10/19/98 City Council Minutes1347
1347
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00
P.M. MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1998, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL
IN KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR WILLIAM E. BOHARSKI PRESIDED. COUNCIL
MEMBERS JIM ATKINSON, NORBERT DONAHUE, JOHN GRAVES, DALE HAARR,
DUANE LARSON, DOUG SCARFF, RON VAN NATTA AND CITY ATTORNEY/ACTING
CITY MANAGER GLEN NEIER WERE PRESENT. COUNCIL MEMBER GARY NYSTUL
WAS ABSENT.
Mayor Boharski called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Boharski asked the record show that Nystul is absent because he is
attending a Public Service Commission meeting concerning Flathead
Electric Coop's purchase of Pacific Power and Light.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Haarr moved approval of the Agenda as presented with the addition
of the Airport Authority Agenda as suggested by the City Attorney.
The motion was seconded by Scarff.
There was no discussion.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
A. Council Minutes -Regular Meeting October 5, 1998
B. Approval of Claims per Payables Register-$568,036.87
C. Pledged Securities and Treasurer's Report - September 30, 1998
D. Proclamation - Red Ribbon week
Atkinson moved approval of the Consent Agenda as presented. The
motion was seconded by Van Natta.
There was discussion.
Scarff questioned a claim for a generator for Juniper Bend in the
amount of $10,374.00.
Public works Director Jim Hansz explained the claim was for an
emergency generator requirement for the Juniper Bend Sewage Lift
Station. He said the developer was required to install the
generator but failed to do so in accordance with the bond
requirements. Hansz said on advice from the City Attorney, the bond
security was forfeited and the City purchased the generator.
Donahue said he was informed by Nystul that there will be a session
on Friday afternoons for Council members to review the claims. He
asked Finance Director Amy Robertson to explain.
Robertson said Council members are welcome any time to review the
claims but she has no plans for a scheduled meeting.
Scarff asked for a breakdown of the Central School expenses.
Boharski questioned a claim for three monitors and asked why the
prices were different for each one.
Robertson answered the claim is actually for one monitor and two
programs.
Boharski commented on a claim for a temporary zoning administrator
and asked whether the position is part-time or full-time.
Robertson said the position is full-time and is being contracted out
through a local employment agency.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
No one spoke.
AWARD BID - COMMERCIAL GRADE OUTFRONT MOWER
Parks Director Mike Baker is recommending the Council award Parsons
1348
1348
Tractor a contract to supply a commercial grade outfront mower at
a cost of $20,032.00.
Larson moved the Parks Department enter into a contract with Parsons
Tractor & Implement to supply the mower. The motion was seconded
by Graves.
There was discussion.
Scarff asked Baker whether the old mower will be retired or kept in
reserve.
Baker stated the mower is almost fifteen years old and will probably
go to auction this Spring.
Donahue asked if the new mower can be converted to a snow plow in
the Winter.
Baker said a broom or blade can be added at minimal cost.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
REQUEST BY FLATHEAD INDUSTRIES TO SELL READ PROPERTY
Neier explained that in 1981, one of the City's first Urban Renewal
Programs involved the CDBG funding of housing for developmentally
disabled clients of Flathead Industries. He said three houses were
acquired and turned into nine apartments with two conditions the
property had to be used for handicapped individuals; and the City
has to approve any sale of the property. Neier stated Flathead
Industries has recently purchased three dilapidated buildings on 5th
Avenue West and intend to construct a one story apartment building
on the property. He said Flathead Industries needs to sell the
original CDBG property to finance the apartment complex and a motion
by the Council authorizing a deed removing the conditions imposed
on the CDBG property will enable the project to proceed.
Donahue moved the impediment be removed from the deed and
transferred with the condition that the restriction on the original
CDBG property be placed on the new property. The motion was seconded
by Haarr.
There was discussion.
Susan Moyer, PECDD, stated this is a win -win situation because the
property Flathead Industries has purchased is "horribly
substandard." She said not only will the City be getting rid of
three highly blighted parcels, but it will also be perpetuating
housing for the developmentally disabled.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN COMMERCIAL LOAN AGREEMENT_'
Neier stated over the past two years, the City has given all core
area banks the opportunity to participate in the City's three
percent loan program. He said the contracts previously executed are
about ready to expire and new agreements need to be executed. Neier
explained the City writes the interest down to three percent under
its agreement with the banks. He said Moyer has discovered the
interest rate on the loans has been reduced from nine and one half
percent to nine and one quarter percent and a motion authorizing the
City Manager to execute the agreements with core area.'- banks is
appropriate.
Graves moved the Council authorize the City Manager_ to execute the
agreements. The motion was seconded by Scarff.
