THE 1222nd REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON AUGUST 4, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Mayor Berget called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called. Council members Bauer, McElmurry, Roll, Sorensen and Thom, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede, and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept the July 7th regular meeting minutes and July 28th special meeting minutes.
Mr. Sorensen seconded.
Motion carried.
Resolution # 1609 for Vogel Annexation was read.
Mr. Bauer made a motion to accept Resolution #1609.
Mr. Roll seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
Resolution # 1610 concerning Montana Property & Supply Bureau was read.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept Resolution #1610.
Mr. Sorensen seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Councilperson Bauer addressed the City Council, the committee had reviewed the maintenance bids for the City Hall building. Discussion followed. Councilperson Sorensen, Building Committee Chairperson, was asked to meet with the committee again to review the position and explore options.
NEW BUSINESS
Scott Beagle and Jim May each turned in written requests for new sidewalk grants funds.
The City has put $2,000 aside in the 2003-04 budget year to help City residents put in new sidewalk or replace broken sidewalk. Mr. Sorensen’s committee will review the need for sidewalk by the VFW, a small section on Second Street.
Mr. Sorensen moved to allow $480 for each, Beagle and May.
Mr. McElmurry seconded.
Motion carried.
Jerry Marquez, Building Trades Instructor, addressed the Council concerning the City property on the corner of Utah and Larch. He expressed a big thank you to community for all the help they have received. The building program at Flathead Community College, Lincoln County Campus is looking for another building site to build a house for their upcoming school year. The class has 25 people enrolled. The property has enough room for two houses; Lots 1, 2 & 3, extend from Utah to the skate board park and Lots 4 & 5 extend from Utah to the alley. The college asked for their choice of building sites.
Mayor Berget discussed with the Council the fact that a small park had been considered for the site but nothing has come of that. The City of Libby already mows more than forty acres of grass. A new house would be placed on the tax rolls and increase the City’s revenue. Discussion followed.
Mr. Bauer moved to allow FVCC-LCC to build on their choice of either building site on the City property of Utah and Larch.
Mr. Sorensen seconded.
Motion carried.
John Norberg, Building Inspector, gave the Council a high grass list. The high grass list consisted of seven properties in the City that have been abandoned. The Parks committee will review and return with a recommendation.
Barb Benson Neuman, Women’s Help Line, made a presentation to the Council. Their funding sources will not pay mortgage payments. The Women’s Help Line has a mortgage on the shelter and they are looking for options. Mrs. Benson Neuman asked if the City would be interested in purchasing the house and the Help Line would pay the City the amount of the mortgage and then when it was paid off the City could donate the shelter back. Their funding will pay rent or leases. City Attorney Spencer advised the Council on new laws and asked for clarification from the Help Line. Discussion followed. The Council gave the Women’s Help Line a vote of confidence if all the legal issues could be worked out.
Councilperson Thom, Insurance Committee, addressed the Council. She has been in contact with Bob Worthington, Montana Municipal Insurance Authority, concerning liability. MMIA recommended the City review policy concerning driving record checks. The Resolution Ordinance Committee will meet and bring back recommendations. Mr. Spencer will look into privacy issues.
Councilperson Thom, Insurance Committee, spoke to the Council. She has been in contact with Bob Worthington, Montana Municipal Insurance Authority, another matter concerning liability. MMIA recommends the City review policy concerning city employees driving city vehicles after hours for emergency response. Mr. Bauer asked the Insurance Committee meet and to bring back a formal recommendation.
Mayor Berget asked the Water Committee to review the written policy for water construction and work on an amendment concerning water extension lines and City’s participation. Discussion followed. The committee was asked to also come up with a written policy for the sewer department.
The City Clerk presented the Council with a list of persons with delinquent water bills. The Council was asked to write off $1,001.17 and to turn these accounts over to the Credit Bureau for collection.
Mr. Bauer moved to accept write off $1,001.17 and turn them over to the Credit Bureau.
Mrs. Thom seconded.
Motion carried.
Councilperson Sorensen addressed the Council. His committee has been working with Montana Athletic Club about possible expansion of the club. They are working together on applying for grants and other creative ideas. Bonnie Morrow, Montana Athletic Club, spoke with the Council about the City applying for a grant for new carpet with the help of Carolyn Stamy.
Judge applications were given to the Judicial Committee for review.
