Saturday, January 31, 2009

ECP February Board Meeting

When: Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 at 5:30pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center

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

ADJOURN

Friday, January 30, 2009

Senate Bill 88 In Committee On Monday

What: SB88 to be heard before the Montana House Transportation Committee
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.

Aaron Weissman of Neighborhood Council 7 is asking for your support of this bill:

Friends;
SB-88, the School Zone Definition Bill being carried by our neighbor Sen. Mitch Tropila, will be heard before the Montana House Transportation Committee on Monday, February 2 at 3 p.m. in Room 455. For one, I think that this bill is worthy of your support.

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,
Aaron

Beartooth Backs Off

After receiving numerous complaints from their customers, officials at Beartooth Electric Co-op reduced the amount of the surcharge they tacked on to their December bills.

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."

I think where they're headed is a no-brainer.

Hat tip: Rich

Which Is It?

In today's paper, Brett Doney of the Great Falls Developmental Authority says that the GFDA is now looking for another location for an industrial park. Evidently, the Great Bear Innovation Park north of Black Eagle is not "shovel ready", which is hampering efforts to lure businesses to Great Falls.

But, according to their website:

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].

I'm confused.

No Plant For MAFB

Officials have decided to nix the idea of building a coal-to-liquids fuel plant at Malmstrom and will no longer pursue developing one.

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

MSU Great Falls is presenting a 2009 Community Legislative Forum on the dates found below.

Area legislators come together to discuss issues affecting Northcentral Montana.

Invitation

Sheila Rice of NeighborWorks invites everyone to an open house on Monday, Feb. 2:

You are invited to join NeighborWorks Great Falls at an Open House

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

I attended the special City Commission meeting this afternoon and by a 5-0 vote, the City Commission approved the FEMA grant awarded to the fire department. This means that 16 firefighters can be hired.

Commissioner Beecher asked what would happen if the city could not adhere to the grant. According to Chief McCamley, any proceeds received up to the point of non-compliance would have to be paid back and all other monies from the grant would be canceled. Of course, it would also mean that 16 firefighters would have to be laid off.

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.

So, what do you think? Will the public safety levy pass? Vote in the CC poll.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Special Meeting Agenda

As mentioned earlier, the City Commission is holding a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the FEMA grant the fire department was awarded.

When: Wednesday, January 28 at 2:30pm
Where: Commission chambers

Agenda report is here.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Crossword Puzzle - City's Founding Father

As I mentioned here, 2009 marks the 125th anniversary of Great Falls.

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

We've been tracking SB88, which has sailed through committee, the full Senate and unanimously passed a third reading. It has been transfered to the House where it is currently residing with the transportation committee.

Here is how a bill becomes law:


How To Talk To Each Other

On Tuesday, an informal communications workshop is supposed to be held in the Rainbow Room at the Civic Center at 3:00pm.

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.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of Jan. 26, 2009

No meetings are scheduled this week.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Meeting Time Changed

The meeting to be held next Wednesday, Jan. 28 to discuss the fire department grant will be held at 2:30pm rather than 5:00pm as originally scheduled. It will held in Commission Chambers.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Police Department Citizens' Academy

If you've ever wondered how our police department operates and want to learn about the policing challenges facing our community, then the Police Department Citizens' Academy may be for you. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Great Falls or the surrounding area to participate.

The next Academy begins on March 11. Registration deadline is Friday, February 20.

Classes are held every Wednesday evening and two Saturdays over a period of 9 weeks.

Class #1 General presentation and tour of the station
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

Hat tip: Aaron

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Pleasant Meeting

Last night's City Commission meeting didn't have any fireworks or anything deemed controversial on the agenda. It went very well.

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.

The Commissioners will meet next Wednesday at 5:00pm to discuss the implications of accepting the grant.

Hide And Seek?

On January 12, 2009, Judge Phillips allowed the Montana Newspaper Association to intervene in the lawsuit filed by MEIC against the City for not releasing certain documents (the "secret box").

On December 8, SME and the City of Great Falls filed opposition to that intervention. On December 12, MNA filed their response to that opposition.

Don't you find it interesting we are just now learning of the Dec. 8 suit filed by the City and SME?


Hat tip: Gregg

SME Countersuit To YVEC

Here, I reported that SME countersued Yellowstone Valley Electric. One of my concerns at the time was whether the city of Great Falls/ECP was involved in this countersuit.

