03/20/78 City Council Minutes`98 7
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THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:30 P. M. MONDAY,
MARCH 20, 1978 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL. MAYOR HAPP PRESIDED. ALL
COUNCILMEN WERE PRESENT.
APPROVE MINUTES
Councilman Daley moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of March 6, 1978 be
approved as presented. Seconded by Councilman O'Boyle. Motion carried.
CITY OFFICIALS REPORTS
City Clerk and City Treasurer for January 1978.
Director of Public Works, City Judge and Police Chief for February 1978.
Councilman Williams moved that city officials reports be accepted as presented.
Seconded by -Councilman Allen. Motion carried.
OPEN BIDS - Water Well Supply Improvements
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Liberty Drilling Co.
Lyford Plumbing & Heating
Robert W. Roes Contractor
Matelich Construction Co.
LICENSE NO.
SECURITY
SCHEDULE
BID
3375A
Bid Bond
I
52,062.00
3116A
Bid Bond
I
47,747.00
1278A
Bid Bond
II
118,725.00
1351A
Bid Bond
II
137,600.00
Councilman Granmo moved that Engineer Daniels and himself review the bids at once and
recommended that the bide be awarded at this meeting. Seconded by Councilman Grainger.
Carried.
Mr. Henry Good presented the following report:
March 20, 1978
Mayor g City Council
City of Kalispell
The Board of Directors of the Kalispell Development Corporation appeals to the
City of Kalisepell to join with them in developing and implementing a viable
revitalization project for the city center of Kalispell; including, but not
limited to the improvement of the social civic, commercial and aesthetic environ-
ment; the creation of new municipal services and improvement of existing services
which will enhance commercial development; the promotion of employment oppor-
tunities; and the encouragement for orderly growth of the commercial and
residential communities within the city center.
It is the opinion of the Board of Directors that the implementation of a project
to improve our city center has the general support of the public. We can all
identify that traffic congestion, lack of parking, loss of aesthetic appeal,
and actual blight of burned buildings and vacant property are less than a
desirable reflection upon the community.
The business community, the city, and the public have capitalized on the pro-
ductivity of the downtown. For years the city center, the central business
district, has contributed in excess of one-third of the city's entire tax base.
Now that tax base is beginning to erode, and it's time for all of us to reinvest,
to put something back into the area. We are willing to accept the initiative
at the private level; with private people, private time, and most importantly
with private dollars. But, we cannot get it done alone!
For this reason the Board of Directors makes the following requests concerning
the private and public partnership necessary in initiating a revitalization
project for Kalispell's city center:
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The Board of Directors of the Kalispell Development Corporation hereby
formally requests that the City Council:
1. Appoint the Kalispell Development Corporation Board of Directors
and such other individuals as that Board may designate with the
consent of the City Council, as the official advisory committee
to the City Council in all matters relating to the revitalization
project.
2. Accept and encourage the Kalispell Development Corporation's
offer to provide technical assistance and consultant services
to the extent of their financial ability(apprx. $20,000).
3. Act as the local AGENCY to apply for such federal grants as
may become available and for the issuance of tax increment bonds.
4. Act as soon as possible and within the limits set forth by law,
to adopt, implement, and administer the revitalization project
until it is successfully completed.
5. Make information regarding the plan, the financing methods, and
project activities available to the public and that necessary
public hearings be conducted prior to adoption of a project.
Mayor Happ appointed the Community Development Committee to serge as a steering committee
to work with the Kalispell Development Corporation.
Councilman Williams moved that the Council adopt the K unit reauest of the Kalispell
Development Corporation. Seconded by Councilman Saverud. Motion carried.
Mi'_<e lb-,ssell, Electrical Contractor, addressed the council concerning the $1000.00
liabilit:- insurance bond required by city ordinance. He stated that he felt that since
the State issues the license and assumes full responsibility for inspection, it does
not concern the City. He would like the law amended or dropped.
Mayor Happ referred the problem to the Insurance Committee to report back April 39 1978.
Wayne Dunlap, Dunlap Electric Co., spoke in favor of keeping the License and Bond.
Councilman Grainger stated that he felt a thorough discussion would bring some answers.
Rich Hadley, Chamber of Commerce, thanked the council for their vote of confidence in
the Kalispell Development Corporation.
