When: Tuesday, April 5 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1. 2012 Revenue Forecast – Melissa Kinzler
2. 5-Year Financial Trends – Melissa Kinzler
2. 5-Year Financial Trends – Melissa Kinzler
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Neighborhood Councils - Week of April 4, 2011
Two councils are meeting this week:
When: Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
Info. from the Kids Education Yes group and Concerned Citizens
School board candidate, Mary Moe Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Where: Riverview School library
Agenda:
Info. on the Great Bear Industrial Park
Info. from the Kids Education Yes group and Concerned Citizens
Info. on the North Middle School food pantry
School board candidate, Mary Moe
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, March 21, 2011
Neighborhood Councils - Week of March 21, 2011
Two councils are meeting this week:
NC#5
When: Monday, March 21 at 7:00pm
Where: GF Clinic Specialty Center, conference room
Agenda:
Kids Education Yes group, speaking about a possible school levy
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#4
When: Thursday, March 24 at 7:00pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
Kids Education Yes group, speaking about a possible school levy
Mary Moe, school board candidate
American Red Cross, presentation on disaster readiness
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#5
When: Monday, March 21 at 7:00pm
Where: GF Clinic Specialty Center, conference room
Agenda:
Kids Education Yes group, speaking about a possible school levy
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#4
When: Thursday, March 24 at 7:00pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
Kids Education Yes group, speaking about a possible school levy
Mary Moe, school board candidate
American Red Cross, presentation on disaster readiness
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Thursday, March 17, 2011
CITY SUES SME
On Wednesday, March 16, the city sued SME for the return of its security deposit (792,411), and is also asking Judge Kenneth Neill to rule whether or not the city's various contracts and obligations can be voided.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
ECP Power Board, Special Meeting Today
When: Today, March 15 at 9:00am
Where: Missouri Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
Special meeting with SME, discussing how the city can exit from Southern.
Agenda:
Special meeting with SME, discussing how the city can exit from Southern.
If anyone attended this meeting, and would like to comment, please do so.
(Here is a very brief Tribune update of that meeting).
City Commission Work Session, Mar. 15, 2011
When: Tonight, March 15 at 5:30pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1.Animal Shelter Presentations – Jennifer Reichelt [ Agenda Report ]
2.Community Development Block Grant Funding Recommendations – Community Development Council
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1.Animal Shelter Presentations – Jennifer Reichelt [ Agenda Report ]
2.Community Development Block Grant Funding Recommendations – Community Development Council
Neighborhood Councils - Week of March 14, 2011
Only one council met this week:
NC#7
When: Monday, March 14 at 7:00pm
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda:
Interenet Safety Presentation - Officer Jesse Slaughter
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#7
When: Monday, March 14 at 7:00pm
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda:
Interenet Safety Presentation - Officer Jesse Slaughter
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, March 7, 2011
ECP March Meeting Is Canceled
In order to give staff more time to discuss the voluntary rate increases with B1 and B2 customers, the ECP meeting scheduled for today, March 7, has been canceled.
On Tuesday, March 1, the city sent SME a letter stating that the city wants "to be relieved of any and all obligation that exist with Southern".
For six months, the city has been requesting documents from SME relevant to allowing the city to make decisions regarding ECP. SME has not been forthcoming, citing confidentiality and proprietary information.
Citizens have been bemoaning this lack of transparency since the inception of ECP, more than 5 years ago.
How much more in tax payer dollars will it take to resolve this impasse?
Neighborhood Councils - Week of March 7, 2011
Three councils are meeting this week:
NC#1
When: Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Meadowlark School Library
Agenda:
Introduction from Deputy Planning and Community Director, Wendy Thomas
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
January 2011 minutes
NC#2
When: Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria
Agenda:
Info. on Montana Dept. of Transportation speed study on 3rd Street Southwest
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
No link to 2011 minutes
NC#9
When: Thursday, March 10 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls High, South Campus
Agenda:
Info. on possible school mill levy from the Kids Education Yes group
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
January 2011 minutes
NC#1
When: Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Meadowlark School Library
Agenda:
Introduction from Deputy Planning and Community Director, Wendy Thomas
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
January 2011 minutes
NC#2
When: Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria
Agenda:
Info. on Montana Dept. of Transportation speed study on 3rd Street Southwest
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
No link to 2011 minutes
NC#9
When: Thursday, March 10 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls High, South Campus
Agenda:
Info. on possible school mill levy from the Kids Education Yes group
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
January 2011 minutes
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Neighborhood Councils - Week of February 28, 2011
When: Wednesday, March 2 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
Agenda:
Great Falls gangs presentation
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, March 3 at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview School library
Agenda:
Possible solutions for problems at Montana Avenue NW and 22nd Avenue NW
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Friday, February 25, 2011
March 1, 2011 Work Session
When: Tuesday, March 1 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room
Agenda:
Independent Counsel Review 41QJ Water Rights – Steve Brown (agenda report)
Where: Gibson Room
Agenda:
Independent Counsel Review 41QJ Water Rights – Steve Brown (agenda report)
City Recycling Containers Are Removed
REMOVAL OF RECYCLING CONTAINERS
The City of Great Falls has removed all of the recycling containers at the Albertson’s located at 1414 3rd St. N.W. as of February 15, 2011. Starting February 18, 2011, you will be able to access recycling bins at the City Convenience Center located at 1100 15th St. N. (The containers at the Albertson's at 10th Avenue South have also been removed).
The City of Great Falls has removed all of the recycling containers at the Albertson’s located at 1414 3rd St. N.W. as of February 15, 2011. Starting February 18, 2011, you will be able to access recycling bins at the City Convenience Center located at 1100 15th St. N. (The containers at the Albertson's at 10th Avenue South have also been removed).
The winter hours of operations are Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, Noon to 5:00 P.M. The summer hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, Noon to 5:00 P.M. The summer hours will go into effect April 1, 2011.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. The City is consolidating the collection area to only one location due to rising costs, and also cleanliness concerns related to the remote sites.
If you have any questions pertaining to the recycling containers, please call 771-1401 or 454-2279.
Increased Traffic Enforcement
From: The City of Great Falls Emergency Management
This is a courtesy notice. Please be cautious drivers wherever you go. We want you to reach your destination safely!
GF Police will be heavily enforcing traffic laws at 15 St & 10 Ave So for the next 2 weeks in order to reduce crashes. This location has been identified as an area which has a high frequency of crashes.
GF Police will be heavily enforcing traffic laws at 15 St & 10 Ave So for the next 2 weeks in order to reduce crashes. This location has been identified as an area which has a high frequency of crashes.
Special ECP Board Meeting
When: Monday, Feb. 28 at 5:30pm
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda:
Jim Williams, Basin Creek Power Services will present his findings regarding rates.
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda:
Jim Williams, Basin Creek Power Services will present his findings regarding rates.
Joint City-County Commission Meeting
When: Monday, Feb. 28 at 8:00am
Where: Cascade County Commission Chambers
Agenda:
Meet with local legislators
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Neighborhood Councils - Week of February 21, 2011
Two councils are meeting this week:
NC#5
When: Monday, Feb. 21 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center, Conference Room
Agenda:
Info. on a proposed Beehive Home
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#4
When: Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
Election of officers
Gang presentation by the Great Falls Police Dept.
4727 2nd Avenue North property update
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#5
When: Monday, Feb. 21 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center, Conference Room
Agenda:
Info. on a proposed Beehive Home
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#4
When: Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
Election of officers
Gang presentation by the Great Falls Police Dept.
