Dear Neighbors - here's an opportunity to serve your community! We need your help re-seeding Mt. Sentinel!
We've all seen the huge burned area on the hillside above U of M (in fact it was going up in flames during one of our leadership meetings this summer!) - this project is all about reseeding the ground with native grasses to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and it's going to take an awful lot of help to pull it off!
And that's where you come in! We need volunteers to help on Saturday, Nov 8 from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Reseeding requires traversing steep hillsides, so you should be prepared for a vigorous day of walking. Lunch will be provided, with a party afterwards to talk about the day and build community among people who shared a fun experience.
If you'd like to volunteer (either to work or help with the party), please contact Graham Roy (493-6634) or Christian Cryder (529-5568). Hope to see you this weekend!
Mount Sentinel Reseeding Project
October 2008 General Meeting Minutes
The chairman called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM
Those present:
- Hans Christiansen
- Ed Stevenson
- Marolane Stevenson
- Raquel Arovea
- John Cuplin
- Rachel Sutherland
- Wayne Gravatt
- Helen Kolokotrones
- Sharon Price
- Lyn Hellegaard
- Donna Gaukler
- Ryan Sutherland
- Antonio Guglielmo
- Connie Skousen
- Carole Ulrigg
- LaNette Diaz
- Lisa Donnelly
Mr. Baldassin introduced Ms. Donna Gaukler of the Parks Dept. to lead a discussion on Bellevue Park. She began with some general information about the park. Bellevue Park is a city park and part of the Urban Master Plan - as of today, there is no funding to improve or develop the park. If there are concerns about the current state of the park, please call the Parks Dept. Once funding is in place, there will be a design process. As of today, there is no preconceived design for the park. The design process will be limited by safety codes and funding. The neighbors of the park will be invited to participate in the park design process. Funding sources include SID (Special Improvement District - this is not recommended), Mill Levies, Bond Issues, Impact Fees (new development fee - there is very limited, if any, development happening in our neighborhood which greatly limits this source), City General Fund - there really isn't any money available in the general fund for park development.
Questions? Comments?
- Mrs. Ulrigg asked why there were surveyors in the park a few months ago?
- Answer: Not sure - perhaps there was some utility work being done.
- Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson commented that we are in dire straights in the U.S. economically and we need to prioritize our spending towards people. This park has been scheduled for development since 1973. It is fine the way it is. Could it just be mowed a little more often? It seems this issue comes up so frequently.
- Councilwoman Lyn H. - The Brooks corridor is scheduled for some 2000 in-fill housing units and she would imagine that some park land would come with that. Is there any information on how this infill will impact the park development for the rest of the neighborhood?
- Answer: It could speed up Bellevue development depending on its proximity to the new units.
- Someone asked about the leash laws in the park since it is not going to be developed?
- Answer: If a neighborhood would like a park or a portion of the park be changed from "leash control" to "voice control" they would need to get a petition for those who live around the park and then contact Ms. Gaukler to move the process forward.
- Mrs. Skousen asked if part of the park could be designated as "voice control" - it seems that less is better these days.
- Mrs. Ulrigg asked that if this becomes a designated "voice control" area can anyone in Missoula bring their dogs there?
- Answer: There is a difference between "dog parks" "voice control" and "animal training" areas. Each of these have their own regulations. It will be a public space and any citizen is welcome to use public space.
- Mr. Christiansen made the point that the Southgate Triangle NC has a committee that is studying Bellevue Park - why don't we talk as a committee about what you want in that park?
Bob Reed from Missoula County gave a presentation on the new Emergency Operations Center. It's a wonderful time to be asking the public for money! The presentation is not meant to "sell" us on the idea, but to merely give us the overview of what the plan is. The building will go up at the current vacant lot at the corner of Mullan and Broadway.
The new building will house the emergency 911 center, the sheriff's offices, and a secure warehouse to store evidence and emergency vehicles. The current building is too small and they are bursting at the seams. This building has been in the works since the late 80's.
Originally the building was designed to house both the city police and the county sheriff's dept, but it wasn't feasible for the city dept. to leave the downtown. On the 911 side they have reached the physical limit - they have 6 dispatchers and the workload has grown immensely. About 70% of the 911 business is for city police and fire dept. The sheriff's office currently has about 5000 sq. ft and what they really need (and is projected in the new space) is about 15,000 sq. ft.
When they projected ahead for the size of the building they took in to account Missoula's population growth and so it is sized so that they shouldn't need to add to the building for the next 25-30 years. There is an emergency operations and training center located in the building. This is a place where commanders and government elected officials work to manage large scale incidents (like the Hell's Angels this summer which was managed out of rented space at the Rocky Mtn Elk Foundation for about $10,000-$15,000 dollars for less than a week). This was a plan that was enacted over several months - a luxury that most emergencies don't afford those who have to respond. At the same time, these events don't happen more than once or twice per year. Since you can't have large areas of space sitting vacant, it would double as a training facility. The availability of good, reliable training space makes more frequent and better training more possible (thus providing better service to our community).
The cost of the building is about $23.5 million - this has risen substantially since it was first priced 2 years ago - the cost of construction is going up so fast that they have decided to put this before the voters now. The amount on the ballot initiative will be for $16 million. There is some other funding sources that will offset some of this.
Questions/Concerns?
- Mrs. Stevenson - Why are the city/county not in the same building? Shouldn't they be working together?
- Answer: There are valid points to be made in either direction on this. There aren't any real good reasons to keep these departments together. Of course it would be optimal. It is not necessary and won't have a negative effect on their operations.
