Initial ECP Consultant Meeting

When: Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00am

Where: Administration Conference Room, across the hall from the City Manager's office

From Joyce Thares, Executive Assistant, City Manager's Office:

I have scheduled the initial meeting to discuss the Energy Industry Consultant RFPs for next Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. You will be meeting in the Admin Conference Room (just across the hall from the City Manager’s office – so come in here and I will show you how to get there).

Please complete your rating sheets and get the information back to me. You can just submit via email reply if that is convenient for you. (I hope this will work) Or fax them to 727-0005, or call me at 455-8450. Thanks. Joyce

Basin Creek Power Services
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

RW Beck
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Burns & McDonnell
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Commonwealth Associates Inc
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Elenchus
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Lands Energy Consulting
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Prosidian
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

ScottMadden
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)


Joyce Thares
Executive Assistant
City Manager's Office
City of Great Falls
P.O. Box 5021
Great Falls, MT 59403
406.455.8450
jthares@greatfallsmt.net

All City of Great Falls e-mails are subject to Montana's Right To Know law (Article II Sec 9, Montana Constitution) and can be considered Public Record (2-6-202, Montana Code Annotated) available for public disclosure.

City Commission June 16 Work Session

When: Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30pm

Where: *Gibson Room, Civic Center (*City's website didn't mention the location of the meeting, but work sessions are normally held in the Gibson Room).

Agenda:

Manager’s Proposed Budget Presentation – Greg Doyon

This should be an interesting meeting, because at the May 5, 2009 work session, Assistant City Manager Cheryl Patton, explained that [balancing the budget] "it is not easy this year".

Gosh, I wonder why. (Here and here).

"Pimping For Highwood"

I received the following information pertaining to actions being taken by Beartooth Coop to protect their interests from SME.

The first item is a request for a special meeting of the members to amend a portion of their bylaws. The amendments are noted.

The second item is a letter to the editor written by a member of the Beartooth Vigilance Committee to the Billings Gazette.

These folks are finally coming around.

Transit District Work Session

What: Transit District special Work Session
When: Tonight, 6/15, at 7:00pm at 3905 North Star Blvd.

Agenda:

2010 budget

Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 15, 2009

No meetings are scheduled this week.

Learn About Noxious Weeds

From Neighborhood Council 5:

You're Invited - Please see attached flyer for details.

Neighborhood Council 5 invites you to participate in a Noxious Weed Event, June 13th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Russell Park Gazebo.

Russell Park is located on 15th Avenue South, between 33rd Street South and 35th Street South.

Hope you can join us for this event!

Tawny Newth
Chair, NC#5

Fire Dept. Levy Presentation

Here you can find the levy presentation representatives of the fire department are showing at Neighborhood Council meetings.

ECP Vacancy Extended

Only one individual applied for the ECP board opening vacated by John Gilbert's resignation in May.

The City has extended the deadline to apply to June 30.

Please consider applying if you are concerned about the city's continued involvement in this endeavor.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 8, 2009

Two councils are meeting this week:

NC#7

When: Monday, June 8 at 7:00pm

Where: Community Rec Center, 801 2nd Avenue North

Agenda:

See here.

NC#9
When: Thursday, June 11 at 7:00pm

Where: Camp Fire Office, 1925 2nd Avenue South

Agenda:
Traffic study of 4th Alley South between 20th and 21st streets

Lions Park Family Funfest

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

Ed McKnight Files For City Commission

Yesterday, Ed McKnight filed for City Commission. On Monday, Rolland Leitheiser did as well. You can view Ed's interview with KFBB here.

Incumbant John Rosenbaum filed yesterday too, but according to the Trib., his interview with them will be forthcoming.

Neighborhood Council 7 - June 8 Agenda

AGENDA
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, June 8, 2009
Community Recreation Center, 801 2nd Avenue North
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

APPROVAL OF May Minutes

NEW BUSINESS
Speed zone/speed bumps in Council 7 school zones—Judy Sperl
Proposed Meadow Gold alley closing—Meadow Gold representative
Dog Park Opening

OLD BUSINESS
Neighborhood Council Election filing reminder
County’s plans for 4th Street alongside Courthouse
Public Safety Levy—David Vanson
Weed and Seed radio ad
Lowering Speed Limits on Park Drive near Gibson Park
Gibson Park Lighting, CTEP grant update
Beautiful Minds Walk update—Greg hall
Problem Properties
Other Old Business

REPORTS
City Commission
Other Reports

ADJOURN

Next meeting July 13, 2009— NeighborWorks

Feel Free To Respond

A commenter asked on another post how things went last night at the mayoral forum.

Since I was a participant, I don't feel it appropriate that I respond.

If you attended and wish to comment, please feel free to do so.

Media Day For The Candidates

Yesterday turned out to be media day for City Commission candidates.

Besides the mayoral forum held last night at NC#3, KFBB interviewed all three Commission candidates as well as myself. Click here to see the video.

Thank You!

Thanks very much to Neighborhood Council 3 for hosting last night's mayoral candidate forum.

I very much appreciated the opportunity to express my position and answer questions from the audience.

KRTV was there as well and filed this report.

Another Candidate Files

Another concerned citizen has filed for City Commissioner. Ms. Zook presented her press release last night at the City Commission meeting.

A Tribune reporter (not Rich Ecke) was there, but I did not find mention of her candidacy in today's paper.

2009 Public Safety Levy Info.

The City of Great Falls has prepared a levy information page that allows taxpayers to get information pertaining to the upcoming fire levy.

The fire department has done a very good job of explaining their need for additional funds and what it will cost the taxpayer on a graduated basis. They have incorporated a "levy cost calculator" with very good instructions on how to use it.

There is not separate information about the police levy or a levy cost calculator for their request, but you can find details here.

Mayoral Candidates

On Thursday night (6/04), at Neighborhood Council 3's meeting, Bill Bronson and I are on the agenda. According to Tim Austin, chair, the following format will be used:

1. Each of us will have between 10-15 minutes to talk about our candidacy.

2. For up to 30 minutes, questions will be taken from the audience.

Update:

Here is a memo from Tim Austin:

If you have a question to ask the Mayoral Candidates: Bill Bronson and/or Sandra Guynn, now is the time.

If you cannot make the meeting, but you would like to ask a question, please send me an email at: austindesigns@yahoo.com

Neighborhood Councils, Week of June 1, 2009

Two councils are meeting this week:

NC#6
When: Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room, 1800 19th Ave. So.

