Agenda:
Call to Order 5:30 PM
Roll Call
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
1. Financial Reports
a. Blended Rate Status Update
b. Cogeneration Billing Procedure
c. Year to Date Financials
d. Energy Consumption Charts
e. Pilot Program
HGS Status Update – Tim Gregori
Miscellaneous Reports
YVEC vs SME, et al.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Accept Board Meeting Minutes from January 5, 2009
ECP Structure and Authorities
Rules of Operation
PSC/NWE/ECP Customer Meters – Next Step Options (District Court/Legislative)
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment
NEXT ECP BOARD MEETING
March 2, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
ECP February Board Meeting
Friday, January 30, 2009
Senate Bill 88 In Committee On Monday
When: Monday, Feb. 2 at 3:00pm in room #455 - Montana State Capitol
Senate Bill 88, which if passed, will define a school zone in Montana State Code.
Friends;
SB-88 would add a definition of a "School Zone" to Montana Code. Shockingly, no such definition currently exists in the law. This oversight makes it more difficult for municipalities to control speed near our schools, as the vagueness in the law could make it possible for courts to throw out tickets for school zone violations.
I suspect (but am not sure) that defining a school zone in the law would also make it possible for the City to better control speeds on 9th Street across for Longfellow and Whittier.
Anyway, if you can travel to Helena on Monday, I ask you to voice your support for this legislation. If not, can you please find the time to send Senator Tropila a letter of support that he can present to the committee? His email address is tropila@mt.net.
Yours,
Beartooth Backs Off
According to the article, the reduction in the surcharge means that it may be on the bills longer than initially planned.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the co-op is going to hold an informational meeting. According to the co-op president, John Prinkki: "We're going to talk about where we were, where we're at and where we're headed."
Which Is It?
The GFDA Board recognizes the need to be prepared in these tough economic times and has recently changed its priorities from attracting companies to Great Falls to focusing on the needs of existing companies. GFDA will focus efforts on working with local government, regional partners, and private developers to have industrial sites ready to be prepared to capitalize on new opportunities when the economy improves.
[emphasis added].
No Plant For MAFB
According to the news release, Air Force experts did not think proposals to build the plant were viable, especially in light of MAFB's nuclear missile mission.
Legislative Forum
Invitation
At a newly completed renovation
916 3rd Avenue North
Monday, February 2, 2009
4:30 – 6:30
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fire Department Has Grant
Commissioner Beecher also mentioned that a couple of assumptions are being made: That SME will continue to pay their Fire Service Agreement and that any increase to the General Fund will go toward the grant. No further discussion about these assumptions ensued.
To help pay for this, the city will be asking the voters to approve a public safety levy this year, which could come as early as May.
Mayor Stebbins and Commissioner Bronson are convinced the public will vote in favor of this levy, because they believe, the public understands the importance of public safety.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Special Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 26, 2009
Crossword Puzzle - City's Founding Father
Below is a crossword puzzle about our city's founding father. You can complete the puzzle online (interactive) or print the puzzle with the clues. I have also included the answers, but don't cheat!
Interactive version
Print version
Answers
How A Bill Becomes Law
How To Talk To Each Other
If you recall, Commissioner Rosenbaum thought a Myers-Briggs workshop would be appropriate at some point.
Commissioner Jolley told me she does not plan to attend.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Meeting Time Changed
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Police Department Citizens' Academy
The next Academy begins on March 11. Registration deadline is Friday, February 20.
Class #2 Patrol functions and duties
Class #3 Patrol functions and duties (continued)
Class #4 Weapons simulator/K9
Class #5 Weapons training
Class #6 Detectives
Class #7 Street Crimes/Gangs
Class #8 High Risk Unit
Class #9 Support Services/Dispatch
Class #10 Criminal process/Graduation
Optional Tour of the Jail
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Pleasant Meeting
Mayor Stebbins and Commissioner Beecher were absent, and as always, Commissioner Bronson did an excellent job of conducting the meeting.
There was discussion concerning the grant the fire department received. Fire chief Randy McCamley gave more detail and indicated that by the end of the month, the city has to decide if they are going to accept it.
Hide And Seek?
Don't you find it interesting we are just now learning of the Dec. 8 suit filed by the City and SME?