- Mr. Baldassin - What is the alternative plan if the measure does not pass?
- Answer: We'll continue to do the best we can with what we have. We're trying to avoid the "gloom & doom" or "alarmist" approaches, but the situation is not good right now. The good news is that they aren't out asking for money because some crisis happened. The growth factors are only going to continue and the cost is only going to increase the longer we wait.
- Mrs. Stevenson - How many people are employed?
- Answer: Not sure about the demographics in the sheriffs office b/c Mr. Reid doesn't work there. 25 employees currently in the 911 center.
- Mrs. Ulrigg - Why does 911 need a new building? Couldn’t this be smaller and have 911 move into a vacant space in town?
- Answer: We looked at that option, but the cost to remodel is significantly more than building new. A 911 center is a very expensive proposition to get up and running. The price tag on this building includes technology and the current 911 technology has seen its lifecycle.
If you'd like to witness the space issues first hand - there are 2 standing tours for the public - 12pm noon on Tuesdays and 5:30 PM on Thursdays - go to the Pine Street entrance of the courthouse by the bus depot.
The installation of the Park Pet - we need to talk to David Shaw about costs for installation and we'll need to apply for a special grant to pay for the installation.
We'd also like to name the pet - Mrs. Ulrigg made a motion to have LaNette Diaz put an ad in the Missoulian and to have something on the website to solicit names for the pet.
Elections - Treasurer and Community Forum Representative. Carole Ulrigg is our current treasurer - Mr. Sutherland made a motion to re-elect Mrs. Ulrigg and Mr. Baldassin seconded - all were in favor. Mr. Christiansen will agree to serve as Community Forum Rep for at least one more year - he likes doing it. Mr. Baldassin made the motion to re-elect Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Gravatt seconded. All voted in favor. Mr. Christiansen mentioned that he would like to see someone serve as the alternate. If there is anyone in the neighborhood who is interested in getting more involved - this is a great way to do it. Come serve as the CFR Alternate.
We read and approved the minutes from the previous meeting
We heard and approved the treasurer's report. Mrs. Ulrigg made a motion and all were in favor of paying the cost for the mailing for this general meeting. Mr. Baldassin made a motion that Mrs. Ulrigg be reimbursed for costs associated with the ice cream social that she was not reimbursed for.
Current Balance of the General Fund: $800
Current Balance of the Mailing Supplement: $475.77
Wayne Gravatt - acknowledged by the chairman to give some public comment. He's concerned about the future for our city given the current financial situation. We're going to have some real problems if we don't change how we do business. As the city grows and you are required to do a service with budget restraints - there is a tremendous disconnect between tax payers and city staff. It is very difficult to continue providing a service without increasing budgets. What, if any, long term tax increases are the citizens willing to pay to continue receiving services. What service are essential services and what services are expendable to the public.
Lyn Hellegaard mentioned that the budget process is a major problem. They are given a budget from the mayor and expected to approve it and not really given much input on it.
Mr. Sutherland made a motion to adjourn and Mrs. Ulrigg seconded. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
General Meeting
Please join us on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 PM in the Community Room of the Southgate Mall for our second (we have two/year) General Meeting of 2008. Please come and join the Leadership Team...voice your concerns...ask questions...get involved...make a difference!
Agenda for the Meeting:
- GENERAL BUSINESS
- ELECTION OF TREASUER AND COMMUNITY FORUM REPRESENTATIVE
- REPRESENTATIVE FROM MISSOULA PARKS DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS BELVUE PARK DEVELOPMENT
- BOB REED FROM MISSOULA COUNTY TO DISCUSS NOVEMBER BOND MEASURE FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND TRAINING CENTER
- PARK PET INSTALLATION AND ‘NAME THAT PET’ CONTEST
If you have other items, concerns, or anything else concerning this agenda, please email the leadership team. Refreshments provided.
Welcome
Welcome to the Southgate Triangle Website. The goal of this site is to better inform and connect the citizens of our neighborhood and to foster community and dialog. The Vision Statement (above in the header) was adopted by the Neighborhood Council at it's April 2008 meeting. Please consider the following rationale for such a vision statement:
The neighborhood council system was created to foster open communication between the citizens of Missoula and their City Government. It has the potential to be much more.
There is a diversity of culture, background, and experience within our neighborhood that we can all benefit from. By becoming familiar and comfortable with our neighbors we create the potential for open communication, new friendships, collaborative problem solving, and a safer, more conscientious community.
The neighborhood council provides a venue for people to introduce themselves, meet those living near them to openly discuss questions or concerns to one or all, and create the relationships and friendships so crucial to realization of all the benefits of being “neighbors.”
In the end, the leadership team wants the citizens of the Southgate Triangle to know that this is their council, and by using it as an interactive resource they can improve their community by interacting with each other.
We have the right and the power to enjoy our neighbors, our neighborhood, and our community.
Vision Statement of the SG Triangle
The neighborhood council system was created to foster open communication between the citizens of Missoula and their City Government. It has the potential to be much more.
There is a diversity of culture, background, and experience within our neighborhood that we can all benefit from. By becoming familiar and comfortable with our neighbors we create the potential for open communication, new friendships, collaborative problem solving, and a safer, more conscientious community.
The neighborhood council provides a venue for people to introduce themselves, meet those living near them to openly discuss questions or concerns to one or all, and create the relationships and friendships so crucial to realization of all the benefits of being “neighbors.”
In the end, the leadership team wants the citizens of the Southgate Triangle to know that this is their council, and by using it as an interactive resource they can improve their community by interacting with each other.