Mr. Hadley presented the council with a copy of a letter written to Mr. Ron Richards,
Director of Highways. The letter thanked Mr. Richards for agreeing to meet with
representatives of the Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce at 1:30 P. M. on March 28,,
1978. The primary concern for the meeting is the deplorable condition of Kalispell's
main arterials, U. S. 93 (Main Street) and U. S. 2 (Idaho Street). The chamber
suggests the following solutions: 1) Immediate major maintenance of Main Street and
Idaho Street; 2) Complete reconstruction of U. S. 93 from Court House couplet, north
to California Street within three years; 3) Establishment of the research and planning
processes toward completing construction of bypasses for Kalispell within five to seven
years. The letter continued "We would appreciate a report on the status of planning
for highway improvement projects in the Kalispell area. We would also like to know the
availability of funds under the various highway funding programs: Primary, Secondary,
Urban Highway, Urban Extension, Growth Center, and Off -System funding sources."
Virginia Sloan addressed the council concerning the opening of an office for Paul Hat-
field, newly appointed U. S. Senator and candidate for the seat at the next election.
She stated that the office would be open in about 1 week and she invited Mayor Happ
and Councilmen to use the office to close the gap between the City and Washington D. C.
in communications.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Councilman Grainger had no report. He stated that he would like a noon meeting on Wed-
nesday, March 22nd for a discussion of various problems.
SEWER. & WATER
Councilman Granmo reported that he and Engineer Daniels have reviewed the bids for the
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Water Well Improvements Project, found no apparent errors, and moved the bids be awarded
to Lyford Plumbing & Heating for Schedule I and to Robert W. Rose, Contractor for
Schedule II. Secodded by Councilman Allen. Engineers estimate for Schedule I is
$47,000.00 and for Schedule II is $117,000.00. Question called. Motion carried.
WELL DRILLING
The well drilling has not started. Liberty Drilling Company has had trouble with equip-
ment and may not receive their new drill until April 15th. The date to finish the
contract is April 19th.
Councilman Grano reported that he has received a letter from Faith Bemis who paid her
storm sewer charge under protest. He would like to meet with Engineer Daniels to discuss
the problem.
HEALTH & SANITATION
Councilman Saverud reported that the Flathead County Board of Health is encouraging the
Commissioners to make the parttime county health officer a full time job. There is also
a need for an administrator in that department.
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Councilman Saverud reported that rates for garbage service should be increased for next
year. Fees charged have not kept up with expenses. There is also a need to replace the
1971 garbage truck at an approximate cost of $35,000.00.
RESOLUTION #3160
Councilman Saverud moved adoption of Resolution #3160 a resolution of intention to levy
an assessment for garbage service within the City of Kalispell, estimating the cost thereof
for 1978, and directing notice be published for a public hearing on April 3, 1978.
Seconded by Councilman Allen. Roll call vote. All voted aye.
A 250 per month increase for garbage service is proposed.
SAFETY
Councilman O'Boyle reported that the Flathead Safety Council and the On -going Traffic
Committee discussed the traffic hazard at Underpass Hill and Woodland Heights intersection.
The problem was referred to the safety council.
The safety council also discussed the legality of the use of material on the inside of
vehicle windows that prohibits seeing inside the vehicle.
Councilman O'Boyle moved that Police Chief McDowell be authorized to purchase (2) K-55
radar units for moving traffic at the State control price of $723.00 per unit. Seconded
by Councilman Williams. Motion carried.
Councilman Daley moved that Asst. Fire Chief Woodland be authorized to go to Clintonville,
Wisconsin to pick up the new aerial fire truck and drive it to Kalispell the first week
in April. Seconded by Councilman Saverud. Motion carried.
Councilman O'Boyle announced a meeting of the Safety Committee with the entire council at
noon on March 31st.
Mayor Happ stated that the Tri-City meeting will be scheduled in Kalispell for the month
of April.
PARKS
Councilman Daley reported on the meeting in Helena last week which was attended by Park
Supt. Drent and himself. There will be less BOR funds than in previous years and it is
not known whether Kalispell will receive any this year.
Gregg Hutcheson, city employee, addressed the council with a request for the City to
sponsor a softball team. Cost to the sponsor would be $484.00. Councilman Williams moved
to refer the request to the Finance Committee. Seconded by Councilman Daley. Motion
carried.
Councilman Daley reported that the park department will be embarking on a tree thinning
project. Trees should be about 40' apart for best growing. The trees at the new manor
on let. Avenue West are so close it creates a hazard in that fire fighting equipment could
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not get to the building.
Councilman Daley moved that certain trees on two sides of the manor be removed. Second-
ed by Councilman Allen. Motion carried.
AUTHORIZE CALL FOR BIDS - Sidewalk & Curb Construction 1978
Councilman Allen moved that the City Clerk be authorized to call for bids for S & C Constr.
for 1978. Seconded by Councilman Williams. Motion carried.