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

Inauguration Day

All of our presidents, in the order in which they have served:

Monday, January 19, 2009

Neighborhood Councils - Week of Jan. 19, 2009

Two meeting are scheduled this week:

NC#5
When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:00pm
Where: GF Clinic Speciality Center, conference room

Agenda:
Election of officers
Emergency Preparedness presentation
Neighborhood concerns

NC#4
When: Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church - 900 52nd Street North

Agenda:
Election of officers
People's Park and Recreation Foundation presentation
Emergency Preparedness presentation
Citizens For Clean Energy - Students Science Awards program
Good Neighbor Award Presentation to Golden Corral
Neighborhood concerns

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Countersuit

We knew it was coming.

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...

"We just don't have any operating cash".

Those are the words from John Prinkki, president of Beartooth Electric Co-op, a member of SME.

According to this Tribune article, Beartooth customers have seen their power increase by 50%. The president blames the problems on financing complication caused by "environmentalists" who have challenged the air-quality permit. He claims this delay is the main reason for the increase.

Customers were told in September their rates would go up about 16%. Evidently, after that board meeting, it was determined the rates would be higher.

This does not come as a surprise.

Memo From State Senator Mitch Tropila

The following letter is from Mitch Tropila, the primary sponsor of SB88:

January 14, 2009

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
Senate District 12

MNA Intervenes

On October 28, 2008, MEIC filed a second motion against the city for not releasing certain documents for public viewing. These documents have since become known as the "secret box".

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.

Hat tip: Gregg

Involvement Causes Another Problem

For regular readers, you know that the city's involvement with private entity, SME, has caused major problems (here, here, here, here) for the city. Well, it looks like we've stumbled into another negative byproduct of that relationship.

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.

The key issue, "Where's that money going to come from?"

Somehow, I don't think it will be coming back from SME.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Support For Senate Bill 88

Neighborhood Council 7 has gone on the record in support of Senate Bill 88. If passed, this bill will determine what constitutes a school speed zone. On Jan. 13, the Senate Highways and Transportation committee voted 8-0 in favor of this bill. It is my understanding it will go to the House sometime in March.

Friends;
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

As a side note, past member of Neighborhood Council 4, George Littlefield, did the leg work to bring this bill to fruition.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Grant Request Approved

Good news! NC#7 found out that their grant request for Gibson Park lighting has been 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,
Aaron

Monday, January 12, 2009

Bad Bills

My husband stumbled upon a site that is very interesting. It's called badbills.com and it highlights state legislature bills the author believes are bad, for whatever reason.

Here is a list of no-brainers:

LC0162 - State PANCAKE - No kidding!

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"
Here are a couple of the "bad bills" that have made it to stage two:


HB68 - Revise stop requirements for bicycles - Bad Bill Bob's take on this bill - "If passed, MT bicyclists may become the state pancake".

Our tax dollars at work.

Whittier School Playground Grant

UPDATE:
As per Aaron, all members of NC7 signed this letter of support.


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

There are four councils scheduled to meet this week:

NC#7
When: Monday, Jan. 12 at 7:00pm
Where: NeighborWorks conference room, 509 1st Avenue South

Agenda:
Here.

NC#1
When: Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7:00pm
Where: Meadow Lark School library

Agenda:
Election of officers
Presentation by United Way
Presentation by People's Park and Recreation Foundation
Presentation by John Juras on bike paths
Neighborhood concerns

NC#2
When: Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria

Agenda:
Election of officers
Information on a proposed update to the Franklin Apartments
Presentation on gangs in Great Falls by the GFPD
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6:30pm
Where: Women's Annex of the Prerelease Center, 1019 15th Street North

Agenda:
Election of officers
Presentation by the People's Park and Recreation Foundation
Emergency preparedness
Neighborhood concerns

Friday, January 9, 2009

Special Meeting Canceled

Hat tip: Gregg

On the advice of counsel, the special meeting that was to take place between the City Commission and the ECP board has been canceled.

Our Tax Dollars At Work

According to City Manager Greg Doyon, Commissioner Rosenbaum requested that the City Commissioners should take the Meyers Briggs workshop.