We have the right and the power to enjoy our neighbors, our neighborhood, and our community.
September 2008 Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 7:00 PM
The chairman was not present so Mr. Sutherland called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM and welcomed those who were present:
- Ed Childers - City Councilman
- Hans Christiansen - Community Forum Rep
- Chris Riedel - A student at the U of M who was observing the meeting for a class.
- Ryan Sutherland - Secretary/Webmaster
Mr. Sutherland read through the minutes from the previous meeting - Mr. Christiansen moved and Mr. Childers seconded that we approve the minutes as read. All voted in agreement.
Mr. Christiansen gave the Treasurers Report - the City Council has approved the budget, so we do have our yearly amount of $800 and $438.09 for mailings. The $100 for the Midtown Association dues is forthcoming. The report was approved.
New Business
- Agenda for General Meeting
- Bellevue Park - Donna Gaukler is scheduled to be here, so we need to talk about this and give the citizens an update and squash any rumors. Mr. Christiansen thinks we should also invite the council-men and women from our neighborhood to come.
- Forum Representative (Hans Christiansen) and Alternate (Anne Carpenter) terms are coming up and we need to elect - Mr. Christiansen is willing to do it again, but is having difficulty hearing at the meetings. Hans would like to have someone willing to attend meetings a little more frequently.
- Treasurer (Carole Ulrigg) is also up for election/re-election.
- We could not think of anything else that needed to go on the agenda and decided that the best idea would be to solicit feedback from the rest of the Leadership Team as well as the broader Council.
- We discussed the sandwich boards and Mr. Christiansen will check into the cost of getting the dates changed.
- We all agreed that Mr. Baldassin did such a lovely job with refreshments at the last meeting that he should take care of them again.
Mr. Sutherland made a motion to adjourn and Mr. Childers seconded. Adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Monthly Meeting Reminder
This is a friendly reminder that we will be meeting in the Community Room of the Southgate Mall at 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 10 (tomorrow night).
Please come and join the Leadership Team...voice your concerns...ask questions...get involved...make a difference!
Attention Rummage Salers
Attention rummage sellers and seekers of all persuasions...
All Souls Missoula will be holding its' first annual "Back to School" Rummage sale on Saturday August 23rd from 7 until noon at 1601 West Kent. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Missoula YWCA to aid Missoula's single mom's as they send their tots and teens back to school this Fall. So if you've got any "cool stuff" lying around that can be turned into quick cash for a great cause, All Souls Missoula will be accepting donations from now until August 23rd. For drop-off information contact Ryan Sutherland at 529-2468 or visit our website at www.allsoulsmissoula.org.
August 2008 Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 7:00 PM
The chairman, Matt Baldassin called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. Those present:
- Matt Baldassin
- Ed Childers
- Hans Christiansen
- Ryan Sutherland
Mr. Sutherland read through the minutes from the previous meeting - Baldassin moved and Christiansen seconded that we approve the minutes as read. All voted in agreement.
Treasurers Report - We have no money, but Lanette Diaz told Christiansen that we can start spending our money (we are starting with our yearly $800). We can also start applying for small grant money.
Park Pet has arrived - It is sitting in Baldassin's garage and he will contact Park & Rec about location in the park, etc. Sutherland will put something on the website about the company and that they really treated us well (they made $13 on the sale).
Midtown Association - We need to pay our dues - Christiansen is going to apply for a small projects grant for our dues. Childers is going to send an email to the rest of the Leadership Team about an upcoming Association event.
Baldassin gave a report from last month's Ice Cream Social in Boyd Park. Low attendance, but overall worthwhile. We met a few new neighbors. Heard complaints about the clutter in the front yard of 2902 Harmony Court. The thought is that the Neighborhood Council should advocate for the other neighbors on this issue.
New Business
- All Souls Missoula (allsoulsmissoula.org) is hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday, August 23rd from 7 AM till Noon. The sale is in conjunction with the YWCA to raise money to help single moms of Missoula send their kids back to school. All Souls would like permission to publicize the event on the SGT website and would like to ask neighbors of the SGT to donate items they might like to get rid of. The sale will occur in the SGT at the Sutherland residence at 1601 West Kent (Sutherland is one of the pastors of All Souls). None of the L.T. objected to using the website for this cause.
- Christiansen mentioned that the Southgate Mall called notifying us that our liability insurance expired. The office of Neighborhoods has taken care of this issue on our behalf.
- Christiansen gave us an update about some of the business of the Community Forum. They are trying to raise awareness about Neighborhood Councils and they will be out in front of Starbucks during the Farmer's Market this Saturday. There is enough support to have Karl Rosston (from the office of Suicide Prevention for the state of MT) come in and speak about Suicide Prevention at a forum in October. The Forum is considering a resolution for the City Council for the "Complete the Streets" program.
Sutherland made a motion to adjourn and Baldassin seconded. Adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Ice Cream Social Big Hit (for those that came!)
On Saturday July 12th the Council hosted an ice cream social in Boyd Park. Although there weren't a ton of folks, the weather was nice, and several new neighbors got to meet each other and find out what is happening in the neighborhood and what opportunities there are to get involved.
One of the best ways to be an active participant in the council is to talk to your neighbors about the council. Many don't even know that they have a neighborhood council or that they are actually members of it. Get email addresses from neighbors so we can sign them up to receive updates about different events as snail mail isn't cost effective.
Consider coming to our monthly leadership team meeting. We meet in the Southgate Mall Community Room (down the hallway between Tradehome Shoes and Petland) at 7:00 PM on the second Wednesday of every month.
