02/21/77 City Council Minutes145
TEE REGULAR MEETING OF TEE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL MET AT 7:30 P. M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY
21, 1977 IN TEE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL. MAYOR HAPP PRESIDED. COUNCILMEN
GRAINGER AND SCHWARTZ ABSENT. ALL OTHER PEERS PRESENT.
APPROVE MINUTES
Councilman Allen moved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 1977 be
approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman Williams. Motion carried.
' CITY OFFICIALS REPORTS
City Clerk and City Treasurer for December 1976.
City Engineer, Police Chief and City Judge for January 1977.
Councilman Allen moved that city officials reports be accepted. Seconded by Councilman
Williams. Motion carried.
ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL
Patty Mandl, instructor of the WIN program, with offices in the Eagles Building,
requested the council remove the meter heads on let St. West between 1st and 2nd Avenues.
There is not enough parking area for business people working downtown and for approx—
imately 30 students who attend classes in the Eagles Building. Miss Mandl reported
that a committee has been formed consisting of herself, business men, educators and
students to try to resolve some of the parking problems that concern business people and
the college. The committee would like to work with the council. As soon as they come
up with some possible solutions they will discuss them with the council. Mayor Rapp
told her that the City also has a Parking Commission to help them.
Councilman Allen moved that the meter heads on 1st St. West between 1st and 2nd Avenues
be removed until the second meeting in March to give the parking committee and council
time to study the parking situation. Seconded by Councilman Daley. Motion carried.
Miss Mandl asked whose responsibility it is to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, when
owner does not live in town. She was told that it was still theresponsibilityof the
property owner. She requested that the City Engineer contact officials of the Union
Oil Company about clearing their sidewalk as it is a hazard when covered with snow.
Also, there is a ramp that when covered with snow prevents drivers from being able to
park legally and cars have been towed away.
Bill Wheeler, 15 3rd Ave. East, asked what status the Montana Legislature bill has
regarding revenue from Forest Service land. At present revenue from the land goes to
the counties and none to cities. The League of Cities & Towns adopted a resolution to
propose a bill to this legislature which would divert some of the revenue to cities.
Mayor Happ told Mr. Wheeler that she has been conversing by telephone with Dan Mizner,
Executive Director of the League, who stated that the bill was not written correctly,
so has not been presented to this legislature. Mayor Happ expressed her condern and
regret that it was not presented. County Commissioner DeLong said that Flathead County
had no input with Mr. Mizner on failing to present the bill, but thought perhaps other
counties may have been opposed and so stated. Mayor Rapp said that the bill tied in
Forest Service land with grazing land so that it would appeal to cities in Eastern
Montana. She will be contacting Mr. Mizner again to find out exactly what happened to
the bill.
FINAL APPROVAL ON NORTHRIDGE TENNIS COURTS
' Councilman Daley moved council approval of the contract for construction of Northridge
Tennis Courts and final payment to Pack and Company, Contractor. Seconded by Councilman
O'Boyle. Motion carried.
AUTHORIZE CALL FOR BIDS
Councilman Sliter moved authorization to call for bids on sidewalk and curb construction
for 1977. Seconded by Councilman Granmo. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CITY —COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
Councilman Williams reported on the last meeting of the City —County Planning Board. One
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item discussed was Flathead County policy on zoning. He stated that Commissioner DeLong
told them that their policy would be to leave county zoning as it is unless requested by
residents to rezone their property.
Councilman Williams added that under procedural check -lists, the Board is attempting to
establish a format for public hearings; further expand the check list for individual board
members on city council; subdivision evaluation; and A & R capabilities.
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Councilman Williams reported that he has completed a proposed resolution for employment
policy, copies will be distributed to all council members and he will have a meeting
for discussion as soon as possible.
STREET & ALLEY
Councilman Allen reported the Street & Alley committee has set the following priorities
for 1977: finish paving West Washington; reconstruct Center Street from let Ave. West
to 5th Ave. West and 2nd Ave. West from Center to 4th Street; 1st Ave. West from 8th
Street to City Shops; pave visitors center south of town and overlay streets and avenues
that are particularly bad. The City Engineer is to contact utility companies regarding
moving utility poles on West Center Street. Approximate cost for materials on the above
projects will be $60,000.00. Councilman Allen presented several petitions from persons
either living at or working with tenants at Big Sky Manor, urging the resurfacing of 2nd
Ave. West be given top priority -for street work this summer.