What follows are e-mails between Commissioner Jolley and Mr. Doyon's secretary and Mr. Doyon's response:

Subject: Meyers Briggs workshop
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 16:33:46 -0700
From: Joyce Thares
To: Bill Beecher, Bill Bronson, Dona Stebbins, John Rosenbaum, Mary Jolly
CC: Mark Willmarth

I am working to schedule the Meyers Briggs workshop with Mark Willmarth and the commission. Please let me know if either of these dates work for you:

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
To: Joyce Thares
Subject: RE: Meyers Briggs workshop
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 15:13:30 +0000

I will not be attending the workshop.
Jolley

*****************
From: Mary Jolley
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 8:43 AM
To: Joyce Thares; Greg Doyon
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

************
Subject: Response to Commissioner Jolley's concerns
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 08:59:20 -0700
From: Greg Doyon
To: Bill Beecher, Bill Bronson, Dona Stebbins, John Rosenbaum, Mary Jolley
cc: Joyce Thares

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

We will have copies of this petition printed for the upcoming NC7 meeting on Monday. Please support this effort.

Sincerely,
Aaron Weissman


Neighborhood Council #7-Jan. 12 Agenda

Councilors and Friends;

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

Neighborhood Council 4 is asking for nominations for their Good Neighbor Award.

If you know of anyone who goes out of there way to be good neighbor, please consider nominating them.

Nominees can be an individual, organization or business within the city.

Nominations can be sent to:

1. The Neighborhood Council Coordinator, Patty Cadwell at pcadwell@greatfallsmt.net or mailed to her in care of the city - P.O. Box 5021, Great Falls, MT 59403

2. The chair of Council 4 - Sandra Guynn at siguynn@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 7047, Great Falls, MT 59406.

Violation Of State Code

At Tuesday night's City Commission meeting, it was brought to the attention of the commissioners by an "uninformed and under-informed participant", that ECP is in 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.

So let's review (here, here, here, here, here, here): Who is it again that is uniformed and under-informed?

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Membership Certificate

Another item brought up at Monday night's ECP meeting was the membership certificate that all members of SME are to receive. (See section 5)

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.

A short time later, Coleen told Mr. Golie that it must have "gotten lost in transit".

Joint Meeting Of The City Commission And ECP

According to city staff present at the ECP board meeting on Monday, Jan. 5, the special meeting between the City Commission and ECP will be held at 5:00pm on that date.

According to ECP Chair George Golie, Tim Gregori will not be invited.

Mr. Gilbert suggested that because ECP has been named in the Yellowstone Valley Electric lawsuit, Mr. Murphy (lawyer for City/ECP) should be given a copy of the agenda for review. He feels that since this is supposed to be a "frank" discussion about this entire relationship, it might create problems for later on. City Attorney Dave Gliko considered the thought and concurred. Vote was 5-0 in favor of giving a copy of the agenda to Mr. Murphy.

This is supposed to be a public meeting, but as of this date, the city does not have it listed on their calendar. Perhaps they are waiting for the go ahead from Mr. Murphy.

What A Mickey Mouse Operation

Sorry, Mr. Gilbert. But it's the truth.

At Monday night's ECP board meeting, they couldn't even follow their own Bylaws. A member of the audience (Ron Gessaman) pointed out the following:

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.

Section 4.04. - Chair - The Board shall elect a Chair at its first meeting and annually at its regular January meeting beginning in 2006. The Chair shall take office at the next meeting.. .

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.

To top it all off, when discussion turned to resolution 2008.0001 (establishing guidelines for a five minute comment period), we learned that the board has been following guidelines, but there is no record of these guidelines being voted upon. (Coleen said they searched all of the minutes and couldn't find the vote). Bob Pancich, previous chair, said he thought they had been approved, because he was following them when he was chair.

Mickey Mouse. No doubt about it.

What A Mess

At last night's City Commission meeting, Mr. Lewin reiterated again why he thinks the city could be in for a rough ride regarding the lawsuit filed by Yellowstone Valley Electric.

He referenced again the Assignment and Assumption Agreement between the City and ECP and read portions found on pages 2 and 3. As he mentioned at Monday night's ECP meeting, there are different obligations for the City and ECP and therefore, each should have their own attorney. He said this is very important because ECP has been losing money and the City Commission has never held them accountable.

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

One of the issues on tonight's agenda pertained to the lawsuit filed by Yellowstone Valley Electric.