Agenda:

City recycling information
Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NC#3

When: Thursday, June 4 at 7:00pm

Where: Westgate Mall meeting room

Agenda:

Mayoral candidates Bill Bronson and Sandra Guynn
City recycling information

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

ECP Board Meeting, June 1, 2009

What: ECP board meeting

When: Monday, June 1 at 5:30pm

Agenda:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Financial Reports
Financials - Year to Date and Projected
Energy Consumption Charts (to be handed out at meeting)

Miscellaneous Reports
Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. vs. Southern Montana Electric G&T, Inc., et al. (Cause No. DV 08-1797) – Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint
Co-Gen facility PSC application update

NEW BUSINESS
Accept Board Meeting Minutes from May 4, 2009
Designate the next regular Board meeting date to be July 13, 2009, to accommodate the Fourth of July holiday

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
1. John Gilbert - Letter of Resignation

COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment

NEXT ECP BOARD MEETING

July 13, 2009

ADJOURN

City Commissioner Candidate

Yesterday, concerned and involved citizen, Kathleen Gessaman, filed for one of two City Commissioner positions.

Kathy's theme is CHAT: Citizen Involvement, Honest Answers, Accountability, Transparency.

View her press release.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of May 25, 2009

Only one council is meeting this week, mine.

NC#4

When: Thursday, May 28 at 6:30pm

Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North

Agenda:
City recycling information
10th Avenue North speeding problems

Problem properties

Neighborhood concerns

Ducks And A Banker

Enjoy your day!!

Gas Plant Not Firm, Yet

According to this article today in the Billings Gazette, SME is making sure they do a thorough analysis before they make a firm decision to go with gas.

That's not the story Tim spun in April.

At the April ECP meeting, Gregori "discussed what was reported in the press versus what SME was actually moving forward on. With regard to a natural gas fired facility, SME is moving forward with a 120 megawatt combined cycle natural gas facility". [emphasis added].

In the meantime, Beartooth members are trying to collect 500 member signatures so they can hold a special meeting. They want to amend their bylaws to read that monies cannot continue to be spent without the approval of the majority of their members.

According to the same article, SME received this month a preliminary bond rating of "favorable" and "investment grade".

Memorial Day Ceremony

What: Memorial Day ceremony at Montana Veterans Memorial at River Drive and 25th Street, in the vicinity of Centene Stadium and Pasta Montana.

When: Monday, May 25 at 2:00pm

The Boy Scouts of America will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Veterans Groups color guard will present our Nation's colors. Guest speakers will be Jon Tester and Brigadier General Brad Livingston of the Montana Air National Guard.

Irish tenor John McDermott will sing patriotic songs (www.johnmcdermott.com) and there will be a Native-American warrior spirit ceremony. The names of Montana's fallen warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan will be recited.

For more information and how to order tiles for those to be honored at the Place of Honor, visit www.montanaveteransmemorial.org.

Citizens are encouraged to bring umbrellas in the event of inclement weather and portable chairs if they so desire. Handicap parking will be available and general parking will be available in the vicinity of the baseball stadium.

Great Experience

Yesterday I was one of the judges at CMR's Senior Project. I'm very glad I elected to participate. It took two hours out of my day, but it was well worth it.

We each judged four students. Each of my presentations had four judges, although I don't know if this was the case with all of the programs. Coincidentally, all of my presentations had to do with music. I learned about the guitar, piano, dance and music composition.

During a short judge's orientation session, we were told that students were not to be wearing jeans or to use text messaging lingo or slang. I'm happy to report that none of the above occurred at my programs, although a few times we were referred to as "guys"; do you "guys" have any questions; thanks "guys". Yes, I did mark them down for that.

There were 15 criteria on our scorecard. Categories included presentation time management, subject (product) knowledge and the flow of information , visual aids, which were required (all used PowerPoint), how the student benefited from the project, what their community service entailed, appearance and articulation. They were also judged on how well they answered impromptu questions. Students could receive up to 60 points; Outstanding, 4 points, Good, 3 points, Average 2 points and Needs Improvement, 1 point. We were encouraged to leave comments, especially if the student needed improvement.

All of the students I judged indicated they had worked on their project all year. It had taught them perseverance, work ethic and for a couple of them, helped build up their self esteem. They all appreciated how rewarding community service can be. (A couple of them weren't too sure about that aspect of the project, but quickly changed their minds).

I'm looking forward to next year. More than 100 juniors have signed up so they will be looking for a lot of community help.

I graduated from CMR 30 years ago this month. This was the first time I had been back. It was a great homecoming!

Chance To Serve

For those of you who may be thinking about getting involved in city government and don't want to run for office, here is another opportunity. Seven advisory board openings are available:

1. Advisory Commission on International Relationships - 2 openings - supports international programs in the community. Call Kelly Audet at 455-8440.

2. Housing Authority Board - 1 opening - aims to provide safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing to the city's low-income residents. Expertise in social work, accounting, architecture and engineering are desired. Call Cheryl Patton at 455-8417.

3. Library Board - 1 opening - call Jim Heckel at 453-9706.

4. Electric City Power Board - 1 opening to fill the remainder of John Gilbert's term through December 2011 - advises the city on its electric utility operation. Call Coleen Balzarini at 455-8423.

5. Parking Advisory Commission - 2 openings - call Kim McCleary at 455-8405

Fire Numbers Not Quite Right

At last night's City Commission meeting, Fire Chief McCamley indicated that the fees to be collected from the fire service contract with SME were not included in his calculations concerning the levy.

This is not true. In his January 28 special City Commission presentation, the Chief indicated that $283,000/annually would be used to help offset the City's match for the SAFR grant.

Since the Commission voted last night to revise the fees to $36,000/annually, fire department revenues have now dropped by $247,000/annually.

Beecher explained last night that he thought this a fair revision. Never mind that he expressed concern at the January special meeting that an assumption was being made that SME would continue to pay their fire service contract.

It's for the best he is not running for reelection.

Incomplete

That's the news from the DEQ concerning SME's application for a permit application to construct and operate a gas combustion turbine facility for electric generation at the Highwood Generating Station.

On page 1 of the letter, DEQ mentioned that "the incompleteness issues identified in the main body of this letter address insufficient analyses and/or lack of transparency in methods and calculations provided in the permit application". [emphasis added].

Lack of transparency. Now why doesn't this come as a surprise?

SME has until July 20, 2009 to submit the requested information or the application will be considered withdrawn. They can request in writing an extension of time.

It IS The Gift That Keeps On Giving

At last night's City Commission meeting, the commission voted 4-1 (Jolley dissenting) to reduce the fire service fees that SME is supposed to be paying the city. I say supposed to, because they haven't paid to date what the contract stipulates.

On page 2 of the agreement: In order to facilitate development of the Facility, SME must be assured that fire protection and emergency services will commence at the time of commencement of construction.

