The Weekly Update- August 10,2012
Electric City Power-Just a reminder that there will be an Electric City Power meeting on Monday, August 13, at 5:30p.m.
Growth Policy Update - There was a great turnout for the Growth Policy Update Community Open House on Monday, August 6. The City of Great Falls is updating its Growth Policy as required by Montana State law. The City's Growth Policy is an official document, formally adopted by the Commission that helps plan for the community's future. It recommends a set of goals, actions and strategies intended to manage development and promote the best possible future for the citizens of Great Falls. Public participation is a critical component of the update process. Residents are being asked to complete a survey which can be found at http://www.visionwestmt.com/gfmp.htm.
Summer Reading Bash-On Wednesday, August 15, the Great Falls Public Library is hosting a Summer Reading Bash in the Library Park from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature a variety of activities including a dunk tank (featuring a number of willing participants including the Deputy City Manager), clowns, games, contests, prizes and entertainment. Event goers can test their skills in an obstacle course, try out the frozen t-shirt contest, or even pitch water balloons. Don't miss the fun!
Jack Hanna -The Great Falls Advertising Federation invites you to their Celebrity Celebration featuring special guest Jack Hanna on Tuesday, August 14, at 7 p.m. in the Mansfield Theatre. Animal expert "Jungle Jack" Hanna is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the human and animal worlds. Tickets are $25.
Attachments:
1. Letter from the Montana Air National Guard regarding request for confirmation of right to opt out of long term power supply agreement. 2. Handouts from the Mid-Year Update to the Economic Outlook. 3. Letter to the Animal Foundation agreeing to contribute funds for an upcoming Spay ofthe Falls Clinic. 4. Letter from the Montana Department of Transportation regarding the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 2F' Century Act. 5. Correspondence regarding the termination of contract between Emergency Physicians, PC, and Benefis Hospital. 6. Association of Defense Communities Annual Conference Trip Report. 7. Handouts from the August 7, 2012, City Commission meeting. 8. Press Release- City League Fall Volleyball Registration. 9. Press Release- Under the Stars Dance Party at the Electric City Water Park. 10. Press Release-Register now for Fall Co-Ed Softball League.
A Weekly Report to the Great Falls City Commission t ( ·. 5"~ -\un J ~ J V"'-<..1 r-VJlt ,~:~~ ~c... J} ( Co·~~- 6~ .- -, ""-.- 1·
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE MONTANA AIR NATIONAL GUARD HEADQUARTERS 120TH FIGHTER WING 2800 AIRPORT AVE B GREAT FALLS, MT 59404-5570
6 Jun 2012
MEMORANDUM FOR Melissa Kinzler, Fiscal Services Director City of Great Falls and Electric City Power
FROM: J. PETER HRONEK, Colonel, MTANG Commander, 120th Fighter Wing
SUBJECT: Electric City Power Contract Termination
1. Reference letter dated August 1 , 2011, Subject: Request for Confirmation of Right to Opt Out ofLeng Term Power Supply Agreement. Please be advised that the Montana Air National Guard will be implementing the notice given last year and terminating the Electric City Power electrical supply and transmission services contract effective October 1, 2012. 2. l appreciate the time spent by the City of Great Falls in resolving this issue and look forward to a eontinued positive relationship in the future. smiJ>{
XER HRONEK Colone, ANG Commander, 120th Fighter Wing
1 Attachment: Opt put letter dated August 1, 201 1 cc: . BG Brad Livingston Col ~ryan Fox Col ~ete Hronek Col Matt Lynde RECEIVED Col Troy Frost LtCol Beverly Schneider AUG t 0 2012 LtCol Ryck Cayer CaptiKen Fechter ClTY lviA"lAGER Mr. Oreg Doyan Mr. lim Santoro Mr. Mike Manion DEPARTlVlENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS
BRIAN SCHI'IPIT:::ER APMED I-t·RCES RESERVE CENTER G0VERN~1P STATE OF MONTANA ------OFF:::O; 0F 'rn,Js A!J.JUTl .N r GENE".IU\L !J ... O . £HJX ;;.·. · ,::, ~ BklChl(TER GENERAL JOHN E. WALSH FC'l~'/:· ~ISON, MONTANA ~: :~ :' :-. f; · n e ~ :.J <:. C. ) .~~~- 1 1)0 ;) Fi.Y.. { .. 06) J .j4 - 3011
TO: Melissa Kinzler, Fiscal Services Director City of Great Falls and Electric City P~EC'EJVED FROM: J. PETER HRONEK, Colonel, MTANG AUG 1 0 2012 Commander, 120th Fighter Wing
DATE: August 1, 2011 CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: Request for Confirmation of Right to Opt Out of Long Term Power Supply Agreement
Thank you for your letter of July 18, 2011, addressed to Mr. Corey Halverson, describing the intentions of Electric City Power (ECP) regarding future rates, administrative charges, and debt retirement obligations . May we impose on you to change the address in your directory to reflect that Capt Ken Fechter is now the utility contact at the 120th Fighter Wing, Montana Air National Guard (hereinafter referred to as "120 FW" } rather than Mr . Halvorson?
While not admitting or denying that the 2007 Amended Great Falls International Airport Authority Long Term Power Supply Agreement (hereinafter referred to as ''Agreement ") is a legally binding contract, please be advised that this letter constitutes notice that 120 FW is exercising the "Opt Out" pr.ovision found in the Agreement on Page 5, Article III, Section 3 . 4 Construction of HGS, which states: "If for any r eason physical , on-site construction of HGS has not begun by October 1, 2012, Customer may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice to Electric City; provided however, that such termination may not be effective any sooner than one (1) year from the date of such notice."
120 FW is exerc1s~ng this right as it has been determined that HGS will never been constructed, and as such, 120 FW does not have to wait until October 1, 2012, to provide the one year opt out notice. Accordingly, if not sooner determined that 120 FW is not contractually bound in this agreement, this Agreement will be terminate on 1 August 2012. The 12 0 th Fighter Wing, Montana Air National Guard has enjoyed what we hope has been a mutually beneficial relationship with Electric City Power. However, with the volatility of supply rates, and other unknown considerations mentioned in your letter regarding legal and administrative costs, we are exercising our right to the one-year termination provision at this time.