4727 2nd Avenue North property update
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Neighborhood Councils - Week of February 7, 2011
When: Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria
Agenda:
Info. on a new office building adjacent to Staybridge Suites
Info. on a new office building adjacent to Staybridge Suites
A disaster planning presentation from the American Red Cross
Committee reports
When: Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls High School, South Campus, room #105
Agenda:
Agenda:
Election of officers
Visit from Mayor Mike Winters
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, January 31, 2011
City Work Session, February 1, 2011
When: Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
Utility Rates – Jim Rearden
Montana Biofuels Update – Gary Hebener
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
Utility Rates – Jim Rearden
Montana Biofuels Update – Gary Hebener
Neighborhood Councils - Week of January 31, 2010
Two councils are meeting this week:
NC#6
When: Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
Info. on the proposed Benefis Grandview Retirement Community
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#3
When: Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview School library (location changed from the cafeteria)
Agenda:
A visit from Mayor Michael Winters
Info. on stormwater drainage issues in upper Riverview
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#6
When: Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
Info. on the proposed Benefis Grandview Retirement Community
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#3
When: Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview School library (location changed from the cafeteria)
Agenda:
A visit from Mayor Michael Winters
Info. on stormwater drainage issues in upper Riverview
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Neighborhood Councils - Week of January 24, 2011
Two councils are meeting this week as well as the Council of Councils:
When: Monday, Jan. 24 at 7:00pm
Where: GF Clinic Specialty Center's conference room
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
A visit from a community policing officer
Info. on the Benefis Grandview Retirement Community and the proposed Cascade Ridge Apartments
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
A visit from a community policing officer
Info. on the Community Development Block Grant program
Intro. of the new Deputy Director of Planning/Community Development
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Council of Councils meeting:
When: Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 7:00pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
Update on large vehicles parking on city streets
Update on large vehicles parking on city streets
Introduction from the new Deputy Director of Planning/Community Development
Discussion of past actions
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
2011 Legislation Affecting The Great Falls Area
A document prepared by the Great Falls and Cascade County Commissions.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
City Work Session, Jan. 18, 2011
When: Tuesday, January 18 at 6:00pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
West Bank Park Master Plan Update – Marty Basta
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
West Bank Park Master Plan Update – Marty Basta
Neighborhood Councils - Week of January 17, 2011
One council is meeting this week:
NC#8
When: Thursday, January 20 at 6:00pm
Where: Pre-Release Center, Women's annex
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
Committee reports
Neighborhood reports
NC#8
When: Thursday, January 20 at 6:00pm
Where: Pre-Release Center, Women's annex
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
Committee reports
Neighborhood reports
Friday, January 14, 2011
Judges Needed
Great Falls High School and CMR are hosting the State AA Speech and Debate Tournament this year!
We need help from Great Falls! The AA State Speech and Debate meet will be held in Great Falls on January 28 and 29 with all events taking place at CMR High School.
Judges do not need prior experience as the teams will host two, one-hour judge trainings the evenings of the 25th and 27th. For those unable to attend the trainings we will have guidelines for each event at the judges check-in table.
It is going to take hundreds of judges to ensure this tournament runs smoothly. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for multiple time slots. Food and beverages will be provided for all judges.
Online registration is recommended at http://www.talkingrustlers.com/judging.html. Those unable to register on-line can email or call GFHS Debate Coach Jolene Bach at joleneb@ruraldynamics.org or call 454.5706.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support.
State Schedule of Events
January 28, Friday, 2:15-9:30 p.m.
January 29, Saturday, 7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Judge times, all times are when judges need to check into the judges table (15 mins. prior to when the actual round begins). At the judges table you will be given room assignments and ballots.
Policy Debate
Friday - Jan. 28
We need help from Great Falls! The AA State Speech and Debate meet will be held in Great Falls on January 28 and 29 with all events taking place at CMR High School.
Judges do not need prior experience as the teams will host two, one-hour judge trainings the evenings of the 25th and 27th. For those unable to attend the trainings we will have guidelines for each event at the judges check-in table.
It is going to take hundreds of judges to ensure this tournament runs smoothly. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for multiple time slots. Food and beverages will be provided for all judges.
Online registration is recommended at http://www.talkingrustlers.com/judging.html. Those unable to register on-line can email or call GFHS Debate Coach Jolene Bach at joleneb@ruraldynamics.org or call 454.5706.
Thank you for your consideration and continued support.
State Schedule of Events
January 28, Friday, 2:15-9:30 p.m.
January 29, Saturday, 7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Judge times, all times are when judges need to check into the judges table (15 mins. prior to when the actual round begins). At the judges table you will be given room assignments and ballots.
Policy Debate
Friday - Jan. 28
Round 1- 2:15 pm
Round 2 - 3:45pm
Round 3 - 5:45pm
Round 4 - 7:45pm
Saturday - Jan. 29
Round 5 - 7:45am
Octa-finals - 9:45am
Quarterfinals - 11:45am
Quarterfinals - 11:45am
Semifinals - 1:45pm
Finals - 3:45pm
Lincoln Douglas Debate & Public Forum Debate
Friday - Jan. 28
Round 1 - 3:45 pm
Round 2 - 5:45 pm
Round 3 - 7:45 pm
Saturday - Jan. 29
Round 4 - 7:45 am
Round 5 - 9:45 am
Octa-Finals - 11:45 am
Quarterfinals - 1:45 pm
Semifinals - 3:45 pm
Finals - 5:15 pm
Speech Events and Legislation Sessions
(Extemp draw ½ hour prior to round which equates to fifteen minutes earlier than the below times)
Round 5 - 9:45 am
Octa-Finals - 11:45 am
Quarterfinals - 1:45 pm
Semifinals - 3:45 pm
Finals - 5:15 pm
Speech Events and Legislation Sessions
(Extemp draw ½ hour prior to round which equates to fifteen minutes earlier than the below times)
Friday
Round 1 - 3:45 pm
Round 1 - 3:45 pm
Round 2 - 5:45 pm
Round 3 - 7:45 pm
Saturday
Round 4 - 8:15 am
Round 5 - 10:15 am
Semifinals - 12:45 pm
Finals - 3:15 pm
Jolene Bach
Communications Director
Rural Dynamics Incorporated
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
406-454-5706 office
406-750-4481 cell
Round 5 - 10:15 am
Semifinals - 12:45 pm
Finals - 3:15 pm
Jolene Bach
Communications Director
Rural Dynamics Incorporated
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
406-454-5706 office
406-750-4481 cell
Monday, January 10, 2011
Parking Advisory Commission
There is an opening on the Parking Advisory Commission:
The Parking Advisory Commission has one opening to fill the remainder of a three-year term through April 30, 2012. The Commission consists of five members, appointed by the City Commission, and an ex-officio member appointed by the Business Improvement District. Experience or interest in the Great Falls Central Business District is helpful but not necessary. The Commission advises the City Commission, City Manager, and Community Development staff on matters related to parking issues within the Parking Districts. Applicants must reside within the City of Great Falls. For more information, contact Mike Haynes at 455-8433.
Applications are available at the City Manager's Office, Civic Center, Room 201, by calling 455-8450, or by using the online, fill-out, print, and mail/fax Board Opening Application which is available in PDF format. If you need the free Acrobat Reader click on the icon below. Boards and Commissions are a unique way to participate in local government.
The Parking Advisory Commission has one opening to fill the remainder of a three-year term through April 30, 2012. The Commission consists of five members, appointed by the City Commission, and an ex-officio member appointed by the Business Improvement District. Experience or interest in the Great Falls Central Business District is helpful but not necessary. The Commission advises the City Commission, City Manager, and Community Development staff on matters related to parking issues within the Parking Districts. Applicants must reside within the City of Great Falls. For more information, contact Mike Haynes at 455-8433.
Applications are available at the City Manager's Office, Civic Center, Room 201, by calling 455-8450, or by using the online, fill-out, print, and mail/fax Board Opening Application which is available in PDF format. If you need the free Acrobat Reader click on the icon below. Boards and Commissions are a unique way to participate in local government.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of January 10, 2011
When: Monday, Jan. 10 at 7:00pm
Where: Civic Center Commission chambers
Agenda:
Information on the Gibson Park lighting project
Information on the Gibson Park lighting project
Committee reports
When: Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 7:00pm
Where: Meadowlark School library
Agenda:
Agenda:
Visit from a community policing officer
Committee reports
When: Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria
Agenda:
Agenda:
Committee reports
When: Thursday, Jan. 13 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls High School, South Campus, room 105
Agenda:
A visit from a community policing officer
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, January 3, 2011
Bills Of Interest
If you are interested in tracking the progress of a bill, please email me, and I will add it to the list found on the right side of this page.
Bad Bills
Of the nearly 2,000 bill draft requests that are typically introduced in a legislative session, it's a given that many are not worth the time or paper they are printed on to pursue. Badbills.com is a website that lists the bills it considers to be bad.
Whether you agree with the picks or not, this site gives you the opportunity to find out what is being considered, and why a particular bill may not be in our best interest to pass into law.
This site is a work-in-progress, so I'm sure as time goes along, the list will grow.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of January 2, 2011
When: Wednesday, January 4 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
Introduction from Community/Planning deputy director, Wendy Thomas
Agenda:
Introduction from Community/Planning deputy director, Wendy Thomas
A visit from a community policing officer
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Council six is also looking for a voting resident of the council area to fill a vacancy. Interested parties can contact Patty Cadwell at 455-8496.
NC#3
Council six is also looking for a voting resident of the council area to fill a vacancy. Interested parties can contact Patty Cadwell at 455-8496.
