LIVINGSTON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
January 6, 2003
7:30 p.m.

The Livingston City Commission met in regular session on Monday, January 6, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room in the City/County Building. City Commissioners present were Ed Davis, Sr., Vicki Blakeman, Thomas Romans and Lenny Gregrey. Sheryl Dahl arrived 10 minutes later.

Staff members present were Bruce Becker, Steve Golnar, Shirley Ewan, Darren Raney, Jim Mastin, Jim Woodhull, Clint Tinsley and Pam Payovich.

Motion was made by Gregrey, second by Romans, to approve December 16, 2002 regular City Commission Meeting minutes.

4 in favor, Motion passed. Sheryl Dahl was absent.

Motion was made by Gregrey, second by Romans, to approve correction of bid amount for two (2) Cab & Chassis award from $157,601 to $158,508.

4 in favor, Motion passed. Sheryl Dahl was absent.

The meeting was adjourned by Vicki Blakeman to turn the reins over to the new Commission. Vicki Blakeman, Chairman, thanked the outgoing City Commissioners and presented a plaque to each with their year of service in recognition of their commitment as being a part of the City Commission.

Pam Payovich, Administrative/Recording Secretary, gave the oath to the new Commissioners.

A short recess was taken at 7:35 p.m.

The meeting went back in session at 7:50 p.m.

Roll Call was given by Pam Payovich, Recording Secretary, for the new City Commissioners. Present was Vicki Blakeman, Sheryl Dahl, Lenny Gregrey, Michelle Lee and Bob Ebinger.

Sheryl Dahl nominated Vicki Blakeman, second by Lenny Gregrey as Chairman of the City Commission.

Vicki Blakeman was elected to be Chairman.

Bob Ebinger nominated Sheryl Dahl, second by Vicki Blakeman as Vice Chairman of the City Commission.

Sheryl Dahl was elected to be Vice Chairman.

The Chairman, Vicki Blakeman, initiated a review of committee vacancies and nominations for appointments to the following City Boards and Committees.

Sheryl Dahl and Lenny Gregrey were nominated by Vicki Blakeman to be the representatives for the Infrastructure Replacement Committee.

It was suggested by Chairman, Vicki Blakeman that the City advertises for a vacant member on the City Board of Adjustments.

Bob Ebinger stated that Reid Erickson and Cloe Auerhammer would be rerunning for the Historical Preservation Commission and that there was also a vacant slot for another member that applications have been received. Bob stated that he would give the applications to the City Commission for their review.

Thomas Romans was asked if he would like to stay on the Skate Park Committee as Chairman and he stated that he would like to. Sheryl Dahl was also requested to stay on the Committee. It was requested of the Chairman if the Recording Secretary would check to make sure that the list of people on the Skate Park Committee would like to stay on the Committee.

The nominations for the Board of Building Code Appeals members will stand.

The City-Planning Board will be nominated for vacancies after an Ordinance has been established by the City Commission to adopt the City-Planning Board.

The City/County Health Board members had a vacant slot for a City representative that was advertised. The applicant will be appointed at the next meeting.

Bob Ebinger was appointed to the City/County Building Maintenance Committee for a City Commission representative.

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Ebinger, to approve the confirmed nomination appointments of the City Boards.

All in favor, Motion passed.

Vicki Blakeman will stay on the Communications Advisory Committee as a City Commission representative.

Sheryl Dahl will stay on the Livingston Urban Transportation Committee as a City Commission representative.

Lenny Gregrey will stay on the Sister City Committee as a City Commission representative.

Vicki Blakeman asked if some other Commissioner would represent either the Alliance Development Corporation or the Park County Economic Development Alliance as she was on both Committees. Lenny Gregrey volunteered to take her place on the Alliance Development Corporation Committee.

Lenny Gregrey and Bob Ebinger will stay on the Park County Detention Committee as City Representatives.

The Community Trails Committee and the Urban Design Plan Implementation Committee will be re-established after consultation with Mayor's Landing Committee and the Urban Design Steering Committee and development of guidelines for the operation of said Committees.

Michelle Lee was appointed to be on the City Tree Board Committee as a City Commission representative.

Michelle Lee was appointed to be on the Angel Line Committee as a City Commission representative.