Sincerely,
Colonel, MTANG Commander, 120th Fighter Wing 2 8/7/2012
2012 MID-YEAR UPDATE TO THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Hosted by: Montana University of the Montana Chamber Foundation & Helena Chamber of Commerce Presented by: The University of Montana Bureau of Business & Economic Research
Chamber of Commerce
The National and Statewide Economic Outlook
PATRICK M. BARKEY, DIRECTOR BUREAU OF BUS. & ECON. RESEARCH THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
1 8/7/2012
Another Mid-Year Economic Malaise f------;Q,r------·--t o Very weak consumer spending brings U.S. growth below 2 percent in second quarter o European recession, prospect of currency crisis hangs over global economy o Western states doing better o Inflation remains a non-issue o Housing is healing
~ -~ ~-·~::!~- -'--'-- ~ - - - =.- -- ~
Faster Growth Postponed Again ------:_(.a ··- -,r---.. -- Percent 4.0 .,.------Actual Forecast
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1.0
05
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2 8/7/2012
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Percent The Rise and Fall of Europe ~--·------~t) ~------~ 35,------~~------
lntrO Greece ~+#~~~4r.~-~------1---4+~~~rt~l Ireland Spain 5 t--...... :....~~~~~~¥~~;;;;;;;;:;:::::;;;;;;;:;?"""'~~~~!!X. Italy .- , -;. France 0 4-~--~~--...----.---...----.---~~----~----~----~~--...,-~~-~ Germany 1994 1995 1996 1.997 1M w.J9 ZOllO 1001 Z002 1003 2004 2005 2006 2007 1001 2009 ZD10 2011 ZOlZ 3 8/7/2012 U.S. Housing Price Appreciation Closer /0.~·------ 0 +---.-.JI.-.-~~~~.---.-~~~~~~~~~~ --10-city -20-city ~~------ Montana The Good • Income growth looks • Spring/Summer has strong been very dry • Job market is healing • Retail remains very weak • Housing prices • Global economic beginning to recover concerns affecting energy • Energy investment is and commodity prices robust 4 8/7/2012 e Western States fll4llmlttt A§«lf Get involved. Get informed. Get answers. www.wsr-tnsurance.com• • Personal • Business • Employee Benefits Income Tax Withholding 12 totals 5 8/7/2012 IM~I Rolanef R A.-: "riekl Jr from Crow A- ••nc::v. Man!ana Rollll'ld hM we !!~eel at C'Joucr PN'k; Energy·• Sptng CrH'k Mll'lelOJOYiftt lhfecye11fS M • Drll:r.e)Mt·:har.lo:: f'.i CLOUD PEAK Roland Is Montana Coal. aNIIIIIY" Cleu:l PeM E:Mf1W is CWI'I18f -ott oper•lor ot Ule www.cloudpeakenergy.com Spn~ Cni:.:DI Mu·-. -.~e:-1 Al .tr llretl::iwil MD(llana Julv 24, 2012 U.S. Dro y;lld h.m. EDT ~~ -~ ...... lt!!t!J.'ilt. ~~!t [j DO Abnormally Dry rJ Delnnles-oncl..,- r_: 01 01'0UQh1· M~te S•ShOII·Torm.~ct.-t" ~j 02 Dlought • Severe (t.g ~ • .,...... ) 03 OIOught • Extreme 8 L• Long.Torm.l)opiCII!Iy >6- ~ 04 Drouohl • E.xc:eptionat C•-0 hVta'aloW. ocolotl'll The Dmaght Moni/ot focut!ss on biOIJd..saJie oondilions. LoaJ/ t:Otlditions may 1/81)'. See at:eompall}'I'IIQ' teJrt summary for folf!C8S111.temenls Releesed Thursday, July 2fi, 2012 http:lldroughtmonltor.unl.edul AUfllor. If/Chard Helm, NOAAINESDISIHCDC 6 8/7/2012 Housing Price Index, 2000Qt-20t2Qt 1995Q1•100 uo~ ~--Missoula ·Mom.na Non-mfllro --Mom.na / 200 ~Mouiit.m·su..-·--·-·-·- :> -us 175 ...... _ .... BlueCros BlueShie... ._. ofMon~ ...L~ Live Smart. Live Healt hy.® '"Registered Marks of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. ®UVE SMART. LIVE HEALTHY. is a registered mark o~ Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, an independent ;;censee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 7 8/7/2012 Commodity Prices: Favorable to Montana? _____.iO.r- Materials & Foodstuffs Metals & Enei'IY (as of June 2.012) (as ofJune ZOU) Low Hi&h Lumber Copper ($ perlhau1and BF) ($ porMetri Barley Lead ($per buillel) ($ per Met>!< Too) us Beef Zinc ($ }Jet Pound) ($per Motri Wheat Oil ($ per bushel) 1$ per Barrel) 4.2!!· -11.!17 ~. ,,s. · 1':-,----- r ~ :: :__ -- -' --A , - . Question #1: Is the Montana Energy Boom Real? 8 o"' ~ ~ ~ nt ~~ 0 ~ B; s m 1/1/1!192 . Jan-1992 9/1/1!192 Sep-1992 5/1/1!193 May-1993 1/1/1!194 Jan-1994 9/1/1994 Sep-1994 5/1/UrJS MaJr-1995 i t:;;;or 1/l/1!19fi Jan-1996 j' ~ 9/1/l99fi Sep-1996 8 t:;;;or Mlly-1997 . ~ ...... 5/1/1!1'11 i ~ JaD-1998 I ~ S' 1/1/Uf8 'I ~ Sep-1998 I ~ ~ 9/1/19911 I'"+ May-1999 >< ~ 5/1/1!199 J § Jan-2000 "' 0 1/1/211111J ~ s~p-2ooo . ~ ~ 9/1/211111J 0 Mq-2001 1 ~ ~ 5/1/2110l , ~ ..,. • Jan-aooa ~. ~ t:S 1/1/1.001. ~a·, ~---~ Sep-2002 .0 ~ o.. 911/1.002 · ._ . , t;j May-aooa ·, . ~ 0 T ::::! Jan-11004 T ~ ~ 5/1/21103 I d Sep-2004 I \0 00 1/1/21104 s• May-2005 \0 ~ 9/1/2004 aq Jan-2006 W 1-1 5/1/2005 1%:1 Sep-20o6 ~ 8. 1/1/2006. ~-- May-200'7 0 ~ 9/1/2006 ~ Jan-aoo8 0 Q 5/1/2007 Sep-aooB ! P". 1/1I2D08 May-2009 I 0 Jan-ao•o I ~ Sep-2010 May-aon Jan-2012 ~:~~ Fl I ~ I I I II II ~ ~ "' ~ ~ 0 ~ ~ l'oJ 8/7/2012 Montana Oil Well Permits Issued 2008-2012 1st Half of Year and Full Comparisons ~------_) 2011 1110 50 0 ZDOI ZOO!I ZD10 ZD11 ZOll • The above chart shows the number of oil well permits issued by the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation between 2008-2012. The blue bars show the number of pennits granted in the first half of each year and the red bars show the total for each year. In the first halfof2012, 225 permits were authorized, which is nearly as much as the 232 permits provided in all of 2ou. 10 8/7/2012 Personal Income Percent Change, 2009-2010 r------·o------i Question #2: Is there any reason to think this boom is any different? 11 8/7/2012 70 2500 eo zooo so 40 1500 •zoos !i 2008 30 i1 2035 1000 11 2035 20 500 10 0 0 u.s. China u.s. China Labor Income and Basic Industries, Montana Pert:ent Prpspects 100 !10 strong Growth 10 70 60 so 40 10 10 12 8/7/2012 Change in Nonfarm Earnings, Montana, 2009-2015 r------'/Q ,J------i Actual Projected 0 -1 -z -3.3 -4 - ·· . '09 '10 '11 'U '13 '14 '15 Recovery Year for Real Wages 13 8/7/2012 Midyear Update to the Economic Outlook "Waiting for Election" Webb Brown Montana University of the Montana Chamber Foundation US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Outlook Survey Started in April, 2011 Conducted quarterly (July 2-9 latest) 1,225 small business owners and execs Sampling error of+/· 2.5% 1 80/2012 ; -~ ·-~ \... ·• ..i- ..· .; , .' ..., ... ·.f< ,;. -. · -~.~f. US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Outlook Surv~y Are we on the Right Track with Economic Conditions? eo.-~~~~--~~~------ --Rig~l Track US -Rig~l T- Local -~~lg~ITI'ICI 2 8/7/2012 US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Outlook Survey Are You Likely to Add or Lose Employees or Stay the Same? 80 r- - 70 70 ~- --- ·------..,..64 62 63 ..... 64 60 - -.sa 50 40 -+-Add 30 -.-same ....._22 19 , .. 20 -+-Loso 20 ·~ ~ ~e- v :X 10 .... 12 """g 12 l;j 11 ...... 8 Apr'11 Jul'11 Ocl'11 Jan'12 Mar'12 Jul '12 3 8/7/2012 US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Outlook Survey What's the Climate for Small Business over the Next Two Years? ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~------ 15 +------10 +------ Apr'11 Jul '11 OCt~t Mor '12 Jul '12 """ '12 US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Outlook Survey Continued opposition to ACA Concerns: - "Fisca I Cliff" - tax hikes - energy costs concerns http://www.usdtlmber.cam/press/releases/2012/july/smaU-buslnesseHiesltlnt-l\lres~~Y"«Gnomy-tnlck 4 8/7/2012 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey Conducted District-wide November, 2010 Conducted Montana-only June 27-30, 2011 Repeated Montana-only July 10-31, 2012 136 small business owners and execs 5 8/7/2012 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey U.S. Economy U.S. Economy June2011 Nov. 2010 ~, DWell c Poorly 1~, ..·• ...... ,. . . . -.. o Uncertain ·41'11>' U.S. Economy ~"' July 2012 OWe I I:IUnCirtaln TRiBUNE A GANNETT COMPANY www.greatfallstribune.com 6 sn1201 2 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey State Economy State Economy June2011 Nov. 2010 - ... , .... DWell 44% ·'- a:) C! Poorly o Uncertain State Economy I~/ "' July 2012 \\ \ 51%) J / GlaxoSmithKline 7 8/7/2012 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey Local Economy Local Economy June 2011 Nov.2010 DWell 11 Poorly Local ~~BR?,'iWf July 2012 -~. \ ' 58% ) / ....., ...· / Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey Your Business Your Business June 2011 Nov. 2010 DWell E:JPoorly DUncertain Your Business July2012 8 8/7/2012 MONTANA .a CHAMBER CHOICES Powered by BSNEI=JTS GRO U P Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey Business Expectations - Nov. 2010 Business Expectations - June, 2011 44 Produotlvlty 38 ---lEmployment Input coats Business Expectations- July, 2012 24 9 an1201 2 Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Business Confidence Survey Confidence recovering - except US Comments reflect election jitters Congressional action unknown Continuin~, gradual recovery MAKE THE CONNECTION CONNECT TO THE WORLD WHILE YOU SAVE TIME, TRAVEL, AND MONEY. 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MontanaSafetyChoices.com 12 8/7/2012 Cascade County Midyear 2012 By Paul E. Polzin Director Emeritus Annual Percent Change In Nonfarm Earnings (in Constant Dollars) u .------Z009·2011 M ~-----~~------Z002·2004 11.7 6.7 Gallatin Sliver Bow Cascade Yellowstone flathud "-"alii ~ --·--- ~- ~ L-----· ------·----~---- 1 8/7/2012 Non-Farm Employment and Inflation Adjusted Wages and Salaries, Seasonally Adjusted, Cascade County Recession Trough, June 2009 1.~ .-4------ 1.04 ----1------~;>,-\--- 1.02 +--+------.-/----,/ ~- . _. .\ ~ ..,., .... 1 1------~,.._/ . . \ /.- ~ Employment : :; -~' 0.98 +----...... ~~~.....,...... ~--.,....;;;;;;G,;,;;&;=.;...... --~~~-- 0.96 ------·------·----···-··-·-···-· ···· -···-·····- O.M +--+-~--~--~--~---.---r---r---.