Ice Cream Social
The Leadership Team will be hosting an ice cream social for the entire neighborhood council on SATURDAY JULY 12 at 2:00 PM in Boyd Park (map). All members of the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood are invited. Please come and join your neighbors in an afternoon of fun in the sun.
July 2008 Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 7:00 PM
Chairman, Matt Baldassin called the meeting to order at 7:10. Those present:
- Matt Baldassin
- Carol Brodie
- Hans Christiansen
- Helen Kolokotrones
- Michael Regnier
- Ryan Sutherland
- Carole Ulrigg
Read through minutes from previous meeting - Ms. Ulrigg made a motion to approve the minutes and Mr. Christiansen seconded. Unanimous vote to approve.
No treasurer's report received from the Neighborhood Council Office.
Park Pet Update - Mr. Baldassin got a call from the company - it is probably a month out. Ms. Ulrigg mentioned having a "name the pet" contest.
Midtown Association - Mr. Baldassin spoke to one of the leaders of the Midtown Association (Mr. Winger) and they will be sending out invoices next month.
Ice Cream Social - Wrong date on the postcard - Mr. Baldassin will contact LaNette and see if she can send something out with a correction and if she can help us get a correction in the Missoulian. Mr. Sutherland will post something on the website. Mr. Baldassin said he contacted Dairy Queen and Baskin Robbins - no ice cream donations. Dairy Queen is willing to give some gift certificates (Mr. Baldassin will pick them up). Ms. Ulrigg will bring scoops and a table to dish the ice cream, napkins and spoons, small bottles of water. Mr. Baldassin will pick up the dry ice, Ms. Ulrigg's cooler and the ice cream (4 vanilla, 2 chocolate, 2 strawberry, 2 neopolitan) on Saturday around 1pm. Mr. Sutherland will bring sign up sheets.
New Business - Ms. Ulrigg spoke today to the new officer in charge of suicide prevention, Mr. Carl Rossten, and Ms. Ulrigg suggested that the NC host a symposium on suicide prevention. Mr. Rossten could be our guest speaker. Her suggestion would be to hold such a symposium in later October. It would take place in the evening (7-9 pm) in conjunction with Russell School (similar to the symposium on Meth). Ms. Ulrigg would like to try and apply for a small grant to pay for it. Mr. Baldassin's concern: is this going to be very beneficial to the SGT? We don't have a lot of resources or time and so should we spend what we have this way? Perhaps it would be better to try and get some other neighborhood councils involved. Ms. Ulrigg mentioned that he has been having some trouble getting cooperation with the city. Mr. Sutherland suggested that we contact our city officials and put it in their hands. Mr. Baldassin made a motion to table this issue until the city has a chance to get involved, Mr. Sutherland seconded it and all voted.
Mr. Christiansen asked Mr. Baldassin to comment on his conversation with Donna Gauckler of the Parks Dept about Bellevue Park. She confirmed that there is no money available for developing Bellevue Park at this time. She was open to the idea that the neighborhood would have all kinds of input on what happens in the park. The following email is from Donna on May 23 to Chairman Mr. Baldassin:
At this time, I have no reason to believe we will have funding for park development in FY10. We would like to develop the park in the next few years, but unless we find a funding stream, I do not know how this will happen.
If the only improvements we make were grass and irrigation with a minimum amount of park signage, a bench or two and picnic tables…(no shelters, playgrounds, etc) we would still need to plan on about $75,000 per acre minimum. I base this number on our last three projects.
I want to reiterate with the neighborhood, the Parks Department has made NO decisions regarding park development. Our standard practice, once a funding stream is determined, is to host a neighborhood planning process for the park. We have included the park in our CIP planning as the citizens have requested that we do so and because this park is listed as needed in the Urban Area Master Park Plan.
Ms. Ulrigg moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 and Mr. Sutherland seconded.
June 2008 Meeting Minutes
The Chairman was not present to begin the meeting so Hans Christiansen moderated. He called the meeting to order at 7:08. Those present:
- Ed Childers
- Hans Christiansen
- Lyn Hellegaard
- Mah Fong
- Judy Sanders
- Ryan Sutherland
- Carole Ulrigg
Mr. Christiansen will call LaNette Diaz and make sure this money will still be available for us to use in July (the end of the fiscal year is June 30)
Safeway is going to donate 10 1/2-gallons of ice cream, but we need a letter requesting it on SGT letterhead. Mr. Christiansen made a motion to have Mr. Sutherland generate the letter and Ms. Ulrigg seconded - all voted unanimously.
Ms. Ulrigg will take care of the post card notifying neighbors of the social.
Mr. Childers and Ms. Hellegaard would like to be notified of Midtown Association Meetings. We'll have Mr. Baldassin ask the Association to start inviting the City Council members.
Mr. Christiansen made a motion that we pay the Midtown Association Dues. Mr. Sutherland seconded and all voted unanimously.
Mr. Sutherland made a motion that Ms. Ulrigg go ahead and purchase enough ice cream stuff for 100 people. All voted unanimously.
Ms. Ulrigg read the minutes from the previous meeting. Ms. Hellegaard made a motion that the minutes be accepted with the corrections (Helen Kolokotrones was present and Mr. Baldassin would like to be the Midtown Association Rep). All voted in favor.
Mr. Christiansen then presented some information about the Community Forum. There will be a bus tour around our neighborhood - Mr. Christiansen put Mr. Sutherland and Mr. Baldassin (with Mr. Christiansen as the alternate) down as the neighborhood representatives on the bus tour. The bus will leave Splash Montana at 9:15 and will conclude at 12:30 (with "food, fun, fellowship" at Splash MT).