NC#3
When: Thursday, January 5 at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview School cafeteria
Agenda:
Introduction from Community/Planning deputy director, Wendy Thomas
A visit from a community policing officer
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Friday, December 31, 2010
Electric City Power Board meeting, Jan. 2011
When: Monday, Jan. 3 at 5:30pm
A. FINANCIAL/MANAGER REPORTS
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Accept Board Meeting Minutes from December 6, 2010
2. Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
C. OLD BUSINESS
D. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
E. GENERAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter dated December 13, 2010 declining voluntary increase from Pilot Program Customers
2. Letter from Manager Doyon dated December 14, 2010 regarding attendance at Southern Board Meetings
3. Letter from SME dated December 27, 2010 regarding January 3, 2011 meeting to discuss alternatives for continuing supply of electricity through ECP.
4. Response from Manager Doyon dated December 29, 2010 to SME regarding meeting.
5. Public Comment
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Accept Board Meeting Minutes from December 6, 2010
2. Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
C. OLD BUSINESS
D. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
E. GENERAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter dated December 13, 2010 declining voluntary increase from Pilot Program Customers
2. Letter from Manager Doyon dated December 14, 2010 regarding attendance at Southern Board Meetings
3. Letter from SME dated December 27, 2010 regarding January 3, 2011 meeting to discuss alternatives for continuing supply of electricity through ECP.
4. Response from Manager Doyon dated December 29, 2010 to SME regarding meeting.
5. Public Comment
F. ECP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR CONSIDERATION
G. ADJOURN
Tax Help Montana
Tax Help Montana will no longer be offering free tax help at the Great Falls Public Library.
Beginning January 24, they will be at the following locations:
Great Falls Senior Center, 1004 Central Ave.
Mondays 10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Wednesdays 2:00 pm — 7:15 pm
Fridays 10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Beginning January 24, they will be at the following locations:
Great Falls Senior Center, 1004 Central Ave.
Mondays 10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Wednesdays 2:00 pm — 7:15 pm
Fridays 10:00 am — 5:00 pm
Great Falls Job Service, 1018 7th St. S.
Tuesdays 11:00 am — 3:30 pm
Thursdays 11:00 am — 3:30 pm
MSU College of Technology, 2100 16th Ave. S. (Room B124)
Saturdays - 11:00am-3:00pm
The library will continue to have hard copies of tax forms available and will help folks download forms from the IRS website.
Tax Help Montana can be reached at 761-8721.
Open House, Jan. 4, 2011
In place of the normal City Commission work session, the City Commission is hosting an Open House from 4:30pm-6:30pm in the Gibson Room. Everyone is invited to meet and visit with their elected officials.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Neighborhood Councils - Week of December 13, 2010
Two councils are meeting this week:
When: Monday, Dec. 13 at 7:00pm
Where: Rainbow Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
Report from community policing officer, Jesse Slaughter
Updates
Committee reports
When: Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7:00pm
Where: Meadow Lark School library
Agenda:
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, December 6, 2010
Work Session, Dec. 7, 2010
When: Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 5:45pm
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda:
Discussion of Large Motor Vehicle Ordinance – Jennifer Reichelt
Proposal for Bicycles at Skate Park – Marty Basta and Bryan Thies
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda:
Discussion of Large Motor Vehicle Ordinance – Jennifer Reichelt
Proposal for Bicycles at Skate Park – Marty Basta and Bryan Thies
ECP Meeting, December 6, 2010
When: Monday, Dec. 6 at 5:30pm
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Where: Civic Center, Gibson Room
Agenda packet
Agenda:
FINANCIAL/MANAGER REPORTS
1.City Manager/Southern Trustee Attendance at Southern Board Meetings
2.Financial Reporting Format
NEW BUSINESS
1.Accept Board Meeting Minutes from November 8, 2010
2.Bylaw Review and upcoming Appointments of Chair and Vice Chair
OLD BUSINESS
1.ECP customer communication updates
2.Pilot Program Rate Change Discussion
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
GENERAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
1.NWE Monthly Electric Supply Tracker Rate Change Detail – December, 2010
2.Orders dated November 3, 2010 regarding YVEC vs. SME etal
3.Email from Coleen Balzarini dated November 18, 2010 regarding ECP Board Meeting questions from Commissioner Jolley
4.Handouts from November 8, 2010 meeting
5.Public Comment
2.Orders dated November 3, 2010 regarding YVEC vs. SME etal
3.Email from Coleen Balzarini dated November 18, 2010 regarding ECP Board Meeting questions from Commissioner Jolley
4.Handouts from November 8, 2010 meeting
5.Public Comment
ECP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR CONSIDERATION
City Advisory Board Openings
The city currently has four advisory board openings:
NATIVE AMERICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (NALGC)
NATIVE AMERICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (NALGC)
The NALGC has one opening for a City-appointed representative for a four-year term. The NALGC consists of three standing members (highest ranking Native American officer in the Great Falls Public Education system, Indian Heritage Association Director, and the Indian Family Clinic Director) and four rotating members (two appointed by the City Commission and two appointed by the County Commission). The NALGC serves as a local point-of-contact for all local City and County government departments to represent the Native American community. Meetings are scheduled quarterly for the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. For more information on the Commission, contact James Parker Shield at 761-3377.
PARKING ADVISORY COMMISSION
The Parking Advisory Commission has one opening to fill the remainder of a three-year term through April 30, 2012. The Commission consists of five members, appointed by the City Commission, and an ex-officio member appointed by the Business Improvement District. Experience or interest in the Great Falls Central Business District is helpful but not necessary. The Commission advises the City Commission, City Manager, and Community Development staff on matters related to parking issues within the Parking Districts. Applicants must reside within the City of Great Falls. For more information, contact Mike Haynes at 455-8433.
MANSFIELD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ADVISORY BOARD
Two openings for three-year terms through December 31, 2012. The Board consists of five to seven members. The Board advises on all matters related to the successful operation of the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts and public meeting rooms. Meetings are the third Friday of each month at noon. For more information contact Dona Hughes at 455-8495.
GREAT FALLS PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD
Two openings for three-year terms through December 31, 2013. The City Planning Advisory Board is a nine-member Board that advises the City Commission on many aspects of Great Falls area growth and development including amendments to the Growth Plan, zoning, land subdivision, annexation, transportation planning, planning roadway improvements, and related general planning issues. The Board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. Members must reside within the city limits. For more information contact Wendy Thomas at 455-8432.
PARKING ADVISORY COMMISSION
The Parking Advisory Commission has one opening to fill the remainder of a three-year term through April 30, 2012. The Commission consists of five members, appointed by the City Commission, and an ex-officio member appointed by the Business Improvement District. Experience or interest in the Great Falls Central Business District is helpful but not necessary. The Commission advises the City Commission, City Manager, and Community Development staff on matters related to parking issues within the Parking Districts. Applicants must reside within the City of Great Falls. For more information, contact Mike Haynes at 455-8433.
MANSFIELD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ADVISORY BOARD
Two openings for three-year terms through December 31, 2012. The Board consists of five to seven members. The Board advises on all matters related to the successful operation of the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts and public meeting rooms. Meetings are the third Friday of each month at noon. For more information contact Dona Hughes at 455-8495.
GREAT FALLS PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD
Two openings for three-year terms through December 31, 2013. The City Planning Advisory Board is a nine-member Board that advises the City Commission on many aspects of Great Falls area growth and development including amendments to the Growth Plan, zoning, land subdivision, annexation, transportation planning, planning roadway improvements, and related general planning issues. The Board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. Members must reside within the city limits. For more information contact Wendy Thomas at 455-8432.
Applications are available at the City Manager's Office, Civic Center, Room 201, by calling 455-8450, or by using the online, fill-out, print, and mail/fax Board Opening Application which is available in PDF format. Application deadline is Friday, December 10, 2010, by 5:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of December 6, 2010
When: Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria
Agenda:
Report from a community policing officer
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls High's South Campus, room 105
Agenda:
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Neighborhood Councils - Week of November 29, 2010
Three councils are meeting this week:
When: Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
*County Commissioner Joe Briggs to discuss two county studies
*A visit from a community policing officer
*Committee reports
*Neighborhood concerns
NC6 is also seeking a voting resident of the council area to fill a vacancy. Interested parties may attend the meeting or call 455-8496.
When: Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview school cafeteria
Agenda:
*Info. from city staff concerning block grant community needs
*Fire Marshal Doug Bennyhoff and city mapping specialist Pat Halcro to discuss Montana Avenue and 22nd Avenue Northwest
*A visit from a community policing officer
*Committee reports
*Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Dec. 2 at 6:30pm (rescheduled due to Thanksgiving)
Where: Highwood Trailer Park clubhouse (change in meeting location this one time only)
Agenda:
*Appointment of new member
*A visit from a community policing officer
*Update on 10th Avenue North speed limit
*Committee reports
*Neighborhood concerns
NC4 is also seeking a voting resident to fill a vacancy. Interested parties may attend the meeting or call 455-8496.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Balzarini Resigns
Coleen Balzarini, the Fiscal Service Director for the City of Great Falls, submitted her resignation, effective the end of the year.
