REGULAR MEETING – September 21, 2009
Regular Meeting – Transact Routine Business
| Mayor Fish called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with roll call as follows:
PRESENT: Fish COUNCIL: Barnhart, Karper, Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, Shepard ABSENT: None
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ROLL CALL |
| Also present were City Manager Shaw, Finance Director/City Clerk Nicosia, City Attorney J. Breck, Deputy City Attorney S. Breck, and Police Chief Perry
Pledge of Allegiance |
PLEDGE |
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
| Shepard made motion to approve the agenda as presented, second by Plevel. Motion carried unanimously. | AGENDA
APPROVAL |
CONSENT AGENDA:
| Reikofski made motion to approve the consent agenda as listed with Mayor Fish noting the finance committee reviewed claims and found no exceptions, second by Petersen. Motion carried with Council voting as follows: AYES:
Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, Shepard, Karper, Barnhart, Fish |
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL |
| A. Approval of Claims $217,518.63
B. Approval of Payroll Claims $64,003.26 September 18, 2009 C. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2009 |
PROCLAMATIONS:
| Mayor Fish proclaimed October 4, 2009 as Crop Hunger Day. |
VISITORS/PUBLIC COMMENTS:
| A. Barry Conger, Executive Director First Best Place Task Force, 540 Nucleus Ave., spoke to Council on the success of this year’s Farmer’s Market held each Thursday at Discovery Square for 15 weeks from June 18th through September 24th. |
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
| A. Mayor Fish read the public hearing notice for the purpose of obtaining public comments on a proposed application for Hanson Trucking, located at 225 Truck Route, Columbia Falls, under the Montana Community Development Block Grant Economic Development (CDBG-ED) and Montana Distressed Wood Products Industry (WPIRS) program administered by Montana Department of Commerce. Gary Winship with Montana West Economic Development introduced the applicant to Council and reviewed the proposed application on behalf of Hanson Trucking. Charlie Wright, Regional Development Officer with MT Dept. of Commerce reviewed the requirements and purposes of the CDBG-ED and WPIRS programs. Mr. Wright noted that the Hanson Trucking application is for a working capital grant. Mayor Fish opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. Steve Hanson, General Manager of Hanson Trucking spoke in favor of the grant applications, describing the impact of the forest industry’s downturn on their business. Mr. Hanson reported that the company was spending between $600,000 and $ 2 million a year on payroll costs and up to $4 million a year in purchases from Flathead vendors, with a $1 million specifically from Columbia Falls businesses. The company currently employs 50 people, 38% from Columbia Falls, 98% from within the Flathead Valley. Dee Brown, Representative HD #3, spoke on behalf of the proposed applications, noting the benefits to the community in the form of employment and dollars spent. Ben Hansford, Freedom Bank, spoke in favor of the application and read a letter from Don Bennett, President, Freedom Bank supporting the Hanson’s application. Barry Conger, 124 Columbia Mountain Drive, Columbia Falls, spoke in favor of the application, and noted that Hanson Trucking has been a long-time supporter of the Columbia Falls community and this application is an opportunity for the community to give back to them. Mayor Fish closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Council reviewed the CDBG requirements and discussed the wood product industry impact on Columbia Falls. Councilman Karper made a motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare a Resolution authorizing an application for CDBG-ED and/or WPIRS programs, second by Reikofski. Motion carried with all members voting in favor of the motion.
B. Mayor Fish read the notice of public hearing seeking comment on the City’s Final 2009-2010 FY Budget, Special Assessments, and Permissive Medical Levy. City Manager Shaw and Finance Director Nicosia presented the proposed budget to Council. Administration proposed leaving the Special Assessments at the level set by Council last year: $40,000 Lighting and $310,000 Street Maintenance. The individual assessment schedules have been prepared and submitted to the County and are now available for review. The proposed Permissive Medical Levy is actually lower than the previous fiscal year due to the reduction in staff and the change in how the levy is calculated due to legislation passed in the 2009 session. Nicosia presented the City’s maximum levy calculation pursuant to state statute. City Administration is recommending the maximum mills allowed under statute, 15-10-420, MCA: 163.255 mills plus the Permissive medical levy (20.450) and Pool GO Bond (11.035) and Street GO Bond (12.718) for a total levy of 207.458 mills for the 2009-2010 FY. The total 2009-2010 FY appropriations are approximately $10.3 million, with $3.3 million attributable to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. Nicosia noted that City staff has been reduced by 2 FTE in the past two years with the elimination of the payroll clerk and planning clerk positions. The savings are now reflected within the various budgets. Manager Shaw noted that it is a conservative budget approach that takes in to account the City’s needs now and in the future. Manager Shaw requested that the Mayor hold the budget hearing open until September 28, 2009 to allow time for Council and public review. Mayor Fish opened the public hearing on the Budget, Special Assessments, and Permissive Medical Levy. There was no public comment. Mayor Fish held the public hearing open until September 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. |
Public Hearing – Hanson Trucking – CDBG-ED/WPIRS
Public Hearing – 2009-2010 FY Budget, Special Assessments and Permissive Medical Levy
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RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
| A. Resolution #1569 – Redefining the Area Included within the Columbia Falls Street Maintenance District and Method of Assessment – Finance Director Nicosia reported that this is the annual resolution amending the Street Maintenance District for any annexations, final plats, lot splits, etc. and to make the large lot reduction as adopted by Council with Resolution #794. Nicosia noted that the annexation of the City’s River’s Edge Park was not recorded in time to be included in the Street Maintenance District this year. Barnhart made motion to approve Resolution #1569, second by Karper. Motion passed with voting as follows: AYES: Fish, Barnhart, Karper, Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, and Shepard. NOES: None. ABSENT: None.