Each neighborhood is allowed to nominate a street that needs to be "completed." Ms. Ulrigg made a motion that we choose McDonald from Paxson to Russell. Ms. Sanders seconded and all voted in favor.
Mr. Childers mentioned that the city received a complaint about the noise from the Flat Track race at the fairgrounds. He wondered if anyone else had a complaint about the noise. No one present had a problem with the noise.
Mr. Sutherland made a motion that we adjourn and all voted unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Neighborhood Parks
This page is still under construction
McLoud Park (map)
Boyd Park (map)
Bellevue Park (map)
May 2008 Meeting Minutes
The Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:10pm and jumped right to the Bellevue Park item of the agenda. Each individual in the audience was here to speak about Bellevue park. Each person lives right on the park. Those present at the meeting were:
- Bob Avery (Leadership Team - Midtown Assoc. Rep)
- Matt Baldassin (Leadership Team - Chairman)
- Margaret Bossard
- Ed Childers (City Councilman)
- Hans Christiansen (Leadership Team - Community Forum Rep)
- Charles & Barbara Frey
- Rod Gabriel
- Lyn Hellegaard (City Councilwoman)
- JoAnn Kleckner
- Helen Kolokotrones
- Wendy Lambert
- Colin & Fong Mah
- Sharon Price
- Judy Sanders
- Marolane Stevenson
- Ryan Sutherland (Leadership Team - Secretary)
- Carole Ulrigg (Leadership Team - Treasurer)
- Ms. Price: We don't want any of that stuff developed - what is our role in the process?
- Ms. Stevenson: We should get some say in what happens to our land. Schools need more money - why spend $425K on a park?
- Mr. Childers - he's unaware of any $425,000 - there is plenty of time to get your voice heard
- Mr. Christiansen - explained that there is a formal survey process.
- Mr. Avery - it is a city park that is owned by the city and some of what they want to do with it, we won't have much say in it.
- Ms. Kleckner - most of the people here don't want to see the park as a huge "playground park" and we need to be aware that Donna Gaukler (of the Parks & Rec. Dept.) asks for input, but moves quickly once her mind is made up.
- Ms. Hellegaard - wants neighbors to know that she is listening to their comments and will represent them at the City Council.
- Mr. Childers asked everyone what their concerns are:
- Who will maintain it?
- We don't want another playground.
- We don't want bathrooms - this leads to older kids coming to mess around.
- Ms. Lambert - Traffic concerns and already a lot of kids just playing around. No place to park and so people would be parking in people's properties.
- Ms. Hellegaard - safety concern with a bike trail - drugs, theft etc.
- Mr. Frey - worries that the development of the park will lead to the deprivation of the neighborhood. Permanent fixtures is what leads to problems (drugs, etc).
- Mr. Baldassin asked if folks would like to have nothing but better maintenance? That seemed to sound good with everyone.
- Mr. Skousen would like Matt to ask Ms. Gaukler if they have a different set of standards for parks? It seems that the definition of a park has all these developments. Is there room in her thinking for a more primitive type of park?
Mr. Sutherland then read the minutes from the April Meeting. Ms. Ulrigg made a motion to approve the minutes and Mr. Avery seconded - all voted unanimously.
The drawing was then held for those present at the last general meeting - Mr. Skousen and Ms. Brodie each won gift certificates.
Ms. Ulrigg gave the Treasurers Report - We have $0 according to the city. Mr. Avery Bob made a motion to approve and Mr. Christiansen seconded - all voted in favor.
Mr. Christiansen mentioned that we can apply for money that other neighborhoods don't use - he'll ask for $400
We discussed the Park Pet - we need $1000 down on the pet. Mr. Baldassin will contact Marty Rehbein for the $1000. Ms. Ulrigg made a motion and Mr. Christiansen seconded - all were in favor.
We discussed the summer Ice Cream Social - Discussion commenced about a date. Mr. Baldassin made a motion that we have an ice cream social at 2:00 PM on July 12. Mr. Sutherland seconded and all were in favor. Mr. Christiansen will check into the McCloud ice cream social grant ($200?) and see if we could switch it over to Boyd Park. Ms. Ulrigg will check with Big Dipper and Safeway, Mr. Baldassin will check Dairy Queen & Baskin Robbins. Ms. Ulrigg will also try to line up a face painter for kids.
Mr. Sutherland gave a website report - it will be up and running soon
Mr. Avery gave a report that he is resigning from all his volunteer posts within the city. MRA, Neighborhood Council and Midtown Association.
Mr. Baldassin will take over as the Midtown Association Representative.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 - unanimous vote to adjourn
Neighborhood Admin
The following are links to some neighborhood administrative resources.
City Ordinance
Bylaws
Meeting Minutes
The Loop
If you'd like to get connected with the Southgate Triangle neighborhood, there are a couple of different options:
- email us and ask to be added to the mailing list. This will allow us to email you about special events and/or concerns and you'll automatically receive updates when we post new content on this site; -OR-
- use your favorite RSS reader (eg. Bloglines) to follow along via the site's RSS feed (which will also allow you to follow along with the content on this site); -OR-
- come join us at our monthly meeting in the community room at the Southgate Mall at 7:00 pm.
If you have questions on any of these, please don't hesitate to ask. And please let your neighbors know about this new site and encourage them to check it out. For those neighbors not connected to the web, please consider getting in the loop yourself so that you might keep keep them informed.