---,---,---, 09 10 11 Cascade's Economic Base 2009-2012 Feb. '12 Aug. '12 Other 5% Transportation 7% Energy Growth !! State Gov't & Higher Ed. 7% Pay Freeze Pay Freeze Ending Manufacturing• 7% Stable .., Trade Center-Other 7% Stable Weak retail Trade Center-Health 11% Reform? Less discretionary spending Federal Clv. 10% Stable at Best .., Malmstrom AFB 46% Stable, BRAC? .., Construction Not before 2013 0 1ndudes Oil Refinery 2 8/7/2012 Actual and Projected Change in Nonfarm Earnings, Cascade County, 2009-2015 Percent Actual Projected 5 .------~------~------ 4.5 +------~------4 +------··- ···------3.5 +------+------3 +------1------2.5 +------1------=--=-----=-=------=--=-- 2.0 2.0 2 +------~-~~---~--~~-~~--~~r- 1.5 +------'=-=------+-+,, 1 0.5 '09 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 Actual and Projected Change in Nonfarm Earnings, Cascade County, 2009-2015 Percent Actual Projected 5 .------~------~------4.5 +------t------4 +------t------3.5 +------~------3 +---- 1------: ·J.l' :______---~'i , --. ______2.5 : ' • ilo8 a.a a.a 2 ' .. ----r--,---..· 1.5 '=U·6.1 j- 2.o~ ; - ~~7 ·L! ~ 1 [F:; ~~· ------A.a----+---1.· i.= H --- RL_, ' ZJ) tLI _:---. o.~ Ll- 1 , 1'-~- · tJ_ '09 '10 Ill '12 '13 '14 '15 3 8/7/2012 Projected Annual Percent Change In Nonfarm Earnings (in Constant Dollars} 2012-2015 Percent 3.5 --·. ·- -· . - - - . . ··-- .. . - - - ··-· - - -3.3-- 3r------=-- 1 0.5 0 ENERGY QUESTIONS PART II 4 8/7/2012 Energy Volatility; Is Government a Cause or a Remedy? • KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE Nebraska State Government U.S. Government • WIND ENERGY • Expiration of Federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) • California Energy Market • Wind is now 5% oftotal • Goal: Renewables are 33% of total ,. " : · ·~ "'. •--~ Why Should Anyone in Western Montana Care About Energy Development in the Eastern Part of the State? • Tax and Revenue Impacts • Montana's Energy Transportation Systems 5 8/7/2012 Estimated Royalties and Taxes, 20 Million Ton per Year Coal Mine 100 -- Total: 91.6 million 80-- State, 50-8 60 __, 40 __ :·._ ' ~· 0 Montana Board of Investments Loan Programs Funded from the Permanent Coal Tax Trust Fund . "Montana law states that 'the Board shall endeavor to invest 25 percent of the state's Coal Tax Trust Fund in the Montana economy... "' • Business Loan Participation Program • Link Deposit Business Loan Program • Guaranteed Loan Purchase Program • Value-Added Business Loan Program •· Infrastructure Loan Program • Intermediary Relending Loan Program 6 8/7/2012 Future Powder River Coal Market Areas . .,_ ~ 1 ' ."I • " .•: . , o.i" ~ • .' Crude Oil Pipelines I£d-nton I 7 8/7/2012 Petroleum Product Pipeline Colstrip 500 KV Transmission line 8 8/7/2012 What Are The Chances of Another (1980's style) Energy Bust Putting an End to Everything? Price of Oil February 1984 July 1986 -64% $26.00/B $9.25/B July 2008 February 2009 -73% $128.00/8 $35.00/B 9 8/7/2012 U.S. Oil Prices 40 20 0 0 .-4 1111 ~ en .-4 .-4 8N 8N f:. .:.. a. til :Jc a. Gl ...... < Ill Crude Oil Prices, by Grade June 2010 DoO.. ,. .... rrel 100 90 +------80 +------70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 West Texas North Texas Eacle Ford s. Louisiana "-nsas Wyoming No~ Dakota lntennedlate Sweet U&ht Licht Sweet Common South West Sweet Ar.. 10 8/7/2012 Crude Oil Prices, by Grade June 2011 Dd...... 100 -. ~ ------·------·- ····------·------92.16 92.66 92.66 91.16 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 WestTIIUS North Tens E111le Ford 5. Louisiana Kansas Wyoming North Dakota Intermediate SWeet LiCht Ugllt Swt!et Common South West Sweet Area Crude Oil Prices, by Grade June 2012 Dd... perbllmll 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 West Texas North Teos Eagle Ford S. Louisiana Kansas Wyoming No1th Dakota Intermediate Sweet ll&flt Ltsht Sweet Common South West Sweet Area 11 8/7/2012 Crude Oil Prices, by Grade 140 120 100 80 60 40 - West TeXIs Intermediate 20 - Nor1tl Dlllulta Sweet 0 -t----.-··,- 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Questions? 12 8/7/2012 2013 Montana Economic Outlook Seminars Presented by the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research, this half-day seminar and luncheon will highlight economic trends for local, state, and national economies. Bureau economists Patrick Barkey and Paul Polzin will present economic forecasts for each seminar city, and industry experts will provide the outlook for Montana's important sectors: energy, nonresident travel, health care, agriculture, real astata, manufacturing, and forest products. Continuing education credits are available. All seminars are from Bam- 1 pm. For more information, call 406·243-5113 or visit www.bber.umLadu. • Helena •Butte - Tues., Jan. 29, 2013 Thurs., Feb. 7, 2013 • Great Falls - • Kalispell - Wed., Jan. 30, 2013 Fri., Feb. 15,2013 • Missoula •Sidney- Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 Tues., March 12,2013 • Billings ·Miles City - Wed., March 13,20139 Tues., Feb. 5, 2013 • Bozeman Wed., Feb. 6, 2013 13 8 P.O. Box 5021, 59403-5021 August 6, 2012 Ellen Gauthier, Executive Director Animal Foundation of Great Falls PO Box 3426 Great Falls, MT 59403 Dear Ellen, The City of Great Falls is excited to once again be collaborating with the Animal Foundation on the upcoming Spay of the Falls Clinic taking place on August 25 and 26, 2012 at the ExpoPark. The City has agreed to contribute $5,000 from the Thorndike Trust towards the clinic. The Thorndike Trust was donated to the Great Falls Animal Shelter to benefit the animals in our community and to assist with their care and well being. We appreciate the work the Animal Foundation is doing to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce pet overpopulation throughout our community. Thank you for providing low-cost spay/neuter services for those in Great Falls and the surrounding areas. What your organization accomplishes through the spay/neuter clinics greatly impacts the Great Falls Animal Shelter. Your clinics decrease the number of at-large animals in our community, which in tum reduces the number of animals entering our shelter. In exchange for the City's financial support, the Animal Foundation has agreed to alter thirty cats and dogs from the Great Falls Animal Shelter. Altered animals often have better chances for adoption, as was demonstrated after the May clinic. The Great Falls Animal Shelter agrees that those animals, altered during the Spay of the Falls Clinic, will not be euthanized, barring unforeseen health complications. Staff from the Animal Shelter will be responsible for transporting the animals to the Spay of the Falls Clinic. Lynn Formell, veterinarian technician, will be the contact for all of the Animal Foundation's scheduling and transportation needs. She can be reached at 454-2276. It is our understanding that all shelter cats participating in the clinic will recover at the shelter, while dogs will be placed in a short-term foster care environment. As always, we appreciate the work the Animal Foundation continues to do for our community. We look forward to working with you this month on another successful event. Sincerely, Jennifer Reichelt Deputy City Manager CC: Mayor and City Commission Jamie Bennett, Great Falls Animal Shelter Operations Manager Lynn Formell, Great Falls Animal Shelter Veterinarian Technician 4 fi~ Montana Department of Transportation Timothy W. Reardon, Director M~ ~AI*, ------~~~~2~70~1~P~ro~sp~e~c~tA~v~e~nu=e~~~~------~~~7·a=n~S~ch~w~e~ih~e~~~G~o~ve~m~o~r PO Box 201001 Helena MT 59620- l 00 I August 3, 2012 RECEIVED AUG OG 201L TO: Mayors Board of County Commissions CITY CLERK Transit Agencies Metropolitan Planning Or.gani zations Congress passed and the President recently signed the Moving Aheadfor Progress in the 2ls1 Century Act (MAP-21). MAP-21 is a two-year transportation bill providing funding for federal highway, transit, and safety programs through September 30, 2014. The bill also consolirlates.pr.ograms, pro.vides increased flexibility, and eliminates several discretionary programs. MAP 21 information can be found at the following linlc http://w ww.mdtmtl!ov/mdt/announcement-map2l.shtml .Staff·ofthe r..rontana Department-of T--ransportation (MDT) is in the process of reviewing the Act to determine program implications. When considering implementation of program changes.t:ele v.ant t-G> .-MAP·21, we would appreciate your input. It would be helpful, but not mandatory, to receive your initial comments or questions by August 24 through our MAP 21 web page listed above. The ability to provide input through th(f website will continue beyond this date. MDT intends to assemble the comments received and post to the web page. Answers will be developed over time as we gain a better understanding of MAP 21 and as federal guidance and rules develop. We encourage your input and look forward to hearing from you. CQp.y: Tim Reardon, Director, Montana Department of Transportation Harold Blattie, MACO Alec Hanson, League of Cities & Towns .Urban Area Transportation-P-lanners Tribal Transportation Planners MPO Transportation Planners CTEP Coordinators An Equal Oppottunity Employer RECEIVED 5 AUG 08 2012 CITY CLERK Re: Termination of Contract between Emergency Physicians, PC, and Benefis Hospital Dear Medical Staff member, We would like to express our appreciation for the support that has been given recently and over the last 35 years to our group which has provided emergency room care to the community of Great Falls and North Central Montana. We feel fortunate to have worked with so many dedicated physicians and mid level providers over the 90 plus years of combined service with our current emergency physician group. The quality of health care provided to our community is exceptional, and our group is grateful to have been a part of this medical community. However, as many of you know, our contract for services as an independent ER group has been terminated