B. Resolution #1570 – Modifying the City’s Street Lighting District – Finance Director Nicosia reported that this is the annual resolution amending the Lighting District for any annexations, final plats, etc. Plevel made motion to approve Resolution #1570, second by Reikofski. Motion passed with voting as follows: AYES: Fish, Barnhart, Karper, Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, Shepard. NOES: None. AYES: None. C. Resolution #1571 – Levying Assessments upon Property within Special Improvement Districts to Defray the Cost of Said Special Improvement Districts for the Fiscal Year 2009 – 2010 – Finance Director Nicosia reported that the Street Maintenance District square footage is 39,999,628.78 with an annual assessment of $0.0077500719/sq ft and the Lighting District front footage is 235,105.35 with an annual assessment of $.0.17014/front ftg. Reikofski made motion to approve Resolution #1571, second by Plevel. Motion carried with voting as follows: AYES: Fish, Barnhart, Karper, Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, and Shepard. NOES: one. ABSENT: None. D. Resolution #1572 – Setting and Adopting the Mill Levies on all Real and Personal Property within the City of Columbia Falls; Approving Special Levies for Special Purposes within the City of Columbia Falls for the 2009-10 Fiscal Year – Finance Director Nicosia and City Manager Shaw reviewed the Tax Levy Requirement Schedule with Council, recommending a levy of 207.458 mills: 15-10-420, MCA levy of 163.255, Permissive Medical Levy of 20.450, Pool GO Bond of 11.035 and Street GO Bond of 12.718. City Manager Shaw reviewed the projected increase of $25.00 on a $250,000 home, noting that it would be much lower on an average residence in Columbia Falls. Councilman Petersen expressed concern about the tax increase to households. Manager Shaw noted that this levy request is taking in to consideration needs of the City for this year and planned Capital Improvements in the future. Councilman Barnhart made motion to approve Resolution #1572, second by Shepard. Motion carried with voting as follows: AYES: Fish, Barnhart, Karper, Plevel, Reikofski, Shepard NOES: Petersen ABSENT: None |
Resolution #1569 – Street Maintenance District 2009-2010 FY
Resolution #1570 – Street Lighting District 2009-2010 FY Resolution #1571 – 2009-2010 FY Assessments
Resolution #1572 – Setting and Adopting 2009-2010 FY Mill Levies |
NEW BUSINESS:
| A. Request for Preliminary Plat Approval of Buttercup Hill Subdivision, a first minor subdivision of Tract 2 of the NW1/4 Section 21, Township 30 N Range 20W – City Manager/Planning Director Shaw reviewed Findings of Fact and Conditions of Approval in Staff Report CPP 09-02. Shaw noted that no public hearing or Planning Board approval was necessary as it is a first minor subdivision. Councilman Barnhart noted that Condition of Approval Item 3 should be “Bad Rock Fire District.” Jeff Larsen, Larsen Engineering and Surveying, representing the applicant noted that they agree with the conditions of approval. He stated that the property is deeded in trust and the applicant wished to develop tracts for their daughters, which they could not do without this process. Council discussed Shooting Star Road width. Councilman Shepard made motion to accept Staff Report CPP 09-02 as findings of fact, amending Condition of Approval Item #3, second by Karper. Motion carried with voting as follows: AYES: Fish, Barnhart, Karper, Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, Shepard. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. Shepard made motion to approve Preliminary Plat Approval of Buttercup Hill Subdivision and direct City Attorney to prepare Resolution, second by Plevel. Motion carried with voting as follows: AYES: Fish, Barnhart, Karper, Petersen, Plevel, Reikofski, Shepard. NOES: None ABSENT: None. | Buttercup Hill Subdivision – CPP 09-02 |
REPORTS/BUSINESS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL:
| A. Councilman Barnhart noted that he recognizes that this year’s budget and mill levy has impacts for the next four or five years.
B. Councilman Petersen stated that he believes the budget is conservative but he would like to look at the process, allowing for more Council input in to delaying or changing items. City Manager Shaw responded that this year’s process was different due to the timing of the receipt of the certified value and setting the budget. He always looks to the Council to setting the scope of the Capital Improvements planning. C. Mayor Fish reported on the Out of Darkness Suicide Walk held the previous weekend and hopes Columbia Falls continues to participate on getting more people involved in suicide prevention and awareness. Fish also reported that she recently had the pleasure of giving a speech to a Third Grade Classroom on City Government and she noted that the students were very much aware of the requirement that dogs be on leashes and that owners must clean up after their pets in the City Parks and trails. D. Councilman Shepard reported that the 911 building is progress on schedule. E. Councilman Plevel thanked the City Manager and Finance Director of the budget presentation and explanations. She discussed the need for the City Parks Committee to meet to discuss the Talbott Neighborhood Park plan and Pinewood Park picnic shelters. Parks Committee set a meeting for 6:15 p.m. September 28, 2009. |
REPORTS/BUSINESS FROM CITY ATTORNEY:
| A. Reported receiving correspondence from Chief Perry that the property that had been cited under the decay ordinance was in full compliance at this time. |
REPORTS/BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER:
| A. Reported that there were three contractors in attendance at the pre-bid conference on the Street Improvement project. Bid opening will be September 24th at 10:00 am. Recommended setting a special meeting for September 28, 2009 to award bid. Council concurred.
B. Reported that DNRC adjusted the City’s grant application for the tree program based on available funding. The project on Talbott Road will still be completed. |
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| INFORMATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE is available for thirty days in the City Clerk’s office.
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ADJOURN:
| Upon motion duly made and seconded the meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m. | ADJOURN
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
APPROVED BY COUNCIL ACTION: October 19, 2009