03-03-83 Parks Comm MinutesThe Parks Committee met at 4.00 pm on March 3, 1983 in the Conference Room. In attend-
ance were Chairman Gayle Vidal, Councilmen F. T. O'Boyle, Paul Palmer and Gary Nystul;
Parks Supt. Pieter Drent; Lee Towers of the Airport Board and Jim Meyers of the Thrifty
Scot Motel.
Councilman Vidal asked approval for Hockaday Center for the Arts annual "Art in the Park"
to be held July 22-23-24. She stated that last year's project presented no problems re
parking or traffic congestion, per Police Chief Stefanic.
Parks Supt. Drent stated that proof is needed that the liability requirement has been
met. If this was furnished last year, he was not notified of it. Paula Alley is chair-
man of this season's project.
Drent reported that 4 core samples were recently done at the swimming pool, to a depth
of 41. Layers of gunite, sand and gravel were found, down to copper plating. It is be-
lieved there are three 8-10" cement beams underground and he feels that the old pool is
pretty solid. Sand and gravel will be removed and the sample report should be finished
this week.
Board Member Tower said that the Airport Board elected to attempt voluntary base improve-
ments. The firms of Marquardt $ Billmayer and Sid Torgerson have done the base gravel
and cushion to prepare for paving the runway.
Loan application forms are being prepared, requesting $15,000 from the State Aeronautics
Division; this will be at 5% over a 10 year period. Criteria for funding is proximity
of 25 miles within the City, The area is now ready for contract basis for paving and
fencing near the ballfield, possibly barbed wire/steel posts. Signs will be needed and
there are runway damages caused by ground squirrels. The Airport has no liability for
normal use.
Councilman Nystul inquired about finances for the Airport, indicating that there was no
input for the budget. Tower stated that bills are presented to the City after approval
by the Board. Revenue is created from annual rental of ground for hangers, tie down
space @ $25 per year collected by Strand and Stockhill, also from flowage fee of 04¢
per gallon on gas sales. Nystul questioned payment of football field lighting and was
advised that the school district paid for light installation and the Board was respon-
sible for maintenance. Councilman Vidal will clarify this,
Councilman Palmer reported that he has had several questions from residents on the air-
port. He was advised by Mr. Tower that: (1) the airport lease is for 20 years total,
this was renewed two years ago. (2) $50-60,000 in taxes are paid into the school dist-
rict per year on the airport. (3) The County provides gravel from the county pit. (4)
On the question of having both a city and county airport, Tower stated that individual
Board members want the airport where it is, He feels there is a possibility that the
Alert Program came to Kalispell because of the airport's location. (5) Planes do not
make instrument landings here. The ballfields present a problem but Drent does not want
them moved again,
Jim Meyer asked if there were complaints, he stated that there were some piloting skill
contests but did not feel they created any problem.
Discussion followed re the FFA report of lights being out. Councilman Vidal gave the
reason of the Monk property construction. The squirrel problem also was mentioned,
possible use of 1080, but that would require policing for children and other animals.
Councilman O'Boyle questioned the status of the Monk sewer line. It has been stubbed
across runway but unsure of whether paving has been done, He also suggested that the
Tap Study done in the last couple of years be reviewed.
Chairman Vidal announced that park project priority was the possibility of annexing
an island road of Dry Bridge Park. Councilman Palmer stated that the city surveyor
gave a negative response on this. The City Attorney is to research new laws re
annexation of islands.
Councilman O'Boyle questioned if the road was dedicated. Attorney Neier should
check this also.
Superintendent Drent said that the dip in the road must be filled, at present one
cannot get into the park, Chairman Vidal stated that funds would be expended to fill
in the street to create access to the park.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15,