SME broke ground on HGS on October 15, 2008.

SME didn't start to pay for services until December. To date, they have paid $47,166 for fire protection, which covers the months of December and January. They have sent $23,583 for February, which has not been credited toward this contract, but has been "sitting on account", according to Coleen. With the passage of the reduction of the fees to $3,000/month, the February payment will be applied to Feb-May coverage and "reserve amounts anticipated to be adequate to carry through the reassessment period".

According to information given by Chief McCamley, Gregori sent an email in MAY requesting this reduction. (We learned from Coleen that she initially received the email and passed it on to Fire Chief McCamley). But Coleen knew by February that Gregori would be requesting this reduction, since she did not credit the February payment against the contract. (I guess this explains why he didn't send his March or April payments).

Since he knew by February he wanted a reduction in fees, why did he wait until May to send his request?

And speaking of his request..

According to item #12 of the agreement, any correspondence to the City with regard to this, is to be accomplished in writing by first class mail and fax to the City Manager and the Fire Chief. (There is no mention of using email or first corresponding with the City's fiscal officer).

No worries though. According to Rosenbaum, this is "Montanans doing business with Montanans".

Fire Contract Review

It looks like a highlight of tomorrow night's City Commission meeting will be the possible revision of the Fire Protection and Emergency Services Fee Schedule between Southern Montana Electric G&T and the City of Great Falls Fire and Rescue.

Currently, SME is paying the City of Great Falls about $23,580/monthly. If approved, this revision will drop the fee to $3,000/monthly. (According to the revision, this amount would be retroactive to February).

At ECP's 2/02/09 meeting, "Director Gilbert inquired if the gas plant would change the terms of the fire contract with the City. Mr. Gregori responded that he would ask for some consideration since the level of construction changed. If the City responds negatively, SME will continue to pay the amount specified in the existing contract". [emphasis added].

Why has it taken Gregori 3 months to ask for a reduction in fees when he knew full well by the beginning of February he would be asking for it?

Assuming SME has paid the contract fee for May, the City has received from Feb-May $94,332 (23,583 x 4). Retroactive, the fee would be $12,000 (3,000 x 4). If the Commission approves the revision, the City will owe SME $82,332.

Given the Commission's history, this revision will pass.

The gift that keeps on giving.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of May 18, 2009

Two councils meet this week:

NC#5

When: Monday, May 18 at 7:00pm

Where: GF Clinic Specialty Center conference room

Agenda:

City recycling information

Neighborhood concerns

Committee reports

NC#8

When: Thursday, May 21 at 6:30pm

Where: GF Prerelease Women's Annex

Agenda:

City recycling information

Neighborhood concerns

Committee reports

Excellent Letter To The Editor

On Saturday, May 16, a guest opinion that Larry Rezentes wrote to the Tribune editor, was published.

It is an excellent commentary on the boondoggle that ECP has become.

Additional Info. About 4th Street

From Aaron Weissman, chair of NC7:

Neighbors;
At our NC7 meeting on Monday, the County presented their plans for 4th Street. Basically, they want to narrow the sidewalks on either side of the street in order to accommodate squared-in parking. Along with this, they want the parking meters removed from the streets. This section of 4th Street would have its traffic slowed to 10-15 mph, and speed bumps may be installed. Lane width would be 12-13 feet, which would accommodate city buses.

Most of the spaces would be reserved for County employees and handicapped jurors, with a few spaces reserved for citizens doing business in county offices. The county feels that this approving and implementing this proposal would equal the $200 thousand they are owed by the city for the land that will be used to create 3rd Street NW.

A drawing of the proposal is attached. I apologize for the quality of my scanner, but it should make the idea at least relatively clear.

We will be discussing signing a letter of support of this proposal at our June council meeting. I look forward to your thoughts.

Yours,
Aaron

County Plans For 4th Street

At Neighborhood Council 7's meeting Monday night, County Commissioners Briggs and Salina and County Planning Director Brian Clifton presented their plans for 4th Street.

This update was sent to me from a citizen who attended:

The county had Big Sky Engineering come up with 5 Parking Options for 4th Street and their "Campus". They chose Option E which provides for 34 total additional parking spaces and still allows two-way traffic on 4th Street.

4th Street would have its parking meters removed, be widened to roughly the east edge of the existing east sidewalk, a raised pedestrian walkway (similar to those in front of Albertsons stores) installed from the Courthouse to the Annex, speed bumps placed at the north and south ends, and have 90 degree head-in parking placed on both sides (total 40 spaces).

Most or all of the existing trees would be saved by leaving green spaces in the parking areas. The 4th Street Parking Project would also include revamping the existing Courthouse parking lot, the old jail parking lot, re-landscaping the whole campus, etc.

No estimate of costs was presented.

Whitter Carnival And Street Fair, May 15

See their poster here.

The event will be held at Whittier School at 305 8th Street North.

The Whittier PTA will be holding their annual carnival this coming Friday, May 15, from 6-8 p.m. This year, the event will also be a street fair with hamburgers and fry bread. Cub Scout Pack 26 will also be holding their open house at the event and we will be helping to staff the booths. All proceeds will help with the construction of the new Whittier Playground, so please come and join in on the fun!

Gilbert Resigns

Citing health reasons, John Gilbert resigned last week from the ECP board.

This is unfortunate news for the citizens of Great Falls. Mr. Gilbert has been the only board member to ask questions. He was also the only member who has the accounting knowledge and background to critique Coleen's numbers.

Mr. Bob Pancich, a previous chair and current member of the board, indicated that Mr. Gilbert "did a great job. He dug in and asked questions".

Too bad the other members haven't performed their duty and done the same.

Mr. Gilbert will be missed. I wish him the best.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of May 11, 2009

Four councils are meeting this week:

NC#7

When: Monday, May 11 at 7:00pm

Where: NeighborWorks, 509 1st Ave. South

Agenda:

See here

NC#1
When: Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00pm

Where: Meadow Lark School library

Agenda:

Info. on city recycling

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NC#2

When: Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00pm

Where: West Elementary School cafeteria

Agenda:

Introduction to the new Expo Park general manager
Update from the Cascade County Sheriff's office

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NC#9

When: Thursday, May 14 at 7:00pm

Where: GF High South Campus, room 105

Agenda:

Info. on MApril clean-up efforts

Info. on city recycling

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

According to their respective web sites, Councils 1 and 2 will not meet during June, July and August.

Happy Mother's Day!

Have a great day!