She'll be working in a similar position for the McLaughlin Research Institute.
Monday, November 15, 2010
About Time
Finally. The Great Falls Tribune is finally reporting on the problems plaguing ECP.
Why did it have to take five years and 5 million dollars (including water credits) later to finally report the reality of this gross misuse of taxpayer's money?
See here for an abbreviated version of Sunday's (Nov. 14) article.
Change In Meeting Time
Because "Grease" is playing tomorrow night, Nov. 16, at the Civic Center, the City Commission meeting has been moved to 6:00pm.
There will be no work session.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of November 15, 2010
When: Monday, Nov. 15, at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center's conference room
Agenda:
Committee reports
Committee reports
Neighborhood reports
When: Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6:00pm
Where: PreRelease Center, women's annex
Agenda:
Conditional-use permit for roller rink at 1609 12th Ave. North
Conditional-use permit for roller rink at 1609 12th Ave. North
Air quality information from representatives of Montana Refining
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Neighborhood Councils - Week of November 8, 2010
When: Monday, Nov. 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
When: Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7:00pm
Where: Meadowlark School Library
Agenda:
Update on the Residential Sound Insulation Project
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 7:00pm
Where: West Elementary School cafeteria
Agenda:
Update on the Residential Sound Insulation Project
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7:00pm
Where: GF High School, South Campus, room 106
Agenda:
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, November 8, 2010
Veterans Day, November 11, 2010
When: Thursday, November 11 at 11:00am
Where: Montana Veterans Memorial
Master of Ceremonies: Rodger McConnell, Montana Veterans Memorial Assoc.
Welcome: Gina McDermott, President, Montana Veterans Memorial Assoc.
Presentation of the Colors: Malmstrom USAF Honor Guard,Veterans Groups
Invocation: Chaplain Kenneth E. DuVall, Colonel, MT Army National Guard
National Anthem: Becca Hardin, CMR
Pledge of Allegiance: Cascade County 4H
Guest Speaker: Colonel John Patricola, Commander, 341stMission Spt. Gp, USAF
Benediction: Father Paul McKane, Blessed Sacrament
Where: Montana Veterans Memorial
Master of Ceremonies: Rodger McConnell, Montana Veterans Memorial Assoc.
Welcome: Gina McDermott, President, Montana Veterans Memorial Assoc.
Presentation of the Colors: Malmstrom USAF Honor Guard,Veterans Groups
Invocation: Chaplain Kenneth E. DuVall, Colonel, MT Army National Guard
National Anthem: Becca Hardin, CMR
Pledge of Allegiance: Cascade County 4H
Guest Speaker: Colonel John Patricola, Commander, 341stMission Spt. Gp, USAF
Benediction: Father Paul McKane, Blessed Sacrament
ECP Meeting, November 8, 2010
When: Monday, November 8 at 4:00pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda packet
Agenda:
A. FINANCIAL/MANAGER REPORTS
1.Letter to NorthWestern Energy regarding ECP’s Customer Portfolio and NorthWestern Energy Response
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Accept Board Meeting Minutes from October 4, 2010
C. OLD BUSINESS
1. ECP customer communication updates
2. Pilot Program Rate Change Discussion
a.Copy of letter sent to ECP Pilot Program Customers
b.Memo regarding Pilot Program voluntary increases
c.Letter from Mr Gregori regarding the future on ECP Pilot Program
3. Update on Montana Supreme Court Case (Benefis/City v. PSC/NWE) Update on YVEC vs. Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc., etal.
D. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
E. GENERAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
1. NWE Monthly Electric Supply Tracker Rate Change Detail – November, 2010
2. Draft letter to remaining customers
3. Email to ECP Customers regarding RSS links to ECP documents
4. Article from Great Falls Tribune dated October 13, 2010 and projected estimated rates
5. Order from Public Service Commission as related to Renewable Portfolio Standard Compliance Filings for 2009 for ConocoPhillips Company
6. Public Comment
F. ECP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR CONSIDERATION
G. ADJOURN
Agenda:
A. FINANCIAL/MANAGER REPORTS
1.Letter to NorthWestern Energy regarding ECP’s Customer Portfolio and NorthWestern Energy Response
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Accept Board Meeting Minutes from October 4, 2010
C. OLD BUSINESS
1. ECP customer communication updates
2. Pilot Program Rate Change Discussion
a.Copy of letter sent to ECP Pilot Program Customers
b.Memo regarding Pilot Program voluntary increases
c.Letter from Mr Gregori regarding the future on ECP Pilot Program
3. Update on Montana Supreme Court Case (Benefis/City v. PSC/NWE) Update on YVEC vs. Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc., etal.
D. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
E. GENERAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
1. NWE Monthly Electric Supply Tracker Rate Change Detail – November, 2010
2. Draft letter to remaining customers
3. Email to ECP Customers regarding RSS links to ECP documents
4. Article from Great Falls Tribune dated October 13, 2010 and projected estimated rates
5. Order from Public Service Commission as related to Renewable Portfolio Standard Compliance Filings for 2009 for ConocoPhillips Company
6. Public Comment
F. ECP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR CONSIDERATION
G. ADJOURN
NC#7 Agenda - Monday, Nov. 8, 2010
AGENDA
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, November 8, 2010
Great Falls Civic Center Gibson Room, 7 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, November 8, 2010
Great Falls Civic Center Gibson Room, 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ASSIGNMENT OF MEETING SECRETARIAL DUTIES
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES
NEW BUSINESS
Status of Fourth Street Northbound closure between 1st and 2nd Avenues North
Notification of Public Meeting on Low-Income Housing, 12/7, 7 p.m., Civic Center
Mader Conditional Use Permit
Whittier complaints regarding traffic on 9th Street
Problem Properties
* Complaint regarding maintenance issues at South-side Parking Garage
Neighborhood Concerns
OLD BUSINESS
Rep. Blewett’s Downtown Traffic Proposal
Status of contract with Lacy and Ebeling Engineering for repair study at Natatorium
Status of Gibson Park Lighting
Other Old Business
REPORTS
City Commission
Police Advisory Board
Council of Councils
CSI: Great Falls (Citizens for Saving Indoor-Swimming in Great Falls)
Pea Pods Project
Other Reports
ADJOURN
Next meeting -- December 14, 2010 at Great Falls Civic Center
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES
NEW BUSINESS
Status of Fourth Street Northbound closure between 1st and 2nd Avenues North
Notification of Public Meeting on Low-Income Housing, 12/7, 7 p.m., Civic Center
Mader Conditional Use Permit
Whittier complaints regarding traffic on 9th Street
Problem Properties
* Complaint regarding maintenance issues at South-side Parking Garage
Neighborhood Concerns
OLD BUSINESS
Rep. Blewett’s Downtown Traffic Proposal
Status of contract with Lacy and Ebeling Engineering for repair study at Natatorium
Status of Gibson Park Lighting
Other Old Business
REPORTS
City Commission
Police Advisory Board
Council of Councils
CSI: Great Falls (Citizens for Saving Indoor-Swimming in Great Falls)
Pea Pods Project
Other Reports
ADJOURN
Next meeting -- December 14, 2010 at Great Falls Civic Center
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Joint City-County Meeting
When: Monday, November 8 at 1:30pm
Where: Courthouse Annex, 325 2nd Avenue North, Room 111
Agenda:
General discussion regarding the relationship of city-county government.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Congratulations
Congratulations to all those who ran for public office and to those who won their respective offices and districts.
Way to go Travis!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Prowler
For folks living in the Lower North Side neighborhood of NC#7, a prowler was spotted this morning in the vicinity of 9th Street and 7th Avenue North. According to the email, this same person was seen a couple of weeks ago, peering into a ground level window of an apartment building in the same area.
Police have been notified.
Expo Park
Cascade County Commissioners continue to study ways to better improve usage of the fairgrounds. There is still time to complete this online survey.
City Commission Meeting Time Change
Because city offices are closed on Tuesday for Election day, the City Commission work session and regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 3.
Work Session:
Work Session:
When: Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room
Agenda:
1.Live Streaming & Broadcasting of Commission Meetings – Jennifer Reichelt
2.Privately Owned Vehicles for Sale – Mike Haynes
Where: Gibson Room
Agenda:
1.Live Streaming & Broadcasting of Commission Meetings – Jennifer Reichelt
2.Privately Owned Vehicles for Sale – Mike Haynes
Neighborhood Councils - Week of November 1, 2010
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
*NeighborWorks condominiums - complaints have been received that the Sunnyside Townhomes are not being built as originally proposed by NeighborWorks. NeighorWorks will be available to explain their side of the story.
