Loading...
06/20/77 City Council Minutes497 THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:30 P.-M., MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1977, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL. MAYOR HAPP PRESIDED. COUNCILMEN WILLIAMS ABSENT. ALL OTHER COUNCILMEN' WERE PRESENT. Councilman Allen moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of June 6, 1977 be approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman Bleken. Motion carried. OFFICIALS REPORTS City Clerk and City Treasurer for April 1977. City Engineer, Police Chief and Police Judge for May 1977. Councilman Grainger moved that officials reports be accepted. Seconded by Councilman Allen. Motion carried. OPEN BIDS - 2 Police Cars Firm Security Bid Hines Chrysler -Plymouth Inc. None 2 Care with no trade in $12050.00 2 Cars if trade in one 1976 Plymouth 4-Door 11,60o.0o 2 Cars if trade in two 1976 Plymouth 4-Door 10,850.00 Bid price to be F.O.B. Kalispell, Montana. These would be 1978 Plymouth Polare's. Delivery I time 60 days after public announcement of 1978 models. Approximately December 1, 1977. Roy Stanley Chevrolet Cashier's Check 2 Cars with no trade in 13,724.56 2 Cars if trade in one 1976 Plymouth 4-Door 12,574.56 2 Cars if trade in two 1976 Plymouth 4—Door 11,424.56 Bid price to be F.O.B. Kalispell, Montana. Councilman Granmo moved the bids be referred to the Safety Committee for study and report back at next meeting. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING - Amend Zoning Ordinance City Attorney Donahue explained the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding lot size and use requirements by buildings and dwelling units. Mayor Rapp asked if there was anyone who wished to speak for the amendment. No one appeared. Mayor Happ asked if there was anyone who wished to speak against the amendment. No one appeared. ORDINANCE NO. 877 Councilman Griffin moved to enact Ordinance No. 877 an Ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance to clarify lot size and use requirements by buildings and dwelling units. Seconded by Councilman O'Boyle. Roll call vote. All voted aye. RESOLUTION NO. 3124 Councilman Daley moved adoption of Resolution No. 3124 a resolution declaring that an emergency exists and that it is necessary to make expenditures in excess of the amount provided by the 1976-77 budget for the general fund fire department. Seconded by Councilman O'Boyle. Roll call vote. All voted aye. ADDRESSING TEE COUNCIL Stan Weise, representing owners of Glory Days Emporium, stated that he was concerned about the timing of widening let Avenue East and Center Street. If the streets were torn up before Labor Day it would adversely affect tourist business. They would prefer to �;;;', have it done after Labor Day. 198 Doug Daniels, Engineer for the project, stated that bid opening for the construction of these streets would be let about late August, work would start on the south end and would definitely not be at their location of let Avenue East and Center Street until late fall. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 120 to 150 days. Provisions are made for access to all businesses during construction. Mr. Weise was also told that the State is doing the work and he could contact Jim Aeithley, P. E. for further information. Edmund Furlong, Henry Nelson and Willard Schwartz, 7th Avenue West residents, protested paying for new curbing ordered in by the council when the avenue was excavated for installing a storm sewer and the street reconstructed afterward. Their reasoning was that they had paid for curbing once approximately 25 years ago. The workmanship was not good, but the property owners had no control of this. Councilman Allen, Chairman of the Street & Alley Committee, told the gentlemen that the City did not have enough money to rebuild the street and the curbing, but thought property owners would rather have everything done now and right than piecemeal over the next years. Mayor Happ stated that she thought the gentlemen present and the signers of the petition protesting payment of the curbing should be so thankful to have a storm sewer system and improved street that paying for new curbing should seem very minimal. Councilman Daley stated that city policy is that if the City has to remove good curbing to widen or reconstruct a street, the City replaces the curb. If there is no curbing or if it is in poor condition, property owners pay. In this case the curbing -was so bad it could hardly be seen. Council agreed to stick by their policy for 7th Avenue property owners requiring owners to pay cost of curbing. Big trucks are violating truck traffic on city streets. Chief McDowell will patrol 7th Avenue West carefully and call violators. COMMITTEE REPORTS CITY DEVELOPMENT Councilman Grainger reported that the committee met today and interviewed