~The Town of Hot Springs~

 


Box 669 Hot Springs, MT 59845
Julie Lazaro, Town Clerk
Bev Bangen - Utility Clerk
Mayor Randy Woods
Town Council
Trudy Berge – Robert Dobrovolny – Karen Evans – Leslee Smith


 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING IS A DRAFT OF THE MAY 5 COUNCIL MEETING AND ACTIONS.  THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL AT THE JUNE 2 MEETING.

 

DRAFT

May 5, 2009

 

At 7 pm Mayor Randy Woods opened the public hearing for the second reading of Ordinance 2009-001 an ordinance to change the curfew hours in the Town of Hot Springs.  See attendance sheet attached.  Clerk Bangen read the ordinance.  There were no comments.  The mayor then closed the public hearing and opened the regular council meeting at 7:05 pm.  Present were Woods, Councilors Berge, Dobrovolny, Evans and Smith, clerk Bangen, attorney Mark Russell, Vince Devlin of the Missoulian, Matt Unrau of the Valley Press, Dan Oberlander-public works, and representatives of TRACS, along with those on attendance sheet.

 

 The TRACS animal shelter facility in Thompson Falls presented information about the shelter and left printed information with the council for future consideration.

 

Smith moved; Berge seconded to approve the minutes of April 7 and April 15.  4-0 Passed.  Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded to approve the financial reports.  4-0 Passed.  Smith moved; Berge seconded to approve payment of the claims. Questions included where gravel was used, purchase of shop computer, vehicle repairs, late fee and amount on fuel bill (late fee was for a past due and will be removed,) and when water tank cleaning charge was paid (April claim $1405 to Town of Plains.) 4-0 Passed.

 

REPORTS

The mayor received 4 applications for the grant writer position.  He will review them with Trudy Berge and proceed.  He also reported on the tank cleaning.  The tank is in good condition.  He has a power point video of the cleaning process and will share it with council at a future meeting.

 

Robert Dobrovolny and Karen Evans are attending the Elected Officials Workshop in Billings May 6-8.

 

The mayor gave the police report.  There have been several break-ins and vandalism recently.  With an average of one per day people are being advised to lock up and be alert.  Most of the occurrences happen in the middle of the night with people hiding in the bushes.  Also several abandoned vehicles have been tagged for towing.  Most vehicles have been removed by their owners.

 

Dan Oberlander was present to speak to the council on public works issues.  He said that some town policies were not being followed, in particular the street sanding policy.  He also questioned why the alley between Wall and Orchard in the 300 block of 3rd Ave NW was reopened and the town accepting responsibility for maintaining it.  The mayor then asked that he leave the building as he was becoming disruptive.   As he left, Dan demanded to be on the June agenda and was commenting on his workers comp issue.

Randy then reported on public works issues.  The sewer line on the northwest end of town has been cleared.  Lloyd has been filling street potholes with gravel.  The town is hoping to work with the county and get chip sealing for the streets, which may be available after July 9.  The new handicapped parking spaces will also be painted and sign erected.  Three more water meters have been replaced and Randy is working on the Jaques Rd sewer plan.

 

Randy also gave the fire department report.  There was a wreck May 5 which required their response.   They also responded to a fire on Hwy 28 involving the Pablo’s barn.  The tribe has been cleaning and burning slash behind the town.  Hopefully this will lessen fire danger to the town this summer.

 

There was no library report.

 

Planning Board reports that the latest draft of the growth policy is available for review.  There will be an open house on the 19th and a public hearing on the 27th.  The planning board will meet the 12th to review the draft.

 

Bill Rosler, Zoning Compliance officer, reminded everyone that once the growth policy is adopted rezoning can begin.  He is reviewing old setbacks and finding problems with placement of some buildings.

 

The clerk is at Montana Municipal Clerks Institute in Billings until May 8.

 

Leslee Smith reported that there is a possibility of the museum committee, Glacier Country, and HS Chamber to work together.  More volunteers are needed.

 

The Chamber will meet at noon on May 7 at Fergies.

