12/08/75 SP City Council Minutes451
SPECIAL MEETING
A Special Meeting of the Kalispell City Council was held Monday, December 8, 1975,
at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Mayor Happ presided. All Councilmen present.
Art Lindlie' appeared before the council with a request for the city to extend
water and sewer lines to a mobile home subdivision to be located South of the
city. The development entrance is between Culligan and Valley Realty. The project
had been presented to the council about three years ago.
Councilman Schwartz moved that the Sewer and Water Committee take the project
under advisement. Seconded by Councilman Sliter. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING ON CDA APPLICATION
The Mayor reported she had talked with Dorothy Eck, Federal State Coordinator
in the Governor's Office. Mrs. Eck recommended application for the full amount
of the project, and also to list stages as this may be more acceptable. The Mayor
also reported that it was decided not to have the county apply because the Commissioners
felt they must consider Whitefish and Columbia Falls also. Mrs. Eck felt it would
be better for the city to go on its own.
Councilman Olson reported that none of the residents on the West side who have
previously been interested in the project could attend the meeting. However they
were prepared to write the powers that be. Mrs. Eck has suggested getting letters
from health officers on sewers backing up and to stress the health factor. Also
letters from those with collapsed basements should be obtained.
No one from the audience spoke on the application. The council still feels it is
the number one priority.
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS PROPOSAL
Councilman Allen read a letter from the State Department of Highways outlining a
proposal for the St. Matthew school crossing. The project would consist of re-
locating school crossing signs and installing bouncing ball type signals. Motion
by Councilman Allen to accept the project as presented by the State. Seconded by
Councilman Sliter. Motion carried. Installation is to be completed by March.
The Mayor reported on negotiations for the property next door to city hall, as
authorized by the council. Mr. Johnson wanted $1,000.00 for a 30 day option.
The Mayor stated there was no point in paying for a option and that we should
decide to buy it or forget it.
Councilman Schwartz discussed the value of the property as an investment, whether
used as a city hall function or for future parking.
Rudy Hoecker presented a history of negotiations two years ago for the property when
the asking price was $65,000.00. He objected to the council paying an excessive
price for the property. He did agree the city needs to expand its facilities.
Roger Jacobson, an appraiser felt the price was too much and that there is other
property on Main Street available for less. The city should not pay a premium
just because they want that property.
Walter Griffin suggested moving Griffin Park to Lawrence Park and to build a new
city complex on Griffin Field. He felt $150,000 for land for a city complex was
too much.
Councilman Olson asked why pressure was brought on the council and not on the
people selling the property.
Councilman Bergstrom asked tie council to consider whether to stay at the present
site or go to the hospital and preferred not to scatter the city offices.
Councilman Bergstrom moved that the city buy the property and if they can get
the price down fine. Seconded by Councilman Daley.
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Councilman Williams pointed out that after the initial meeting with the County
Commissioners, they have done nothing further regarding price and etc. for the
hospital. He still envisioned a move to the hospital and it being an advantage
to placement of administrative offices with the county offices. .
Councilman Sliter recalled the vote taken at a previous council meeting where he
thought the consensus was that the complex remain at the present site if it could
be arranged.
Councilman Granmo noted that only health and welfare offices were committed to the
hospital at present and would be of little value to the city to be there with them.
Councilman Allen initially thought the land was a good buy but now feels we are being
pushed too fast. That the decision should be made at the next meeting and to get
the project off to a good start.
The City Attorney was asked if the power of eminent domain applied. He said it
would but that the city would still have to pay, plus court costs and appraisals.
Councilman Williams moved to amend the motion to read "that the decision by the
council on the property be made at the next regular meeting after two appraisals
were done and the fair market value of the property determined."
After discussion on getting an appraisal in such a short time, the amendment was
withdrawn.
Councilmen Granmo, Sliter, Bergstrom, Daley and Schwartz voted aye. Councilmen
Olson, Allen and Williams voted no. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 3037
Councilman Olson moved adoption of Resolution No. 3037 A Resolution Providing for
Assessment of Special Improvement District No. 315 Costs. Seconded by Councilman
Sliter. Roll call vote. All voted aye.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Donahue reported on a telephone call from Nick Rotering of the Montana
Department of Highways regarding spending gas tax for engineering phase two of the
storm sewer. Mr. Rotering saw no problem. He also stated there may be some
federal assistance available and suggested contacting the department.
The City Attorney also stated the highway department was establishing guidelines for
construction of sidewalks along state and federal highways. In view of the recent
Supreme Court case, the city should not construct sidewalks along US 2 or US 93 until
these are established.
Mayor Happ pointed out an article in November NATIONS CITIES on the future of revenue
sharing. She encouraged all to write the powers that be as outlined in the article.
Mayor Rapp has written the Montana congressional delegation.
RESIDENCY ORDINANCE
Councilman Williams read the proposed residency ordinance in its entirety and asked
for viable alternatives from the council.
After discussion it was agreed that in Section 3, the last sentence read "a majority
of the city council." The last sentence of Section two after the semicolon was to
be added to Section 3.
Councilman Williams moved to adopt Ordinance No. 847 with the changes as above.
Seconded by Councilman Allen. Roll call vote. Councilmen Olson, Granmo, Sliter,
Bergstrom, Allen, Schwartz, and Williams voted aye. Councilman Daley voted no.
Motion carried.
Councilman Olson suggested that Mayor Happ request input from department heads as to
how they are going to control this and what regulations they are going to set up.
Councilman Olson read a letter from Brian Orndorf, sewer plant operator, regarding
the efficiency of the plant. He stated the November report of plant efficency was
the worst yet submitted. He also mentioned a technical paper by the EPA which may
give indications of the source of toxic substances. Public Works Director Knebel
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stated that these toxic substances have wiped out about one third of the bacteria
in the plant. They plan to run some tests at the plant to try to determine the
source of these substances which may be within the plant itself.
WATER WELL
Councilman Olson presented two alternative locations for a new water well on
Meridian Road. The first could be obtained for $360.00 over a year from Harley
Goeney. It is North of Circle K and requires 20 feet of pipe to connect to the
system. The lot size is 50 X 150. The entire price is $7500.00.
The second parcel is 650 feet from the main and is 150'X 200. Its cost would be
for two A inch water services and one sewer hookup.
Discussion included the costs, alternatives, future growth and other locations.
Motion made by Councilman Olson that the Mayor check with the Fish and Game
Department and discuss at least one more time with the County Commissioners,
and be prepared to give a recommendation by next Monday meeting. Seconded by
Councilman Granmo. Passed.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M.