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 9 and 10, 1982. He noted that on Tuesday evening, in the City Commission Room, from 7: 00 to 9: 30 p. m., a discussion would be conducted on the upcoming Legislative session. On Wednesday, in the Community Room of the New Public Library, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., discussions on budgeting, general business and labor relations will be conducted. The City Manager I stated that one of the items to be discussed is what is being planned regarding the loss of inventory tax revenues and the roll back on valuation of commercial property. He noted that these wi II result in approximately a ten percent reduction in taxable valuations within the city. 3 '..., (-~ . ,j(j Comments - Mayor Stiff Mayor Stiff noted that several areas presently need Commissioner representation. He noted that Mrs. Dorothy Eck called and stated that at Wednesday noon a meeting will be held at the Livery Stable with Mr. Gary Wicks, a Montana Highway Department representative, on the relocation of the Division Office. Commissioner Anderson stated that she would be able to attend the meeting. I Mayor Stiff then stated that he had received invitations to various seminars, including a seminar on tax increment financing, a seminar on Emergency Medical Services, a seminar on local government reform and a financial seminar. He feels that these items should be dissemi- nated to the various Commissioners so they are aware of the meetings and can attend if they so desire. Mayor Stiff further noted that County Commissioner Ruthmary Tonn had requested time on the agenda for the School District Board meeting on Monday evening. He feels that the City should respond if she makes a presentation. He noted that the matter should be removed from the School Board meeting because of the decision reached earlier in the meeting concerning whether or not blight exists in the downtown area. The Mayor noted a willingness to speak with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Negus to attempt to remove the item from the agenda or attend the meeting if it does appear on the agenda. Absence of Commissioner Vant Hull for meetings of August 23 and 30, 1982 It was moved by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, that Com- I missioner Vant Hull be excused from the August 23 and 30, 1982 meetings in compliance with Section 7-3-4349, M. C. A. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Vant Hul" Commissioner Mathre and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Adjournment - 6:25 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Weaver, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Weaver, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Mathre and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. ALFRED M. STIFF, Mayor ATTEST: ROBIN L. SULLIVAN I Clerk of the Commission