 

The Artist Society had their meeting and talent show.  The new board members are LoHua Odekirk and Lisa Pearl Miles.  The will be an opening reception at the Wall Street Gallery for the juried art show, May 8 from 6 until 9.

 

There was no public comment regarding agenda items.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded to approve the curfew ordinance 2009-001 at second reading.  Discussion included comments received by councilors.  1aye; 3 nays. DEFEATED.  The present curfew as written in the ordinance book prevails.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The next item was Resolution 2009-004R renewal of lease with Hot Springs Telephone Company.  The mayor wanted to speak with Laurence Walchuk, who was in Washington, D.C., regarding the lease.  Evans moved; Dobrovolny seconded to table the issue until June.

 

The Council then considered the request to waive the open container ordinance for Homesteader Days, June 12, 13, 14.  Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded a motion to approve closing Main Street from Spring St. west past Wall St. to the west boundary of the residence @ 302 Main St.  Wall St. and Arlee St. will be closed from Central Ave. north to the alley of Main St., behind the vet clinic and Six Shooter.  Open container ordinance will be waived only on Main St. between Wall St. and Arlee St. and Arlee St from Main St. south to the end of the Montana Bar from 6 pm Friday night until 2 am Saturday morning; and on Saturday from 3 pm until 2 am Sunday morning.  No glass containers will be allowed on the street.  Cans and plastic only.  4-0 Passed.

 

The final item of business was the audit contract with DD&A.  Evans moved; to discuss the 2008- 2009 audit; Smith seconded.  Six audit firms were solicited for bids.  Only one responded.  The clerk is directed to contact other towns regarding auditors.   Evans then moved to table any further discussion regarding the audit contract until there is more information.  4-0 Passed.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT Non Agenda Items

Liz Fee reported that Jim Toevs had purchased the Little Baldy and will publish the weekly with the help of Scott McCumber and Liz Fee.

Chris Massey commented that Lloyd Wilkins was doing an “awesome job” in public works.

 

There being no further business, Evans moved; Berge seconded to adjourn at 8:45 pm.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING WERE APPROVED AT THE MAY 5 COUNCIL MEETING.

April 7, 2009

 

Mayor Woods opened the public hearing for the first reading of Ordinance 2009-001, amending the town curfew hours at 7:05 pm.  Present were Woods, councilors Berge, Dobrovolny, Evans and Smith, clerk Lazaro, Bill Rosler and citizens Rae Herman, John Marshall, Judy Norgaard, and Deanna Peters. The clerk read the change to section 9.12.020 of the town’s curfew ordinance, explained that the change was to curfew for the 14and under youth.  Mayor Woods answered questions regarding “what if” scenarios.  Those present voiced no objections when their questions were answered.

At 7:13 the mayor closed the public hearing and opened the regular council meeting.

Berge moved; Evans seconded to approve the minutes.  Dobrovolny corrected the minutes that he had voiced the motion to approve the rezone.  4-0 Passed.  Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded; to approve the financial reports.  4-0 Passed.  Evans moved; Smith seconded to approve the claims.  Questions regarding a few of the claims were asked and answered.  Then Karen Evans voiced concern over the police salary budget.  A lengthy discussion between the council and mayor followed regarding hours on duty, publication of police reports, and officer visibility versus officers “on-call.”  Also mentioned was the hiring of a third, salaried officer, to cover shifts and eliminate overtime. The bottom line seems to be the need for law enforcement and budget constraints. Following this discussion, the motion to pay the claims was approved 4-0.

 

REPORTS

The mayor reported that the town would receive $18,000 stimulus money and that it would be used to make needed repairs to the streets and town hall.  He also informed the council that he would like to hire a grant writer to apply for grant money for which the town is eligible.  The hourly position will be advertised.