There was discussion.
Haarr commented the program has been extremely effective'' and it has
created an opportunity within the retail and business segment of the
community to get a business started or continue a business at an
affordable price.
Atkinson agreed, stating the Community Development Department should
be commended for its approach in helping economic development in the
downtown area.
1349
1349
Boharski asked how many banks are involved in the agreement and how
much money will be available to applicants.
Moyer answered every bank in the core area with the exception of
one. She said there is approximately eighty five to eighty seven
thousand dollars available.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
ORDINANCE 12 ADOPTION OF RZyTRRn KALISPELL TTV OD S 1 T READING
Neier stated at a recent meeting, the Council discussed passing an
ordinance adopting the revised Kalispell City Codes. He said the
ordinance is now ready for approval. Neier added he has also spoken
with Sterling Codifiers on the cost of indexing the Codes and was
quoted a price of approximately one thousand dollars.
Donahue moved Ordinance 1295, an ordinance of the City of Kalispell,
Montana, adopting a revision and codification of the ordinances of
the City of Kalispell entitled "The Code of the City of Kalispell,
Montana," providing for the repeal of certain ordinances not
included therein, with certain exceptions, and for other purposes
hereinafter set out. The motion was seconded by Haarr.
There was discussion.
Donahue asked Neier how up-to-date the codes will be.
Neier answered the codes will include those ordinances adopted on
or before October 19, 1998.
Donahue stated as far as the indexing, if the index is as bad as the
one the City has now, then the thousand dollars isn't worth it.
Neier said he plans on getting an example from Sterling Codifiers,
but the work Sterling does includes a computer search also.
The motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote with Atkinson,
Donahue, Graves, Haarr, Larson, Scarff, Van Natta and Boharski
voting in favor.
CENTER STREET PLAZA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Neier explained the agreement with CMA, L.L.P. concerns a grant of
approximately $16,0000.00 and a loan of $75,000.00 to CMA for
development of the Center Street Plaza complex. Neier said Brad
Walterskirchen, a principle in the organization, informed him today
that he approved of the agreement. He said the Council, by
consensus, approved the concept at a workshop in September and a
motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the document is in
order.
Larson moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with CMA, L.L.P. for the development of the Center Street
Plaza. The motion was seconded by Graves.
There was discussion.
Atkinson said he feels good about the project but he'll vote against
it simply to encourage developers to look at livable communities
that promote business developments that are "aesthetically pleasing"
for pedestrians. He said plans for the development place the stores
at the back of the lot with parking in front. He said that means
there will be parking lots on both sides of the street in that area
and he doesn't believe that makes an "aesthetically pleasing" walk
for pedestrians.
Haarr commented there is a substantial amount of landscaping planned
between the street and the parking lot.
The motion carried upon vote with Atkinson voting against.
Haarr moved approval of the Airport Authority Minutes as presented.
The motion was seconded by Graves.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
1350
1350
APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTION - AIRPORT MANAGER
The City Council agreed to budget eight thousand dollars to hire a
part-time Airport Manager. Neier stated approval of the job
description will allow the job to be advertised.
Larson moved approval of the Airport Manager job description as
presented. The motion was seconded by Haarr.
There was discussion.
Airport Advisory Board member Fred Leistiko stated there are quite
a few duties listed in the job description that only someone with
an aviation background can perform. He recommended that a section
be added under education and experience requiring some sort of
aviation background, He said the Airport Authority is going to have
to rely on the Manager to deal with the pilots and it would help if
he had an adequate background.
Haarr moved to amend the motion by adding applicants must hold, or
have held, a pilot's license. The motion was seconded by Larson.
There was discussion.
Airport Advisory Board member Gib Bissell said he wouldn't limit the
requirement to a pilot's license, but rather an aviation
certificate.
Haarr and Larson agreed to change the motion to reflect the
recommendation.
The amendment carried unanimously upon vote.
Donahue commented it's going to be hard to find somebody that fits
the job description for eight thousand dollars a year.
Leistiko suggested the Authority make the base pay eight thousand
dollars and then make arrangements that the Manager can earn more
if they can generate enough revenue to justify it.
Bissell said everything was built into the job description to cover
the next few years but the main focus right now needs to be on
revenue generation to make the airport self supporting.
The main motion as amended carried unanimously upon vote.
Neier stated there isn't a requirement to bid the fencing which will
cost about fifteen thousand dollars. He said quotes will be
requested from at least two local businesses and the lowest proposal
will be accepted. Neier asked for a consensus from the Council that
quotes be obtained.
