Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Budget Meeting

What: Budget Work Session
When: Wednesday, July 1 at 1:30pm in the Gibson Room, 2nd Floor, Civic Center

This is a follow-up to the City Manager's budget presentation

Monday, June 29, 2009

My Mayoral Campaign Blog

I've just published my mayoral campaign blog. Material will be added on a regular basis so visit often.

The latest post is about what YOU think are the important issues facing our city. Please take the time to let me know.

Gessaman's Website

Kathy Gessaman, a candidate for City Commission, has her own website. Stop by and pay her a visit!

What's Going On?

Last Wednesday (6/24), the city manager's office e-mailed this memo to the Commissioners and certain city staffers:

We have confirmed the date and time of July 1, at 1:30 p.m. in the Gibson Room for Greg to do the follow up on the Manager’s Budget presentation and allow a question and answer period for the Commission. The agenda meeting will take place in Greg’s office immediately following the budget discussion. We will do a press release announcing this schedule. Joyce

Joyce Thares
Executive Assistant
City Manager's Office
455-8450

As of now, this meeting is not listed on the city's website and the Tribune did not publish it in today's paper.

Why the hold-up?

Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 29, 2009

No meetings are scheduled this week.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 22, 2009

Only one council is meeting this week, mine, NC#4.

It is my understanding this could be the last time folks can hear about the public safety levy as many of the councils elect not to meet during the summer.

To accommodate those interested in hearing only about the levy, I have placed both presentations at the beginning of the agenda.

When: Thursday, June 25 at 6:30pm
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 900 52nd Street North

Agenda:
Fire public safety levy
Police public safety levy
Committee reports
Update on area problems
Neighborhood concerns

Transit Board Meeting

When: Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00pm
Where: Transit offices at 3905 North Star Blvd. - North Park

Agenda:
Proposed annual budget
Proposal to restore Saturday service

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

For The Record

There was something oddly familiar about one of the suggestions newly filed Mayoral candidate Mike Winters made to the Tribune:

Winters also suggested the City Commission set up an office in the Civic Center for a half day two or three times a week when the public could come in to talk to a commissioner or the mayor.
I first suggested that very idea at the mayoral forum that was held at NC#3 on June 4. KRTV and one other source have my remarks on tape.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Whittier Fundraiser

The Whittier PTA will be holding a BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, 6/20 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. to help raise funds for the matting for the new playground!

Please come, and also help to distribute the attached flyer.

Aaron Weissman

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

City Is Sued

Last Friday in state District Court, Susan Overfield filed a lawsuit against the City pertaining to her expulsion two years ago from a City Commission meeting.

I was at that City Commission meeting.

I can say that prior to being "escorted" out of the chambers, Ms Overfield was not "loud and poorly behaved" as the city prosecutor claimed during her Municipal court trial. She most definitely was intent on finishing what she had come to say, but at no time at the podium did I feel she was "loud and poorly behaved". Yes, she was told her time was up, but please keep in mind that Mayor Stebbins has on more than one occasion allowed certain folks to go over the time limit; but, and this is a big but, it depends on who you are and what you are saying.

Ms. Overfield was found guilty at that trial, but that decision was overturned by District Court Judge Julie Macek in February of this year.

Ms. Overfield is now suing for "general and special damages, loss of past and future earnings, compensation for pain and suffering, and attorneys' fees".

City Attorney Dave Gliko was not aware of the suit, but indicated that the City will submit information to its insurance carrier and they will determine if they will provide coverage and step in to defend the city.

SME Responds

Back on May 20, the DEQ sent a letter of incompleteness to SME pertaining to their permit application to construct and operate a gas combustion turbine facility for electric generation at the Highwood Generating Station. SME had until July 20 to comply with the DEQ's requests.