SME Countersuit To YVEC
According to the document, the city/ECP is not listed as a defendant. In fact, one of their arguments is that ECP is not the member of Southern Montana, but that the City of Great Falls is.
Hat tip: Gregg
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Neighborhood Councils - Week of Jan. 19, 2009
When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:00pm
Agenda:
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Countersuit
SME has countersued Yellowstone Valley Electric Co-op. (See here for the suit filed by YVEC against SME).
One would think that a vote of the SME board would have had to be taken to move forward with this action. And, as a member of SME, the City is a member of this board.
The question for us: Is the City of Great Falls involved?
Stay tuned for more details.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
"We're Financially Sound", but...
Memo From State Senator Mitch Tropila
Neighborhood Council 4 members and neighbors:
On January 8th, 2009, I introduced Senate Bill 88 to the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee in Helena. This is a common-sense safety bill for our community and for our children.
To explain: We drive by schools in our communities every day. We cross the school crosswalks and we see the school speed-limit signs. But sadly, there is no definition of a school zone in existing Montana Code. If passed, Senate Bill 88 would simply add a definition of school zone to the Montana Code. The crux of the bill is as follows:
“School zone” means an area near a school beginning at the school’s front door, encompassing the campus and school property, and including the streets directly adjacent to the school property and for as many blocks surrounding the school as determined by the local authority establishing a special speed limit under 61-8-310.
If implemented into law, there will be no gray area when local law enforcement agencies are handing out speeding tickets. At present, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if convicted of exceeding the speed limit near a school zone. If SB 88 is signed into law, “near” will be changed to “in”, the gray area disappears and our children’s safety is greatly improved.
Senate Bill 88 is a safety bill that is long overdue. Please support it. I thank you for allowing me to serve you in the 61st Montana Legislature in Helena.
Sincerely,
Mitch Tropila
MNA Intervenes
The Montana Newspaper Association (the GF Tribune is a member) requested that they be allowed to intervene in this suit.
On January 12, 2009, Judge Phillips granted the intervention.
Involvement Causes Another Problem
In today's Tribune, we learn that the fire department applied for a grant last spring that would increase their staffing levels. According to presentations I have heard Chief McCamley give, the fire department is currently staffed at 1960s levels, even though the responsibilities of the department and the size of the city have grown. According to the chief, the city has fallen behind in national guidelines.
The good news is that the fire department was awarded a $1.73 million grant. The bad news is that the city has to absorb about $950,000 and agree to keep on the additional 16 firefighters this grant would allow. Right now, the city doesn't have the money.
Somehow, I don't think it will be coming back from SME.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Support For Senate Bill 88
At our meeting last night, Neighborhood Council 7 voted to send the appended letter to Senator Tropila, in support of Senate Bill 88. The letter will be signed and sent by our council members this week.
Sincerely,
Aaron
--
January 13, 2009
The Honorable Mitch Tropila
Montana State Senate
PO Box 929
Great Falls, MT 59403
VIA EMAIL: tropila@mt.net
Dear Senator Tropila:
We write today to support Senate Bill 88, which is now being reviewed by the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee in Helena. This is a common-sense safety bill for our community and for our children. Thank you for sponsoring this legislation.
Neighborhood Council 7 is an elected body, representing approximately 7 thousand residents in the Lower North and South sides of Great Falls. There are two inner-city elementary schools within our council borders, Whittier and Longfellow Elementary. Students at both schools must cross a very busy 9th Street in order to attend school.
We remain concerned that no definition of a school zone in existing Montana Code. If passed, Senate Bill 88 would simply add a definition of school zone to the Montana Code. The crux of the bill is as follows:
“School zone” means an area near a school beginning at the school’s front door, encompassing the campus and school property, and including the streets directly adjacent to the school property and for as many blocks surrounding the school as determined by the local authority establishing a special speed limit under 61-8-310.
If implemented into law, there will be no gray area when local law enforcement agencies are handing out speeding tickets. At present, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if convicted of exceeding the speed limit near a school zone. If SB 88 is signed into law, “near” will be changed to “in”, the gray area disappears and our children’s safety is greatly improved.
Senate Bill 88 is a safety bill that is long overdue. We stand firmly in support of this legislation and will be thrilled to see it become a part of Montana law.