Neighborhood Council 7 - May Meeting

AGENDA
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, May 11, 2009
NeighborWorks Great Falls, 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

APPROVAL of April Minutes

NEW BUSINESS
City Recycling—Jim Rearden
Grant idea for pedestrian safety groups—Sheila Rice
Neighborhood Council 7 election filing information

OLD BUSINESS
County’s plans for 4th Street alongside Courthouse—Brian Clifton
Public Safety Levy
Gibson Park Lighting, CTEP grant update
Beautiful Minds Walk update—Greg Hall
Problem Properties
Other Old Business

REPORTS
City Commission
Other Reports

ADJOURN
Next meeting June 8, 2009— Community Rec Center

Reception For Russian Delegation

What: Reception for Russian Delegation

When: Friday, May 15 at 5:00pm at the GF Public Library

This event is free and open to the public.

FREE Concert Tonight

Info. provided by Aaron Weissman:

Yehudah Katz, the lead singer of the hit Israeli rock and soul group Reva L'Sheva, will be performing at a free concert in Great Falls, May 7, at Baker Bob's at 6 p.m. courtesy of the Israeli Outreach group Soultrain!

The concert is FREE; donations will be gratefully accepted to help cover our costs. Help spread the word!

We look forward to seeing you at the concert!

Not Amusing

An interesting remark was made at the ECP meeting last night.

The executive director and the board discussed the request for proposals for an independent consultant. The topic of cost and who would pay for this review was mentioned.

Coleen suggested the "city" pay for it, since it was the "city" who requested it. If ECP pays for it, well, it will just make the bottom line more negative than it already is. She and some of the others thought this incredibly amusing.

Please remind me again who employs Ms. Balzarini.

A Good Example Of Why I Am Running

The ECP meetings are a good example of why I decided to run for the Great Falls mayoral position.

I attended last night's meeting and the same thing happened as has happened in the past: NO copies of the paperwork discussed are provided to the citizens in attendance at these meetings; however, the documentation magically appears about a week or so AFTER the meetings on the city's ECP's website page.

This doesn't happen because Coleen doesn't have the packet prepared by the time of the meeting. Every board member has the packet as well as other city officials, including the assistant city manager, who sat just a couple of seats away from me.

So much for operating in a fishbowl.

City Commission Work Session, May 5, 2009

What: City Commission Work Session
When: Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30pm in the Gibson Room, Civic Center

Agenda:

Wind-powered Electricity Systems changes to Land Development Code – Bill Walters
Budget Update – Greg Doyon

ECP Meeting, May 4, 2009

What: ECP board meeting

When: Monday, May 4 at 5:30pm in the Gibson Room, Civic Center

Agenda:

Call to Order 5:30 PM

Roll Call

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
1. Financial Reports
Financials - Year to Date and Projected
Energy Consumption Charts

2. Miscellaneous Reports
Request for Proposals – Energy Consultant
PSC – Petition of ECP for Certification of an Eligible Renewable Resource
City of Great Falls, et al. v PSC (Cause No. CDV-2009-127) – Defendant NWE’s Answer and Amended Answer to Complaint and Petition for Judicial Review

NEW BUSINESS
Accept Board Meeting Minutes from April 6, 2009

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment

NEXT ECP BOARD MEETING

June 1, 2009

ADJOURN

Neighborhood Councils - Week of May 4, 2009

Two councils are meeting this week:

NC#6

When: Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00pm

Where: Sunnyside School music room

Agenda:

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NC#3

When: Thursday, May 7 at 7:00pm

Where: Westgate Mall conference room

Agenda:

Info. from Marty Basta, Parks and Rec. director, about underutilized city parks

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NEWS RELEASE

This is a personal post from me, Sandra Guynn, aka GFGirl and the author of Cataract City.

I have made the decision to run for the Great Falls mayoral position.

I have been involved in Great Falls government for about four years. I am currently in my second year as the chair of Neighborhood Council 4.

My platform is very simple:

OPEN, TRANSPARENT, ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT (OTAG)

According to the city's organizational chart, the citizens are #1. Unfortunately, the citizens have not been treated as #1 for a number of years. If elected, I will change that.

A separate campaign blog will be up and running soon. I will continue to post to Cataract City as I always have.

A press release was sent yesterday. KFBB came and did a short interview, which aired last night on the 10:00p.m. news. (For the record, my last name rhymes with "win").

(Here is the Tribune's article from Sunday's (5/03) paper).

"For Citizens To Win, Vote For Guynn"

Thanks in advance for your support!

SME's Modified Air Permit

The DEQ has posted SME's Air Quality Permit Application for their gas plant. Here you can find the Appendix A-H. (Additional appendices are not yet online).

On page 12 of the application: "Southern provides wholesale electric energy and related services to approximately 100,000 Montanans". [emphasis added].

I guess it's a good thing SME does not update their website, because it seems that they are still including the citizens of Great Falls in this number: "The five member cooperatives serve approximately 65,000 Montanans, and the City of Great Falls has a population of 57,000".

According to Yellowstone Valley Electric, they have 12,000 members. If you deduct that from 65,000, (they are not a member of the "new" SME) then SME only provides electricity to about 53,000 Montanans, not 100,000 as quoted.

MApril Postponed

Just in case you were planning to continue MApril clean-up efforts this weekend, the event has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 16. For more info., call Carrie Koppy at 761-5861.

Preserving Montana's Signature Landscapes

UPDATE:

Due to weather, this event has been postponed until June or September.

What: Conference bringing tools to help preserve land, landscapes, landmarks, monuments and historic trails

When: April 30-May 1

Where: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Cost: $25 registration includes admission for Thursday keynote, Friday lunch and reception. $20 for MPA members. Payment will be accepted on site.

See here for the agenda

To register, call 406-457-2822.

Swine Flu Fact Sheet

Here is a Swine Flu fact sheet released by the City-County Health Dept.

Bills That Have Become Law

Here is a look at the legislative bills that have become laws. Effective as of April 21, 2009:

House

Senate

A click on the bill number will lead to bill details, including the effective date.

Special Commission Meeting

When: Wednesday, April 29 at 3:15pm

Where: Commission Chambers

Agenda:

The Director of Public Works will provide a presentation to the Commission for consideration of acceptance of funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

1.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 agreement for funding of 1st Avenue North and 5th Avenue South Water Main Replacements. Action: Confirm or deny acceptance of funds. [ Agenda Report 1 ]

2.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 agreement for funding of Wastewater Treatment Plant Clarifier Recoating Project. Action: Confirm or deny acceptance of funds. [ Agenda Report 2 ]

Modified Air Permit

According to an article in today's Tribune and a legal ad in Saturday's paper, SME is applying for a modified air permit.