 

The public works report included the replacement of failing water meters, the cost of continuing to replace meters as they fail as opposed to a 50/50 grant to purchase all at once and pay for engineering costs.  It appears that it will be less expensive to replace meters as needed, saving a minimum of $1250.  The department also assisted with sewer repairs to a business on A St.  Residents of Jaques Rd have asked to be connected to the city sewer system.  Engineers are currently working on a cost estimate to be shared by the property owners.  The town also received a new dump truck from state surplus for $4000.  The mayor also asked about situations where the street shoulders have become mud holes due to melting snow and runoff.  He was informed that in the past, the town put gravel in those areas.  Finally, the mayor asked that if anyone learns of water running where it should NOT be running to inform Lloyd.  He can take appropriate action to turn it off or divert it as necessary.

 

The Fire Department reported that the new truck belongs to Rural Fire, but will be available to the town when needed.

 

The clerk reported that the library is continuing the new cataloging and will be able to scan all book borrowing when completed.

The Planning Board report was submitted in writing.

The Growth Policy should have the draft of the policy to the council and planning board shortly.  The mayor hopes to have the council discuss the drafts by the May council meeting.

The clerk reported that she will be in Billings for Clerks Intitute May 3-8 and asked whether the council meeting should be rescheduled.  Mayor Woods said that he would like to keep the meeting on the first Tuesday and that the utility clerk could clerk the council meeting.

The museum committee reported that their fundraiser raised around $900. The LaRues will be unable to continue to fund the museum so they are seeking grants. The museum will reopen on Memorial Day and hopes to receive more donations from the town.

The Chamber is preparing for Homesteader Days June 12-14.  Elections resulted in Leslee Smith serving as president for another term; Trudy Wigton VP; Trudy Berge treasurer; and Sandy Prongua secretary.  Thursday, May  14 there will be a free Superhost seminar at the Symes.

The artist society will host a talent show at the Symes on April 26 and a juried art show at the Wall St. Place in May.

 

There was no Old Business.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Smith moved; Berge seconded to accept Ordinance 2009-001, amending curfew hours, at the first reading.  4-0 Passed.

 

The  clerk then asked for council approval for MMIA Interlocal agreements with the town.  Smith moved; Dobrovolny seconded to approve the resolutions (2009-002R) for interlocal agreements with the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority (formerly MM Insurance A.)  4-0 Passed.

 

Mayor Woods then spoke to the council regarding the need for newer equipment to replace much of what is broken and/or falling apart.  In addition to the above-mentioned dump truck, he has located a front-end loader and two bi-directional snowplows.  He is also looking for a generator to provide backup power at the wells and a new sander.  The total should be around $35000 for all.  Although the town does not have that much money available to purchase equipment, the state has money available at 3.25% interest through the intercap loan program.  They also provide for longer loan terms than conventional banks do.  Smith moved; Evans seconded to proceed with applying for an intercap loan for the necessary equipment.  Discussion seemed favorable and the clerk was directed to prepare a resolution of intent to borrow the money through the intercap loan program and set a special council meeting to take action. 4-0 Passed.

 

The mayor then asked the council to declare the following equipment/vehicles surplus and offer them for sale.  Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded that declaration. 4-0 Passed.

 

                           1.   1974 International Dump Truck    VIN 10662DHA24975

2.      1990 ChevroletK1500 PU Truck  VIN 1GCDK14Z2LZ188403

3.      1998 Ford Crown Victoria PD CarVIN 2FAFP71W2WX149446

4.      1978 Dodge Ambulance

5.      1985 Case Backhoe                         VIN 905027

6.      2 Snow plows

 

Finally, Stephanie Hinkle informed the council of her project to build a skateboard park to Hot Springs.  She has secured grant money for the project and is currently discussing possible locations in town with the mayor.  Possible locations include the public park ground on D St. or an anonymous donation of land off Broadway.  The town would need to own the property to provide insurance coverage.  MMIA would include the skateboard park in the town’s coverage at no additional charge provided the park is designed by a professional skateboard park designer.  Hinkle has a possible $150,000 in grant money for the project and, besides providing a place for locals to board, hopes it can become a unique draw to bring more visitors to the town.  At this time no action is required of the council.  Stephanie was encouraged to continue and keep the council informed of what is happening or may be needed.