Agenda:
*NeighborWorks condominiums - complaints have been received that the Sunnyside Townhomes are not being built as originally proposed by NeighborWorks. NeighorWorks will be available to explain their side of the story.
*A proposed annexation of Upper/Lower River Road, Phase 3
*Neighborhood concerns
*Committee reports
NC#3
When: Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview School cafeteria
Agenda:
Proposed annexation of Montana Egg
Neighborhood concerns
Committee reports
NC#4 is also looking for a member to fill a vacancy. Interested parties must be a registered voter and live within the boundaries of the neighborhood. For more information, contact Patty Cadwell at 455-8496.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Urban Chickens
Earlier this summer, there was discussion at all of the Neighborhood Councils about allowing chickens within the city limits.
As a member of Neighborhood Council, I received notice yesterday that the City Commission has instructed the Planning/Community Development Department to not proceed any further with pursuing an urban chicken ordinance. All paperwork will be retained, if in the event, the issue is revisited.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Free Crime Prevention Seminar
What: Crime Prevention Seminar
When: Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 10:30am-4:00pm
Where: Great Falls Public Library
The seminar is open to the public, and is free of charge. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact certified Refuse To Be A Victim instructor, Scott Nordstrom, at 406-422-5019 or nikken@bresnan.net.
Refuse To Be A Victim® Seminars teach methods to avoid dangerous situations and prevent criminal confrontations. Experts agree the most important factor in surviving a criminal attack is to have an overall safety strategy before you need it. Seminar topics address personal safety issues as well as home, automobile, telephone, technological, and travel security. Seminar participants are presented with a variety of common sense crime prevention and personal safety strategies and devices they may integrate into their daily lives.
Historic Water Rights Petition
Here is a petition to restore Great Falls' Historic Water Rights claims. You may circulate it among your family and friends.
Return no later than November 1, 2010.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of October 25, 2010
When: Thursday, October 28 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church - 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
County Commissioner Joe Briggs
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Council 4 has a vacancy. If interested, and you are a registered voter and live within the council boundaries, please contact Patty Cadwell at 455-8496 for more information.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cable 7 Dissolution
City Advisory Board Openings
The following City advisory boards have openings:
Community Development Council:
The Community Development Council has two openings. The Council consists of ten members appointed by the City Commission. The Community Development Council reviews CDBG funding applications and makes recommendations to the City Commission concerning funding from the City’s annual Community Development Block Grant. Interested applicants must live within the city limits. The Council meets on demand, generally in February and March. For more information, contact Chris Imhoff at 455-8407.
NATIVE AMERICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (NALGC)
The NALGC has one opening for a City-appointed representative for a four-year term. The NALGC consists of three standing members (highest ranking Native American officer in the Great Falls Public Education system, Indian Heritage Association Director, and the Indian Family Clinic Director) and four rotating members (two appointed by the City Commission and two appointed by the County Commission).
The NALGC serves as a local point-of-contact for all local City and County government departments to represent the Native American community at the City and County government meetings, functions, and events; to advise City and County governments on Native American needs, issues, forums and planning; to assist and advise in the coordinated review of the status of the local Native American community; and to serve as a clearinghouse of information on grants, employment opportunities and economic development activities for dissemination to Native American communities. Meetings are scheduled quarterly for the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. For more information on the Commission, contact James Parker Shield at 761-3377.
Applications can be picked up at the City Manager's office at the Civic Center, room 201 or by using the online application form available in pdf format.
Community Development Council:
The Community Development Council has two openings. The Council consists of ten members appointed by the City Commission. The Community Development Council reviews CDBG funding applications and makes recommendations to the City Commission concerning funding from the City’s annual Community Development Block Grant. Interested applicants must live within the city limits. The Council meets on demand, generally in February and March. For more information, contact Chris Imhoff at 455-8407.
NATIVE AMERICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION (NALGC)
The NALGC has one opening for a City-appointed representative for a four-year term. The NALGC consists of three standing members (highest ranking Native American officer in the Great Falls Public Education system, Indian Heritage Association Director, and the Indian Family Clinic Director) and four rotating members (two appointed by the City Commission and two appointed by the County Commission).
The NALGC serves as a local point-of-contact for all local City and County government departments to represent the Native American community at the City and County government meetings, functions, and events; to advise City and County governments on Native American needs, issues, forums and planning; to assist and advise in the coordinated review of the status of the local Native American community; and to serve as a clearinghouse of information on grants, employment opportunities and economic development activities for dissemination to Native American communities. Meetings are scheduled quarterly for the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. For more information on the Commission, contact James Parker Shield at 761-3377.
Applications can be picked up at the City Manager's office at the Civic Center, room 201 or by using the online application form available in pdf format.
Deadline to apply is Friday, October 22 by 5:00pm.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of October 18, 2010
When: Monday, Oct. 18 at 7:00pm
Where: Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center
Agenda:
County Commissioner Joe Briggs to discuss two county studies
Information on a planned Benefis Health System building project
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6:00pm
Where: Great Falls PreRelease Center, Women's annex
Agenda:
Deputy city manager Jennifer Reichelt
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Sunday, October 17, 2010
October 19, 2010 Work Session
When: Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1.Golf Fees – Marty Basta
2.Rural Fire District Access to City Hydrants – Jim Rearden & Chief McCamley
3.Fire Investigation Canine – Chief McCamley
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1.Golf Fees – Marty Basta
2.Rural Fire District Access to City Hydrants – Jim Rearden & Chief McCamley
3.Fire Investigation Canine – Chief McCamley
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Cable 7
I was unable to attend last night's City Commission meeting, but according to this article in today's Tribune, an exchange between members of the City Commission and Cable 7 board became contentious.
Last Thursday, the Cable 7 board voted to dissolve the channel, because they do not have enough funding to pay for liability insurance and new equipment. The board blames the City Commission for not allocating this funding.
Last Thursday, the Cable 7 board voted to dissolve the channel, because they do not have enough funding to pay for liability insurance and new equipment. The board blames the City Commission for not allocating this funding.
If you attended last night's meeting, please share your comments.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Neighborhood Councils - Week of October 4, 2010
When: Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room
Agenda:
Agenda:
Last week's Council of Councils meeting
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, October 7 at 7:00pm
Where: Riverview School cafeteria
Agenda:
County Commissioner Joe Briggs
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Special City Commission Meeting
When: Thursday, September 30 at 10:30am
Where: City Commission chambers
Agenda:
City staff will provide a presentation to the Great Falls City Commission for consideration and approval of a change in scope and implementation schedule for HB 645 projects.
(House Bill 645 is a state of Montana program that distributes American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA) funds).
(House Bill 645 is a state of Montana program that distributes American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA) funds).
This meeting follows the City Commission agenda setting meeting, which was rescheduled to Thursday, September 30 at 10:00am.
Great Falls Citizen Council
When: Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:00pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
* Update from the Parking on City Streets Task Force and the Deputy City Manager
* Update from the Citizens for Swimming Indoors (CSI, Natatorium)
* Library news - Director Kathy Mora
* Information on Downtown Master Plan - Planner Brant Birkeland
* Neighborhood Council information sharing
This meeting is open to the public.
Thank You
Thanks to all of you who continue to check Cataract City.
For those of you who do not know, my husband passed away on August 27.
For those of you who do not know, my husband passed away on August 27.
Gary was very supportive of this blog and I know he would want me to continue posting items of noteworthy interest.
I have appreciated your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Work Session, August 17, 2010
When: Tuesday, August 17 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room
Agenda:
Where: Gibson Room
Agenda:
1. LPGA – USGA – Girls Golf Program – Connie Cramer-Caouette
2. Cascade County Conservation District Update – Toni Neslen
Neighborhood Councils - Week of August 16, 2010
One council is meeting this week:
Where: Great Falls Clinic Specialty Center
Agenda:
Agenda:
Presentation on the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Monday, August 9, 2010
West Bank Park Survey
West Bank Park Steering Committee
Invites Residents to Take the Survey!
The West Bank Park Steering Committee is inviting all members of the community to take an on-line survey to help with developing a Master Plan for West Bank Park. The survey is intended to determine the community’s preferences on topics such as design elements and funding alternatives for the Park. Hard copies will be available at the Park and Recreation Office, Natatorium Swimming Pool, Community Recreation Center, Civic Center (Convention Center), and the Great Falls Public Library.
The Steering Committee and consultant have already conducted a town meeting and design charrette on the Master Plan. The questions in the survey are a way for the committee to get feedback from the community at large on ideas that have been generated at these meetings. The survey offers an opportunity for anyone in the community to share their ideas for the park with the Steering Committee.