If granted, this would modify a permit they already have for a coal-fired plant.

According to Tim, even though SME is still looking at the viability of a coal-fired plant, they could not operate both.

"Get The Facts"

That was a quote in Saturday's Tribune from Coleen Balzarini. The hypocrisy of the statement would be laughable, if the situation were not so serious:

She said it is upsetting that area bloggers would post the information online without more explanation, saying they should "get the facts." "All they had to do is call and ask," she said. [emphasis added]

Ms. Balzarni is not as forthcoming as she likes to make it sound. Remember the secret box?

According to City Attorney Gliko, Coleen is the one who did the "independent" review of what documents went in and what stayed out.

If you give her a ring to "get the facts", let us know the results.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of April 27, 2009

No meetings are scheduled this week.

Northside MApril Still A Go

From Aaron Weissman:

MApril is ON, and Should be Fun!

I know that a lot of you looked outside yesterday and thought "ugh, MApril cleanup in THIS?" Count me with you.

That's why I was so thrilled when I saw this weekend's weather report. Saturday is supposed to be a high of 54 degrees and sunny, with a return to rain and wet weather on Sunday.

So, MApril Clean Up is still on! Please join us at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning in the parking lot of the Rec Center. After the clean up, there still will be a picnic at noon at Black Eagle Park.

Let's all have some fun and clean up our neighborhood! I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning!

Energy Consultant Draft Proposal

Here is the draft proposal for an energy consultant that City Manager Doyon presented to the Commissioners.

According to Commissioner Jolley, this "seemed" to be approved, but it should be coming back to them for a formal vote at a City Commission meeting. Let's hope so.

SME's Tax Form 990

IRS Form 990 is the Non-Profit tax form that SME has to complete.

Here you can find their filings from 2004-2007 (see item 10).

Very interesting reading.

Opposition To Closing 4th Street

Aaron Weissman went on the record concerning the possible closing of 4th Street. He read this at last night's City Commission meeting:

Dear Honorable Commissioners;

I write today to discuss the proposed reconfiguration or closure of 4th Street, between the County Courthouse and the County Annex. I have given the matter some thought, and I do not believe it to be in the best interests of our community for this street to be closed.

Too many streets in the Lower North Side are already closed or configured in such a way to make smooth travel difficult. 1st and 2nd Avenues North are a one way couplet, as are 5th and 6th Streets. 3rd Street is closed between Central and 1st Avenue North. I submit to you that the portion of 4th Street that you have proposed closing or reconfiguring is necessary for entrance and egress into the residential sections of the extreme Western portion of the Lower North side.

I recognize that some accommodation needs to be reached in order to equalize the value of the land being transferred on the West side. In addition, I think it obvious that more parking needs to be made available to the County in order to satisfy its requirements. I would like to propose a potential solution.

The First Avenue North Parking Garage is near the County’s lower North side “campus.” Ample parking is available within. I suggest to you that the city should transfer ownership or very long term leases of parking spaces in that garage that equal the amount of difference in the values of property being traded. While I cannot calculate the value of a parking space, I am sure that experts in the employ of both the city and the county could agree upon a valuation.

Such a solution would leave 4th Street as-is, give the County fair value for its land swap, fill the City’s parking garage and potentially solve the County’s parking problem. I hope that you will consider this solution.

Sincerely,
Aaron Weissman

Northside MApril Cleanup

When: Saturday, April 25 at 9:00am

Where: Great Falls Rec. Center, 801 2nd Avenue North

Join Us for Northside MApril Cleanup!

Please join us for the Northside MApril Cleanup this weekend!

We will be picking up streets in the Lower North and South sides of Great Falls this coming Saturday, April 25. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Great Falls Rec Center, 801 2nd Avenue North to divide up streets and pick up bags/gloves.

After the cleanup, please join Neighborworks celebrating our now clean neighborhoods for a picnic at Black Eagle Park at Noon. I look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks,
Aaron

Not Again

Well, it seems to have happened again.

At last night's City Commission meeting, at the end when the commissioners can comment, Commissioner Jolley indicated that she was not part of a "vote" that was evidently precipitated by a memo that Commissioner Bronson wrote to the ECP board.

At last night's work session meeting, it was told to me that Bronson indicated the majority of commissioners were in favor of the City transferring their portion of costs already invested in the coal plant to Gregori's gas plant idea.

Jolley went on to say that she is very concerned that monies already invested are going to be shuffled over to the new project without any public vote.

She's probably right. After all, Rosenbaum doesn't think there needs to be public scrutiny for a project that is ongoing, and as evident by their actions, the other commissioners and mayor think the same way.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of April 20, 2009

Two councils meet this week:

NC#5

When: Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm

Where: GF Clinic Specialty Center's conference room

Agenda:

Committee reports

MApril cleanup planning

Community Weed Pull planning

Neighborhood concerns

NC#4

When: Thursday, April 23 at 6:30pm

Where: Heritage Baptist Church - 900 52nd Street North

Agenda:

Request for a conditional-use permit for a daycare
Good Neighbor Award presentation to the GF Prerelease Center

Community needs survey conducted by United Way

Committee Reports

Problem properties

Neighborhood concerns

City Commission Work Session

What: City Commission Work Session

When: Tuesday, April 21, 5:15pm in the Gibson Room

Agenda:

1. Employee Orientation
2. SME Update – Project and Rates – Tim Gregori
3. Energy Consultant RFP Update – Greg Doyon

Land Exchange Passed

Today, at the City Commission's special meeting to discuss the land swap with the county, the Commission voted 4-1 in favor. Commissioner Bronson dissented.

Commissioner Bronson had several questions, including how the appraisal amount of the land was decided. He feels this agreement is setting a bad precedent by agreeing to a deal that has yet to be decided.

Special City Commission Meeting

When: Wednesday, April 15 at 3:15pm
Where: City Commission chambers

Agenda:
City staff will provide a presentation to the Commission for consideration of approval of the Revised Land Exchange Agreement with Cascade County. (See here for the reports)

Note: Cascade County Commissioners approved the exchange today.

KFBB Series - Part 2, HGS

This is the last of a two-part series on ECP and HGS. The first part can be found here.

The city of Great Falls plays a unique role in the power industry and right now, the city’s power board Electric City Power faces a million-dollar deficit.

A key to the finical success of ECP and the city’s future role in the industry is the construction of Highwood Generating Station. Recently major changes to the plant’s design were announced that could affect the city’s investment. However, most city officials say their investment is still safe now that developers are considering burning natural gas instead of coal.

