Should residents be required to give their home addresses when they testify before the Great Falls City Commission?
And how should nearly $500,000 in additional COVID-19-related federal funding be spent?
Those two issues will be addressed by members of the City Commission Tuesday.
A public hearing will be conducted on the funding question.
On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act was signed which released an additional $5 billion of federal Community Development Block Grant funds to communities nationwide to prevent, prepare or respond to the pandemic.
The city was later notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development it was receiving $475,515.
Local groups can apply for the funds.
First, the City Commission must decide what areas should be prioritized for funding.
The city is proposing that the money go toward public service, economic development and grant administration.
Local public service agencies would be allowed to apply for $190,206 of the funding to target low- to moderate-income residents, under the city's proposal.
And the city is proposing that another $190,206 be made available for businesses, microenterprises or the Great Falls Development Authority to address job retention or other economic impacts related to COVID-19.
Another $95,103, or 20 percent of the $475,515 grant, would go toward grant administration.
Commissioners also will hear a resolution that would amend Commission rules that require residents to state their address when they give public comments at meetings.
The Commission asked that City Attorney Sara Sexe review the requirement that speakers provide their address for the record.
The request was made earlier this year after resident Jeni Dodd raised concerns about being required to publicly give out her home address each time she testified.
To balance privacy with public participation, Sexe is recommending that speakers be given the option of either providing their address or the city where they live when addressing the City Commission. If applicable, residents still would need to state the firm or organization they represent.
Commissioners also will make appointments to the Tourism Business Improvement District Board, Business Improvement District Board, Library Board and Police Commission.
Prior to the 7 p.m. City Commission meeting, commissioners will meet for a work session at 5:30 p.m. when they will hear presentations on the 2021 budget and updated financial policies.
What's next
The City Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Civic Center, 2 Park Drive S. Comments may be sent via email before 5 p.m. on Tuesday to commission@greatfallsmt.net.The public may call in during public comment period at 406-761-4786. The agenda packet material is available at https://ift.tt/31NYNUc. The public may view and listen to the meeting on government access channel City-190, cable channel 190 or online at https://ift.tt/2YKkUaG. Refrain from attending in person if not feeling well.
Karl Puckett covers the city of Great Falls and Cascade County for the Tribune. He can be reached at kpuckett@greatfallstribune.com or 406-750-5383, or on Twitter at @GFTrib_KPuckett.
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