Councilman. Allen reported that his committee and.Mayor Happ met with the Flathead County
Commissioners on February 17th regarding a joint effort of the County and City in repairs
on Woodland Avenue from 10th Street south to Woodland Drive and Appleway Drive from
Meridian to Highway #2:
Councilman Allen moved the council direct Mayor Happ to write a letter to the Flathead
County Commissioners indicating the City's cooperation with the County on the two
projects. Seconded by Councilman Daley. Motion carried.
Councilman Allen moved that the blinking red light on 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue West be
replaced by 4-way stop signs. Seconded by Councilman Sliter. Motion carried.
Councilman Allen reported a letter from Thomas, Dean & Hoskins on the 1st Avenue East
and Center Street Project as follows:
"The Plan -In -Hand for the luminaire and traffic signals on the subject project was
held on February 14 and 15. During the Plan -In -Hand, two items came up that
require action by the City.
1. The State requires that the City notify them in writing whether the fire
alarm system is to be maintained or abandoned. -
2. The City should decide whether it wants a separate circuit for Christmas
decorations or if it will run them off the luminaire circuit. A separate
circuit would allow you to turn decorations off during the late night and early
morning hours, thus saving energy costs. If the separate circuit is not
installed, the receptacles for the decorations could be powered by the luminaire
circuit and the decorations would be on whenever the luminaires are on. The cost
of the separate circuit is estimated at approximately $3,500.00.
It is estimated that the savings in energy costs would not pay for the cost of
the separate circuit for over 22 years. The cost of the extra circuit would be
payable by the City if installed. There would be no City cost involved if the
receptacles were operated off the luminaire circuit. Under the circumstances
we recommend that the receptacles be operated off the luminaire circuit. Your
concurrence would be appreciated.
In other matters, the Montana Highway Department is in the process of making
arrangements for utility adjustments with the various utilities involved. The
Right -Of -Way Department is now authorized to proceed with acquisition of
construction easements. Our final plans will be ready for submittal by the _
scheduled completion date, March 5.
Isl Doug E. Daniels"
Discussion followed on whether to continue the fire alarm system or discontinue. Chief
Peters stated that while the alarm boxes are not used a great deal, this may be the only
means of reporting a fire and if it saved one building the system is worth keeping.
Others felt there were too many false alarms from the boxes.
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Councilman Sliter moved that Mayor Rapp be given power to act on the fire alarm
system and notify Thomas, Dean & Hoskins in writing. Seconded by Councilman Allen.
Councilman O'Boyle voted nay. Motion carried.
Councilman Allen moved that Christmas decorations be operated off the lumi.naire circuit.
Seconded by Councilman Sliter. Motion carried.
PARKS
Councilman Daley had no report as the weather warmed up and spoiled winter recreation
plans.
' ANIMAL CONTROL BOARD
Councilman O'Boyle reported that the Board met February 8, 1977. The City of Kalispell
had 37 animals brought to the shelter in January. The City has had 680 animals brought
to the shelter since it was opened.
The shelter was broken into, but no money taken. However, the Board would like a letter
from the City clearing them of any responsibility in case there is a break-in and money
is taken that is being kept overnight.
Councilman Sliter moved that Mayor Rapp write a proper letter relieving the Animal Control
Board of any responsibility in case any City money is taken. Seconded by Councilman
Allen. Motion carried.
Councilman O'Boyle reported a letter from High School Supt. Hayden thanking the Safety
Committee and Mayor Happ for meeting with representatives of the school regarding park-
ing problems. He added that he would like a study team formed, consisting of Council-
man O'Boyle, Chief McDowell and/or Chief Peters and representatives of the school to
review parking problems, street signs, parking zones, loading zones, new fire lanes and
any other problems that may arise. This study team will make recommendations to the
council and school board for action.
Councilman Sliter moved that Fire Chief Peters. Police Chief McDowell and Councilman
O'Boyle be appointed as city representatives to this study team. Seconded by Council-
man Allen. Motion carried.