Councilman Allen reported that the State Highway Department is in accord with the
council decision to place 'no parking' signs along Highway 93 by the old Safeway
building.
Councilman Allen reported a request to place stop signs at 18th Street on 3rd. Avenue
East. The committee will investigate this request.
Councilman Allen reported a request for left turn sign on Highway 93 South by the
Armory. The committee will review this request.
Councilman Allen reported that By-laws were adopted at the last Flathead River Basin
Study meeting. The next meeting will be at 2 P. M., March 27th at the Courthouse in
Polson.
Councilman Allen reported a letter from the Highway Department with information about
a possible statewide project to place plastic road markers before all RR crossings. The
project would be 90% federal funded and 10% state funded.
Councilman Allen gave the following report on his trip to Billings:
Mayor and City Council:
Report on H.U.D., Small Cities Program meeting March 15, 1978
in Billings, Montana. Attended by Dale Haar, representing
Downtown Development Corp., Steve Petrini, A.P.O. and myself
for the City of Kalispell. The meeting was conducted by H.U.D.
with comment and presentation by some State agencies. Some
points which were brought out at this meeting which could be
of significance for Kalispell now and in the future were:
1. This area has been grouped with Washington, Oregon
California and some other states in a larger region for the
purpose of determining median income. H.U.D. considers.80% of
an area's median income as low to medium income groups. Thus
our current standard for this rating is $11,650.00 total
family income. This should mean that we will have more families
qualifying for the low to medium income programs.
2. The money from this and some other programs can be
used for matching funds for EDA and other grants, however the
total project must meet HUD criteria.
3. A new assistance program has been started in Denver
called Energy Impact office which upon request will provide
information and techincal assistance to energy impacted states
and local communities of. which Kalispell is one. We have a
state contract in Helena and a federal contact in Denver.
The time schedule on the small cities program seems rather
short but is about -the same as most of the other projects we
have been involved in. All pre -applications must be in no
earlier than 5-1-78 and no later than 5-15-78.
I will put forth to you some thoughts that have gone thru my
mind during -this meeting and in reading the material since the
meeting.
It would seem 'that much of the information the City used to
obtain the HUD grant for the south portion of the 7th Avenue
storm drain would also apply to the small cities program, thus
we would have some sort of a plan to follow through with.
HUD will be looking very closely at how well past programs
were handled and at how well the intentions of these programs
were carried out particularly,in relation to housing and other
impacts on low to moderate income families.
Following this project,we are now extending the 7th Avenue �-
West Storm Drain with our EDA grant which indicates a continuing
effort on the part of Kalispell to improve conditions in this
area. When these projects are completed we will have pretty
well removed the threat of flooding for the residents and can
now address the problem of sub -standard housing, poor streets,
limited access to down town and other shopping areas. Along
with these programs we could explore the possibility of
land acquisition in an area which is in need of a community
park --teen center program geared to the needs of low -moderate
income families but of considerable benefit to the community
as a whole.
All of this would be a multi -year program which could be tied
into the downtown re -development as much of the area bordering
the CBD has sub -standard structures and in fact many of the
structures in the CBD itself are sub -standard by present
building codes. We should bear in mind that the small cities
program and most of the federal programs we have used to date
are geared to impact on low and moderate income groups. We
would be considering the overall area including the CBD for
housing, streets, parks, property acquisition and clearance,
relocation, historic preservation and other activities which
are fundable under this and other programs.
By following this course it would seem we could include the
necessary number.of people regarded as low to moderate income
and improve the overall economic and social atmosphere of
our community..
In closing I would like to point out that these are merely
some ideas of one individual and may or may not be deemed
worthy of further consideration by the other parties involved.
1�8G-LL-/�Fz-
Bob Allen
ANNEXATION
RESOLUTION #3161
Councilman Griffin moved to adopt Resolution #3161 a resolution of intention to annex
territory to the City of Kalispell, to be known as South Meadows Addition No. 89 and
to fix the date of public hearing thereon; to provide for publication of notice of
said hearing. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Roll call vote. All voted aye.
RESOLUTION #3162
Councilman Griffin moved to adopt Resolution #3162 a resolution of intention to annex
territory to the City of Kalispell, to be known as Greendale Addition No. 87 and to
fix the date of public hearing thereon; to provide for publication of notice of said
hearing. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Roll call vote. All voted aye.
Councilman Griffin announced that the annexation committee would meet at 7:30 P. M.,
Thursday, March 30th in the council chambers to discuss -South Meadows and Greendale
annexations prior to the public hearing.