Bissell said Morrison and Maierle feel a large portion of the
fencing on the north side can be done without interfering with
future airport plans.
The Council gave approval for obtaining quotes.
Larson inquired as to an office for the Manager.
Bissell said both of the FBO's have offered office space.
Donahue commented another possibility is the vacant building at Lion
Park.
Bissell said that building would not only be good for an office but
could also include public restrooms.
AIRPORT FEES
The Council has suggested a review of the current airport fees in
conjunction with raising additional revenue. The fees that are
being used were set by Resolution 3773 in 1987.
Boharski asked Bissell if the Advisory Board has compared the
current airport fees with other areas and whether they have a
recommendation.
1351 3 .51
Bissell stated a lot of the rates being charged are well below what
is being charged elsewhere, including Polson and Ronan. He said
this would be a good time to review the fees. Bissell added however
that a good portion of hangar leases are at a set rate until the
year 2004 and 2006 and there's nothing that can be done with those
until the leases expire.
Boharski said he would like to see the resolution updated prior to
any additional leases being signed.
Graves commented a user fee of twenty five dollars per year is way
out of line. He said to park your car downtown is three hundred
dollars per year.
Van Natta said the City needs to finish the Master Plan, determine
the number of hangars that can be built, and then have a system in
place to select who gets the hangars.
Leistiko stated the hangar sites should be identified within three
to four months and he thinks there will be a lot of room for
hangars, both large and small.
Donahue said he thinks the first thing that needs to be done is a
revision of Resolution 3773 because the airport is going to have to
become self supporting.
O TIV TT. OMMENT /TNFORMATTON/0LTE,gTTONq
Haarr asked that a short Council meeting be held Monday, October
22nd, to discuss the request for annexation by the State in
conjunction with ValleyDome.
Neier said a Resolution of Intent could be ready by Monday night if
the Council wishes. He said once the resolution is passed, a notice
has to be published prior to holding a public hearing.
Atkinson spoke against the request, stating this issue has a lot of
public interest and the resolution should be handled at a regular
Council meeting and televised.
Boharski clarified the resolution is simply an intent to annex so
the process isn't held back another twenty to thirty days. He said
by dealing with the resolution on the 22"d, the ValleyDome PUD
Agreement and the State annexation can be handled at the same time
on November 16.
Atkinson said he understood the Department of Transportation was
placing caveats on their intent to annex and asked if those caveats
have been met, such as a guarantee the ValleyDome will be built.
Neier stated the Request to Annex had absolutely nothing attached.
Boharski said Atkinson's concerns will be addressed on November 16tn
when the entire project is looked at.
Atkinson stated he still feels the issue should be handled at a
regular meeting.
It was agreed a special meeting will be held on October 22°d before
the work session. Atkinson deferred to the will of the Council.
Haarr asked Fire Chief Ted Waggener if there's been any plans made
on lowering the City's ISO rating and asked for an update on the
fire engine.
Waggener said the Department's been working on the specifications
for a fire engine and an ambulance. He said as far as the ISO
rating, he just sent two people to Great Falls for a two day seminar
on ISO and the Department's been working on training.
Donahue commented on a recent plan of the Parks Department to
transport Seniors to Missoula to shop. He said he's had several
calls from past and current business people in Kalispell objecting
1352
1352
to that outing and even though it's been canceled, he hopes Parks
Director Mike Baker will take a closer look at these types of
outings.
Donahue asked Police Chief Frank Garner for an update on a request
to check into the problem of obstructions at intersections.
Garner said he expects a memorandum to be complete within two weeks
identifying the problem intersections. He said the property owners
have already received a written notice to remove any trees and
shrubs that are obstructing views.
Donahue, referring to recent memorandums from Robertson and Neier
concerning the airport, said the City has a "messy situation" in
regard to the Airport Authority and suggested the Council try to
find a way to correct the problem.
Larson inquired as to the status of building removal on the Equity
site.
Meier said under the agreement, next fall is the deadline for
removal of the buildings.
Scarff also commented on the plan to take Seniors to Missoula and
said he also received calls and asked if there is a particular group
of Citizens that promote these kinds of programs.
Baker said there's a whole gamut of Seniors involved in Parks
programs and they submit recommendations on things they'd like to
do. He said the idea evolved from a recent Libby shopping trip to
Kalispell that the City of Libby helped sponsor. Baker said the
Seniors were going to find their own transportation and the Parks
Department was simply acting as a "clearing house for registration."
Atkinson moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Donahue.
The motion carried unanimously upon vote.
ADJOUR14t-,
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
m
E. Baharski
Wm. E. Boharski, Mayor
ATTEST:
Theresa White
Clerk of Council
approved November 2, 1998