West Bank Park is located on the west bank of the Missouri, across from downtown, north of the Central Avenue Bridge, and the new Federal Courthouse. The goal of the Master Plan process is to solicit input from the public and create a roadmap for redevelopment of the park. The survey results will help the Steering Committee to assess community priorities for developing the park and will provide vital data for securing future funding. The City is urging the entire community to help with this effort by participating in the survey.
The City has hired CTA Architects Engineers Planners as professional consultants to lead the project. Marty Basta, Great Falls Park and Rec Director notes, “West Bank Park has the potential to become one of the premier municipal riverfront parks in the State. The community’s involvement is a critical aspect of making this happen.” The deadline for completing the survey is August 15. The draft Master Plan is anticipated to be completed in the fall.
If you have any questions, please contact Marty Basta, Parks and Recreation Director, 406-771-1265.
Invites Residents to Take the Survey!
The West Bank Park Steering Committee is inviting all members of the community to take an on-line survey to help with developing a Master Plan for West Bank Park. The survey is intended to determine the community’s preferences on topics such as design elements and funding alternatives for the Park. Hard copies will be available at the Park and Recreation Office, Natatorium Swimming Pool, Community Recreation Center, Civic Center (Convention Center), and the Great Falls Public Library.
The Steering Committee and consultant have already conducted a town meeting and design charrette on the Master Plan. The questions in the survey are a way for the committee to get feedback from the community at large on ideas that have been generated at these meetings. The survey offers an opportunity for anyone in the community to share their ideas for the park with the Steering Committee.
West Bank Park is located on the west bank of the Missouri, across from downtown, north of the Central Avenue Bridge, and the new Federal Courthouse. The goal of the Master Plan process is to solicit input from the public and create a roadmap for redevelopment of the park. The survey results will help the Steering Committee to assess community priorities for developing the park and will provide vital data for securing future funding. The City is urging the entire community to help with this effort by participating in the survey.
The City has hired CTA Architects Engineers Planners as professional consultants to lead the project. Marty Basta, Great Falls Park and Rec Director notes, “West Bank Park has the potential to become one of the premier municipal riverfront parks in the State. The community’s involvement is a critical aspect of making this happen.” The deadline for completing the survey is August 15. The draft Master Plan is anticipated to be completed in the fall.
If you have any questions, please contact Marty Basta, Parks and Recreation Director, 406-771-1265.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of August 9, 2010
Two councils are meeting this week:
NC#7
When: Monday, August 9 at 7:00pm
Where: NeighborWorks - 509 1st Avenue South
Agenda:
NC#7
When: Monday, August 9 at 7:00pm
Where: NeighborWorks - 509 1st Avenue South
Agenda:
NEW BUSINESS
Joint NC7/NC8 sponsored debate/forum for County Commission and Sheriff candidates
Whittier school Weed and Seed funding request for replacement surveillance camera monitor
Problem Properties
Neighborhood Concerns
OLD BUSINESS
Status of Park Drive Speed Project
Status of Gibson Park Lighting Project
Other Old Business
REPORTS
City Commission
Police Advisory Board
Council of Councils
CSI: Great Falls (Citizens for Saving Indoor-Swimming in Great Falls)
Pea Pods Project
Problem Properties
Neighborhood Concerns
OLD BUSINESS
Status of Park Drive Speed Project
Status of Gibson Park Lighting Project
Other Old Business
REPORTS
City Commission
Police Advisory Board
Council of Councils
CSI: Great Falls (Citizens for Saving Indoor-Swimming in Great Falls)
Pea Pods Project
When: Thursday, August 12 at 7:00pm
Where: Camp Fire Office, 1925 2nd Avenue South
Agenda:
Committee reports
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Aug. 3, 2010 City Work Session
When: Tuesday, August 3 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act – Montana Wilderness Association
Building Safety Division Update – Terre Gift
Building Safety Division Update – Terre Gift
Monday, August 2, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
SME July 2010 Board Meeting Agenda
H/T: A.D.
City Manager Doyon recently wrote to Southern Board members that although the city has not recently sent a representative to its meetings, the city still needs to receive copies of its agendas. Note that after five years of doing business with the city, Tim Gregori lost the city's email address.
City Manager Doyon recently wrote to Southern Board members that although the city has not recently sent a representative to its meetings, the city still needs to receive copies of its agendas. Note that after five years of doing business with the city, Tim Gregori lost the city's email address.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Advisory Board Openings
The city currently has these advisory board openings:
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Two openings are available on the Advisory Commission on International Relationships for three-year terms through March 31, 2013. The Commission provides support, coordination and exchange of information for international programs in the community. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. For more information contact Kelly Audet at 455-8440.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD (GREAT FALLS)
The Great Falls Housing Authority Board has one opening for a two-year term for a tenant member, representing the elderly, through June 30, 2012. The Housing Authority provides safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable housing for the community’s low income residents. They also set policy for operation and management of public housing properties; HUD-Section 8 programs, and other affordable housing programs. The Board also serves as the loan committee for the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Program. Expertise in the areas of finance, accounting, architecture and engineering are desired. Board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at noon, for approximately two hours. For more information, contact Kevin Hager at 453-4311.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
The Design Review Board has one opening for a three-year term through March 31, 2013. The Board reviews specified types of development proposals to ensure that the design and aesthetics conform to the review criteria contained in the municipal code. The current opening is for an architect. Members are appointed with an effort to achieve a diversity of expertise, background and interest. Board meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month if needed. Applicants must reside within the City of Great Falls. For more information, contact Kim McCleary at 455-8405.
Applications are available at the City Manager's Office, Civic Center, Room 201, by calling 455-8450, or by using the online, fill-out, print, and mail/fax Board Opening Application which is available in PDF format.
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Two openings are available on the Advisory Commission on International Relationships for three-year terms through March 31, 2013. The Commission provides support, coordination and exchange of information for international programs in the community. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. For more information contact Kelly Audet at 455-8440.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD (GREAT FALLS)
The Great Falls Housing Authority Board has one opening for a two-year term for a tenant member, representing the elderly, through June 30, 2012. The Housing Authority provides safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable housing for the community’s low income residents. They also set policy for operation and management of public housing properties; HUD-Section 8 programs, and other affordable housing programs. The Board also serves as the loan committee for the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Program. Expertise in the areas of finance, accounting, architecture and engineering are desired. Board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at noon, for approximately two hours. For more information, contact Kevin Hager at 453-4311.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
The Design Review Board has one opening for a three-year term through March 31, 2013. The Board reviews specified types of development proposals to ensure that the design and aesthetics conform to the review criteria contained in the municipal code. The current opening is for an architect. Members are appointed with an effort to achieve a diversity of expertise, background and interest. Board meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month if needed. Applicants must reside within the City of Great Falls. For more information, contact Kim McCleary at 455-8405.
Applications are available at the City Manager's Office, Civic Center, Room 201, by calling 455-8450, or by using the online, fill-out, print, and mail/fax Board Opening Application which is available in PDF format.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
West Bank Park Design Charrette
When: July 21 from 5:00pm-7:00pm and July 22 from 8:00am-9:00am
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center - please enter through the northeast entrance.
Plan to attend a Design Charrette to give your input on the future of West Bank Park. A Design Charrette is a brief, intense design workshop to allow the public an opportunity to provide hands on input into the development of the West Bank Park Master Plan.
The goal of the Master Plan process is to solicit input from the public and create a roadmap for redevelopment of the park.
City staff and the consultants will be available to answer questions and take comments on what you want for West Bank Park. Refreshments will be served.
If you have any questions, please contact Marty Basta, Parks and Recreation Director, 406-771-1265.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of July 19, 2010
Only one council is meeting this week:
NC#4
When: Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church
Agenda:
City assessment on property tax bills for Portage Meadows residents
Committee reports
Problem properties
Neighborhood concerns
NC#8
Wednesday, July 21 - Ice-cream social from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Memorial Park. Free ice cream cones and root beer floats.
NC#4
When: Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church
Agenda:
City assessment on property tax bills for Portage Meadows residents
Committee reports
Problem properties
Neighborhood concerns
NC#8
Wednesday, July 21 - Ice-cream social from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Memorial Park. Free ice cream cones and root beer floats.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Work Session - July 20, 2010
When: Tuesday, July 20 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1.River’s Edge Trail -- Trails Work Group – Doug Wicks
2.Downtown Plan – Mike Haynes
1.River’s Edge Trail -- Trails Work Group – Doug Wicks
2.Downtown Plan – Mike Haynes
Friday, July 16, 2010
It IS Considered Spot Zoning
The Montana Supreme court ruled in favor (page 31) for the plaintiffs and appellants.