Bob Ebinger was appointed to be on the Lewis and Clark Committee as a City Commission representative.

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Gregrey, to approve the Chairman's appointments to the City Boards.

All in favor, Motion passed.

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Gregrey, to approve consent items as follows:

· Accept Bills and Claims for last half of December 2002.
· Accept Bid for Latrines in the "McNair" Park Skate Park.
· Accept Bids for 300-Gallon and 96-Gallon Containers for the Automated Garbage Collection System.
· Approve waiver of Civic Center Rental Fee for Community Christmas Dinner.

Lenny Gregrey asked about the 25 video tapes purchased under a crime prevention grant to determine if those types had programs on them. Darren Raney replied yes they did.

Bob Ebinger asked about the claim for repair of flat tires to Park Tire. Darren Raney stated that those claims were not just flat repairs that one vehicle was for changing tires from regular to snow tires and the rest were repairs.

Michelle Lee asked about the Medicare overpayment claims. Shirley Ewan stated that these were errors in the Ambulance Billing and that they had to return checks to for claims being process wrong.

Sheryl Dahl stated that she would like to thank those volunteers for helping with the Christmas Dinner at the Civic Center that this community is very helpful to people in need and that people take the time out on Christmas Day to help those not so fortunate.

Steve Golnar commented about the wavier of the fee for the Civic Center for the Christmas Dinner that it was up to the discretion of the City Commission. The City Commission agreed that this fee should be waived and requested Steve to write a letter to that effect.

All in favor of consent items, Motion passed.

A Proclamation was read by Chairman, Vicki Blakeman, for designating January 14-18, 2003 as Lewis and Clark Days in the City of Livingston, Montana.

Resolutions:

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Gregrey, to approve Resolution No. 3350 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, APPOINTING PARK COUNTY ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR AS ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS AND DESIGNATING THE CITY'S GENERAL ELECTION DAY.
Bruce Becker gave background information relating to this Resolution.

All in favor, Motion passed.

Motion was made by Gregrey, second by Dahl, to approve Resolution No. 3351 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, OF ITS INTENT TO DISCONTINUE AND VACATE A PORTION OF THE UNDEVELOPED CRAWFORD AVENUE LOCATED SOUTHERLY OF THE ADJACENT TO LOT 31 OF BLOCK 22 OF THE PARK ADDITION TO THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA. Bob Ebinger asked that Thomas Burns be mailed a copy of the public notice for this Resolution. Bruce Becker stated that the law only requires the City to give public notice through the newspaper. Sheryl Dahl explained to Bob Ebinger the significant relation of this Resolution with Thomas Burns and that she felt it would not be necessary to send him a copy of the public notice.

All in favor, Motion passed.

Motion was made by Gregrey, second by Ebinger, to approve Resolution No. 3352 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, APPOINTING JAMES MASTIN AS FIRE CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, RETROACTIVE TO DECEMBER 16, 2002. Steve Golnar stated that he highly recommends the appointment of James Mastin as permanent Fire Chief for the City of Livingston. He went on to say that over the course of the last six (6) months, during his probationary period, he has been pleased with his progress and the way he has integrated into the community. He concluded by saying that he looks forward to working with Mr. Mastin for future years to come. Vicki Blakeman stated that she to has heard nothing but good complements about his performance with the Fire Department and the community.

All in favor, Motion passed.

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Ebinger, to approve Resolution No. 3353 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LIVINGSTON, MONTANA, AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH ROBIN BREWER, d/b/a/ ROBIN THE HOUSE KEEPER FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES AT THE CITY'S UTILITY OFFICE. Lenny Gregrey stated that he recognized in this agreement that it was a 44% increase in wages with the contract. Steve Golnar stated that Robin has cleaned for the Utility Office for a number of years and that the City was trying to formalize the agreement to have it as a written contract verses a verbal contract and to go with a 18 month term on the contract and after that he proposed to advertise for proposals before securing the contract. Clint Tinsley, Public Works Director, stated that Robin has always been reliable and gone out of her way to clean areas in the Utility Office and that he recommends her service.

4 in favor, Ebinger, Blakeman, Lee and Dahl, 1 opposed; Gregrey, Motion passed.