Sincerely,
Neighborhood Council 7
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Grant Request Approved
Friends;
I just found out that the Peoples Park and Rec Foundation of Great Falls voted yesterday to approve our grant request for Gibson Park lighting. We are now most of the way to our goal, which will allow us to apply for a CTEP grant for the remainder of funds necessary to light Gibson Park.
With just a few thousand dollars more in donations, we should be able to see a groundbreaking and lighting at Gibson Park by Fall, 2009.
Yours,
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bad Bills
LC1194 - State dog - didn't see one for a cat
LC1406 - Establish the third Saturday in June as a state holiday and call it "Juneteenth National Freedom Day"
Our tax dollars at work.
Whittier School Playground Grant
Friends;
At our meeting tonight, we will be discussing the pending grant request from the Whittier PTA for upgraded and new playground equipment. I have attached a letter draft that I will ask NC7 to sign and send tonight. If you have any suggested edits, please get them to me in the next hour and I will try to incorporate them into the letter text.
Yours,
Aaron
Neighborhood Councils - Week of Jan. 12, 2009
Agenda:
Friday, January 9, 2009
Special Meeting Canceled
Our Tax Dollars At Work
What follows are e-mails between Commissioner Jolley and Mr. Doyon's secretary and Mr. Doyon's response:
Tuesday, January 20, 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, January 22, 2-4 p.m.
As a reminder, Commissioners Beecher and Bronson still need to complete the assessment form and get it back to Mark.
Thanks. Joyce
****************
From: Mary Jolley
I will not be attending the workshop.
Jolley
*****************
From: Mary Jolley
Subject: RE: Meyers Briggs workshop
On second thought, is this Workshop opened to the Public? I might reconsider if it is. And could you please put in writing the reason, pupose or hoped for outcome of the Workshop.
Thanks,
Jolley
************
Commissioner Rosenbaum requested that the Commission consider having a workshop facilitated by Mark Willmarth on our Meyer’s-Briggs personality types. This is not a psycho-analysis, but an opportunity for the Commission and the manager to learn more about how we communicate individually and collectively.
As you know, all meetings where a majority of the Commission are present are public. This session will be conducted as a workshop session.
Once we get a full response from the other Commissioners , we’ll advise you of the final date and time if you want to participate.
- Gtd
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Downtown Police Officer Petition
Sincerely,
Aaron Weissman
Neighborhood Council #7-Jan. 12 Agenda
Please find attached the agenda for our upcoming Neighborhood Council 7 meeting, which will be Monday, January 12 at 7 p.m. at the NeighborWorks conference room.
Yours,
Aaron
AGENDA
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, January 12, 2009
NeighborWorks Conference Room, 509 1st Avenue South
7:00 p.m.
Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER MINUTES
REPORTS
City Commission
Other Reports
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers
Council Vacancy Announcement
Whittier Elementary Playground CDBG Grant Application; Letter of Support
Law office at 3rd Street North and 9th Street – Dan Shannon
Montana Legislature – Bills affecting lower North and South sides of Great Falls
Neighborhood Concerns
OLD BUSINESS
Gibson Park Lighting status update
Problem Properties
Other Old Business
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
Next meeting February 9, 2009—Great Falls Recreation Center
Good Neighbor Award
If you know of anyone who goes out of there way to be good neighbor, please consider nominating them.
Violation Of State Code
According to Ordinance 2925, Title 5, Section 5.20.080 - Rules of Operation:
The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall from time to time consider and recommend rules for operation of the municipal electric utility which shall contain, at a minimum, those requirements of good practice which can be normally expected for the operation of an electrical utility as required by Title 69, Chapter 7, Part 2, Montana Code Annotated, as amended. All rules of operation recommended by the Board of Directors shall be subject to approval by resolution of the City Commission. (Ord. 2925, 2005; Ord. 2861, 2003)
(emphasis added)
As of Tuesday, these Rules Of Operation were not on file.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Membership Certificate
Concerned citizen, Kathleen Gessaman, asked for a copy of this certificate. Among other things, this document states the name of the member of SME. Inquiring minds want to know: Is the member of SME the City of Great Falls or ECP?
Well, guess what? Nobody has it. The first words out of Coleen's mouth were, "we don't have it". She did admit that it was a legitimate records request and that Kathleen could fill out that form.