Leadership Team
The Neighborhood Council consists of every person living in the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood. The Leadership Team is an elected group of members that exists to serve you - the Neighborhood Council. If you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat, please don't hesitate to contact a member of your Leadership Team.
Matt Baldassin - 546-0449
Chairman, Midtown Association Representative
Term expires October 2009
Also, Economic Development Committee
Hans Christiansen - 728-4421
Community Forum Representative
Term expires October 2010
Ryan Sutherland - 529-2468
Secretary, Webmaster
Term expires October 2009
Carole Ulrigg - 549-3921
Treasurer
Term expires October 2010
Bylaws
July 2002
Modified October 13, 2004
All residents of the Southgate Triangle neighborhood as defined by the Community Forum are members of the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood Council and are eligible to vote at meetings on all issues that come before the Neighborhood Council. Each business, church, school, neighborhood organization or other entity within the district is eligible to designate one representative to attend meetings and to vote on issues that come before the Neighborhood Council. No business or individual may have more than one vote.
Decisions shall be made by majority of eligible members present and voting if consensus cannot be reached. Decisions made by majority vote may be accompanied by a minority report, should the minority choose to submit such a report. Any Southgate Triangle resident as defined above may vote at Neighborhood Council meetings. Advisory presentations given to the City Council shall be based on decisions of the Neighborhood Council and or the Neighborhood Council Leadership Team.
Neighborhood Council Leadership Team
The Southgate Triangle Neighborhood Council Leadership Team shall be formed of at least six individuals, but not more than seven. Any Neighborhood Council member may serve on the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team shall attempt to reflect the diversity of the neighborhood in both age and gender, and shall attempt to include at least one representative from each of the neighborhood's main geographic regions: North of South Avenue, and South of South Avenue. Attendance at Leadership Team meetings is open to all Neighborhood Council members, and all those present shall be encouraged to participate in Leadership Team meetings.
Election of Leadership Teams
Leadership Team members will be selected at an annual general election meeting, to be held in the second week of October, and Leadership Team members must be approved by majority of members present and voting. Leadership Team members will serve two-year terms but shall not serve more than two consecutive terms. However, in order to stagger terms at the first election, one-half of the initial Leadership Team will be elected to only a one-year term. If a vacancy occurs on the Leadership Team, nominations will be taken from the Neighborhood Council for replacement candidates and the vacant position shall be filled by majority vote at the next regular meeting.
Notification of Elections
Notification of pending elections shall be given at least 14 days prior to the scheduled elections. Notification shall be carried out either by direct mail, distribution of flyers, postings in the district, newspaper notification, City web site or a combination of the above. Notification shall include the time and place for all elections.
Duties of Leadership Team
The Leadership Team will designate team members as Co-Chairpersons, Secretary, Treasurer and the neighborhood council will vote to select its Community Forum Representative and Community Forum Alternate. The Leadership Team shall meet monthly. The Leadership Team shall divide the following duties among themselves:
- Preside at Neighborhood Council meetings;
- Report to the Community Forum;
- Report to City Council;
- Submit minority reports, when such reports are available;
- Set up and maintain a communication system;
- Record meetings and file these minutes with Missoula City Clerk;
- Take attendance at Neighborhood Council Meetings;
- Set agendas and file them with the Missoula City Clerk;
- Coordinate volunteers;
- Account for and report expenses and income in accordance with City fiscal policy;
- Set up and host Neighborhood Council Meetings.
- Select members of a nominating committee to identify, recruit, and train future leadership team candidates.
Neighborhood Council Meetings
A regular meeting of the Southgate Triangle Neighborhood Council shall be held at least twice annually, on the second Wednesday of April and the second Wednesday of October. Additional meetings may be called by a majority of the Leadership Team or by a petition of at least 20 Neighborhood Council members outside of the Leadership Team. At least a 2 day notice must be given for any full Neighborhood Council meeting. Meetings shall have a published agenda. Meetings shall be conducted in an open manner. When necessary, a three-minute per speaker rule limiting debate my be initiated, either by the Leadership Team or by a general vote, to expedite Neighborhood Council proceedings. In the event of unruly or otherwise unproductive behavior, Robert's Rules of Order shall be followed. Neighborhood Council meetings shall be open to everyone, and are subject to the provisions of the Montana Open Meeting and Public Participation laws. Meeting agendas and minutes will be filed with the City Clerk in a timely manner.
Committees
Committees of the Neighborhood Council shall be formed by the Leadership Team or by a general vote of the Neighborhood Council as needed. These committees may take the form of permanent standing committees or ad-hoc committees focused on specific issues. Committee recommendations must be submitted to the Neighborhood Council for approval before action can be taken. Committee members must have attended a committee meeting that discussed the issue in order to vote on committee recommendations. Interested persons who live outside the Southgate triangle Neighborhood and are not members may attend and participate in committee discussions but may not vote.
Expenditures
All expenditures shall be made with the approval of the Treasurer and at least one other member of the Leadership Team. All expenditures of City funds must be done in accordance with City fiscal requirements. A detailed financial report will be presented at each semiannual Neighborhood Council meeting.
Amendments
Proposed amendments to the Bylaws shall be presented for discussion at a regular meeting of the Neighborhood Council and those amendments must be available in written form at least 14 days prior to the Council meeting at which they are to be voted on. At least a 2/3 vote of those present and voting is required to adopt any amendment to these bylaws.