 

At 10:02 pm the meeting was adjourned due to a 911 emergency call to which the mayor and one councilor were required to respond.

 

DRAFT

 

 

April 15, 2009

 

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Woods opened the special council meeting at 5:13 pm.  Present were Woods, Councilors Berge, Dobrovolny, Evans and Smith, clerk Lazaro, and citizens Troy Baker and Richard Hermesmeyer.

 

Dobrovolny moved; Evans seconded to approve Resolution 2009-003R a resolution to apply for an intercap loan for the purchase of needed equipment.  Discussion included the items needed including the dump truck already received, a backup generator for the well, a front end loader, a sander and bi-directional plows.  Mayor Woods also informed the council that he found a used generator with 400 hours in Cutbank, MT for $7500.  The total price for the equipment should be $35,000 or less. The council considered the current and historical interest rate for intercap loans and budgeting for repayment.  Discussion from the floor was also favorable, with positive comments from Mr. Hermesmeyer regarding the purchase price of the generator.  4-0 Passed.

 

The clerk then mentioned to the council that the minutes of the April 7 meeting and the financial reports were included in their packets.  These will be considered for approval at the regular May meeting.  The councilors were reminded to advise the clerk if they intended to attend the legislative update June 10 in Missoula and/or the May 6-8 Elected Officials Workshop in Billings.  Two rooms have been reserved for the council in Billings.

Early items for consideration at the regular May council meeting include the second reading of the curfew ordinance and waiver of the open container ordinance for Homesteader Days.

 

There being no further business or public comment, Dobrovolny moved; Evans seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:25.

 

THE FOLLOWING WERE APPROVED AT THE APRIL 7 COUNCIL MEETING

March 3, 2009

 

Mayor Woods called the meeting to order at 7:09 pm.  Present were Woods, Berge, Evans, Smith, and clerk Lazaro.  Also present were Bill Rosler, Etta Moore – US Census Bureau, Leslie Anderson, Norma Merritt, Sheila Massingale, officer Brian Josephson, LoHua Odekirk.  Citizens included Kim and Ann Edwards, Mrs. Betty Swaney, Ben Walters, Cindy Klein, Mike Halle.  Councilor Dobrovolny arrived at 7:11.  Attorney Mark Russell was not present.

 

Berge moved; Smith seconded to approve the minutes of February 3 and February 12.  3-0 Passed.  Berge moved; Smith seconded to approve the financial reports. 3-0 Passed.  Smith moved; Berge seconded to pay the claims.  Mayor Woods answered questions regarding the claims and purchases.  The Verizon bill reflected a change in the plan. 4-0 Passed.

 

REPORTS

The mayor appointed Berge, Smith and himself to the budget committee.  He also reported that there was grant money available through FWP to develop a shooting range.  He spoke with Ed Winebrenner regarding formation of a shooting club.  MMIA encouraged a shooting club to obtain $1million liability insurance through National Rifle Association.  MMIA would then cover the town’s liability provided the area was secure and restricted.  He was also looking for money to develop hiking trail on town property.  Leslee Smith also mentioned the possibility of a “splash deck” in the city park

 

Council members met with Andrea Davis of Home WORD (Women Opportunities Resource Development) February 12.  There are a few projects to develop affordable housing possible for the Hot Springs area.

 

There was no police report.  The mayor reported that there were no problems with the Banditos when they were in town.

 

The mayor gave the public works report.  There is a new sewer connection on Central near the town shop. Also, a sewer connection on 2nd Ave N, that had been previously installed incorrectly and sunk, was reconnected.  Some of the water meters that failed during the winter have been replaced.

 

The new radios have been ordered for the fire department.

The library is nearing completion of the computerization of cataloging.  They will now be able to scan books in and out.

 

The planning board met February 23.  The draft of the minutes are presented in writing.  Most of tonight’s new business is from the planning board.

 

The mayor is giving the growth policy an April 1 deadline.  The policy needs to be reviewed and adopted so that other business can proceed.

 

The clerk will be attending a district meeting April 9 in Polson.

 

The museum committee is meeting weekly in preparation of their spring opening.