According to this ruling, Cascade County illegally spot-zoned the property for the coal plant when they changed the zoning from agricultural to heavy industrial.
Not surprisingly, Tim Gregori says that SME will ask the court to reconsider their decision, because it was based on "outdated and erroneous facts".
Not surprisingly, Tim Gregori says that SME will ask the court to reconsider their decision, because it was based on "outdated and erroneous facts".
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Volunteers Need Work
Carrie Koppy from NeighborWorks has 5 young volunteers who are looking for projects for this week. If you know anyone, disadvantaged or elderly, who might need some help with yard work or basement cleaning or similar, please contact Carrie at 216-3520 as soon as possible.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Beartooth Bylaws Committee Suspended
Once again, Beartooth Co-op is being jerked around by SME. In the lastest go-around, their Bylaw Committee has been suspended (page 2).
Below is a response from co-op member and avid advocate for transparency, Arlene Boyd:
Beartooth Co-op Board needs to support open, transparent bylaw revision, now.
The “suspension” of the Beartooth Electric Cooperative Bylaw Committee is very disappointing. Without consulting members at-large or the members of the bylaw committee, the Beartooth Board of Trustees has stopped the committee’s work.
Bylaws are the contract between an organization and its members. Co-op bylaws define procedures for the organization and specify member rights and responsibilities.
Most of us do not understand the reported connection between a postcard sent out by the Stillwater and Carbon County Resource Councils and the board’s decision to suspend the bylaw committee. If the Beartooth Board objects to the councils’ postcard supporting mail-in elections they should take the matter up with the councils. There is no reason to shut down the bylaw committee, which represents Beartooth members, not the councils.
We have the highest electricity rates in Montana. Our wholesale supplier, Southern Montana Electric (Southern), a cooperative we established and finance, operates in bylaw-permitted secrecy. Southern spends enormous amounts of our money without informing us, seeking our input, or asking for our approval. The bylaws are much more important than an irrelevant spat about a postcard. They are even more important than mail-in balloting which is only one aspect of a fair election process.
It is time to thank the board and the committee members for their hard work and to insist that they reconvene and provide a transparent bylaw review process with open reporting and opportunity for member input. The bylaws need to be updated and revised with three objectives:
• To ensure that Beartooth has appropriate legal operating guidelines
• To provide strong support for transparent governance and democratic decision-making
• To require procedures for informing and involving members in all aspects of co-op activity.
Boards and committees can get caught up in controlling their process and forget what the process is supposed to do. Let’s not let that happen at Beartooth.
Arleen Boyd
Fishtail
Neighborhood Councils - Week of July 12, 2010
One council is meeting this week:
NC#7
When: Monday, July 12 at 7:00pm
Where: NeighborWorks - 509 1st Avenue South
Agenda:
Johnny Walker, County Commission candidate
Priority updates
Problem properties
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#7
When: Monday, July 12 at 7:00pm
Where: NeighborWorks - 509 1st Avenue South
Agenda:
Johnny Walker, County Commission candidate
Priority updates
Problem properties
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Neighborhood Councils - Week of July 5, 2010
Only one council is meeting this week:
NC#9
When: Thursday, July 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Campfire Office, 1925 2nd Avenue South
Agenda:
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
NC#9
When: Thursday, July 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Campfire Office, 1925 2nd Avenue South
Agenda:
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
Saturday, July 3, 2010
ECP Debt
H/T: A.D.
Here you will find the ongoing debt calculations of ECP. The final tally includes the infusion (page 21) of $1.4 million of monies that was "borrowed" in 2007 from other city funds as a "security deposit" to SME. On page 37, the security deposit was supposedly released, but ECP has yet to pay back the city for the initial loan.
Posted debt as of May 2010 SME billing: ($2,018,250)
Actual debt, which includes the initial $1.4 million loan from various city funds that is still outstanding: ($3,418,250)
Work Session - July 6, 2010
When: Tuesday, July 6 at 5:45pm
Where: Gibson Room, Civic Center
Agenda:
1.Central Montana Defense Alliance Update – Dave Weissman
2.Business Improvement District Budget and Work Plan – Alison Fried
3.Tourism Business Improvement District Budget and Work Plan – Robert Dompier
1.Central Montana Defense Alliance Update – Dave Weissman
2.Business Improvement District Budget and Work Plan – Alison Fried
3.Tourism Business Improvement District Budget and Work Plan – Robert Dompier
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
West Bank Park Meeting
When: Wednesday, June 30 at 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Missouri Room at the Civic Center - Please enter through the northeast entrance.
Agenda:
Plan to attend the Town Hall Meeting to give your input on the future of West Bank Park.
The City of Great Falls Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of creating a Master Plan for the future of West Bank Park. West Bank Park is located on the West Bank of the Missouri, across from downtown, north of the Central Avenue Bridge, and the new Federal Courthouse.
The goal of the Master Plan process is to solicit input from the public and create a roadmap for redevelopment of the park. This is an exciting time for West Bank Park, and the City hopes to capitalize upon both public and private investment in the area in order to build on many of the existing assets present in the park, making it a premier community park. The city has hired CTA Architects Engineers Planners as professional consultants to lead the project. The anticipated planning and design process is expected to take approximately five (5) months to complete.
As part of the planning process, the City Parks and Recreation Department wants your input, and therefore will be holding a Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, June 30, 2010 in the Missouri Room at the Civic Center, 2 Park Drive South, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Please enter through the northeast entrance.
The meeting will be an open format, and you are welcome to come and go as your schedule allows. Refreshments will be served. City staff and the consultants will be available to answer questions and take comments on what you want for West Bank Park.
If you have any questions, please contact Marty Basta, Parks and Recreation Director, 406-771-1265, mbasta@greatfallsmt.net.
The City of Great Falls Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of creating a Master Plan for the future of West Bank Park. West Bank Park is located on the West Bank of the Missouri, across from downtown, north of the Central Avenue Bridge, and the new Federal Courthouse.
The goal of the Master Plan process is to solicit input from the public and create a roadmap for redevelopment of the park. This is an exciting time for West Bank Park, and the City hopes to capitalize upon both public and private investment in the area in order to build on many of the existing assets present in the park, making it a premier community park. The city has hired CTA Architects Engineers Planners as professional consultants to lead the project. The anticipated planning and design process is expected to take approximately five (5) months to complete.
As part of the planning process, the City Parks and Recreation Department wants your input, and therefore will be holding a Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, June 30, 2010 in the Missouri Room at the Civic Center, 2 Park Drive South, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Please enter through the northeast entrance.
The meeting will be an open format, and you are welcome to come and go as your schedule allows. Refreshments will be served. City staff and the consultants will be available to answer questions and take comments on what you want for West Bank Park.
If you have any questions, please contact Marty Basta, Parks and Recreation Director, 406-771-1265, mbasta@greatfallsmt.net.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
SME Is Sued By The Billings Gazette
Monday, June 21, 2010
SME's 990s from 2004-2009
Here is a link to SME's 990 reports from 2004-2009. Interesting reading. Enjoy.
The Ongoing Quest For Open Meetings
The following email correspondences represent an ongoing struggle citizens have had to gain admittance to SME board meetings. It is truly a pathetic situation when citizens have to work so hard and put up with so much in their quest to uphold their constitutional rights. The beginning of the exchange begins at the end of this posting.
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I thank you for your timely and professional response on this matter and for advising the police accordingly. My regrets the fax wasn't available for your office as I thought I had successfully transmitted from Fort Carson, CO, but I think we're all up on the issue now. We shall now see how Southern will deal with our constitutional rights, open government and citizens who insist on transparency, accountability and oversight.
Very Respectfully,
Richard D. Liebert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brooks, Brent"
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 12:54
Subject: FW: police enforcement of co-op's closed meeting
Colonel Liebert:
I am forwarding to you as promised the recent email I sent to Arleen Boyd which also contains an additional email as an attachment. That attachment is another email sent to an attorney for SME advising what I mentioned to you a few minutes ago-that I have recommended to the Billings Police Chief Rich St John that the police respond to reports that a crime is imminent or actually in progress concerning SME meetings in Billings. I do not know if SME will have private security in the future and that is a matter for its decision.
I am also attaching the May 5, 2010, letter I sent to Mr. Frank Willett, husband of Arleen Boyd which is self explanatory and contains specific statutes that authorize a challenge to an open meetings violation.
If you have any questions on any of these items I am forwarding to you feel free to email or call me as needed.