Action Items:

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Gregrey, to authorize $1,500.00 of $2,000.00 matching Park/Recreation Facility Capital Funds for Baseball Bleachers and $500.00 of these funds for Irrigation System Improvements in Miles Park and request that similar matching funds for these projects by distributed by Park County. Steve Golnar and Clint Tinsley gave background information and the reasons for the fund distribution.

All in favor, Motion passed.

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Gregrey, to direct City Attorney to prepare a Resolution of Intent to discontinue a portion of the old Park Street Right-of-way in the 1000 Block of West Park Street adjacent to property owner by Mr. Christian Salacinski; Lots 1-4, Block 1, Park Addition. Ernie Meador of 105 South 2nd Street stated that the adjacent property was vacated and requested that the same be done with this property.

All in favor, Motion passed.

An Ordinance for the City Commission establishing its rules of procedure for conducting City Business in a fair and open meeting was discussed and the City Commission directed the City Attorney to bring back at the next meeting for a first reading with some changes of their discretion.

The City Manager's written comments were reviewed.
· Sheryl Dahl asked about the letter to Skillings-Connolly Inc. that the City Commission approved this to go through at the last meeting and wanted to know if it was sent out.
· Sheryl Dahl stated that she was in support of the Sidewalk Ordinance and if the City Commission is not in support of the Ordinance then to have the City Commission change it. She went on to say that she liked the idea that City's monies where necessary and the possibility of city crews to make it affordable for the public.
· Sheryl Dahl asked about why transition to automated garbage collection and developing a sidewalk replacement program were hand in hand. Steve Golnar clarified that one of the things that the City is proposing is to move some individuals around as a result of automating garbage collection. Some of those individuals would not be needed for garbage collection and we would move them to street or sidewalk maintenance. This would create a way of funding those positions and improving sidewalks at the same time.
· Sheryl Dahl asked about the Rick D'Hooge contract and asked for clarification if he would charge on an hourly wage and not as a contract. Steve Golnar confirmed that the arrangement would be on an hourly basis. Sheryl stated that she felt that the City has a good Staff and feels that they can handle this effectively and efficiently.
· Lenny Gregrey asked about the 4th Ambulance report and asked about the cost of maintaining the cost of the Ambulance if this is a net profit or a gross profit. Shirley Ewan stated that this is gross profit. Lenny drew a diagram to clarify his question. Jim Mastin, Fire Chief stated that money is important in maintaining an Ambulance but his primary concern is delivering service to the community and that the profits identified in the report provided is net profit and this is a bonus. The City is the County's Ambulance service and when school events are in session an Ambulance is required or the events would not be held. Steve Golnar stated that the Interlocal Agreement with Park County for Ambulance Services will be provided by February or March, not January as stated in his comments.

Commissioner Lee Comments:
· She stated that she was happy to be sworn in and looks for the year ahead working with the City Commission.
· She commented about the pigeon droppings under the Underpass has been brought to her attention and stated that it is really bad and would like to see something done about it.

Commissioner Ebinger Comments:
· He wished everyone a Happy New Year and is very excited about being a part of the City Commission.

Commissioner Dahl Comments:
· She welcomed the new Commissioners.
· She asked about the Carolyn Armbrust concern about landlords paying business licenses and wanted to know the status so that she could get back to her. Bruce Becker stated that the City issues a $70.00 Fire Inspection fee for units of three (3) or larger. Sheryl asked that someone from the City follow-up with Ms. Armbrust.
· She asked about Labor Negotiations meetings involving the City Manager, Staff and each Commissioner for proposal orientation and feedback. She stated that she would like to see a schedule. Steve stated that he would contact the City Commission to schedule these meetings soon.
· She wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Commissioner Gregrey had no comments.

Chairman, Vicki Blakeman Comments:
· She echoed Sheryl Dahl and welcomed the new Commissioners and that she looks forward to working with them.

No public comments were given.

Motion was made by Dahl, second by Ebinger, to adjourn the meeting there being no further business. Motion passed.

The time was 9:14 p.m.

ATTEST: APPROVED:

Pam Payovich Vicki Blakeman
RECORDING SECRETARY CHAIRMAN, CITY COMMISSION