The City/ECP does have legal council; Gerald Murphy of Moulton, Bellingham P.C. from Billings. He, as well as City Attorney Dave Gliko, feel that naming ECP in the suit is fairly superficial, because in the "prayer for relief" portion of the suit, claims were made against SME only.

Stuart Lewin, local attorney, indicated that ECP should get their own attorney and ask Mr. Murphy if he has a conflict of interest. He read portions of the Assignment and Assumption Agreement between the City of Great Falls and ECP:
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.
It is Mr. Lewin's contention that because of this agreement, the ECP board could find themselves at odds with the City Commission. He also feels that Coleen Balzarini's position could present a huge problem for the city, because she seems to "wear many hats". (Ya think!) Who does she represent, the City or ECP?

Chairman Golie felt that Mr. Lewin was confused with the terminology in the agreement; that buyer means ECP customers, not ECP.

I guess Mr. Golie (who, by the way, is a member of the ECP pilot program) didn't read the agreement from beginning to end, because if he had, he would have known that seller = City of Great Falls and Buyer = Electric City Power, Inc.

The board did not take any action on this issue.

There's more to report so stay tuned.

Neighborhood Council 7 Has Vacancy

From Aaron Weissman, chair of NC#7:
Friends;

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

On Jan. 4, 1892, the Great Falls Opera House, located at 113 3rd Street North, opened its doors. The evening was billed as "never-to-be-forgotten".


Postcard image


Photo courtesy of Richard and Carol Ecke as published in Great Falls Memories ~ Volume 1

Neighborhood Councils - Week of Jan. 5, 2009

Three councils meet this week:

When: Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room - 1800 19th Ave. South

Agenda:
Election of officers
Appointing a new member to fill a vacancy
Discussion and vote on the proposed wind turbine at MSU-COT
Information on emergency preparedness
Neighborhood concerns

NC#3
When: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Westgate Mall meeting room

Agenda:
Election of officers
Information on the proposed new animal shelter in Riverview
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:00pm
Where: GFHS south campus, room 105

Agenda:
Election of officers
Information on emergency preparedness
Neighborhood concerns

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Another Big Day For Early Great Falls

On January 3, 1890, the Boston and Montana Company selected "North Great Falls as the site of their Immense Factories, which will furnish constant employment to thousands of workmen whose cash wages will circulate every month in North Great Falls and vicinity".

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.

Source: Electric City Memories (2009 historical calendar published by the Great Falls Tribune)

ECP Board January Meeting

Where: Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 at 5:30pm
When: Gibson Room, Civic Center

Agenda:
Call to Order 5:30 PM
Roll Call

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
February 2, 2009

JOINT ECP/CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Tentative Date: January 12, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

ADJOURN

Friday, January 2, 2009

"Blast Was Put On"

2009 marks the 125th anniversary of Great Falls.

As a way to celebrate, Cataract City will be highlighting historic events, posting photos and occasionally publishing relevant crossword puzzles.


Courtesy of the Cascade County Historical Society
The Silver Smelter, looking northeast

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

According to the agenda for Tuesday's City Commission meeting, Jeff Mangan and Raymond Wahlwert are being recommended for reappointment.

Of course, the vote still remains.

Work Session - Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009

What: City Commission Work session
When: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Gibson Room

Any ideas what a presentation about public lands on the Rocky Mountain Front has to do with Great Falls' city government?

Just Doesn't Want The Public Involved

Here is the mayor's response to Mary's e-mail:

From: Dona Stebbins
To: Mary Jolley, 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: Comment in the Helena Legislature
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 12:58:04 -0700
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

Mayor Stebbins is trying hard to limit the public's opportunity to participate in a public meeting tentatively scheduled for January 12.

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

Hat tip: Gregg

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

So far, so good. Holding workshops/meetings was discussed and agreed to at ECP's December meeting. Doing this came about as a result of questions and concerns raised by Mr. Gilbert.

Then we have this gem from the mayor:
From: Dona Stebbins
To: Jordan Love, John Rosenbaum, Bill Bronson, Bill Beecher, Mary Jolley, George Golie, Lee Ebeling, John Gilbert, Robert Pancich, Bill Ryan
CC: Greg Doyon, Coleen Balzarini, JoAnn Thares
Subject: Re: City Commission - ECP Meeting
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:36:59 -700

Jordan,

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