01/07/05 Jentz/Process of Dissolving Tri-City Planning OfficeTri-City Planning Office
17 Second Street East Suite 211
Kalispell Montana 59901
Phone: (406) 751-1850
Fax: (406) 751-1858
tricityncenturytel. net
www.tricityplanning-mt.com
TO: TRI-CITY PLANNING BOARD
DATE: JANUARY 7, 2005"
RE: PROCESS OF DISOLVING TRI-CITY PLANNING OFFICE
With the vote by the city of Whitefish to severe ties with the Tri-city Planning
Office, it is apparent that the Planning Office will be closing on or before June
30, 2005. Below I have articulated a series of questions that should be
resolved as well as the status of equipment, cash reserves, etc, for your
information.
• The city contribution ratios are as follows:
o Kalispell - 52.73% ($131,121)
o Whitefish - 37.15% ($ 93,083)
o Columbia Falls - 10.12% ($ 25,257)
• It is anticipated that TCPO will have a cash reserve balance of $135,000
on June 30.
• Compensated absences (sick leave and vacation) will be $42,000 -
$46,000.
• Office assets are roughly $40,000 - $50,000.
0 2 cars ..
o Copier, fax machine, 36" printer/copier
0 7 computers
o GIS software
o Desks, chairs, etc
Providing Community Planning Assistance To:
QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED TO HELP FACILITATE OFFICE SHUT
DOWN
1. It is assumed that the TCPO Office will close on June 30, 2005.
a. TCPO should end rent arrangement on June 30, 2005.
b. Utilities terminated on June 30, 2005.
C. Equipment/files etc will be moved by a professional mover and
coordinated to make a smooth transition, i.e. the facilities will not
close for down time.
2. Disposition of Assets
a. Do we need to have an appraisal done or is the 3 1/2 year old
appraisal done in 2001 adequate with key updating of major items.
b. Per the terms of the interlocal agreement, are the items to be sold
(cashed out) or distributed among the 3 cities.
3. It terms of maintaining existing staff through June 30, how will each city
solicit new staff.
a. When will cities advertise?
b. Will existing staff be interviewing
C. When do you project to have a new team assembled?
d. If existing staff are hired, will there be a probationary period
4. How will vacation and sick leave be distributed - 2 options
a. Each employee is cashed out as of June 30.
b. Those employees who will be retained by an existing community
have their vacation/ sick leave rolled over being compensated
through TCPO cash reserve fund based on the funding ratio
5. We need to develop a plan for transitioning application fees in the May
June time frame so that each jurisdiction is compensated for remaining
work. I suggest we use the following formula.
a. If the public hearing notice has been sent (1 / 3 fee)
b. If staff report prepared and mailed (1 / 3 fee)
C. If staff has presented before the planning board (1 / 3 fee)