Mayor Berget spoke to the Council about the loan of a sweeper to the City of Troy. The City Street Department employees attended the meeting and asked various questions.
Discussion followed. Mayor Berget said old minutes would be checked as to the wording.
A bill for $1,359.69 was received from Lincoln County, the City’s portion of the Destination Development project by Roger Brooks.
Mr. Bauer moved to pay the City’s portion of $1,359.69.
Mr. Sorensen seconded.
Motion carried.
Mr. Thede, Supervisor of City Services, reported to the Council concerning the Johnson Acre bids. The City received three from engineering firms and one from an individual; Billmayer Engineering, Morris-Maierle Inc., Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, Inc. and Joel Petty. Mr. Thede will set up interviews.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council President Bauer asked the Council members to be thinking of a replacement for his position as President in the next few weeks.
CEMETERY/PARKS – Mrs. Thom reported that work on the Fireman’s Park main bathrooms is being finished.
FIRE – Fire Chief Tom Wood gave a report. Last month the department had 3 calls in the City, 3 rural, and 3 out of District for a total of 9 calls. He spoke briefly on insurance ratings.
WATER – Mr. Thom took a visual tour of the water plant. Bids for the water line
(315 ft) in the alley behind the County Annex building are out.
SEWER/LIGHTS – Mayor Berget and Mr. Thede attended a Flathead Electric meeting and spoke with them about the billing of the new smaller old style lights.
STREETS/ALLEYS – Mr. Sorensen said Mineral Avenue and other parts of the City have been chip sealed.
BUDGET/FINANCE – Mr. Bauer reported that the final budget would be approved at the August 11th special meeting.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS – The contract has been returned with a few minor adjustments. A meeting has been set with Dan Johns on August 27, 2003.
It was moved, seconded and carried to pay the claims as per the claims approval list.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Jim Rostofer asked about the tower at the water treatment plant. Mrs. Thom is working with the owner. He also asked about the property that the eagle was placed. Mayor Berget informed Mr. Rostofer that the State owns that piece of property.
Jason Place asked about the decision of the sweeper. Mayor Berget told him the old minutes would be reviewed.
D.C. Orr asked a question about the industrial park.
Next regular city council meeting will be held September 8, 2003 at 7 p.m. The sewer and water hearing will be at 6 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris
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A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AUGUST 7, 2003 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, PURSUANT TO NOTICE, TO CONDUCT A FORMAL BUDGET HEARING
Mayor Berget called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance. Councilmember Bauer, Leckrone, McElmurry, Roll, Sorensen, and Thom, Supervisor of City Services Dan Thede, and City Clerk, Heidi Morris were present.
Mayor Berget opened the 2003-2004 Budget Hearing.
After some discussion the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris
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A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON AUGUST 11, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Council President George Bauer called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance. Roll was called. Councilmembers Bauer, Leckrone, McElmurry, Roll, Sorensen and Thom, Police Chief Clay Coker, City Services Supervisor Dan Thede and City Clerk Heidi Morris were present.
1. Resolution # 1611 for Tax Levy for FY 2003 was read.
Mrs. Thom made a motion to accept the resolution. Miss Leckrone seconded the motion. Motion passed.
2. Resolution # 1612 for Fixing Annual Appropriations for 2003-04 was read. The final budget includes an increase of 75 cents each month on the sewer base rate. The water increase includes 1.6% cost of living increase as well as changing the hydrant fee from $1.00 to $2.00 per month.
Mr. Sorensen made a motion to accept the resolution. Mr. McElmurry seconded the motion. Motion passed.
3. Resolution # 1613 for 2003-04 Setting Salaries was read.
Mr. Roll made a motion to accept the resolution. Miss Leckrone seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Public defender bid from Steve Dalby was read. The Judicial Committee will review and make a recommendation.
Councilperson Leckrone, Police Committee, reported that their committee recommended leaving the retirement with PERS (30 year) at this time. Councilperson Roll said the committee would review the 20 year plan again at a later date. Police Chief Clay Coker addressed the Council concerns questions pertaining to the proposed change to the (20 year) Montana Municipal Retirement.
The Council will be interviewing three engineering firms for the Johnson Acre project, two after the meeting and one on Tuesday, August 12.
The water and sewer hearing will be September 8, 2003 at 6 pm. The regular monthly council meeting will be at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Mayor, Anthony J. Berget
City Clerk, Heidi Morris