Joint Meeting Of The City Commission And ECP
What A Mickey Mouse Operation
Section 3.08. - Matters Not on the Agenda - Coleen Balzarini talked about a petition the city submitted to the Public Service Commission. Evidently the City wanted the PSA to rule that HB 25 took away the city's ability to get new customers. According to Balzarini, the PSC said this was out of their jurisdiction. Coleen said the city could take the matter to the legislature, but didn't think this would be a good idea; the legislature doesn't see things the same way the city does and would probably not take the time to rule on it. Another option would be to take it to district court, which would mean attorney fees. No action was taken.
This would have been a legitimate discussion, except, it was not on the agenda.
This item wasn't on the agenda either. And since they had just gotten their hands slapped for talking about an item not on the agenda, Mr. Golie laughed this off and said something along the lines: "well, since it's not on the agenda, we can't talk about it".
Another question Mr. Gessaman asked: Where does ECP get the authority to have an executive director? If you read the Bylaws and Ordinance 2925, there is no mention of an executive director.
Mickey Mouse. No doubt about it.
What A Mess
And by the way, at the ECP meeting, board member Bill Ryan asked Mr. Lewin if he would volunteer his services. Mr. Lewin came back with a very definite NO.
Monday, January 5, 2009
ECP And Yellowstone Valley Electric
6. The Parties desire to enter into this Agreement through which all of the City’s right, title, and interest in and to the SME Contract is assigned to Electric City and Electric City agrees to assume ll of the City’s duties under the SME Contract, all as more fully provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual promises of the parties, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Assignment. The Seller hereby assigns, transfers and conveys to the Buyer the rights, benefits and privileges of the Seller under the SME Contract.
2. Assumption. For and in consideration of the assignment hereunder, the Buyer hereby accepts the foregoing assignment and hereby assumes all of Seller’s rights, obligations, interests and liabilities under the SME Contract to the same extent as though it had originally been named as a party thereto and agrees to observe, perform and fulfill all the terms and conditions of the SME Contract.
Chairman Golie felt that Mr. Lewin was confused with the terminology in the agreement; that buyer means ECP customers, not ECP.
The board did not take any action on this issue.
There's more to report so stay tuned.
Neighborhood Council 7 Has Vacancy
Please see the message below from Ole Johnson. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Ole for his wisdom and enthusiasm in volunteering to help our neighborhood over the past year.
With Ole's resignation, an open seat is available on Neighborhood Council 7. We will attempt to fill this vacancy at our February meeting. Interested candidates should plan on attending both our meeting next Monday and in February.
I hope to have an agenda for our upcoming meeting out to you by Wednesday.
Yours,
Aaron
With the onset of the New Year I have developed commitments that will have me out of town and unavailable so with upmost regret I must resign from Neighborhood Council # 7, throughout the last year I have enjoyed the progress made and steps we have taken forward. I have no say with regard to my replacement but from observation made I would think Greg Hall would be a good replacement. It has been a pleasure to have been on this neighborhood council and I would serve in any capacity in the future if I am available.Best wishes, Ole Johnson
Great Falls Opera House
Neighborhood Councils - Week of Jan. 5, 2009
Appointing a new member to fill a vacancy
Agenda:
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Another Big Day For Early Great Falls
Many of us who live in Great Falls have had family members work at the "smelter". My great-grandfather, who emigrated from Yugoslavia, worked there shortly after it opened. Other family members worked there as well.
ECP Board January Meeting
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Financial Reports
Blended Rate Status Update
Year to Date Financials
Hourly energy consumption charts
HGS Status Update
Miscellaneous Reports
YVEC vs SME, et al; ECP Board legal representation
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolution 2008.0001, Establishing Guidelines for a Five Minute Comment Period
NEW BUSINESS
Accept Board Meeting Minutes from December 1, 2008
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment
NEXT ECP BOARD MEETING
JOINT ECP/CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Tentative Date: January 12, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
ADJOURN
Friday, January 2, 2009
"Blast Was Put On"
As a way to celebrate, Cataract City will be highlighting historic events, posting photos and occasionally publishing relevant crossword puzzles.
We get things off to a grand start by announcing that on January 2, 1889, the Silver Smelter produced its first 10 bars of silver when the "blast was put on". Note: The Silver Smelter was not where our famous "smoke stack" was located.
A local couple, Gary and Sandra Guynn, have a website devoted to this first major industrial endeavor of Great Falls.