Here you can find SME's responses.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Initial ECP Consultant Meeting

When: Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00am
Where: Administration Conference Room, across the hall from the City Manager's office

From Joyce Thares, Executive Assistant, City Manager's Office:

I have scheduled the initial meeting to discuss the Energy Industry Consultant RFPs for next Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. You will be meeting in the Admin Conference Room (just across the hall from the City Manager’s office – so come in here and I will show you how to get there).

Please complete your rating sheets and get the information back to me. You can just submit via email reply if that is convenient for you. (I hope this will work) Or fax them to 727-0005, or call me at 455-8450. Thanks. Joyce

Basin Creek Power Services
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

RW Beck
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Burns & McDonnell
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Commonwealth Associates Inc
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Elenchus
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Lands Energy Consulting
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

Prosidian
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)

ScottMadden
1. Qualifications and Experience with projects or similar scope or complexity (20 possible)
2. Staff Experience and competence (20 possible)
3. Approach to tasks (20 possible)
4. Pricing of services (15 possible)
5. Familiarity with operating of a municipal electric utility (15 possible)
6. References if provided (10 possible)


Joyce Thares
Executive Assistant
City Manager's Office
City of Great Falls
P.O. Box 5021
Great Falls, MT 59403
406.455.8450
jthares@greatfallsmt.net

All City of Great Falls e-mails are subject to Montana's Right To Know law (Article II Sec 9, Montana Constitution) and can be considered Public Record (2-6-202, Montana Code Annotated) available for public disclosure.

City Commission June 16 Work Session

When: Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30pm

Where: *Gibson Room, Civic Center (*City's website didn't mention the location of the meeting, but work sessions are normally held in the Gibson Room).

Agenda:
Manager’s Proposed Budget Presentation – Greg Doyon

This should be an interesting meeting, because at the May 5, 2009 work session, Assistant City Manager Cheryl Patton, explained that [balancing the budget] "it is not easy this year".

Gosh, I wonder why. (Here and here).

"Pimping For Highwood"

I received the following information pertaining to actions being taken by Beartooth Coop to protect their interests from SME.

The first item is a request for a special meeting of the members to amend a portion of their bylaws. The amendments are noted.

The second item is a letter to the editor written by a member of the Beartooth Vigilance Committee to the Billings Gazette.

These folks are finally coming around.

Transit District Work Session

What: Transit District special Work Session
When: Tonight, 6/15, at 7:00pm at 3905 North Star Blvd.

Agenda:
2010 budget

Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 15, 2009

No meetings are scheduled this week.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Learn About Noxious Weeds


You're Invited - Please see attached flyer for details.

Neighborhood Council 5 invites you to participate in a Noxious Weed Event, June 13th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Russell Park Gazebo.

Russell Park is located on 15th Avenue South, between 33rd Street South and 35th Street South.

Hope you can join us for this event!

Tawny Newth
Chair, NC#5

Fire Dept. Levy Presentation

Here you can find the levy presentation representatives of the fire department are showing at Neighborhood Council meetings.

Monday, June 8, 2009

ECP Vacancy Extended

Only one individual applied for the ECP board opening vacated by John Gilbert's resignation in May.

The City has extended the deadline to apply to June 30.

Please consider applying if you are concerned about the city's continued involvement in this endeavor.

Neighborhood Councils - Week of June 8, 2009

Two councils are meeting this week:

NC#7
When: Monday, June 8 at 7:00pm
Where: Community Rec Center, 801 2nd Avenue North

Agenda:
See here.

NC#9
When: Thursday, June 11 at 7:00pm
Where: Camp Fire Office, 1925 2nd Avenue South

Agenda:
Traffic study of 4th Alley South between 20th and 21st streets
Lions Park Family Funfest
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Ed McKnight Files For City Commission

Yesterday, Ed McKnight filed for City Commission. On Monday, Rolland Leitheiser did as well. You can view Ed's interview with KFBB here.

Incumbant John Rosenbaum filed yesterday too, but according to the Trib., his interview with them will be forthcoming.

Neighborhood Council 7 - June 8 Agenda

AGENDA
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
DISTRICT 7
Monday, June 8, 2009
Community Recreation Center, 801 2nd Avenue North
7:00 p.m.


