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<p class=MsoNormal>Greetings,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>This morning we started with a brief item in public safety
to adjust our garbage ordinance so it only applies within the city limits.
There was a provision that made it apply for a few miles outside the city
limits which created complications for the work that is going into revising the
ordinance to address bear concerns. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Then in conservation we approved a contract to study how to
compost all the wood waste at the Champion site. There is something like a
million yards of woodchips out there that are an impediment to building the riverfront
park. We also have a problem in all of our parks that there is only about two
inches of topsoil. So we commissioned a study to look into a way to
convert all the wood chips into topsoil. The whole subject is pretty interesting.
We veered into citizen compost collection, deer carcass composting, waste water
sludge, partnering with Eko compost, the leaf collection program, and a few
other things. Who knew we could get so excited about compost?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>In PAZ we appointed John Paoli to an alternate position on the
historic preservation commission. It was one of the better interviews we have had
in a while. I think he will be a great asset. We also had a couple of plat
extensions for projects that were looking for more time. When they file final
plat they have to put in all the infrastructure investments. We have seen a lot
of projects lately that are wanting to put off that investment a little longer
to see what happens in the housing market.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>In Public Works we revisited the issue with the new project
on Nora street where the developer wants some public right of way to use as
private parking. The committee was not really interested in giving that
away. The idea was floated to just give them a permit to use the space for
parking for some period of time. This appeared to be agreeable with everyone so
we directed staff to work out the details. This way they get the dedicated
parking to help bring in the retail businesses they need but we keep our
options open for the future as this neighborhood continues to change.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>We also considered the safe routes to school grant which has
attracted some controversy lately. We got the word that we could pull the bulb
outs out of the project and apply the money to curb ramps without violating the
grant application contract. So we approved it with the understanding that there
may be some changes in the actual plans. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Right now I am at the League of Cities and Towns annual meeting
in wonderful Great Falls. We spent the evening in the Sip and Dip Lounge.
Behind the bar there is a big window looking into a pool where they have
mermaids swimming and there is this elderly lady who plays Johnny Cash tunes on
an organ with a polka beat. I hear she has been doing it for forty years. It is
pretty surreal. I recommend the place to anyone who finds themselves spending
the night in Great Falls. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>But while I am here for the next couple of days I hope to
speak to my counterparts from other Montana cities to find out how they do what
they do. Every so often people bring up stuff about how great the other cities
are. Like how Billings runs their whole planning department with three people.
And how Bozeman has conquered the family definition conundrum. If people have
things they would like me to ask the mayors/managers/councilpeople from around
the state, please let me know.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Thanks for your interest,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Bob Jaffe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Missoula City Council, Ward 3<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>1225 South 2nd West<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Missoula, MT 59801<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>(406) 728-1052<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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