“In the long run I expect to see the city’s investment paid back. Southern Montana or SME has not abandoned plans to build a facility out there. Once a gas plant is up and operating and becomes part of their portfolio, we as an original investor in the project hope to see some returns from that,” said City Commissioner Bill Bronson.

“We’ve put in about 2.2 million dollars…a lot of those costs still have value to the project whatever it ends up being,” said ECP Executive Director Coleen Balzarini.

But City Commissioner Mary Jolley says changing from coal to gas won’t change existing problems. “It already has the same problems. How can you have a productive, cost effective gas plant if you’re already according to various pronouncements of the backers of the past plant 20-30-40 million dollars has already been spent on a coal plant? The main question is where is our 2.3 million dollars…is it down a rathole? I suggest it is,” said Mary Jolley.

According to some critics much more than that will be lost because they believe the plant will never actually be built. “The concern about the impacts from this facility on air and water led us to go digging through the city’s files and try to determine what was going on and how the city was involved in this plant,” said Anne Hedges with the Montana Environmental Information Council. “Our estimates are that they’re about six million dollars into this project and that doesn’t take into account the staff time and their travels going back and forth to billings on a regular basis,” said Hedges.

“Between 6 and 6 and a half million dollars is the amount is that the city has invested in this potentially lost as a result of the operations of Electric City Power and the investment in Highwood Generating Station,” said local CPA Larry Rezentes. City Manager Greg Doyon acknowledges millions could be lost if the project folds. “There’s no doubt that the city took a risk up front when then embarked on this and um I’m not sure if they knew at the time the extent of that risk,” he said.

Critics say the potential loss of public funds through Electric City Power and investment in Highwood is unacceptable. “The city does not have a problem with their continuing to operate Electric City Power in violation of the law. As a result the taxpayers have continued to loose money and to me that is unacceptable,” said Rezentes.

Hedges echoed that sentiment, “What could the city have done with this six million dollars that would have been better spent, would have been a better investment? We certainly told the city all along that we thought this was a poor economic decision. I think this just proves what happens when government officials feel like no one is watching and they have unfettered discretion to do what they want with tax payer funds.”

So while most city officials believe their investment is safe and critics believe the money’s gone it all hinges on if the plant will actually be completed and if ECP can somehow overcome their deficit.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of April 13, 2009

Four councils are meeting this week:

NC7

When: Monday, April 13 at 7:00pm

Where: Community Rec Center

Agenda: See here.

NC1

When: Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00pm

Where: Bethel Lutheran Church, 1009 18th Ave. S.W.

Agenda:

Emergency Preparedness

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NC2

When: Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00pm

Where: West Elementary School cafeteria

Agenda:

Special meeting to plan improvements and funding for West Bank Park

NC8

When: Thursday, April 16 at 6:30pm

Where: Great Falls Prerelease Women's annex

Agenda:

Appointment of a new member

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

"Fast-Talking Captain Leaves Sinking Behind"

Here is a whimcisal look at SME: (A letter to the editor at the Billings Gazette):

Five years ago, five rural Montana electrical co-ops, including Beartooth, became convinced their mother ship, the USS Bonneville Power Administration, was sinking.

A lifeboat appeared, captained by a rather dapper gentleman, talking really fast. "I am here to save you!" called the captain, pointing to the dog picture and charts. "This puppy's 'Highwood.' He's a big'urn all right: more'n twice what you need. But that's his beauty: we'll sell the extra power to fools not as smart as us for more'n twice what it costs. 'Highwood' won't cost a penny over $440 million: a bargain at twice the price. Sign here."

Global warming and coal's massive role in it were apparently unconsidered.

After checking with some "experts," mostly certified by the captain, everybody signed. Signed what? "Can't say: trade secrets.

"Citing a projected $990 million plant cost and no market for half the power, Highwood's prospective financier, Rural Utility Service, declined. Wall Street's 10 percent loan sharks now circled the lifeboat. Shouting, "Stay the course!" the captain cursed arithmetic, environmentalists and Henry Waxman.

YVEC jumped overboard anyway. The captain celebrated by donning a bigger hat over his first. Beartooth, shorn of capital and any marketable power contracts, raised rates 50 percent. Members squawked: the increase was cut, the interval doubled. Highwood's picture was retouched: more svelte by half, and no cigar.

Isn't it time for the lifeboat to leave? Who, besides the captain, will be aboard? Beartooth's Board? Beartooth's new manager? Brad Molnar? Scott Boggio? The rest? Not a chance: They're overboard.

Charlie Donnes
Red Lodge

KFBB Series - Part 1, ECP

Beginning last night, KFBB began a 2 part series on ECP and HGS. Here is the video and dialogue for their ECP interview aired last night:

The city of Great Falls plays a unique role in the power industry. Currently the city faces two major challenges: distributing power purchased from Southern Montana Electric through a program known as Electric City Power and its involvement in the controversial Highwood Generating Station. We begin with a closer look at Electric City Power.

It was created back in 2004 when the city entered the electricity business with the goal of bringing affordable power to its residents. However year after year, it’s fallen further and further into debt. Now five years after the program began it is more than a million dollars in the hole, which is in violation of city law.

According to city ordinance, Electric City Power must, "operate on a self-sufficient and self-sustaining basis and produce revenues at all times sufficient to pay all operating, maintenance, debt service, repair and replacement costs," but that’s something it’s never done. “It was never profitable. Not day 1, not day 2 and not today,” said City Commissioner Mary Jolley.

“Through February 2009 its still at a 1.2 million dollar deficit,” according to Coleen Balzarini, Executive Director of Electric City Power.

Taxpayers we talked to aren’t too happy about that. One man said, “If that’s the law, they should abide by it, we have to abide by our laws why shouldn’t they abide by theirs.” Another Great Falls resident suggested, “They shouldn’t be allowed to do that public ought to speak out.”

We asked City Commissioner Bill Bronson how a city program could be allowed to violate the law for so long. “We recognize that for most of the last four to five years it has been running in a deficit but that’s largely due to factor outside of our control.”

So who’s to blame?

According to Bronson the 2007 the legislature. They passed a law allowing Northwestern Energy to be the sole power provider in our area and essentially froze the Electric City Power or ECP customer base to whoever was signed up at the time. “Prior to the legislative change ECP had budgeted for much larger power supply and customer base that’s one of the primary reasons we were put into a deficit. Not because of any problems on our end but because of actions by outsiders,” Bronson said. That left the city’s power arm with excess amounts of electricity and over the years they’ve lost more and more money trying to sell it all off at competitive rates.

The newest city commissioner wants to end the program. “There are many many funds in the city of Great Falls that are used for instance the library, the sewer fund, the water fund all kinds of funds and the losses that Electric City Power is experiencing now are made up as loans from all these other funds,” said Jolley.