BROWN BUS LINE
Councilman O'Boyle called upon Mr. Hadley, Executive Director of the Kalispell Chamber
of Commerce for a report on the insurance problem of the Brown Bus Line. Mr. Hadley
stated he had reviewed the problem. Their insurance premium for 1975 was $7,033., 1976
was $7,600. Last fall the insurance company notified Brown Bus Line that they would
no longer insure them. Later, they said they might insure them, but the premium would
be increased anywhere from $9,000 to $20,000. If the premium would stay in the $9000.
to $11000 thousand area, the bus line would probably continue. If it goes higher it
would increase his overhead to the point of jeopardizing his business.
Mr. Hadley stated that he is still looking for a solution. Councilman O'Boyle stated
that he thought it useless to appeal to the National Transportation Association regard-
ing insurance, as it has already been tried.
AUTHORIZE CALL FOR BIDS FOR USED AMBULANCE
Councilman O'Boyle moved that Fire Chief Peters be authorized to call for bids for a
used ambulance. Seconded by Councilman Williams.
Fire Chief Peters explained that the ambulance service has increased so much that they
are putting too many miles on the two units in use. There is also a great need for a
cadillac ambulance which would move 'transfer patients' much easier than the present
units.
Councilman Sliter stated that he does not like to see the City buy a used ambulance.
Chief Peters replied that a new unit would cost over $20,000. and they do not have that
much money.
Question called. Councilmen Sliter and Granmo voted no. Motion carried.
FINANCE
CONRAD MANSION
Councilman Sliter moved that at the request of the Conrad Mansion Directors, Mayor Happ
be authorized to sign a contract in the amount of $3,750.00 for limited restoration
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of the heating system in the Mansion.. Seconded by Councilman Allen.- .Motion carried.
Councilman Sliter moved that City Clerk Beardslee be authorized to call for bids for a
sprinkler system for the Mansion. Seconded by Councilman Allen. Motion carried.
CITY DEVELOPMENT
Councilman Granmo, reporting for Councilman Grainger, asked that the decision on the
request of FVCC to use two upstairs rooms for classes at the old depot building be delayed
until the Chamber of Commerce meets with the college board.
Councilman Granmo asked Doug Daniels, Thomas,. Dean & Hoskins, Engineers, to report on
the progress of the proposed EastNorth Storm Sewer Project.- Mr. Daniels stated that
they have been figuring the cost of the project. They are now getting close to where
a decision will have to be made to go ahead and on what basis. City participation will
be 10%. The project is big and at 10% the City's share could be $90-,000.00. If the -
decision -is made to go ahead, construction will be in 1978.
Councilman Granmo read a letter from C. W. Spurgeon who presently gets his water from
the Green Acres Water Association. He would like more water for an additional lot which
he has purchased from the estate of Ira M. Peterson. Councilman Granmo will contact
Bob Meerkatz, Secretary of the Green Acres Water Association, to see what rights there
are for this property.
MISCELLANEOUS,
Doug Daniels reported that they are awaiting a report from a geologist on the location
for the new water well.
Councilman Williams asked if Flathead County is doing any work on 2 Mile Drive and
Wyoming Street. Mayor Happ replied that they are having right-of-way problems on 2 Mile
Drive, but the County is continuing to negotiate.
Councilman Williams requested the Police Department to take a.look at.a basketball
backboard on Parkway Drive that is on the right-of-way. Chief McDowell stated that he '
had looked at it. There were only 2 houses there at that time and it seemed to be no
problem. There are now 8 or 9 houses and perhaps should be removed. Chief McDowell
will take another look.
Mayor Happ asked Councilman .0'Boyle, Chairman of the Safety Committee,--to-lo-ok.into a
proposal by Gerald Sohnoor to operate an ambulance service in Kalispell.
Mayor Rapp introduced Mary.Ruf£, candidate for City Treasurer in the April election.
License & Permit Bonds
Fred Geiger, dba
Riverside Electric Electrical Contractor Bond
Councilman Daley moved that all license and permit bonds approved by City Attorney
Donahue be accepted. Seconded by Councilman Sliter. Motion carried.
Councilman Allen recommended that all candidates for the coming election be invited to
committee meetings to become acquainted with council work.
Mayor Happ reported that she was ha
G7TV a letter to the editor in The Daily Inter
Lake ek commending the age crew or their fine work and cooperation.
cilm Williams moved to djourn. Sec nded by Councilman Allen. Meeting adjourned.
:oun
inutes pproved as present d, March 7, 977. '