effective October 1st, 2012. The only option for us to continue to provide emergency services at Benefis Health Care would require us to become employees of Benefis Medical Group. After months of difficult and often hostile negotiations with the current administration, no acceptable contractual agreement could be reached. Our desire to remain an independent unsubsidized group did not fit the plan shared by the current BHC leadership. We would like to take this opportunity now to share with you the details of these negotiations as they have been expressed inaccurately and, on many occasions, dishonestly. Back in 2003, we were approached by Benefis administration to consider taking over the contract for emergency services. Up until then, we had been a contract group who was paid a negotiated amount of money to provide emergency services that were paid out on an annual basis, while Benefis was responsible for the billing, coding and collections for the department. The new contract would require us to not only provide the staffing for the department but be responsible for billing and coding as a business as well. We employed the services of an outside consultant to give direction and determine if this made good business sense. The consultant found multiple deficiencies with the process under the Benefis system at the time, and so the recommendation after significant review was to move forward as a group and take over full business control of physician billing, coding, collections and staffing. This required us to borrow $400,000 in a low interest loan from Benefis to sustain EPPC providers until self sufficient. This came with much anxiety and concern as previous partners from our group had attempted this unsuccessfully several years earlier. Fortunately, we have been successful since 2003 with this current arrangement. In 2006, we were approached by Benefis leadership to provide a 11one-call-does-it-all" referral system to our regional facilities. This was a result of multiple difficulties in transferring patients or obtaining assistance with management of patients in these non-tertiary care hospitals. Some of the specialists and primary care providers were not responding or were reported by these regional providers to be difficult when transfers or assistance were needed. Administration directed the emergency room physicians to take all calls coming to Benefis dispatch operators to facilitate such care and transfers. We reluctantly agreed to this system, but after one year of the "one-call-does-it-all" approach the calls became significant. Review of call logs revealed most ER providers were taking 6-8 incoming calls per 10 hour Shift which usually led to multiple additional calls, as the difficulty with the consultants was just shifted from the regional to the ER providers. EPPC did ultimately negotiate a nominal fee paid by · Benefis Health care to continue this service, yet after 1.5 years it beta me clear that this was still not good patient care. Not only did the ER providers become burdened with managing care outside of the ER which distracted from our emergency room patients, the Benefis providers did not have the chance to discuss patient care directly with the regional providers, particularly in areas outside the scope of emergency medicine where specialty input such as ENT, orthopedics, ophthalmology, etc, could be crucial in decision making, not only in providing emergent care but also in preventing additional cost and inconvenience to patients for any unnecessary Benefis ED evaluations. Furthermore, our malpractice insurance carrier had concerns regarding the liability associated with assisting regional providers with the care they provided without being able to physically examine those patients, and our carrier stated they would not support us with malpractice coverage for services provided under the current "one call" agreement. We therefore notified BH administration of our concerns and plan to discontinue this service due to patient care and liability. Their response was that our group would be terminated before the "one call" service would be terminated. After threats and intimidation on their part, we continued this service. However, in March 2010 with our next contract negotiations arising we restated our position with the "one call" system and were met again with the same response. We even offered to continue with the service if teleconferencing could be arranged by Benefis and the regional hospitals in order to provide greater ability to evaluate patients. Given this option as well as a letter from our malpractice carrier stating their position, administration still did not change their position. Due to BHC administration's unwillingness to negotiate an acceptable "one call" contract, the EPPC group was forced to issue a formal letter in November 2010 indicating we would no longer participate in the current "one call" system as of 1/1/2011 due to patient care issues, liability and lack of malpractice coverage for this service. At some point a committee had even been organized to address the concerns of on-call providers and a "one call" system but was not successful. A consultant was hired by BHC that gave alternative options, all of which were rejected. We have provided a copy of the original letter sent by our malpractice carrier's attorney supporting our position of concern with liability and compromised patient care. Ultimately discussions led to further threats and intimidation by administration. We believe this is one of the major causes for BHC's desire to terminate EPPC due to prior threats made if we did not continue the "one call" system. We contend that not providing this service as dictated by BHC does not change our role as ED providers assisting with patient care in cases where our expertise is truly needed and not just out of convenience. During our recent contract negotiations we have been portrayed as greedy, difficult and obstructive. We would like to clarify further our more recent negotiations. When Benefis offered employment as the only option in our last contract negotiations, this was only offered to 6 of our 8 group members, and it required at least 5 of us to stay as employees or none of us would be offered contracts. Laura Goldhahn requested financial records from us for the past two years so a competitive offer to our individuals could be made. Unfortunately this was provided despite direction otherwise from legal counsel. After months of negotiations and the resignations of the administrative representatives, Dr. Jerry Speer and Mr. Kevin Brooks, neither of whom were on the compensation committee, the direction of the contract changed to an MGMA/AGMA model. The contract for services would be based on collections and billing/coding by BHC themselves. Despite our research, we could find no other employed physician group in the country who was being reimbursed based on collections. Approximately 20-25% of our Income that had already been cut by 5-10% would be tied to collections and additionaiS-10% by performance criteria. Following the resignations of Dr. Speer and Mr. Brooks, our negotiations were taken over by Terry Olinger, and the offer comparable to our verifiable Income provided by financial statements was no longer discussed. Compensation was now to be based on national survey data MGMA/AGMA physician compensation. This data for emergency physician compensation is calculated regardless of board certification, acuity of medical problem, or whether the physician is employed or an Independent contractor or employed by a regional group. This data was not consistent with the current compensation for EPPC physicians verified by financial statements. Mr. Olinger stated this would be the only data used to determine the compensation package. A complicated production (RVU) formula only understood by Mr. Olinger would be used. Performance RVU-based income and any shortage produced by provider on a quarterly basis would be owed back to BMG. The contract would be for a two-year term with 120 day out clause without cause. This was compromised further by last minute changes and language written into the contract the day before the signing due date given to our group. Malpractice nose/tail coverage would not be covered if the provider did not stay the whole two years. As a whole, due to financial risk of not meeting minimal productive requirement and a loss of malpractice coverage it was a unanimous decision by 6 EPPC physicians to decline the offer. In regards to coverage for your emergency department, Benefis has been attempting to recruit ED physicians for the last 12 months and as of 7/1/2012 has not been able to employ a single provider. As you know by now, this has left them with the only other option to contract with a staffing service, Schumacher Group. We had offered our services as EPPC one last time in a final letter to continue with the current contract as an unsubsidized independent group, but expectedly this was declined again by BHC administration. Emergency Physicians, P.C., has been an award-winning contract group excelling in multiple areas of care with the recent award for top 100 hospitals (Healthgrades Emergency Medicine Excellence Award 2010, 2011, 2012). Our reputation for quality of care and service has been acknowledged by our medical staff, community and the regional community of Nortn Central Montana for the last several years. We believe the current environment at BHC is to have all or most physicians in our community employed with BMG. This has been discussed multiple times during our most recent negotiations, and the stated position of the BHC leadership is to employ all of the independent physician groups such as pathology (done), anesthesiology, radiology and emergency medicine. Both the pathology and emergency medicine groups