Still, others argue the million-dollar plus deficit can be made up. “Were looking at such things as revenue increases, the move to the blended rate to decrease our expenses,” said Bronson. “We anticipate that the deficit will disappear and the goal is to have that gone at the same time as the current long term contracts which go through 2011 at the same time that those expire so June 30th 2011 that we will have the deficit removed at that point.”

A key to the future finical success of Electric City Power is the Highwood Generating Station. The city has invested millions of dollars in the project and recently builders decided to change the power plant from a coal-fired to a natural gas facility.

But what do these changes mean for the city’s investment?

For part two of this story, tune in tomorrow (4/13) night.

Where Did $25 Million Come From?

Yesterday, in Joilet, Beartooth co-op members held a meeting to discuss their rate increases, their management and the direction of their electrical future.

According to one member's calculations, $41 million has been spent, but only $16 million can be accounted for as coming from the co-ops. Where did the rest come from? (SME and Beartooth representatives were invited to the meeting, but didn't attend).

These folks aren't able to track the spending, because just like the problems we are facing in Great Falls, the records are confidential.

As another by-product of this fiasco, homes that are for sale, which are currently being serviced by Beartooth, are not selling.

One co-op member indicated that more than one Beartooth board member might be open to the idea of selling Beartooth's interest in Highwood.

Stay tuned.

Neighborhood Council 7 - April Meeting

Friends;

Please find attached and appended Neighborhood Council 7's agenda for our upcoming meeting on Monday, April 13. It has been a busy month, and there is a lot to discuss! Thank you for all you are doing to help keep our neighborhood a great place to live, work and play. Please forward this email along to anyone you think interested.

The meeting on Monday will also be the bi-monthly meeting of the Northside Neighborhood Watch. I look forward to seeing you there!

Yours,
Aaron

AGENDA
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, April 13, 2009
Community Rec Center, 801 2nd Ave. N
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.

NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Problem Properties

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF March Minutes

NEW BUSINESS
County’s proposal to close 4th Street alongside Courthouse
Public Safety Levy information
MApril Cleanup
Upcoming CTEP grant for Gibson Park Lighting
Changes/Increases to City Pool fees
Neighborhood Concerns

OLD BUSINESS
Traffic concerns along 5th Avenue North near CM Russell Museum
Other Old Business

REPORTS
Police Advisory Board
City Commission
Other Reports

ADJOURN

Next meeting May 11, 2009— NeighborWorks Great Falls, 509 1st Avenue South

Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Day

What: Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Day service

When: Sunday, April 19 at 1:30pm at the YWCA

Good afternoon.

As you may be aware, during the month of April we remember Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. Yom HaShoah is the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising which began on April 12, 1943.

I write today to invite you to attend a short service commemorating the holiday at the YWCA of Great Falls, at 1:30 p.m. on April 19.

The service is being organized by congregation Aitz Chaim, the Great Falls Hebrew Association. The service will be led by Student Rabbi Brian Immerman.

If your schedule allows your attendance, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Please forward this along to anyone you think may be interested in attending.

Sincerely,
Aaron Weissman
Congregation Aitz Chaim

Editorial Board Weighs In

In today's paper, the Tribune's editorial board is taking the county to task concerning the latest snafu regarding a proposed land exchange.

According to a comment County Commissioner Joe Briggs made here: "Aaron (Weissman) is correct that the details are sketchy as this proposal was just floated in recent days as a way for the city to acquire the land they need without having to compensate the county for the differences in the value of the land". [emphasis added].

This development has been in the works for quite some time. Wouldn't you think this would have been a detail worked out in the beginning?

Why do I have a feeling there is more to this story than we are hearing?

What Next?

Now we learn that the land exchange between the county and city has hit a snag.

For the time being, I am going to give the City Commissioners the benefit of the doubt that they didn't have all of the details concerning this debacle.

If this is the case, why didn't they?

I attended the City Commission work session and not one city staff member, nor the city manager, piped up when Commissioner Bronson indicated the motion had to be amended. According to the article in today's paper, that amendment has now made the agreement null and void.

Can anything proceed like it should?

"We Must Take America Back"

A local patriot who is helping to organize next Wednesday's Tea Party contacted the writer and performer of WE MUST TAKE AMERICA BACK. For the time being, he is giving folks permission to download it for free. All he asks is that you play it very LOUD!

Dear Jack,
I want nothing to stand in the way of folks enjoying and spreading the message of WE MUST TAKE AMERICA BACK.

So for the time being I have made it a completely FREE download without restrictions on my web site.

Please tell your friends - and those pesky radio and tv personalities - to come and get it!

And don't forget to watch the video when you visit the site - http://www.stevevaus.com/

Thanks for all your kind words of encouragement.

Steve Vaus

Public Safety Levy To Move Forward

At last night's City Commission work session, the Commission agreed to hold the public safety levy on August 4. By a 3-2 vote, the proposed levies (fire/rescue and police) will be separated on the ballot.

Commissioners Beecher and Rosenbaum thought the levies should be combined.

"Rosenbaum expressed concern that voters might get the wrong idea with two separate levies and vote for only one of them. "I'd like both of them to pass, obviously," Rosenbaum said.

Yes, voters. One of our elected officials, who is supposed to represent us, didn't want us to have a choice, because we might make the "wrong" decision. (Beecher did not share why he was opposed to separating the levies).

County And City Land Exchange

At last night's City Commission work session and City Commission meeting, the proposed land swap, here and here, between the county and city, was discussed.

The current wording of the city's motion read: “I move that the City Commission approve/deny the Land Exchange Agreement with Cascade County and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and deeds of transfer.”

At the work session, Commissioner Bronson was right when he said the cart was being brought before the horse. In essence, the end result was being agreed to without the process being adhered to, which includes public input. To date, the county has not met with the Neighborhood Councils involved, which are 2 and 7.

For this reason, he amended the wording of the motion. After reading the amendment, the commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the MOU (memorandum of understanding) which will authorize the process to begin, but makes clear the end result, which is the exchange, may not be agreed to.

For more details, see today's article in the Tribune.

More About the Proposed Land Exchange

Here are more thoughts from Aaron concerning the MOU about the land exchange between the city and county:

Friends;

Attached is the agenda report and MOU that the City is being asked to approve tonight. The majority of this agreement centers around land the city wants to receive in order to construct 3rd Avenue NW, near the new Federal courthouse. The city's "vacation" of 4th Street North seems to be an add-on to the MOU, and not even mentioned in the City's Agenda Report.

I further understand that the County plans for this new parking to be for law enforcement and for County employees, not the general public.