Thanks,
Brent
Brent Brooks
Billings City Attorney
P.O. Box 1178
Billings, MT 59103
(406) 657-8205 (work)
(406) 672-8316 (cell)
From: Brooks, Brent
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:28 AM
To: 'Arleen Boyd'
Subject: RE: police enforcement of co-op's closed meeting
Mrs. Boyd:
Attached is a brief email I sent last Friday to Mary Jaraczeski, one of the attorneys representing the SME Board. Billings Police Chief St John, Assistant City attorney bonnie Sutherland and I have previously met and discussed the issues on these meetings and the attach email is the result of that meeting, several phone calls from me to attorneys John Crist, Jim Santoro and Mary Jaraczeski so I could learn more facts.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions on this and I will attempt to help as much as possible. I encourage you to work with anyone within SME or within one or more of the member cooperatives to resolve the open meetings issue.
Thanks,
Brent
Brent Brooks
Billings City Attorney
P.O. Box 1178
Billings, MT 59103
(406) 657-8205 (work)
(406) 672-8316 (cell)
From: Arleen Boyd
I thank you for your timely and professional response on this matter and for advising the police accordingly. My regrets the fax wasn't available for your office as I thought I had successfully transmitted from Fort Carson, CO, but I think we're all up on the issue now. We shall now see how Southern will deal with our constitutional rights, open government and citizens who insist on transparency, accountability and oversight.
Very Respectfully,
Richard D. Liebert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brooks, Brent"
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 12:54
Subject: FW: police enforcement of co-op's closed meeting
Colonel Liebert:
I am forwarding to you as promised the recent email I sent to Arleen Boyd which also contains an additional email as an attachment. That attachment is another email sent to an attorney for SME advising what I mentioned to you a few minutes ago-that I have recommended to the Billings Police Chief Rich St John that the police respond to reports that a crime is imminent or actually in progress concerning SME meetings in Billings. I do not know if SME will have private security in the future and that is a matter for its decision.
I am also attaching the May 5, 2010, letter I sent to Mr. Frank Willett, husband of Arleen Boyd which is self explanatory and contains specific statutes that authorize a challenge to an open meetings violation.
If you have any questions on any of these items I am forwarding to you feel free to email or call me as needed.
Thanks,
Brent
Brent Brooks
Billings City Attorney
P.O. Box 1178
Billings, MT 59103
(406) 657-8205 (work)
(406) 672-8316 (cell)
From: Brooks, Brent
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:28 AM
To: 'Arleen Boyd'
Subject: RE: police enforcement of co-op's closed meeting
Mrs. Boyd:
Attached is a brief email I sent last Friday to Mary Jaraczeski, one of the attorneys representing the SME Board. Billings Police Chief St John, Assistant City attorney bonnie Sutherland and I have previously met and discussed the issues on these meetings and the attach email is the result of that meeting, several phone calls from me to attorneys John Crist, Jim Santoro and Mary Jaraczeski so I could learn more facts.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions on this and I will attempt to help as much as possible. I encourage you to work with anyone within SME or within one or more of the member cooperatives to resolve the open meetings issue.
Thanks,
Brent
Brent Brooks
Billings City Attorney
P.O. Box 1178
Billings, MT 59103
(406) 657-8205 (work)
(406) 672-8316 (cell)
From: Arleen Boyd
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 8:08 AM
To: Brooks, Brent
Subject: police enforcement of co-op's closed meeting
Importance: High
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I am preparing my complaint regarding the closing of the May 20, 2010, Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc. board meeting. As we have discussed, the meeting should have been open to the public, yet General Manager Tim Gregori declared it closed. I am attaching, again, Great Falls City Attorney James Santoro's memorandum stating the legal case for declaring Southern's meetings open.
The Billings police enforced this order of closure by parking a Billings police vehicle directly in front of the door of the building, 3521 Gabel Road, and stationing Officer Peterson at the site to remove any "uninvited" persons from the property. Officer Peterson confronted me, several other Beartooth Electric Cooperative members, and Great Falls resident Aart Dolman in the parking lot and told us that we could not even approach the door of the building. He said that we had to stay on the sidewalk.
Following are a few facts regarding this May 20 event:
* Officer Peterson was at the site at 8:20 when I arrived and the police car was parked parallel to the building, directly in front of the door.
* The officer drove the car around the parking lot after I arrived and was talking with Mr. Dolman who had arrived earlier. The officer then parked it, again, in front of the door.
* The officer told us, in the parking lot, to leave or go to the sidewalk.
* I told him that the meeting was an open meeting.
* The officer told me that the meeting was a closed meeting.
* When I pointed out that my car was in the parking lot and that I needed to be on the property to enter it he said that it was unlikely that it would be towed away but that could legally happen.
To: Brooks, Brent
Subject: police enforcement of co-op's closed meeting
Importance: High
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I am preparing my complaint regarding the closing of the May 20, 2010, Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc. board meeting. As we have discussed, the meeting should have been open to the public, yet General Manager Tim Gregori declared it closed. I am attaching, again, Great Falls City Attorney James Santoro's memorandum stating the legal case for declaring Southern's meetings open.
The Billings police enforced this order of closure by parking a Billings police vehicle directly in front of the door of the building, 3521 Gabel Road, and stationing Officer Peterson at the site to remove any "uninvited" persons from the property. Officer Peterson confronted me, several other Beartooth Electric Cooperative members, and Great Falls resident Aart Dolman in the parking lot and told us that we could not even approach the door of the building. He said that we had to stay on the sidewalk.
Following are a few facts regarding this May 20 event:
* Officer Peterson was at the site at 8:20 when I arrived and the police car was parked parallel to the building, directly in front of the door.
* The officer drove the car around the parking lot after I arrived and was talking with Mr. Dolman who had arrived earlier. The officer then parked it, again, in front of the door.
* The officer told us, in the parking lot, to leave or go to the sidewalk.
* I told him that the meeting was an open meeting.
* The officer told me that the meeting was a closed meeting.
* When I pointed out that my car was in the parking lot and that I needed to be on the property to enter it he said that it was unlikely that it would be towed away but that could legally happen.
* Aart Dolman asked for a police report to be filed so that he would have a record of exactly what had transpired and what legal action was taking place to remove us from the property.
* Officer Peterson called Sergeant Berry, his superior officer, to come and discuss a report.
* Sergeant Berry gave us a report number and explained, exactly as Officer Peterson had, that the meeting was closed by the board, that the building owner had secured police support to enforce the closure, and that we would have to leave. The officers were polite. I believe they were put in a very bad position by someone in charge of police activity. They were enforcing an illegal closure of a public meeting. I have many questions about this police action including:
* Who told them the meeting was legally closed?
* Why did they accept and repeat the contention that it was closed?
* Is it a Billings Police policy to enforce "closed meetings" on private property?
* How much does it cost to station a Billings Police officer in a parking lot for three or four hours?How much does it cost to police to use a police vehicle for three or four hours as a signal that the police support the closure?
* Officer Peterson called Sergeant Berry, his superior officer, to come and discuss a report.
* Sergeant Berry gave us a report number and explained, exactly as Officer Peterson had, that the meeting was closed by the board, that the building owner had secured police support to enforce the closure, and that we would have to leave. The officers were polite. I believe they were put in a very bad position by someone in charge of police activity. They were enforcing an illegal closure of a public meeting. I have many questions about this police action including:
* Who told them the meeting was legally closed?
* Why did they accept and repeat the contention that it was closed?
* Is it a Billings Police policy to enforce "closed meetings" on private property?
* How much does it cost to station a Billings Police officer in a parking lot for three or four hours?How much does it cost to police to use a police vehicle for three or four hours as a signal that the police support the closure?
When we tried to attend the Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative's annual meeting, March 19, 2010, we were met by a police officer in the lobby of the building and threatened with arrest if we did not answer all of his questions and immediately leave the property. He was not as polite as the officers who met us on May 20. He repeated several times that we were subject to arrest if we did not cooperate with a police officer's instructions. What legal right did he have to give me and several other polite and orderly people who were making no disturbance whatsoever instructions?
I will call you this morning to ask about this complaint which relates to actions taken by Tim Gregori on behalf of the Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative, Inc. board and by the Billings Police Department. We did record the May 20 morning's activity with a video camera and I have pictures of the police officers talking with us.
Yours truly,
Arleen Boyd (328-6645)
Citizens Barred Once Again
Commissioner Jolley was allowed into the meeting even though she is not the city's representative.
Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 21, 2010
Only one council is meeting this week:
NC#4
When: Thursday, June 24 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
City's new permitting process - Terre Gift
Committee reports
Problem properties
Neighborhood concerns
NC#4
When: Thursday, June 24 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North
Agenda:
City's new permitting process - Terre Gift
Committee reports
Problem properties
Neighborhood concerns
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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