have negotiated unsuccessfully which has resulted in a significant loss of excellent physicians in our community. We can only anticipate there will continue to be a loss of additional highly regarded radiologists and anesthesiologists if this is true. Now with Benefis contracting with Schumacher Group, a regional group based in Louisiana, for ED coverage, the community can expect to see many physicians out of state rotating through its ED with few if any residing in Great Falls. These physicians will not be buying homes, paying taxes, giving to our community businesses or be involved in our community. Additionally, millions of dollars in physician salaries being paid will leave our community. Due to inability to recruit or retain physicians, Benefis already resorts to contracting with multiple providers for locums coverage in several specialties, including neurology, gastroenterology, dermatology, ENT, and now emergency medicine, with radiology and anesthesiology yet to come. Many of these locum physicians do not provide the same service previously provided by our staff providers who have gone on to retire early or leave the area as a result of poor administration planning. I.e., there are cardiothoracic surgeons who do not do vascular procedures, gastroenterologists who do not provide pediatric care, neurosurgeons who do not repair aneurysmal hemorrhages, and surgeons who have been caught on the ski slopes while on call or in the airport leaving early before end of call (oh yes). We encourage all members of our community and medical staff to become informed and hold leadership accountable. Benefis is a community based hospital with a board of directors who should represent our community to ensure quality healthcare and access to patient healthcare. Our opinion is that these responsibilities are not being met and encourage you to voice your concerns regardi.ng the compromised healthcare system here in Great Falls. This is a direct result of the monopolized system desired by the BHC administration, and this Is clearly not in the best interest of our community. While Benefis would have everyone think this new venture of theirs is bringing improved patient care, we ask that you reevaluate the results of their actions in their ongoing monopolization. Again, we would like to extend our thanks to you for all of your support and allowing us to care for your patients in the emergency department. It has been rewarding. Sincerely, Toddg- 4Lt m/IJ/ rxl __flo Ricar~o Vega, D.O. ~;_..-r...,_,~:--- Chad Cochran, M.D. t~ECEIVED Kevin McCafferty, M.D. 1730 41st Street South AUG 07 /.012 Great Falls, MT 59405 CITY CLERK August 2, 2012 Dear Benefis Health System Board Membe~, .•.• / I was extremely disappointed and insulted when I read the August 1 letter from the physician members of the board to the Benefis Medical Staff. It contains several inaccuracies and what I feel are erroneous opinions. Contrary to the claims, there has never been a meeting ofthe general medical staff "to address questions and provide accurate, truthful information". It was suggested at the June or July Executive Committee that such a meeting take place but it never occurred The expressed qpinion that the "Schumacher Group will improve service to the region, reduce wait times in the ER, increase patient satisfaction, and of course provide high quality care and service" is extremely unlikely to prove true. I believe there is a freight train coming and you don't even hear it. I believe that current administrative policies are compromising the quality of medical care at Benefis and in the region. This is not just about the ER. Primary care and specialist availability/call coverage are at an all time low. Ask yourselves why a non-subsidized gro~p with 90+ years ofER experience in Great Falls that has provided high quality (Healthgrades Emergency Medicine Excellence Award 2010, 2011, 2012) ER care since 1973 is suddenly gone. You have provided an audience with the new and unproven Schumacher Group yet have never asked for any information from a group which has provided high quality emergency care for the past 39 years. We have always been-and remain eager to meet with the board and provide the true story. I also find it disheartening that as such critical decisions leading to :the ~nnination of our contract took place not a single meeting with (or even a phone call from from) the CEO occurred. We remain willing and eager to meet with you. There is a disaster coming and the community will be asking the board how this could happen under your watch. I urge you to be prepared with accurate information. I am now in my 281h year of providing emergency care at Deaconess and now Benefis. I have been a strong ambassador for these hospitals throughout my career. You might ask yourselves why I am no longer supportive. I have remained relatively quiet (as has the medical stafl) until now, at least in part because of fear of retaliation from administration, but I for one have had enough. Sincerely, ~~ KevinMcC 6 City Manager's Office Memorandum To: Mayor Winters and Commissioners Cc: David Weissman- Central Montana Defense Alliance Chair Bonnie Keller- Field Director, Senator Baucus Cheryl Ulmer- Field Director, Senator Tester Viv Hammill- Chief of Staff, Governor Schweitzer Mike Haynes - Planning and Community Development Director From: Gregory T. Doyon- City Manager Re: Association of Defense Communities Annual Conference - Trip Report Date: August 9, 2012 A delegation from the Central Montana Defense Alliance attended the Association of Defense Communities Annual Conference in Monterey, California on August 5 ~ 8, 2012. The delegation included: Joe Briggs - Cascade County Commissioner Dave Weissman-Central Montana Defense Alliance Chair Greg Doyon- City Manager Conference Overview The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) is the nation's leading membership organization supporting communities with active, closed and closing defense installations. ADC has over 1,200 members and brings together the diverse interests of communities, the private sector and the military on issues of mission enhancement/realignment, community-based )llartnerships, privatization and closure/redevelopment. ADC's annual conference provides support, knowledge, and experience to defense communities. The conference provided an opportunity for CMDA members to connect with military and civilian representatives from the Air Force, Office of Economic Adjustment, and others. Page 1 of7 Conference Take-Aways • The military branches continue to focus on asset management and/or consolidation, Enhanced Use Leasing, and co-locating operations. • There continues to be a large emphasis on energy conservation and reducing energy costs military wide. • Due to the coming election, there was no interest in pursuing a BRAC round in 2013; however, it is anticipated that there will additional BRAC rounds in the future to re-align military assets and meet defense spending reductions. • The Department of Defense is seeking ''new models" that will reduce base operating costs by cost sharing services with base communities. Session Summary Keynote Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was the conference's first keynote speaker. He commented on the enduring bond between communities and their military installations. The Secretary spoke about his experience with closing Fort Ord in 1994 and the impact on the community of Monterey. Key Points made by Secretary Panetta: • The United States has a "very real fiscal crisis" that will significantly affect the US military. The US is entering a ''period of great challenge." • New defense strategy includes smaller/leaner fighting force that is agile, flexible, and quickly deployable anywhere in the world. • The US will seek technology that gives us a future edge (cyber war). • The US will rebalance its global posture in the Pacific and Middle East since "that's where the problems are." • Military goals include developing innovative partnerships and alliances with allies and creating a rotational force structure. • The military needs to be prepared to confront and defeat more than one enemy at a time. • Achieving the above cannot be made by cutting alone. The US military needs to invest in space, cyber technology, special forces, mobilization technologies, and protecting the industrial base that supports our military. He emphasized, "I'll be damned if we out source our capabilities oversees." • The Secretary stated he follows these guides: o The US will have the strongest military in the world. o The US will not have a "hollow-force structure". o Every area of defense is "on the table" including efficiencies, force structure, modernization, compensation, and health care. Page 2 of7 o US must keep the faith of its military members and their families. • Congress needs to do ''the right thing" and find the courage to make tough decisions. • DoD will review overseas base closures that will reduce overhead and infrastructure. • Decisions will be based on overall military strategy. • Panetta assured ADC attendees that the Office of Economic Development will be there for communities affected by another BRAC round. • He chided Congress by saying they can "go to hell" if they don't address the sequestration issue facing them effective January 1, 2013. He said about sequestration, "Its nuts - like putting a gun to your head - an artificial crisis." Panetta said the cuts would be a "disaster" for the military. Sequestration was designed to get Congress to do the right thing and never designed to be implemented. He received a rousing round of applause by saying that if Congress had an ounce of courage that the men and women in uniform have, they would do the right thing and tackle this matter. • Future hotspots include Yemen, Somalia, North