architectural firms for the purpose of building a new city hall complex. The committee recommends and Councilman Grainger moved that the architectural firm of John Schwartz be hired to draw plans for a new city hall complex. Seconded by Councilman Daley. Motion carried. The John Schwartz firm was picked because he has worked with EDA grants and because'his firm has an expert in the field of city hall complexes. Councilman Grainger moved that the City purchase the 2 Henricksen Motors lots south of the present city hall for $85,000 plus S.I.D. assessment with Revenue Sharing funds, contingent on City Attorney Donahue obtaining clear title. Seconded by Councilman Bleken. Motion carried. �+'U�' J �W�\P • UN� 4� Councilman Grainger reported that the committee has made proposals to all employees represented by unions or bargaining units, but has received no positive information to report. SEWER & WATER Councilman Granmo reported that the test well on Buffalo Hill has been completed and they will start test pump tomorrow on a continuous 24 hours basis. Three protests of develop- ing a water well in that area have been received. Hopefully it will not have to go to a.public hearing. The time schedule for awarding construction bid will be mid -August or the first of September. The well will have auxiliary power. The request for utility service outside the city limits for Mr. Primrose will go to hearing with the Public Service Commission at 1:30 P. M:, June 30th, unless action is postponed. Dennis Crawford, PSC, recommends that the City state their area of utility service. The water department will handle this. WATER RATE STUDY 7 u F . I The following letter was received from T. R. Flynn: June 10, 1977 1.99 Lauren Granmo--Chairman '.Dater & Sewer Committee City of Kalispell, Montana Dear Mr. Granmo: Referring to recent conversations regarding a proposed water rate study and related matters, with the end result to be presentation of a request for rate adjustment to the Public Service Commission, it was pointed out in those discussions that in order to obtain favorable action from the PSC it will be necessary to make a complete revision in your present concept of ,..,.. T&,- ocr u-... _.« ..tt -. f.1:..1...A :_...tt _F .U--- -- - actions that they will not approve new rate schedules that tend to favor the large volume user. Thus revised schedules will greatly narrow the differential between the small user and the user of large quantities of water. The large user will experience a considerable increase as against a smaller increase to the user of relatively small amounts of water. This was discussed with you at some length. In view of this,considerable more detail work will have to be done in order to satisfy that criterion and to attain the desired total revenue. I propose: To coordinate the necessary information as briefly outlined above, To develop new rate schedules with consultation with your committee periodically. The completed proposal to be presented to the city council for discussion and approval, then placed on -file with the Public Service Commission. When the PSC has examined the petition and set a hearing date, the city will present its request in open hearing with the city attorney in charge of the city's presentation. Your city Finance Director would,be called upon for comments on a Five Year Comparative Operating Statement which will be a part of the presentation. I will present the proposed rate schedules and handle questions as to how the need for funds was determined. The Water Superintendent would be expected to detail proposed projects which indicate the need fortadditional funds. I will coordinate this as outlined above for the sum of ......... $5,000 Should the hearing be protracted or continued beyond two days I would expect to be paid $100 per day additional. Mileage and expenses to be paid for travel out-of-town, such as to Helena. (none is anticipated) Following would be required of the city in order to make this study possible: (1) Information from computer records or meter books that would provide a breakdown of users, on a volume basis, both normal usage and sprinkling. Classification of accounts into categories... residential... commercial... etc. You have indicated a desire to continue a sprinkling rate. Present policy of the PSC is to eliminate this practice. However we can provide for this in our adjusted rate schedule and present a reasonable basis for it. . (2) A detail of the underground water system, setting forth pipe sizes, footages, age and in some instances location. This is most important, as the greatest deterioration in a water system is not visible --it is underground. Rate schedules that have not been up -dated for some years are not adequately providing funds for future replacement. The above can be worked out with your finance officer and water superintendent without causing them any great amount of disruption in their work schedules, but their assistance on some of these details is vital. If any of the above has raised some questions that you would like to discuss further, I am available. Sincerely yours, T.R.F ynn 747 Third Ave. West Kalispell 200 Councilman Granmo moved that T. R. Flynn be hired to make a water rate study for a flat $5000.00 plus $100 expense per -day while he is in Helena for a hearing with PSC, to be paid from the water department fund. Seconded by Councilman Allen. Motion carried. 