Please note: This agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Council discussion. We encourage your participation. In the interest that all parties can be heard, please limit your comments.

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF May Minutes

NEW BUSINESS
Speed zone/speed bumps in Council 7 school zones—Judy Sperl
Proposed Meadow Gold alley closing—Meadow Gold representative
Dog Park Opening

OLD BUSINESS
Neighborhood Council Election filing reminder
County’s plans for 4th Street alongside Courthouse
Public Safety Levy—David Vanson
Weed and Seed radio ad
Lowering Speed Limits on Park Drive near Gibson Park
Gibson Park Lighting, CTEP grant update
Beautiful Minds Walk update—Greg hall
Problem Properties
Other Old Business

REPORTS
City Commission
Other Reports

ADJOURN

Next meeting July 13, 2009— NeighborWorks

Friday, June 5, 2009

Feel Free To Respond

A commenter asked on another post how things went last night at the mayoral forum.

Since I was a participant, I don't feel it appropriate that I respond.

If you attended and wish to comment, please feel free to do so.

Media Day For The Candidates

Yesterday turned out to be media day for City Commission candidates.

Besides the mayoral forum held last night at NC#3, KFBB interviewed all three Commission candidates as well as myself. Click here to see the video.

Thank You!

Thanks very much to Neighborhood Council 3 for hosting last night's mayoral candidate forum.

I very much appreciated the opportunity to express my position and answer questions from the audience.

KRTV was there as well and filed this report.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Another Candidate Files

Another concerned citizen has filed for City Commissioner. Ms. Zook presented her press release last night at the City Commission meeting.

A Tribune reporter (not Rich Ecke) was there, but I did not find mention of her candidacy in today's paper.

2009 Public Safety Levy Info.

The City of Great Falls has prepared a levy information page that allows taxpayers to get information pertaining to the upcoming fire levy.

The fire department has done a very good job of explaining their need for additional funds and what it will cost the taxpayer on a graduated basis. They have incorporated a "levy cost calculator" with very good instructions on how to use it.

There is not separate information about the police levy or a levy cost calculator for their request, but you can find details here.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Mayoral Candidates

On Thursday night (6/04), at Neighborhood Council 3's meeting, Bill Bronson and I are on the agenda. According to Tim Austin, chair, the following format will be used:

1. Each of us will have between 10-15 minutes to talk about our candidacy.
2. For up to 30 minutes, questions will be taken from the audience.

Update:
Here is a memo from Tim Austin:

If you have a question to ask the Mayoral Candidates: Bill Bronson and/or Sandra Guynn, now is the time.

If you cannot make the meeting, but you would like to ask a question, please send me an email at: austindesigns@yahoo.com

Monday, June 1, 2009

Neighborhood Councils, Week of June 1, 2009

Two councils are meeting this week:

NC#6
When: Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00pm
Where: Sunnyside School music room, 1800 19th Ave. So.

Agenda:
City recycling information
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns
When: Thursday, June 4 at 7:00pm
Where: Westgate Mall meeting room

Agenda:
Mayoral candidates Bill Bronson and Sandra Guynn
City recycling information
Committee reports
Neighborhood concerns

ECP Board Meeting, June 1, 2009

What: ECP board meeting
When: Monday, June 1 at 5:30pm

Agenda:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Financial Reports
Financials - Year to Date and Projected
Energy Consumption Charts (to be handed out at meeting)

Miscellaneous Reports
Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. vs. Southern Montana Electric G&T, Inc., et al. (Cause No. DV 08-1797) – Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint
Co-Gen facility PSC application update

NEW BUSINESS
Accept Board Meeting Minutes from May 4, 2009
Designate the next regular Board meeting date to be July 13, 2009, to accommodate the Fourth of July holiday

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
1. John Gilbert - Letter of Resignation

COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment

NEXT ECP BOARD MEETING
July 13, 2009

ADJOURN