Speaking as one of the neighbors affected, I don't know whether this is a good idea or not. At a minimum, I want to see impartial studies that will describe what it will do to traffic flows and parking in the surrounding streets.

I encourage you to attend the City Commission meeting tonight and express your views. I will be there, and I plan to ask the Commission not to act until more information is available.

Yours,

Aaron

Possible Street Closure

From Aaron Weissman, chair of Neighborhood Council 7:

Friends;
One of the items that is going to come up at the City Commission meeting tonight is a proposal by the County for the City to "vacate" 4th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Ave N, so that the County can use it for additional parking. The details are sketchy now, but this might result in permanent closure of this section of 4th Street, much like the closure on 3rd Street for Davidson Plaza.

The street in question is between the County Annex and the County Courthouse. I have attached an image of the area in question to this email.

The County is asking for this closure as part of a land swap the city is requesting for land near the soon-to-be completed Federal courthouse.

I will be at the meeting tonight. If you are interested in the issue, I encourage you to attend as well. In any case, before the meeting, can you send me your thoughts about this proposal?

Thanks,
Aaron

City Commission Work Session - Apr. 7, 2009

When: Tuesday, April 7 at 5:30pm

Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center

Revised Agenda:

I guess Tim had a scheduling conflict and couldn't make this meeting, but he will be at the ECP meeting on Monday.

What Are The Odds?

In perusing the consent agenda for tomorrow night's City Commission meeting, I noticed that there was a payment to SME for $650,000 for February power.

What are the odds the bill was exactly $650,000?

Neighborhood Councils - Week of April 6, 2009

Two councils meet this week:

NC#2

When: Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00pm

Where: West Elementary cafeteria

Agenda:

Expo Park presentation by County Commissioner Joe Briggs
Emergency Preparedness presentation
MApril clean-up efforts

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

NC#9

When: Thursday, April 9 at 7:00pm

Where: Camp Fire office at 1925 2nd Ave. So.

Agenda:

MApril clean-up efforts

Committee reports

Neighborhood concerns

ECP April 2009 Meeting

Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center

When: Monday, April 6 at 5:30pm

AGENDA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
1. Financial Reports
2. Year to Date Financials
3. Projected Financials
4. Energy Consumption Charts
5. 2008 - Energy, Transmission, G&A, Deferred Imbalances

Miscellaneous Reports
1. YVEC vs. SME, et al. (Cause No. DV 08-1797)
2. The City of Great Falls, et al. vs. The Montana Dept. of Public Service Commission and NorthWestern Energy (Cause No. CDV 2009-127)
3. MEIC vs. City of Great Falls, et al. (Cause No. CDV 07-614(b))
4. Copy of letter to Pilot Program customers

NEW BUSINESS
Accept Board Meeting Minutes from March 2, 2009
Generating Facility and Energy Supply Contracts update – Tim Gregori

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
COMMUNICATIONS

Public Comment

NEXT ECP BOARD MEETING

May 4, 2009

ADJOURN

It Seems To Be Finally Hitting Home

It never fails.

Taking a hit in the pocketbook is usually what finally gets folks to wake up and smell the coffee. It doesn't hurt either when co-op members of SME can't attend their own annual meeting.

Dissension In The Ranks

A week from now a very interesting meeting is planned in Joilet to discuss HGS, SME and an "attempt to follow the money" by requesting an independent audit of SME.

Wouldn't it be nice to be a fly on the wall at this meeting to not only hear what is being said but who actually shows up?

Exorbitant electric bills will be the subject of a meeting at 2 p.m. April 11 at the Joliet Community Center. The meeting is open to all members of Beartooth, Yellowstone Valley, Fergus, Mid-Yellowstone, and Tongue River electric cooperatives.

Please attend to discuss the history of southern Montana G & T and history of Highwood generating station; use of the Chicken Little, Henny Penny scare tactics; conflict of interest issues; cost of power and need for a Highwood plant. Also on the agenda is an attempt to follow the money with requests for an independent audit of Southern Montana G & T and proof of a water right from the Missouri River.

We will request that managers of all the cooperatives be present. Attorney General Steve Bullock, State Auditor Monica Lindeen, Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar, representatives from MDU, NorthWestern Energy and PPL have been asked to attend or send representatives.

Larry Luloff
Roberts

Ed's Letter To The Editor

In yesterday's Tribune, a letter from Ed McKnight was published:

I would like to thank the Tribune for the March 16th articles discussing the security of our investments and the losses at ECP. I believe the release of my spreadsheets, showing that SME was more expensive than NorthWestern Energy, led to the new blended rate in an attempt to cut losses.

I would also like to thank everyone who listened to me and supported my candidacy for Mayor two years ago. Many people witnessed the struggle I and others had first getting real information, and then getting the Commission to listen to what the numbers meant.

With an open and transparent government, none of this would have happened, and we could have saved millions.

Energy will be a big part of our future, and the jobs created will be a boon to our city, county and state. As a technology professional, I thoroughly understand both the technology and economics.

A new political season is fast approaching. I do plan on continuing my efforts to correct the problems now very apparent at City Hall.

I would like to support candidates who advocate transparent, open and fair government. If you would like to help in any way, run for the Commission, or simply spread the word to your friends and family. Please contact me edmcknight@hotmail.com. I will answer any question or meet with anyone.

There is a lot right with Great Falls, my intent is to correct what is wrong.

Please help if you can.
Ed McKnight

Public Safety Levy Presentations

Here are the presentations the fire and police chiefs presented at the Council of Councils meeting Tuesday night.

A couple of things to remember:

1. Slides 4 and 5 of the fire department's presentation are estimates only since the budget is not yet completed.

2. When reviewing the estimated additional property tax costs for a $100,000-$200,000 home, remember these figures are based upon your home's TAXABLE market value. This is NOT what your home can sell for on the open market. (Hopefully, your home could sell for a lot more). To find out the taxable market value of your home, go here. If your taxable market value is under $100,000 or $200,000 then you would pay less than what is estimated. If it's more, well, you get the idea.

Chief McCamley is working on getting a calculator on the city's website to help folks get a more accurate representation of what they would pay.

No New Firefighters...

if the public safety levy does not pass.

This new information came out at last night's Council of Councils Meeting by Fire Chief McCamley. He said he has been instructed, he didn't say by whom, that if the public safety levy does not pass, the city will not hire 16 new firefighters.

Since the January 28 special City Commission meeting held to discuss accepting the SAFR grant, firefighters and members of the public have been led to believe that regardless of the levy outcome, new fire personnel would be hired.

This is welcomed news since there isn't any spare change lying around City Hall.