FINANCE
Councilman Williams reported city finances to the council. Most departments are within
their budgets at this point. The overall general fund budget shows a 2.9% cushion or
$40,971.00.
RESOLUTION #3163
Councilman Williams moved adoption of Resolution #3163 a resolution of intention to
levy an assessment for street lighting, estimating the cost thereof for 1978 and
directing notice be published for a public hearing on April 3, 1978. Seconded by
Councilman Allen. Councilman Williams stated that street lighting assessment will
probably be increased about 60%. Residential area should go from 4.90 to 7.84;
Commercial B from 19.05 to 30.48 and Commercial A from 33.10 to 52.96. Roll call
vote. Councilman Griffin abstained. All other councilmen voted aye.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mayor Happ asked Councilman Daley to review the section in city code dealing with the
library to see if it should be deleted. Mayor Happ asked Councilman Saverud to review
the section in city code dealing with cows and milk to see if it should be deleted.
Mayor Happ reported a letter from the Flathead County Commissioners asking that
council members read and become familiar with their resolution concerning the Flat-
head County Comprehensive Development Plan. The resolution reads as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 291
WHEREAS Flathead County is experiencing problems associated
with growth; and
WHEREAS the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS believe that a
Comprehensive Development Plan will enable them to make better
decisions concerning growth in Flathead County; and
WHEREAS Flathead County has developed a Comprehensive
Development.Plan; and
WHEREAS Public Hearings were held in accordance with
Title 11, Chap. 38, RCM 1947; and
WHEREAS the respective planning boards of Flathead County
did recommend adoption of the Comprehensive Development Plan; and
WHEREAS the Comprehensive Development Plan will only serve
as a guideline for growth and development; and
WHEREAS the Comprehensive Development Plan does not zone
or regulate any lands covered by the Plan;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that any development or
zoning proposal shall be evaluated individually in accordance
with the land capability of the land involved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that control of land use can only be
instituted by the adoption of zoning by the respective governing
bodies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THEREFORE that the BOARD OF COUNTY
C0.+9MISSIONERS recognize the fact that the Comprehensive Development
Plan only serves as a guideline for growth and development and do
hereby adopt the Flathead County Comprehensive Plan.
DATED this 7th day of March
1978.
FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BY:Xzb ,.
MELFORD R. WOLLAN, CHAIRMAN
FRANK MAV _ MRMRF.R /l
\-RUSSELL DEIST, MEMBER
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Mayor Happ asked Asst. Street Foreman Overn to make a special effort to alleviate the
dust problem in First Alleys East and West and to help on Main Street until the State
gets their sweeper equipment at the task.
At the request of Mayor Happ, Councilman Daley moved to authorize the Mayor to advertise
for 2 men to work in the building department. Seconded by Councilman Allen. Councilman
Granmo stated that he thought an emergency budget should be passed immediately to allow
the building department to expand. Question called. Motion carried.
Mayor Happ read a letter from Larry Heggen stating there would be a 3 day seminar in
'Missoula, April 3, 4 and 5, dealing with grievance and arbitration. She expressed the
wish that all personnel who deal with such matters would attend.
Councilman Williams moved that the council sponsor City Attorney Donahue (expense to be
paid from council budget) and any department heads who have ample budget for travel.
Seconded by Councilman Saverud. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Happ appointed John P. Kain as Director of Public Works effective April 1, 1978
and asked council approval.
Councilman Allen moved council approval for John P. Kain to the position of Director of
Public Works effective April 1, 1978. Seconded by Councilman O'Boyle. Motion carried.
Mayor Happ appointed William D. Williams as Director of Finance effective April 1, 1978,
and asked for council approval.
Councilman Williams moved council approval for the appointment of William D. Williams
to the position of Director of Finance, effective April 1, 1978. Seconded by Councilman
Grainger. Councilman Williams stated that the finance committee had recommended Mr.
Williams for this position. Motion carried.
Engineer Daniels reported that the EDA Storm Sewer Project will be starting again next
week. The let. Avenue East Storm Sewer and Street Project contract is handled by the
State, but he felt work here would begin in 2 to 3 weeks.
Mayor Happ issued a job description of the position of Director of Public Works to each
councilman, ask them to review it for any changes and adopt at the next meeting.
License & Permit Bonds
John W. Storms dba
Storms Electric
Electrician Continuation Certificate
Councilman Allen moved approval of license and permit bonds as reviewed by City Attorney
Donahue. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Motion carried.
Councilman Daley moved to adjourn. Seconded by Councilman Grainger. Motion carried.
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Norma E. Happ, Mayor