Africa, North Korea, Iran and the Middle East. • Cyberspace is the new battlefield. Panetta commented, "Make no mistake, it's here." "Battles" occur daily with a war on the nation's power grid, utilities, and financial institutions. • Panetta said that the record national debt and political gridlock hurts national defense. Speaker - Lieutenant General Michael Ferriter Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management and Commander of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command Lt. General Ferriter gave the ADC attendees an update on the US Army's installations support programs. He described several programs including the Child/Youth Services Program in schools. The program provides support to students whose mothers/fathers have been repeatedly deployed. He described efforts to the Army to provide recreational services to its members and programs to support survivors of lost soldiers. Defense Budgeting 101 Speakers: David Berteau, Senior Vice President and Director ofInternational Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, DC and Daniel H. Else, Ph.D., Specialist in National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, Congressional Research Service, Library ofCongress, Washington, DC Sequestration was part of the Budget Control Act of2011. Ifleft unresolved it will require (by law) an immediate spending reduction of$500 billion early in 2013. As described by one panelist, the military budget has a lot of inertia, like a train, and it will take some time to stop (make the cuts). The Pentagon has already cut what was described as "the roof' or new spending for next year in anticipation of future budget reductions. The Congressional Super Committee assigned to resolve the budget was unsuccessful in achieving agreement on budget cuts. The Army will likely see more force reductions while the Air Force and Navy (with a new focus on Asia-Pacific) will fare better. The Air Force tried to close 2-3 bases last year and was unsuccessful. A panelist noted that this is a ''political situation that will require a political solution." Page 3 of7 Congressman Sam Farr was in attendance and gave a pathetic explanation of events in Washington related to the budget and impact on the military. If he is reflective ofleadership in Washington, we're in trouble. In short, he was not optimistic that Congress could resolve the matter. He asked local governments for help in pressuring their delegations to action. He offered nothing of substance or any hint of leadership. He left attendees with the impression that we might as well throw our hands in the air and run for the hills. Roundtable with Assistant Secretaries- Assistant Secretary Terry Yonkers, Assistant Secretary ofthe Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics Assistant Secretaries from Army, Navy and Air Force provided an overview of issues facing the respective service branches. I'll focus on Secretary Yonkers remarks, which are highlighted below: • Yonkers theme was "navigating change." He focused on the Air Force's primary goals which included identifying mission priorities, addressing budget cuts, community partnerships, and developing a successful business model for the Air Force. • Air Force's goal is to have a smaller, more lethal force that is ready to respond. He stated that the Air Force has about 25% excess capacity. • Air Force will seek to reduce its persmmel by 10,000 • There will be a "pause" in new military facility construction with a reduction of the overseas footprint. • Yonkers stated the Air Force wanted another BRAC round, but there was very little support for that. Budget reductions, if imposed (sequestration) will have a significant impact on the ability of the Air Force to carry out its missions. • Air Force is seeking municipal partners to provide services to installations - in other words, public/public partnerships. • The Air Force is continuing to explore Enhanced Use Leases (EUL's) to assist with renewable energy projects including geothermal, waste to energy, solar, and an effort to secure energy "independence". One on One Session with Assistant Secretary Terry Yonkers, Assistant Secretary ofthe Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics The CMDA delegation met with the Assistant Secretary and his staff including James Holland Deputy for Installation Policy. Meetings with uniformed/civilian leadership help the CMDA delegation understanding Air Force directives, needs, programs, and challenges. The meetings are critical in developing strong relationships with key officials. CMDA covered a variety of issues with Secretary Yonkers including completion of Joint Land Use Study, implementation efforts of JLUS in the county/city, potential missions for Malmstrom, and the current plan to locate C-130's at Montana Air National Guard. Secretary Yonkers specifically asked for assistance from CMDA to help promote expansion of the Power River MOA. Page 4 of7 One on One Session with Brian Brown, ChiefStrategic Asset Utilization Division, (and Staff) from Air Force Real Property CMDA delegation explored potential EUL options with Malmstrom Air Force Base including alternate/renewable energy sustainability and using the runway (and possibility facilities) for UAV launching and development. The AF Real Property staff encouraged CMDA to be creative in their approach (they are interested in hearing about variety of options) despite some of the potential challenges of establishing a lease on a nuclear installation. Several successful EUL examples were provided included Grand Forks (UAV development, maintenance, warehouse storage, and hypobaric chamber), Edwards Air Force Base (133 acres of concrete reused and sold), Eglin AFB (technology campus). The delegation asked about how to market the assets. It was suggested that the community develop a strong working relationship with base leadership and that the local development agency understand what assets are available foraEUL. · Commissioner Briggs discussed the difficulty of the Center for Remote Integration• s efforts to use the runway at Malmstrom Air Force Base to launch a UAV. The Real Property staff expressed interest in assisting with the logjam. The CMDA delegation had a follow-up conversation with Jim Holland, Deputy for Air Force Installation Policy who was also at the meetin~. The group discussed annexation ofMAFB (and taxing challenges with privatized housing). Site Tour- The Presidio, Monterey- Public/Public Partnership On Tuesday morning, August 7, 2012, Dave Weissman and I participated in a tour of the Presidio a US Army military installation in the city ofMonterey. After the closing of nearby Fort Ord, the City of Monterey was interested in doing what it could to preserve the historic Presidio facility. Monterey took the initiative of submitting a proposal to the Army to provide garrison maintenance services (including grounds, streets, utilities, facility maintenance, frre services). Initially, the proposal was rejected. Another proposal was submitted in 1997 and the city was awarded. Monterey maintains 2.2 million square feet of property including 160 facilities at the Presidio and 24 buildings on Camp Roberts. The installation is currently home to the Army linguistics school and is a very old facility (claimed by the US in 1846). The city received 19,000 work orders annually and spends about $4.8 million in annual maintenance. The hourly cost for providing maintenance services is $58.65 (add administration and engineering increases to $70.02 hourly). The contract with the government is based on straight cost reimbursement. The city is able to provide the service because it already had much of the basic equipment to perform the maintenance. New employees needed to be hired to meet Page 5 of7 negotiated service standards. The city negotiates with vendors to procure materials competitive prices. For instance, they do not store paint, but have negotiated service from a local paint vendor that will order the necessary amount of paint at the time its needed - no more storing and wasting paint. The city also applies and receives energy rebates from a local intergovernmental entity that receives funds for energy conservation and efficiency. What makes this work? A deep community commitment to the installation drives the partnership. The city does not make money by providing services. The deputy city manager noted that the sheer fact they provide services at cost, does not entirely "BRAC proof' the facility. City employees working on base are required to have a background check and if cleared, they receive special identification badges. A customer satisfaction survey is given with every work order serviced. The other piece of the puzzle that makes the partnership successful is that the city tracks everything. They have an extensive tracking program designed to track hours, parts, and all expenses down to the penny- the city can demonstrate, at any time, their cost of business. I asked if there was any significant taxpayer concern over providing the range of services to the Army. They indicated that while there was some concern about subsidizing the services, overall the community was very supportive. The City of Monterey offers a course (a day and half) on the full program, covering all aspects of the city operation at the Presidio. Session -Infrastructure Finance Districts: The California Case Study Speakers: Todd Dirmeyer, Army Energy Manager, Fort Hunter Liggett, Monterey, CA; Gary Morrissett, Marine Corps Energy Manager, U.S. Marine Corps Base Twenty Nine Palms, Twenty Nine Palms, CA. Session discussed a proposal for a new public finance technique before the California Legislature to develop infrastructure that supports military installations or to redevelop closed installations. The financing is similar to a tax increment