The chamber of commerce will meet Thursday at Rainbow Zen Café.  The artist society is sponsoring the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Rumpelstiltskin at Hot Springs School.  Performances are Saturday, March 7 at 1 and 6 pm.  The ice cream social fundraiser will also be that day between performances. The Artist Society will  meet on March 11th at 7 pm.

 

There was no communication nor public comment on agenda items at this time.

 

OLD BUSINESS

The council was to hear from Scott Wigton and his request for parking on Wall St.  Wigton was not present at the meeting.  Smith moved; Berge seconded to recommend 30 degree angle parking on the west side of Wall St., for 1 block, both north and south of Main Street.  Discussion followed.  The east side will still have parallel parking.  4-0 Passed.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Etta Moore from the US Census Bureau gave a brief presentation on the 2010 census.  Her job is to promote awareness of the census and recruit workers.  Accurate information is necessary to monitor the movement of people so that government representation is upheld and also identify community resources and forecast area demands.  The will be hiring 163 people in Sanders County.

 

The next item of business was to determine reinvestment of  the $18,000 sewer cd, which was maturing.  Smith moved; Evans seconded to reinvest the $18,000 cd under the following conditions:  If Whitefish Credit Union was paying 3% or more it would go there.  If not then the cd would be rolled over at Valley Bank for 14 months at 2.75%.  Brief discussion followed and the clerk was directed to phone Whitefish Credit Union to request their interest rate.  4-0 Passed.

 

The lease on the Circle-Square Park is up for renewal this month.  Property owner Lynn Hallstrom was sent a new lease agreement, which she approved.  The clerk read the lease agreement for another 2 years.  Smith moved; Evans seconded to approve the lease with Lynn Hallstrom.  4-0 Passed.

 

At the mayor’s request the council then considered curfew hours.  Juvenile vandalism has increased throughout the town.  In meeting with police it was felt that an earlier curfew for the younger aged children would prevent the problems.  Since the present curfew is an ordinance, the council could discuss the issue and formulate new curfew hours that could then be written in ordinance form and prepared for public hearings and reading.  It would be a 90 day process.  Attorney Russell was unable to be present but faxed a copy of Lake County curfew and a letter recommending that Hot Springs consider an ordinance with the same curfew requirements as Sanders County and the Flathead Reservation. Smith moved: Berge seconded to change the present curfew for fourteen years of age and younger to 9 pm until 6 am the following morning.  Curfew for 15 to 18 year olds would remain as it is now.  An exception would be made for youth traveling to and from work or school activities.  Discussion included whether to have different curfew times for different age groups, what age to split the groups, or consider 18 & under as one group.  Also summer hours versus winter hours for different age groups were discussed.  4-0 Passed.

 

The next item of discussion was the probationary period for employees in regards to insurance benefits.  The town has a 6 month probationary period for new employees.  There is no mention of a probationary period for insurance benefits.  According to AFLAC, MMIA, and Fort Dearborn Life, they will insure employees after 30 days or the first of the month following hire date.  Smith moved; Evans seconded that the town have new employees be eligible for insurance benefits the first of the month following hire date.  The clerk reminded the council that the town pays 70% of the employee’s premium for MMIA Health Benefit and Fort Dearborn Life Insurance.  Evans asked if it was budgeted to pay insurance for employees.  The clerk replied that insurance benefits were budgeted.  4-0 Passed.

 

The council next considered two rezone requests.  Paul Stelter, who was not present, had previously informed the planning board that he contacted Kelly Casillas, attorney for the MDOC, regarding zoning ordinance changes without adoption of the growth policy.  He said that she told him that zoning changes could not be made without adoption of a growth policy or the local government could be open to lawsuits.  (See planning board minutes as given to council in writing.)  The mayor and zoning compliance officer wanted to have the council consider these requests so that the preliminary paperwork could be ready when the growth policy is adopted.

