City Council Meeting Minutes 08/16/04Peters specified the bond includes designing, constructing and equipping a north fire sub -station, it
doesn't include any fire trucks. He said even though lie's still concerned with the price of the "soft
costs", all of the Council members understand the necessity of this facility and he hopes the public
also understands the need.
Olson said lie agrees with 1lafferman that hopefully there can be a savings on the land cost and asked
Kukulski what happens if bond for three million dollars is passed and then land can be purchased
cheaper than predicted.
Kukulski said the City has to pay down the debt of the bond so if at the end of the period it's 2.7
million instead of 3 million, there's $300,000 immediately available to pay down on the debt.
Olson said he's in favor of the station, but hopes the City can buy the land for a lot less.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
EI2. FINAL PLAT — THREE MILE SUBDIVISION
This is a request for final plat approval of Three Mile Subdivision and Raven Rock Subdivision
which plats 58 residential lots on approximately 17 acres located at the northeast comer of North
Riding Road and Three Mile Drive. Both subdivisions will be combined to be known. as Three Mile
Subdivision.
Kennedy announced she plans on buying property in this subdivision and excused herself from the
discussion and the vote. She asked President Larson to preside over the agenda item..
Atkinson moved Council accept the subdiN ision improvement agreement and approve the final
plat l'or Three llMile Subdivision. The motion was seconded.
Wilson answered questions.
The motion carried upon vote with Atkinson, Gabriel, Hafferman, Herron, Kenyon, Larson,
Olson and Peters voting in favor, and Mayor Kennedy excused.
E/3. RESOLUTION 4919 — BUDGET RESOLUTION — ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS
This resolution adopts a City appropriation of S34,685,399.00, plus $123,638.00 for the Parking
Commission, $424,650.00 for Tri-City Planning, and $35,000.00 for the Business Improvement
District for a total of $35,268,687.00.
Kenyon moved Resolution 4919, a resolution setting the annual appropriations for the City of
Kalispell, Montana, as set forth in the 2004-2005 Budget adopted by the City Council. The
motion was seconded.
Kukulski gave a staff report on all of the budget resolutions, explaining the total budget is
approximately two percent less than the previous year at around 34.6 million dollars.
Kalispell City Courcil Minutes
August 16, 2004
Page 4
Hafferman said the water budget includes $2,204,576.00 for an upper zone storage reservoir that
shouldn't be in this year's budget. He said it can be delayed for several years while a site is selected.
Hafferman moved the amount of $2,204,576.00 be removed from the proposed water budget.
The motion was seconded.
Kukulski explained one of the most critical water improvements listed in the facilities plan is the
lack of capacity in a reservoir or water tower in the upper zone. He said by having this item in the
budget, the Council is continuing to move forward with all ofthe projects as adopted in the five year
plan. Kukulski said the City may not make that expenditure this budget year, but it may if the project
comes together. He clarified the Council is simply giving; budget authority to continue to proceed
with the intent of building the reservoir.
Hafferman said lie believes the budget should reflect what "we think we can do". He said without
having the land, the chance of hiring people and selling bonds is remote. Hafferman said the land
needs to be tied down first, which will have a direct relation to the cost of the reservoir.
Mayor Kennedy stated she feels it needs to stay in the budget so that the City can purchase land as it
becomes available and begin the process of getting the reservoir in place.
Hansz commented this is the biggest project in the water budget and was identified as a critical
deficiency in the upper zone. He said staff feels it would be prudent planning to "speed our efforts
towards getting this project done",
The motion failed upon roil call vote with Hafferman voting in favor, and Atkinson, Gabriel,
Herron, Kenyon, Larson, Olson, Peters and Mayor Kennedy voting against.
Hafferman noted the budget also includes $420,000 for the ongoing meter replacement program. l-le
suggested the City determine whether the increase in accuracy justifies the "huge amounts we've
already expended on the meter replacement program".
Hafferman moved the amount of $420,000 be removed from the proposed water budget and
the Council be provided with the results of a study to determine the effectiveness of meter
change out. The motion was seconded.
Kukulski explained early on it was recognized that meters were not being replaced aggressively
enough to keep their accuracy levels up. He stated the first priority of the Council, especially prior to
approving any rate increases, should be to make sure the City is accurately metering the water.
Kukulski said the Metron parnier meters have been found to be far more accurate and the reading
system improves the efficiency of staff. He noted that on a five year estimated payback on
commercial meters installed, the payback was actually completed in two years. Kukulski stated he
doesn't see any evidence that City should stop with the meter program at this point.
Hafferman said he has never seen any figures that show the new meters are better and more cost
efficient.
Kalispell City Council Minutes
August 16, 2004
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