City Ordinance
ORDINANCE NUMBER __3030____
AN ORDINANCE CREATING CHAPTER 1.18 OF THE MISSOULA MUNICIPAL CODE TO BE ENTITLED NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCILS AND THE COMMUNITY FORUM.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSOULA THAT CHAPTER 1.18 MISSOULA MUNICIPAL CODE BE ESTABLISHED TO STATE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 1.18.010 Purpose
A) The City of Missoula recognizes that our democracy is enriched by the active participation of an informed citizenry. Therefore, it is the purpose of this ordinance to strengthen neighborhood participation in City governance where such participation exists, and to encourage and support neighborhood participation in City governance where it does not yet exist.
B) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 6.1(2) of the Missoula City Charter, Neighborhood Councils are hereby established to provide a structure for increased citizen participation in the governance of the City, and to build cooperation and improved communication between citizens and City officials.
C) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 6.1(4) of the Missoula City Charter, A Community Forum is hereby established to provide an arena for Neighborhood Councils to come together, share information, and make recommendations to the City government on neighborhood or citywide issues.
D) Neighborhood Councils and Leadership Teams are encouraged to build opportunities for neighborhood communication, neighborhood-initiated projects, interaction, and problem-solving.
Section 2. Section 1.18.020 Definitions
A) Neighborhood Council - all residents and one representative of all businesses, schools, neighborhood associations, churches, and other organizations physically located in one of the neighborhood districts.
B) Community Forum - a body consisting of one representative selected from each Neighborhood Council.
C) Regularly or regular basis - reporting information on neighborhood and citywide issues with sufficient frequency and consistency for citizens to engage in informed participation in the City policy making process.
D) Timely or timely manner - reporting information on neighborhood and citywide issues in sufficient time for citizens to engage in informed participation in the City policy making process.
E) Modified town meeting process - consists of three key features: (1) all members of the Neighborhood Council, as defined in (A) above, who attend meetings shall participate in the conduct of business and the process of deliberation and decision making; (2) each leadership team shall make every reasonable effort to provide members with timely notice regarding the location and agenda of all Neighborhood Council meetings; (3) Neighborhood Council meetings shall be conducted by a moderator selected by the Neighborhood Council.
F) Neighborhood Coordinator-A liaison under the supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer who facilitates communication between the City government and the Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum, pursuant to Article VI, Section 6.2(8) of the Missoula City Charter.
Section 3. Section 1.18.030 Authority
A) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum may advise the City government on neighborhood and citywide issues.
B) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum may adopt bylaws governing the conduct of its business. Such bylaws shall be approved by the City Council.
C) Each Neighborhood Council may modify its boundaries in accordance with its bylaws, subject to the approval of the Community Forum.
D) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum may Submit a budget proposal each year pursuant to the City-established review processes and procedures for consideration, review and approval by the Mayor and City Council. Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum may spend any moneys allocated and approved by the City Council in accordance with State Law and City purchasing policies and procedures. Neighborhood Council and Community Forum spending is subject to the oversight of the City Council.
E) Each Neighborhood Council and Community Forum may apply for, receive and expend grant funds and other donations in accordance with State Law and City purchasing policies and procedures.
F) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum may act, in accordance with law, to increase citizen participation in the governance of the City and to enhance communication between citizens and City officials.
G) The Neighborhood Councils, the Community Forum, and the Neighborhood Coordinator shall have the authority to call a meeting of a neighborhood council meeting.
Section 4. Section 1.18.040 Duties
A) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum shall advise the City government on neighborhood and citywide issues. Each Neighborhood Council or the Community Forum shall determine the issues on which advice will be given. Those members of a Neighborhood Council or the Community Forum who disagree with advice to be given to the City government shall have a reasonable opportunity to produce a minority report. If such a minority report is produced it shall accompany the advice submitted to the Citygovernment.
B) The Community Forum shall be a venue for Neighborhood Councils to share skills and information. The Community Forum shall be a place for neighborhoods to discuss neighborhood issues with multi-district or citywide implications, and shall be a place where neighborhoods may seek community-wide support for projects and goals. The Community Forum shall observe the operation of the Neighborhood Councils system and make recommendations for changes to Neighborhood Councils, City officials, and the City Council.
C) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum shall report to the City government regarding concerns and interests of the residents in the neighborhoods and in the City as a whole on a regular basis, and in a timely manner.
D) Each Neighborhood Council shall make every reasonable effort to provide eligible members with timely information regarding City-initiated projects which impact the neighborhood.
E) All residents, property owners, and one representative from each business, school, , and other organizations physically located in a neighborhood district shall be eligible for voting and decision making in the Neighborhood Council. No person shall have more than one vote. No age limit shall be placed on that participation.
F) Each Neighborhood Council shall select one person and one alternate to serve as its representative on the Community Forum.
G) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum shall strive to increase citizen participation in the governance of the City.
H) Neighborhood Councils and Leadership Teams are encouraged to build opportunities for neighborhood communication, neighborhood-initiated projects, interaction, and problem-solving.
Section 5. Section 1.18.050 Leadership Team
A) Each Neighborhood Council shall select a leadership team in accordance with its bylaws to perform administrative functions on behalf of the Neighborhood Council.
B) A leadership team shall consist of between five and seven persons. Each Neighborhood Council shall structure the team according to the Council's needs.
C) The functions of a leadership team shall include, but shall not be limited to: convening and administering Neighborhood Council meetings; establishing a nominating committee to seek candidates for leadership team positions and for the Community Forum representative and alternate; communicating with City government and with Neighborhood Council members; communicating with the Community Forum and with theNeighborhood Coordinator; assisting in establishing and implementing communication system components such as telephone trees, an annual survey, neighborhood kiosk; promoting participation in City governance; and establishing committees to carry out these and other functions as appropriate.
