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July 18, 2007 – committee members present:  Dick Shockley, Doug Marshall, Dick DeBernardis, Kerri Payne, Margaret Jarrett, Christie Francis, Diane Volkersz, Jerry Kawasaki, EJ Engler, Warren Vaughan.  Community members present:  Carol & Tim Roark, Terry Threlkeld, Brad Parsch, Tom Rogers.

Dick S. started the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Old Business

The July 11^th minutes were amended to include EJ Engler as one of the “signers” for our Articles of Incorporation; Dick D. motioned to accept, Kerri seconded; motion carried.  Financial Report:  Kerri had prepared a check for $211.75, made out to Joe Evert, for website development and maintenance.  Dick D. motioned to “sign & mail”; Margaret seconded, motion carried.  Kerri stated that we have an account balance of $969.86.  Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws:  Doug indicated that EJ still had to sign off on the Articles for their completion; Bylaws are complete.  Website:  Christie will see that the results from the July 11^th “Preliminary Survey Results” be posted as follows:  first three questions in full and for the 4^th question post the first & longer column of statistics.  We anticipate that the Gravel Pit Committee will soon have its own webpage that can then be linked to our page.  Transportation Committee:  We were reminded that the Bozeman Greater Transportation Plan forum will be held on July 25^th, at 5:30, at Monforton School.  Following the forum, MDOT director, Jim Lynch, and Jeff Key (Gallatin County) will meet transportation committee members and Warren Vaughan (at 7 p.m. at the community center) for a “drive-through” in the Gateway area.  Jeff Key will also comment on recent transportation numbers gathered in our area.  On July 26^th, at 6:30, there will be a traffic/roads/safety forum in the Gateway Community Center.  The focus area for this meeting will be the 4 Corners to Gallatin Canyon corridor.

Water & Sewer Presentation:  Tim Roark, Gallatin County Sanitarian, and Terry Threlkeld, PE, gave a rather in-depth overview of water and sewer issues, with a focus on need and applications in “Gateway proper”.  Tim distributed a map of Gallatin Gateway Variances and proceeded to address these, as well as a history of septic and sewage systems.  As it is now, the Board of Health is denying some of those variances and Gateway really has no room to meet state regulations for the old septic & well systems to be replaced, if/when they fail.  Tim also stated that no empty lots would be granted variances for new septics, and that existing septics can be replaced with a variance but at a price tag of $20,000-$35,000.  He predicted that even with moderate growth, Gateway will need a public system in the not-so-distant future.  Terry handed out a document that addressed common questions on Water and Sewer Districts.  He stated that the Board of Health is/has been reluctant to approve permits that would replace drain field septic systems, and instead, people would be forced to replace individual systems with modern pump-style systems which cost between $20,000 and $35,000 to install.  Because Gateway is unincorporated, he feels that Gateway proper is a good candidate for setting up a water and sewer district.  “Districts” are a recognized form of government and are eligible to enter into contracts and legal agreements.  They are eligible for funding through all of the standard funding sources, as well as grant funding.  To put the district in place, a petition containing the signatures of 10% of landowners or residents (or a combination) in the proposed area must be collected.  In order to be eligible to sign the petition or vote in the election, you must be a registered voter (somewhere).  If the petition is valid, an election will be held.  All property owners (regardless of where they reside) and all residents (provided they are registered to vote) will be allowed to vote on this matter.  Once a water and sewer district is in place, the district can enter into contracts, provide services, set budgets, and assess customers within the district.  It can enter into litigation and file liens against property for unpaid assessments.  The district can provide water or sewer, or a combination of the two.  The County has no control over a district’s actions, unless the district becomes insolvent, which would then require the County Government to step in.  Since the water and sewer district is an independent entity, the Public Service Commission has no authority to regulate rates.  Both Tim and Terry agreed that a SBO batch reaction system seemed appropriate for Gateway proper, should the community wish to pursue a water and sewer district.  Because so much knowledge and information was shared, these topics will certainly be revisited in the future.  Tim, Terry, EJ, and Rob Gilmore will continue to focus on these issues, how to present them to the community, and how to proceed when a decision is made.

The Gallatin Gateway Town Meeting will convene on Wed. August, 15^th, in lieu of a regular committee meeting.  The main focus of this event will be the water and sewer district, as well as all other issues pertinent to our goals in our planning process.  In anticipation of this meeting, the main objective will be getting as many participants from “Gateway proper” to attend as is possible.  EJ suggested going door-to-door to solicit interest in our plan, as well as a commitment to attend.  He also felt it would be good to give hand-outs that list items of interest and their benefits while making these contacts.  Dick S. agreed to work with him on the hand-out, as well as the canvassing.  On Wed., July 25^th at Stacy’s @ noon, EJ, Dick S., Warren, Kerri, and Pete Stein will meet to brainstorm on the upcoming meeting and the related topics.  Dick S. said that the GAP proposal was submitted, but that he had received no new information since.

New Business

The Fall/community event/date will be revisited at the next meeting.

Vaughan Advisory

Warren distributed the amended “Gallatin Gateway’s Vision Statement” for review.  He impressed upon us that the document must be clear, understandable, and should set the stage for our group’s planning efforts.  This statement will be the focus of our Fall Community Event.  All present voted in favor of making it public (as a DRAFT).  Christie will see that it is posted to the website and will ask Joe Evert to set up a “comments” page, so that public input can be gathered.

Misc.

A copy of John Baden’s column that was published in the 7/18/07 Bozeman Daily Chronicle was shared with those that hadn’t read it.  Good press for our planning efforts in Gateway – nice job, John!

Margaret motioned to adjourn at 9:15; Dick D. seconded, motion carried.  Next meeting:  August 1^st @ 7 p.m. at the community center.