 

Smith moved; Berge seconded to begin rezoning procedures for 6 lots on north Wall Street ( 5-25 X 150 & 1-20 X 150) owned by Mike Halle, from residential A to residential B, so that rezoning commence upon adoption of the growth policy.  Discussion included the amount of business already on Wall St. and that the property under consideration is surrounded by residential B properties on three sides.  4-0 Passed.

Next Berge moved; Evans seconded to consider rezoning property south of Central Ave to the alley, from Spring to Wall Streets commercial and begin rezoning procedures, so that rezoning may commence upon adoption of the growth policy.  Discussion included that there is interest to build multi family low income housing on one of the lots east of Arlee St., the properties/owners included in the rezone, and their historic uses.  Discussion then centered on the proposed new construction, which may not happen if zoning is not changed, the lot sizes and the existing manufactured home on the premises.  The rezone process for both of these requests still required public hearings and signed approval of residents involved.  Dobrovolny then called for the question.  Evans and Dobrovolny voted aye; Berge abstained as she was the realtor involved in the potential sale of the property for development; and Smith abstained since she had other more suitable commercial zoned property for sale.  2-0, with 2 Abstentions.  Passed.

 

Mayor Woods then reiterated that he had given an April 1 deadline for the growth policy to be submitted to the town.

He also informed the council that due to vandals and trespassers he demolished the old sewer building and filled in the deep access holes.  His concern was for safety of those “playing” in the area who were breaking locks to obtain access to the building.  This is the land for which he hopes to find money to develop nature trails.  Additional cleanup will be performed by the public works department.

 

In the final act of new business, Dobrovolny moved; Berge seconded to open an additional bank account with a debit card  for the town use.  The fire department has done this and deposits money into the account when the card needs to be used.  There have been a few problems in the past with travel and the credit card not having sufficient overhead to accept the charges.  4-0 Passed.

 

Mayor Woods then called for communications or public comment on non-agenda items.  Norma Merritt and Leslie Anderson spoke on behalf of the Gambles Store and the truck unloading on Main St. one afternoon each week. There have been problems regarding parking and other merchants in the past.  Berge informed them of complaints she had received, which included store patrons asked to move their cars and parking spaces being blocked by totes.  Officer Josephson was asked how the department would like to have the truck unload, to which he answered that it is a safety issue and he would prefer it off the street so traffic could flow without crossing having to drive into oncoming traffic. Merritt then offered that Gambles would know what time the truck is arriving and could post that information in front of the store prior to the truck’s arrival. Smith remarked that the business is vital to the town and that the topic would be discussed at the chamber meeting.  Mayor Woods replied that Gambles should unload the truck quickly and have it move off Main Street as quickly as possible.

 

There being no further business, Evans moved; Berge seconded to adjourn at 9:50 pm.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING WERE APPROVED AT THE MARCH 3 COUNCIL MEETING.

February 3, 2009

 

Mayor Woods called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm.  Present were Woods, councilors Berge, Dobrovolny, Evans and Smith, attorney Mark Russell and clerk Lazaro.  Also present were Bill Rosler and police officer Brian Josephson.  Citizens included Deanna Peters. Jerry Kontos, Janell Clarke, Bob Bodnar, Ed Grant, Liz Fee, Angie Viegut, Rae Herman, Judy Norgaard, Ray Viegut, Scott McCumber, Cynthia Nielsen, Mariah Myton, Leslie Anderson, Pearl Miles, Ben Walters, Sheila Massingale, Carl Storkson, and David Hake.

 

Berge moved; Evans seconded to approve the minutes of January 6.  4-0 Passed.  Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded to approve the financial reports.  4-0 Passed.  Smith moved; Berge seconded to pay the claims.  4-0 Passed.

 

REPORTS

The mayor reported that the Explorer had been sent to Rehbein Ford in an attempt to sell it.  Payoff following the February payment will be $15,845.  Randy also reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and ADA survey done in 2004.  Both documents will be consulted for future projects.  He also had meetings with the county commissioners regarding the 911 dispatch system.  Upgrades to radio equipment will cost the town $100,000 and must be completed in 2025.