D) Neighborhood Councils and Leadership Teams are encouraged to build opportunities for neighborhood communication, neighborhood-initiated projects, interaction, and problem-solving.
Section 6. Section 1.18.060 Meetings
A) Neighborhood Council meetings shall be conducted using a modified town meeting process. All members of the Neighborhood Council, as defined in Section 1.18.020(A) above, who attend meetings shall participate in the conduct of business and the process of deliberation and decision making.
B) Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum shall establish rules for decision making and adopt bylaws subject to the approval of the City Council. Suggestions for bylaws may be found in the Neighborhood Councils handbook.
C) Each Neighborhood Council will meet at least once per calendar year.
D) All Neighborhood Council and Community Forum meetings shall be advertised and conducted in accordance with relevant city, state, and federal statutes including the Montana Open Meeting Law, Public Participation in Government Operations statute, and the Americans With Disabilities Act, and in accordance with Neighborhood Council or Community Forum bylaws. Each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum shall be responsible for fulfilling city, state, and federal meeting notification and location requirements. Official records including meeting minutes, agendas and bylaws of Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum shall be filed by the City Clerk in accordance with state law.
E) All decisions regarding budgetproposals; selection of leadership team members; selection of the Community Forum representative; and advice to the City government shall be made by a meeting of the Neighborhood Council and shall not be delegated to any individual or subcommittee.
Section 7. Section 1.18.070 Boundaries
A) Every part of the City shall be included in a neighborhood district. Neighborhood district boundaries shall not overlap.
B) Initial boundaries for each neighborhood district shall be established as delineated in the Neighborhood Council Proposal Map of March 19, 1997.
C) Each Neighborhood Council may change its boundaries in accordance with its bylaws, subject to the approval of the Community Forum.
D) Each Neighborhood Council shall review its boundaries at least once every two years. Neighborhood Councils shall make recommendations for boundary changes subject to the approval of the Community Forum.
Section 8. Section 1.18.080 Responsibilities of the City
A) The City of Missoula shall work with each Neighborhood Council and the Community Forum to strengthen neighborhood participation in City governance where such participation exists, and to encourage and support neighborhood participation in City governance where it does not yet exist.
B) The City of Missoula shall provide information on City and neighborhood issues to all Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum regularly and in a timely manner. The City shall make every reasonable effort to provide Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum timely information regarding City-initiated projects which impact their neighborhood. Any additional notification shall be made at important project milestones (if any) and whenever communications are required by ordinance.
C) To ensure that the City is able to comply with paragraph (B) above, the City of Missoula shall examine its project development schedules and alter these schedules to conform with the following standard: that project development schedules include early notification and time sufficient to enable citizens to participate in an informed manner in the policy making process concerning projects under development.. All project development schedules initiated one year following this examination shall conform to the standard contained in this paragraph, except projects initiated during and in response to a City emergency. Such emergency projects shall be exempt from the communication process described in this ordinance.
D) The City-initiated projects to which paragraphs (B) and (C) above refer include, but are not limited to:
Wastewater Facilities Plan Updates
Amendments to Zoning Plans
Annexations (10 parcels or more)
Annual Sidewalk Program
Annual Street Maintenance Program
CIP Hearings
Community Development Block Grant Special Meetings
Comprehensive Planning Changes
SID Maintenance Districts (perpetual)
Zoning and Rezoning Requests and proposals
Legal Notifications from City Clerk
New Special Improvement Districts
Park Development Projects
Subdivision Proposals
Annual Snow Removal Plan Modifications
Street Vacations
Transportation Master Plan Amendments
Non-motorized Master Plan Modifications and Implementation of Major Projects
Annual Transportation Improvement Program
E) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 6.2(8) of the Missoula City Charter, the city shall designate a liaison between City government and the Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum. This position shall be known as the Neighborhood Coordinator. The Neighborhood Coordinator shall report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer. The Neighborhood Coordinator shall work directly with Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum to: strengthen neighborhood participation where it exists and encourage neighborhood participation where it does not yet exist; train participants; promote inclusiveness; facilitate communication between Neighborhood Councils, the Community Forum, and the City of Missoula; and in general coordinate the functioning of the Neighborhood Council system. .
F) The City Council shall provide funding reasonable and sufficient to support the efforts associated with the formation and operations of Neighborhood Councils and the Community Forum.
Section 9. Section 1.18.090 Implementation
A) Nothing in this ordinance shall preclude any individual or individuals from access to, or participation with, the City Council, the Mayor, or City departments.
B) The Neighborhood Coordinator shall be designated no later than October 31, 1997.. The first Neighborhood Council meeting will be conducted no later than March 31, 1998. The first Community Forum meeting will be conducted no later than May 31, 1998. The Community Forum will review the operation of the Neighborhood Councils system and report on that operation to the City Council no later than May 31, 1999. To facilitate the start-up process, Neighborhood Council leadership teams may consist of as few as three persons through May 31, 2000.
C) Paragraph (C) above and this paragraph will be stricken from this ordinance upon completion of the tasks listed in paragraph (C) above.
Section 10. Section 1.18.100 Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, and words thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or words have been declared invalid or unconstitutional, and if for any reason this ordinance should be declared invalid or unconstitutional, then the remaining ordinance provisions will be in full force and effect.
PASSED by a 10 Ayes, 0 Nayes, 1 Present, and 1 Absent vote and
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR THIS __19th___ DAY OF _May____, 1997.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
______________________________ _________________________
Martha L. Rehbein (City Clerk) & Mike Kadas (Mayor)