district with certain nuances. The goal of the new legislation is to promote an easier process to create Infrastructure Financing Districts (IFDs) and allow a percentage of tax increment generated to be used to fund public infrastructure improvements. Session - What Our Communities Have Done to Assist in Sustaining Our Bases' Military Missions Speakers: Joe Briggs, County Commission, Cascade County, MT; Glenn Jones, Community Partnership Liaison Officer, Naval Air Station Kingsville, TX; Ken Little, Military Sustainability Partnership Coordinator, Okaloosa County, Okaloosa, FL; Mike Hrapla, Vice President, Matrix Design Group, Inc., Crofton, MD. Page 6 of7 Panel discussed various strategies for protecting military installations from encroachment issues. Speakers recommended formalizing communication processes with local leadership and stakeholders to discuss issues before they become detrimental to the base. Session -Navigating the Security Clearance Process: A Collaborative Partnership Speakers: Penny Cantwell, Chair ofthe Ft. Meade Alliance Education Committee, Hanover, MD, Tim 0 'Ferrall, CEO, The O'Ferrall Group, Elkridge, MD Session covered the creative partnership between Fort Meade Alliance and Fort Meade. The partnership is to insure that Fort Meade will continue to have an ample supply of qualified applicants for positions at the facility. Specifically, the program is designed to create awareness about employment opportunities for college graduates and the requirements for employment with the government. The Alliance is focused on educating youth about the process for receiving security clearance and clearing up any misconceptions about the process. As an interesting aside, the current approval rate for clearance in these positions is 99%. Please let me know if you have any questions. gtd Page 7 of7 Defense.gov News Article: Leadership Speakers Tout Community Partnerships Page 1 of2 Leadership Speakers Tout Community Partnerships By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 7, 2012 ·_Leaders from each of the services shared their perspectives on how to maintain community ties in an era of efficiencies, stewardship and renewable energy pursuits at a conference here today. Craig College, deputy assistant chief of staff, installation management; Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, Navy southwest region commander; Jim Holland, deputy for Air Force installation policy; and Dave Clifton, Marine Corps Installation Command deputy spoke at the installation leadership forum during the 2012 Association of Defense Communities Annual Conference. College lauded initiatives such as The Community Covenant, an Army program designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships with all services to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families at both current and future duty stations. "It's this partnering relationship without the exchange of cash, without the exchange of contracts, that gives me some optimism as we look to things like municipal services ... that we have already (a) framework of cooperation that will permit us to figure out how to bring (more) of those kinds of support groups," College said. Holland spoke about the community support the Air Force received through a partnership regarding the service's recent decision to base the F~35 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The partnership is important not only to the aircraft arrival in fiscal2015, but also in December 2014 when the Air Force will make its next F~35 basing decision. Air Force bases throughout the nation have seen local community partnership surges in ventures ranging from resorts to hotels and even to hyperbaric chambers, Holland said, but the aviation aspect is one of the larger pieces of the budget puzzle. "For every dollar that a barrel of crude goes up, the aviation fuel bill goes up $600 million ... so you can see why we watch this," he said. The volatility of the market is huge, Holland explained, stressing the urgency of the service looking to the commercial sector to help carry the load for alternative fuels. Clifton shared Holland's sentiment regarding budgetary tides. "The pace and volume of change is enormous right now," he said. "For leadership to have clear priorities, we need to have a good idea about what we can do differently." Clifton said the Marine Corps has pushed efficiencies, paring where feasible and adding where needed, specifically with the addition of 22,000 Marines for war, land acquisitions at 29 Palms, Calif., and the in-sourcing of information technology and security forces assets. Smith, whose command is headquartered in San Diego, acknowledged the vitality of the job market for military, contractors and retirees in his domain. http://www .defense.gov/utility/printitem.aspx?print=http ://www. defense.gov/news/newsart... 8/10/20 12 Defense.gov News Article: Leadership Speakers Tout Community Partnerships Page 2 of2 "One in four jobs in San Diego exists either because the individual is in the military, or a civilian employee of the Department of Defense or a contractor." "We cannot do anything within a stovepipe; we have to work with the community," he said. With just six months in the region, Dixon said, he already has been asked to join the board for Cleantech Group, a San Diego-based organization in collaboration with about 200 eco centric companies to develop green solutions for business leaders in the military and private sectors. "Our military forces and installations are phenomenal stewards of the environment," Dixon said. Related Sites: Army Communitv Covenant http://www.defense.gov /utility/printitem.aspx?print=http ://www.defense.gov / news/newsart... 811 0/2012 Headquarters U.S. Air Force Integrity- Servi c e- Excellence Air Force Enhanced Use Lease Partnering for Success Mr. Brian Brown Air Force Real Property Agency •:•" Aug. 6, 2012 U.S.. AIR FORCE .:,rJ Air Force Real Property Agency I.' S. A.!R FO!'tC f! Agenda • Air Force Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) Program Overview • Project Identification Process • Public- Public Partnerships • Public - Private Partnerships • Tools for Analysis • Current Projects • How to Work with the Air Force Integrity- Ser11ice - Excellence 1 ~J..,:. Public - Public Partnerships U.S. AIR FORC ii By partnerlng • Local Governments • City of North Last Vegas together, the • Nellis AFB Waste Water Treatment Air Force and Facility other public • Okaloosa County, FL • Northwest Florida Regional Airport agencies can • Economic Development Councils develop • Okaloosa County, FL mutually • Eglin AFB Mixed-Use R&D Park beneficial EUL • Publicly-Owned Utilities projects - Integr ity- S e rvi ce- Excel/ e n c e ~J·:· Public - Private Partnerships U.S.A I !'!. I"01:!C::: • Teaming Partners {Developers & Investors) Collaboratl ng • Eglin AFB Emerald Breeze Resort with private • Clear AFS Combined Heat & Power • Wright-Patterson AFB Hyperbaric Chamber industry • Holloman AFB Biomass Energy leverages • Investor-Owned Utilities developer • Opportunity for communities to encourage this approach experti&e to execute successful projects Integrity- Service- Excell e nce 3 ~ J' ..:. Tools for Analysis L•, S.Al ~ FORC !.i • Energy Resources • Real. time market updates State-of·the • Utility 3, 5, 10-year plans arttoolsto • Renewable portfolio standards {RPS) • State-by-state historical data deliver top-tiar ' • Real Estate Resources market and • Market analysis project • Geographic Information Systems feasibility • Air Force asset portfolio analysis • Utilities • Population and demographics Integrity- Service-Excellence ..:. ~ Current Projects U.S.A I~ FO!'O:C~ Mde&tone Clear AFB Comhtned Heat and Po~r Industry D&y - Aug 7 lnclustrJ uay- Aug 16 Jomt Base McGutre OIX-I.ak·ehul"lt En&rgy lndustr)' Day- Fall2012 PatrtCik-Ramey 5olar RequE-st for Qua!tflcatwnr. Due- Aug ~I .c _ _ __ _ .~_UL Projucts In Exei:uuo~-=---=--=- l Hc..lktman AFE B•omasr. Ed...,ardr. AFB Solar Hill AFB VJa~; $')1Utt(\ol TraVISAFI3 Solar Eglin AFS R8$0rt Integr i ty- Service- Excellence 4 ~,; •:•. ~ How to work with the Air Force U.S. A t A FO~Cl<: • Engage installation leadership The Air Force • Attend EUL Industry Days welcomes • Request a meeting with the EUL Business Development Team to pitch your idea project ideas • Stay informed -sign up to receive EUL updates from http://bit.ly/AirForceEUL installations, industry and communities Integrity- Service- Excellence •.:•J Contact Information U.S.,.,,,. P'O ~C!!: • Program Contacts: • Brian Brown - SAU Division Chief • brian.brown.11 @us.af.mil • Dave Swanson-SAU Contractor, Program Manager • [email protected] • Business Development Contacts: • Chuck Cyr- SAU EUL Business Development Lead • [email protected] • Chad Baker- SAU Contractor, Business Development Director • [email protected] Integrity- Service- Excellence 10 5 GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE, Sunday, August 5, 2012 page 6, Section A OUR OPINION City commissioners deserve raise People complain from time to time about how much money folks in government get paid. That's something to be concerned about, since taxpayers are footing the bill. However, it's clear that commissioners and the mayor in the city of Great Falls are ridiculously underpaid. Four city commissioners are paid $3,744 each per year, or $312 per month. The mayor's annual salary is $5,616 per year, or $468 per month. Yes, they also receive an extra $175 per month for expenses, covering costs for gasoline to drive to meetings and costs of picking up the tab for coffee with constituents, if you can get them to pay. The expense checks amount to $2, I 00 per year. Commissioners also are eligible for city health insurance coverage, although they can decline to receive it. So here is the bottom line. Commissioners receive $5,844 per year in compensation, and the mayor receives $7,716 per year, not counting health insurance. The city of Great Falls is a large operation. The city manager receives $115,607 per year in salary, and he may receive a cost ofliving increase in the coming months. Cascade County commissioners are paid $58,666 per year as full-time employees who look after county affairs. City commissioners are said to be part-time employees who attend meetings, read documents and listen to the public. The mayor also runs City Commission meetings and attends affairs such as ribbon-cuttings and conferences. After city government entered the risky business of investing in coal-fired power plants, and attempted to sell power to area businesses and agencies, members of the public began to take a sometimes nasty tone at formal city meetings. The fact the city already has lost $7 million on its misguided energy adventure added to the disgruntlement in the audience. City commissioners and the mayor all were elected after most decisions about the power plant and Electric City Power were made, but that hasn't necessarily mollified spectators. Some critics get pretty rude blasting city officials, and they're not letting up. As it stands, city officials are taking lots of abuse today over unwise actions by past administrators and commissioners. Yes, city officials should be able to take criticism. Yes, we strongly endorse freedom of speech, an American value enshrined in the First Amendment. But no, we don't think city commissioners and the mayor should have to sit there taking all that guffwhile being paid paupers' wages. A few critics claim some commission members are not working hard enough. Well, lousy pay is not exactly an encouragement for them to work harder. Low pay makes it more likely voters will only be able to choose from among candidates willling to work for next to nothing on issues important to all of us, from property taxes and water quality to zoning matters and the fate of downtown. It's time to raise the pay of commission members. lt will heJp ensure the city gets good candidates to run, and it would make it more likely for people with modest incomes to consider filing for city office. It seems to us that doubling the pay of city commissioners and the mayor would be appropriate, and would not break the city's $94 million budget. It's embarrassing how little they make. Mayor MichaelWinters raised the issue recently, but attracted no support from fellow commiSSioners. Commissioner Mary Jolley said she views her service on the commission as mainly pubJic service, and Commissioner Bill Bronson said he would refuse to vote to raise his own salary during the current term. These are not booming times for northcentral Montana, but the pay for top city policy makers is inadequate, and it's time to rectify the situation. A raise for City Commission members could be arranged to take effect in January 2014, after city elections are held in November 2013. The new commissioners could take their seats in 2014 with higher pay in place. If commissioners don't care to vote on the issue themselves, they could refer the issue to voters at an upcoming election. Or perhapsWinters, who went out on a limb raising the issue, would be willing to cast a vote in favor of a raise after others abstained. A 1-0 vote would be sufficient to pass if the other commissioners did not vote, according to current commission practices. Great Falls , Montana, Code of Ordinances > > Title 17 - LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE >> Chapter 32- TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES >> Chapter 32 - TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES permanent link to this piece of content Sections: 17.32.010- Legislative findings. 17.32.020- Purpose. 17.32.030 - Street classification. 17.32.040- Improvements constructed at developer·s expense. 17.32.050- Timing of improvements. 17.32.060- Traffic impact analysis. 17.32.070- Facility design requirements. 17.32.080 - Street layout considerations. 17.32.090- Street design standards. 17.32.100- Alleys. 17.32.110- Street intersections. 17.32.120- Acceleration, deceleration, and bypass lanes. 17.32.130- Traffic calming. 17.32.140- Common driveways. 17.32.150- Driveway access. 17.32.160- Intersection visibility. 17.32.170- Dedication of streets. 17.32.180- Right-of-way. 17.32.190- Bridges. 17.32.200- Culverts. 17.32.210- Sidewalks. 17.32.220- Public .transit facilities. 17.32.230- Signs and traffic control devices. 17.32.240- Street name signs. 17.32.250- Off-site improvements. 17.32.090- Street design standards. E. Temporary dead-end streets. When a street terminates in the first phase of a multi-phase project or where it is intended that the street will continue into an adjoining vacant parcel when it develops, a temporary cul-de-sac shall be provided. Upon completion of the connection, the temporary cul-de sac shall be removed and the street cross-section completed. 8 PRESS RELEASE . ri·OF~RE:'\rt~. I FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CI P··.. · . t. . ..·.(,• . '; ·-!:~ . - ~ - - . . . ~~ . ~ · - -~7·· .... . ;:.# -. M0~iANA DATE: August 10,2012 CONTACT: Erica McNamee, 727-6099 Intrim Rec Center Supervisor The Park & Recreation Patty Rearden, 771-1265 Department provides fun Deputy Park and Recreation Director family activities for the entire community CITY LEAGUE FALL VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION 60 parks are maintained throughout the GREAT FALLS, Montana- Get your teams in for the 2012 Fall community Volleyball League Registration begins Monday, August 13, 2012 and Over 40 miles of trail has continues through September 4, 2012. Teams are registered on a first been completed along the Missouri River come/first serve basis. Team managers can register at the Park and Recreation office, 1700 River Drive North, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m., Monday Proud home of Mansfield Theatre an intimate 1,782 - Friday. state-of-the-art events venue Registration fees are as follows: Power Leagues- $180.00 per team and Generously supported by Recreational Leagues- $80.00 per team. League games are scheduled to the community & the Park & Recreation Foundation start September 10, 2012. Payment is due at time of registration. For further information call Park and Recreation at 771-1265. City of Great Falls Park & Recreation Dept. 1700 River Drive North Great Falls, Montana 406-771-1265 greatfallsmt.netlparkrec Follow us on Facebook I JO ~9 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ·G.R~ATb~· · I \ rr·.of.··• . .• .. ·~ CI :·, .~ ;' . . ·: ...· ~. ••· t ~! ··••••·-·. . • ~ · · . . J"'"~· ; I • . DATE: August7,2012 MOI\t\N\ CONTACT: Patty Rearden, 771-1265 Deputy Park and Recreation Director Home to the Marian Permann, 454-9008 Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Aquatics Supervisor Interpretive Center "Under the Stars Dance Party" Proud Home of Malmstrom Air at the Electric City Water Park Force Base & "Under the Stars Dance Party" is Friday, August 10 at the Electric Montana Air National Guard City Water Park. Dance and swim the night away with the popular A Beat Ahead There's no limit to the dancing that will be going on- dance in the lazy river, dance on the deck ofthe Flow Rider, dance around the Over 60 parks & 40 miles of trail along the Mitchell Pool or dance in the park. The dancing will be awesome but take Missouri River time out to swim in the pools, hit the water slides, and ride lazy river and boogie board on the Flow Rider. There will be a special menu at the Home of the C.M. concessions when you're ready for a break. Russell Museum "Under the Stars Dance Party" is scheduled for 6:30-10:00 p.m., for ages 16-20 (identification is required). The music begins at 7:00p.m. Ranked as one of the Admission is $7.00. For more information about the great entertainment most affordable places provided by A Beat Ahead visit their web site at www.abeatahead.com. to live in the country Grab your friends and boogie on down to "the Electric City Water Park for a party under the stars. The Water Park will close at 6:00 and reopen at 6:30p.m. for City of Great Falls "Under the Stars Dance Party". #2 Park Drive South P.O. Box 5021 For more information, call the Electric City Water Park at 454- Great Falls, MT 59403 ( 406) -455-8450 9008 or the Park and Recreation Office at 771-1265. www.greatfallsmt.net 110 10 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: August 7, 2012 CONTACT: Giles Salyer, Parks Superintendent 406-771-1265 The Park & Recreation Department provides fun family activities for the entire community Register Now for Fall Co-Ed Softball League 60 parks are maintained throughout the community Registration is now open for the 2012 Fall Co-Ed Softball League and runs through Wednesday, August 15th. Team managers can register Over 40 miles of trail has at the Park and Recreation Office, 1700 River Drive North, 8:00a.m.- been completed along the Missouri River 5:00p.m., Monday-Friday. Two leagues the Americans and the Nationals will play a 5 game Proud home of Mansfield .season and conclude with a single elimination tournament. The Theatre an intimate 1,782 state-of-the-art events registration fee is $250, with payment due at time of registration. League venue play is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 20th. Generously supported by For further information on fall league contact the Park and the community & the Park & Recreation Recreation Department at 771-1265. Fall softball information is available Foundation on the City of Great Falls web site at www. greatfallsmt.netfrecreation/adult-softball. City of Great Falls Park & Recreation Dept. 1700 River DriYe North Great Falls, Montana 406-771-1265 greatfallsmt.net'parkrec Follow us on Facebook