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

City of Bigfork

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting February 6, 2008

Members Present: Gus David, Amy Tendrup, Ann McGarry, Richard Salmi and Lonnie Kacon

Members Absent: none

Also Present: none

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

Motion to approve January 2, 2008 minutes by Tendrup, seconded by Kacon, motion carried unanimously (MCU).

Animal Ordinance: It was determined that input would be solicited from the Police Department on what this ordinance should entail.

Mobile Home Park Regulations: At the request of the Commission and Council, City Attorney Andy Shaw had written the owners of the mobile home park regarding the dilapidated vacant structures and apparent deficient water supply within the park. The owners had replied to Shaw stating that Itasca County would not allow them to move the trailers as taxes were due on them. They also reported that the managers of the park indicate to them that there is no problem with the water pressure. Shaw requested that the City investigate this and get back to him. Tendrup suggested that Police Chief Babcock be asked to work with the County on getting the dilapidated and hazardous trailers moved. David suggested that the Public Works Department measure the water pressure at various locations within the park and report the information to Shaw.

Sign Ordinance Review - Banners: Storlie provided copy of the current sign ordinance for review. A question was posed at the last meeting on whether or not the City should regulate banners. It was determined that the banners that are currently up are not a problem and the City will continue to exclude them from the ordinance until such time as they might become a problem.

Hall Use Fee for Fundraisers: Storlie reported that a request had been received for use of the City Hall for a fundraiser. The current policy is that there is no charge for the use of the Hall for a benefit and Storlie questioned if the same policy related to fundraisers. The Commission felt that groups should be able to use the Hall free of charge for this type of event, however a deposit should still be collected in case there are any damages to cover.

Tendrup reported that there needed to be better provision of garbage bags and other cleaning supplies to renters of the Hall and better direction given on what exactly to clean and what to do with the garbage.

Storlie informed the Commission that the March meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2008.

David asked about the new $3.00 per month street light fee. He suggested that the City look into obtaining more energy efficient lighting to help keep costs down. Salmi and Tendrup both felt there were some lights that could be turned off.

David asked about parking in alleyways and reported he is unable to access his property due to the bandwagon parked in the alley. Storlie reminded the Commission that this had been discussed a number of months ago and Shaw's recommendation at that time was that the City should do nothing due to the fact that the bandwagon was parked in the platted alley which is not what is actually used as the alley to drive on. David will talk with the owner of the bandwagon to see if he can resolve the problem.

Salmi informed the Commission that a hangar at the airport was for sale. He suggested looking to see if grants are available to purchase this hangar.

Salmi was anxious to get something done with the City properties on Cedar Street. He suggested forgiving the assessments to attract purchasers. Kacon suggested talking with Habitat for Humanity to see if they would be interested in purchasing them for additional Habitat homes in the area. Motion to make the recommendation that the City Council consider dropping the assessments, lowering the purchase price, or working on a possible trade/purchase with Habitat for Humanity by Tendrup, seconded by Kacon, MCU.

Salmi felt that the City needed someone with political influence to work with legislators and Iron Range Resources to get more money for the City's needs.

The Planning Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Angie Storlie

City Clerk/Treasurer