 

The police report included 47 active cases: 23 traffic, 24 investigations 9 of which are still active, 1 DUI, and 5 thefts.  Randy introduced Brian Josephson to the council.  Brian is the second full time officer.  The video camera has been installed in the police car and both officers have been busy, receiving overtime wages.

 

The public works report cited 17 water meters failed over the winter months.  The collapsed sewer main on 2nd Ave NW has been replaced.  There is a new, larger stop sign on Spring and Broadway.  Also the crew has been busy cleaning, sorting and organizing the shop.

 

The fire department has responded to multiple fires and rescue calls.

 

The planning board met January 27.  Their report is in writing.  Paul Stelter was selected to chair the planning board. Robert Dobrovolny also commented on the conditional use permit process to be considered in Old Business.  The planning board also submitted a traffic flow and parking plan for Main St., which the council will be considering in New Business.

 

The growth policy group continues the the revising process.

 

The Chamber of Commerce will meet at the Symes Thursday at noon.

The Artist Society will be sponsoring the Missoula Children’s Theatre March 7 along with the ice cream social fundraiser.  There will be a juried art show the first week of May.  Approximately 100 attended the Chinese New Year festivities on January 31.  The business sign will be going back up by the bank.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Berge moved; Evans seconded to accept the conditional use permit application packet as submitted by the planning board.  Discussion included the fee to be charged, since the process will have expenses.  The consensus was to charge $100 to be listed on the appendix table of fees and revise the fees later if necessary.  4-0 Passed.

 

NEW BUSINESS

The proposed traffic flow/parking plan was considered for the central business district.  The planning board submitted a diagram (see attached) of the central business district, which included a one way traffic flow west for Main St., angle parking on Arlee and Wall streets, and additional handicapped parking.  Smith moved; Berge seconded a motion to accept the plan to open discussion.  It was suggested that each item be considered independently and Smith rescinded the motion.  Dobrovolny moved; Berge seconded to accept the 6 additional handicapped parking spaces as proposed .  4-0 Passed.

Then Smith moved; Berge seconded to accept the proposal to provide angle parking on the east side of Arlee St.  4-0 Passed.

Smith moved; Dobrovolny seconded to provide angle parking on the Wall Street.  Discussion included measuring and whether to include one or both sides of the street.  Action was tabled until the March council meeting, since the council wanted to take measurements and discuss options with the Wigtons.

Mayor Woods then asked for a motion to consider making Main Street a one way street flowing west.  None was made.

 

In the next item of new business, Mayor Woods asked the council to approve action to change stop sign placement from east-west streets to north-south streets.  This action will eliminate traffic having to stop at the base of hills.  Intersecting traffic traveling north and south would be required to stop.  Smith so moved; Berge seconded.  4-0 Passed.

 

In response to the planning board’s request for the town to join the International Codes Council, Dobrovolny moved; Berge seconded to join the ICC and pay $100 dues as a local government member.  The town will have two votes on the ICC and receive the set of code books.  If purchased without the membership the books would cost $100.  4-0 Passed.

 

There was no other communication or public comment.

Berge moved; Dobrovolny seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 pm.

 

                                                               

 

DRAFT

February 12, 2009

SPECIAL MEETING

Present were Trudy Berge, Robert Dobrovolny, Karen Evans, and Leslee Smith.  Also present were Judy Norgaard, Bill Rosler and Paul Stelter.

The Council met briefly at the library (prior to the housing workshop with Andrea Davis) to consider the request from the Montana Bar to waive the open container ordinance for February 20 and 21.  Smith moved; Evans seconded to allow open container on Arlee Street between Central and Main Streets and on the south side of the Main Street sidewalk between the Montana Bar and Fergie’s Pub and place an outdoor “BUDDY BAR” in the first 2 parking spaces on the south side of Main St. west of Arlee St. on Friday, February 20 between the hours of 7pm and 2 am and on Saturday, February 21 between the hours of 3 pm and 2 am.  It will be at the discretion of the police department whether or not to close Arlee St., or just allow open container on the Arlee St. sidewalk, between Central and Main.  4-0 Passed.

 

 

                                                               

                                                               

 

     


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