7TH AVENUE WEST STORM SEWER Councilman Granmo received the following letter from Paul J. Stokes, Project Engineer, for Stanley Engineering & Associates: Re: Southwest Area Storm Drain Project Dear Lauren: Please be advised that Pack and Company is approximately 98% completed , with the construction of the 7th Avenue West storm drain project. The remainder of the work consists of the installation of 5 curb inlets and the final cleanup. The curb inlets will be installed as soon as they arrive from the supplier." ANIMAL CONTROL BOARD Councilman Bleken reported that the Board has disbanded and Jim DeLong, shelter manager, has resigned. SAFETY Councilman O'Boyle reported that the committee will meet tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Mayor Happ's office. PARK & RECREATION Councilman Daley reported great progress both in park work and in summer recreation for all ages. Councilman Daley reported the following decisions and recommendations from a parks & recreation committee meeting on June 9, 1977 attended by Ken Siderius, Joe Longpre, Pieter Drent, Harvey Knebel and Councilmen Bleken, O'Boyle, Griffin and Daley: 1. That the practice football fields will be located in that area west of ' the grandstand and present track and football field. 2. That the parking will be in that area south of the south football field fence and to the City's storm drain ditch. 3. That the excess surface water from the 3rd Avenue West entrance and practice fields will be drained south along the back of the west grandstands to the city storm drain. 4. The City to widen the entrance from lst. Avenue West to parking area, prepare to lay asphalt mat, County to lay mat or High School to cooperate with City in paying for it. 5. That the City Water Department submit to the High School District their cost to provide necessary water line work. 6. That the Engineering Department will assist the High School District in providing survey elevation points. 7. That the High School District assist the City in traffic control to parking area. Councilman Daley moved approval of decisions and recommendations. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Motion carried. STREET & ALLEY ' Councilman Allen moved that a 4-way stop be installed at 3rd. Avenue East and 13th Street. Seconded by Councilman Daley. Motion carried. STEWART & JANES PROPOSED ANNEXATION City Clerk Beardblee reported a petition to annex the Stewart & Janes Annexation. A check list for annexation was sent to them. City Engineer Knebel reported that he has told them everything must be according to city specifications. City Attorney Donahue reminded City Engineer Knebel of an agreement in the SID #316 file which will affect this annexation. 2 p -1- ANNEXATION Mr. Pine, Developer of Park View Terrace Addition #1, Kalispell Addition #81, has asked the City to hold up on final annexation. Councilman Griffin moved that it be extended until the next regular council meeting. Seconded by Councilman Allen. Motion carried. BUILDING MOVING Building Official Jackson reported a request from John Fulbright to move the Grubb house near the Fairgrounds to 935 6th Ave. West. Jackson asked that the Council set a policy as to whether such requests need council approval or whether the Building Official ' and/or City Engineer can approve such requests. Councilman Granmo moved that authorization to move buildings and permits issued be reinvested to either City Engineer or Building Official approval. Seconded by Council— man Grainger. Motion carried. MISCELLANEOUS Mayor Happ reported that the County Commissioners are agreeable to the Urban System priority for installing storm sewer and reconstruction of let Avenue E. N. Mayor Happ reported a letter from L. Herbst, Principal of the Kalispell Junior High thanking the police department for their help the last two days of school. The letter stated in part "I am certain you prevented an accident from happening that could have brought tragedy to the community. I must say I felt a great deal of comfort knowing that a police car was either with us or near by. It was of interest that my students cheered when they saw the patrol car enter the school grounds during the noon period. I am certain a very positive picture was painted to our junior high students by the action your department has taken. To you, Chief McDowell, thanks for your extra consideration, and Mrs. Happ, we are grateful". Mayor Happ read a letter from Keith L. Allred, Supt. of Kalispell Public Schools, which stated in part "I would like to present this letter as a request of the City of Kalispell in relation to the alley behind the City/County Library, the First National Bank, and ' the Strand Building. Considering what is occurring in the construction project pertain— ing to the library, it appears that the alley should become a one—way alley from north to south. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Kalispell, and you particularly, Mayor Happ, for the tremendous cooperation that has occurred between the City and this School District. We recognize the common concerns that exist between these two agencies and have a desire to keep a very positive relation between both parties. If we can ever be helpful in the operation of City Government, please feel free to call upon us." The request for a one—way alley from north to south behind the library was referred to the street and alley committee. Chief McDowell stated that he felt it would be a good safety factor to change not only this alley, but the alley north behind the Kalispell Laundry and Northwestern Telephone, Inc. A request from the Devonshire Motel to change our alley grade was denied. A letter from Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, engineers on the alley project, explained to them that it was their grade in their parking that was not correct. The alley is graded for proper drainage and cannot be changed. Mayor Happ announced a special meeting for 5:00 P. M., Tuesday, June 28th, in the council chambers for a public hearing on the emergency budget for the fire department. The next regular meeting will be at 7:30 P. M., Tuesday, July 5th in the council chambers. The Tri—City meeting will be held at the Meadow Lake Country Club in Columbia Falls, ' at noon on June 22nd. Water Supt. Longpre requested that Mayor Happ and Members of the City Council start making plans to place a new structure and roof over our spring house at Lawrence Park. The present structure is in a bad state of deterioration, and should be replaced before winter, or soon after the new well is put in operation. A wood structure would cost approximately $2,W.00. A reinforced concrete slab, which will be maintenance free, and should never have to be replaced would cost about $5,355.00. Supt. Longpre recommended the concrete slab. BLUE SHIELD INSURANCE Councilman Daley moved that Mayor Happ be authorized to sign a contract for the ensuing fiscal year with Blue Shield, with increased rate to family, $65.82; 2 persons, $56.50; and single, $27.26. Council is asking certain other conditions, such as exclusion of temporary and part time help and a 30 day probation exemption period. Seconded by Councilman Bleken. Motion carried. Councilman Grainger moved that Fire Chief Peters be allowed to go to Helena on June 27th, at the request of County Commissioner Guay, to attend a hearing on the open burning law. Seconded by Councilman O'Boyle. Motion carried. Councilman Allen moved that Mayor Happ be authorized to sign an interlocal agreement with the County regarding reconstruction of Appleway Drive and South Woodland Drive, subject to approval by City Attorney Donahue. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Motion carried. Mayor Happ announced that the City will be getting an EDA grant in the amount of $2,580,000.00. This is more money than was requested for storm sewer construction. Priorities must be listed and returned to the EDA office within 20 days. After lengthy discussion by members of the Council, the following priorities were listed: 1) W. N. Storm Drain $1,350,000.00 2) 7th Avenue W. Storm Drain 130,000.00 3) West Side Laterals 200,000.00 4) City Hall Complex 900,000.00 TOTAL $2,580,000.00 Councilman Granmo moved the above priorities be adopted and returned to the EDA office. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Councilman Griffin voted no. Motion carried. Councilman Griffin explained he felt we should cut down on storm sewers and put a little more into the City Hall Complex. LICENSE & PERMIT BONDS James E. Schaff dba Ace Plumbing & Heating Gas Fitter Bond Michael C. Russell dba AERO Electric Electrician Bond Councilman Allen moved that all License & Permit Bonds reviewed by City Attorney Donahue be accepted. Seconded by Councilman Daley. Motion carried. City Attorney Donahue requested publicity on removing noxious weeds. City Attorney Donahue reported that he is waiting to hear from Attorney Bill Johnstone regarding our sewe u 't. Councilman o re orted complaints garding dust from the softball fields south of town. erred to treet Foreman C1 ents. moved to as presented 5, 19X. by Councilman Grainger. Norma E. Happ, Mayo ?