Recommendation To Airport Authority Board
Work Session - Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009
Just Doesn't Want The Public Involved
I believe that this should be a meeting to share and disseminate information. Of course, if we decide to make official policy on anything, that would properly come before the public in the form of a public hearing. At that time, we would be happy to hear public input.
Dona
How It Works In Helena
Commissioner Jolley was not comfortable with her remark about when and how the public could comment at this meeting by referencing what is done at the Legislature in Helena:
From: Mary Jolley
To: Dona Stebbins, Jordan Love, John Rosenbaum, Bill Bronson, Bill Beecher, George Golie, Lee Ebeling, John Gilbert, Robert Pancich, Bill Ryan
CC: Greg Doyon, Coleen Balzarini, JoAnn Thares:
RE: Comment in the Helena Legislature
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 16:16:27 +0000
As to the Mayor’s take on Comment in the Helena Legislature:
“Perhaps a limited time comment forum at the conclusion of the meeting? (20-25 minutes or so, with a designated speaker or two - as is customary at the Legislature?)” Dona (in an email)
Public Comments in Helena are limited because there are only 24 hours in a day. Committees of the House and Senate meet at set times and have to conduct their business in between the times the Full Senate and Full House meet on their respective floors at times that are regularly scheduled.
In committees through which all bills must pass (normally) the time constraints on public comment are dictated by how much time there is before Full session meetings and meal time. The more time there, is the more public comment allowed.
The Committee chairs do not dictate who may speak. Lobbyists often arrange among themselves an order of speakers to cover their points. At any time a “civilian,” unaffiliated person my jump in front of lobbyists to comment.
Chairs request that persons not repeat what another has said but do encourage persons to get on the record that they are in agreement with a previous speaker.
As our meeting will start at 5;30 and we have no other business to conduct I think we should have lots of time for public comment. Fine examples of recent hearings in Great Falls that went well into the night are the County Hearings on zoning, the draft Hearings for the EIS and the meetings held in regards to the South Arterial.
Mary Jolley
It Never Ends
I can see that evidently making city government more inviting to the citizens is not a New Year's resolution for the mayor.
First, there is this e-mail setting up a meeting to discuss "the City’s electricity business going forward and the roles and relationships of the City, ECP, and Southern Montana Electric".
City Commissioners and Board Members of Electric City Power:
At the request of the Electric City Power Board members, we would like to schedule a meeting in the next couple of weeks with the Commission and the Board to discuss the City’s electricity business going forward and the roles and relationships of the City, ECP, and Southern Montana Electric. The workshop will be publicly noticed and the Commission can determine whether or not to allow public comment during the session. We are suggesting Monday, January 12th at 5:00 PM. Please advise us if this date and time works for you. We will also circulate a proposed agenda before the meeting, based on your prior input regarding discussion items.
Thanks,
Jordan Love
Then we have this gem from the mayor:
From: Dona StebbinsTo: Jordan Love, John Rosenbaum, Bill Bronson, Bill Beecher, Mary Jolley, George Golie, Lee Ebeling, John Gilbert, Robert Pancich, Bill RyanCC: Greg Doyon, Coleen Balzarini, JoAnn TharesSubject: Re: City Commission - ECP Meeting
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:36:59 -700Jordan,
Nice to have you back here - you have been missed. I believe the time and the date will work for me. However, I would like to keep this as an informational exchange meeting and discussion for ECP and the Commission, lest it become a free-for–all, with uninformed and under-informed participants weighing in. Perhaps a limited time comment forum at the conclusion of the meeting? (20-25 minutes or so, with a designated speaker or two - as is customary at the Legislature?)
Dona
Then Mary Jolly replies:
From: Mary Jolley
To: Dona Stebbins, Jordan Love, John Rosenbaum, Bill Bronson, Bill Beecher, George Golie, Lee Ebeling, John Gilbert, Robert Pancich, Bill Ryan
CC: Greg Doyon, Coleen Balzarini, JoAnn Thares
Subject: RE: City Commission - ECP Meeting
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:38:31 +0000
Is it any wonder that we are ALL as you say, “uninformed and under-informed participants?”Is not the meeting to be held so that we and the public may become informed?What is the status of the Freedon of Information Suit against the city? Have we responded? I haven’t seen anything.
Jolley