DRAFT – These minutes are not official until approved at the next regular Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

City of Bigfork

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting October 6, 2009 Bigfork City Council Chambers

Members Present: Gus David, Lonnie Kacon, Roger Logdahl, Ann McGarry, and Amy Tendrup Members Absent: None Also Present: City Clerk/Treasurer Mike McKinney

Chairman Gus David called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

1. Approval of September 1, 2009 Minutes

Motion to approve the September 1, 2009 minutes by Kacon, seconded by McGarry, motion carried unanimously (MCU).

Logdahl suggested that the issue of annexation be put on hold. Tendrup noted that the consensus of the Commission has concurred with this position.

Logdahl asked whether the ordinances on water and sewer accounts and disconnections have been updated to reflect past Commission recommendations. Staff stated that the water and sewer ordinances have been updated and are ready for City Council review. Tendrup noted that the Council would have to review and approve any changes to the ordinances. Logdahl noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission would provide a recommendation and the Council could act upon that recommendation.

2. Bigfork Valley Resource Group Sign Permit Application

Tendrup noted that the bank issued a letter in support of this sign application. Tendrup noted that the application looked to be in order. Staff noted that the only item not included in the application was a depiction of what the building-mounted sign would look like.

Staff noted that the payment for the application has not yet been submitted.

Tendrup asked whether the organization was a non-profit group. Tendrup stated that there is no indication if the building is still for sale.

Tendrup noted that the City must carefully consider whether to allow too many properties to be removed from the tax rolls due to their non-profit status. Discussion continued on the issue of communities assessing fees for various city services

Motion to approve the application, contingent upon receipt of the application fee, by Tendrup, MCU.

3. Other Business:

David asked whether Dick Salmi was still a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Logdahl stated that he is still on the Commission, but is unable to attend due to health issues.

Logdahl reported that work at the airport seems to be on schedule or at worst a little behind. He noted that the base course has been laid and the wear surface should be laid shortly. He noted that lights are also being installed. Kacon asked whether the condemnation proceedings on a property adjacent to the runway property are having an impact on the runway installation. Logdahl replied that work on the runway is proceeding, even though the property in question is still privately owned and lies within the runway safety zone. Logdahl noted that the property in question is composed of trees and brush, which must be cleared for planes to use the new runway. Kacon noted that there were problems with peat that was uncovered during runway reconstruction. David asked if dirt removal for the runway was completed. Logdahl stated that this was the case. David asked if the blacktop surface was a high-quality surface. Logdahl stated that this was the case and that the surface would be less susceptible to cracking. David asked if the runway would be full length. Logdahl stated that the runway would be 4,000 feet in length.

Staff asked for clarification on the issue of water and sewer utility disconnections. Tendrup stated that users must be paid in full and current by April 15 in order to avoid disconnection of water and sewer service. Logdahl noted that the intention is to avoid allowing a long grace period to repay delinquent charges.

Tendrup noted that the City must also consider residents that may not be able to pay their water and sewer bills due to financial hardship. Kacon noted that residents can take steps with the utility to avoid service disconnections. David noted that there was a provision for individuals having problems paying their bills. Tendrup noted that she believed the provision was removed was the City Code. David instructed staff to investigate whether this was indeed the case.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2009.

Michael McKinney City Clerk/Treasurer