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PRESS RELEASE
March 12, 2009
9 AM
City of Livingston receives $332,000.00 Appropriation in 2009 Federal Budget – for Rail Road Underpass project.
The City of Livingston has been notified that the Federal FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which received final legislative approval last night, and has been signed by President Obama, contains a $332,000 appropriation toward the completion of Phase One (final design, environmental review, etc) of the Livingston Rail Road Separated Grade' project. "This is big step for our community, it moves the project from the speculative' phase toward putting a shovel in the ground," commented City Manager Ed Meece. "The Citizens of Livingston deserve the most credit for their willingness to give voter approval to the Special Mill Levy [for an underpass project] last September. That type of local commitment means a lot when you're trying to convince Congress of the need for this type of project."
Since completion of a preliminary feasibility study in 2007, jointly funded with Park County, the Livingston Rail Road Separated Grade Underpass' project has been a high-priority for the Livingston City Commission and its Administration. The City of Livingston has worked closely with all three members of the federal delegation on this project, and they were invaluable in moving this appropriation through the federal process (Senator Baucus, Senator Tester, Congressman Rehberg); and they are to be commended for their diligence on behalf of Livingston.
Planned as an extension of Star Road, to Highway 10, the entire project has an estimated cost of $8.7 million dollars; with a three-year time frame for completion (to include Phase One). The City expects to proceed immediately with start-up activities related the Phase One tasks.
More information related to the project can be found at www.livingstonmontana.org
Media Contact: Ed Meece, City Manager, 823-6000
Officials Meet with National Main Street representative.
City of Livingston officials met with Todd Barman, National Main Street program, on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 2 pm, District Court Room, at the City/County Complex. The National Main Street program was collecting feedback from public officials and citizens, regarding operation of the local Main Street program. The meeting was conducted in a conversational style, and included topics such as:
*Communication between Vision Livingston and the community
*Vision Livingston's evolving role in downtown Livingston
*City of Livingston's challenges/opportunities for support of Vision Livingston, and the downtown business district.
Mr. Barman stated that the National Main Street would issue a report detailing its evaluation, and making recommendations for improvement, in the near future.
Press Release
February 19, 2009
1:00 PM
City of Livingston Receives Grants for M Street Park and Summer Fest 2009
The City of Livingston recently received a grant from MDU Resources Foundation for $2500 for improvements to M Street Park. The City of Livingston will soon use this grant for the installation and repair of fences, composite decking for the Park benches, additional trees, and the replacement of wood chips around playground equipment. The City of Livingston is very appreciative to MDU Resources Foundation for helping to beautify one of our many city parks.
In addition, the City of Livingston was also notified that it would receive a $3500 grant from the Montana Department of Commerce (Promotion Division) to assist Summer Fest 2009 in advertising beyond a 100-mile radius; in order to attract new visitors to the event. This grant process was very competitive, as only nine (9) of thirty (30) applicants received funding.
Contact: Sandy Wulf, 222-1142, Department of Public Works
PRESS RELEASE
Date: February 17, 2009
From: Darren Raney, Chief of Police
The Livingston Police Department is investigating a fraudulent scheme where the perpetrator(s) attempted to solicit cash donations on behalf of military personnel. Donation jars were left in at least one local business, and the suspect(s) are going door to door with flyers requesting donations on behalf of "Operation Call Home." Potential donors are misled to believe that the funds will be used by this organization to purchase phone calling cards for military personnel to call family and friends. The police department has determined this is a scam. A suspect has been identified and charges are pending.
Police Chief Darren Raney reminds citizens, "Be cautious about donating money to anyone or giving money to any charitable cause, unless you are certain it is a legitimate organization or are confident the money will be used for the intended purpose." We have investigated these types of scams in the past. If you don't know and trust the person soliciting donations, or have not heard of the charity, it is advisable not to donate. There are too many worthwhile charities that rely on our support to be competing against scams. Legitimate organizations will be able to offer credible information that can be investigated if people are uncertain, or provide a reliable local contact person to speak with.
Businesses are also reminded to verify that a charity is legitimate before allowing donation jars to be placed in their businesses. People may assume that the charity is legitimate if the donations are being solicited at a business. If something seems suspicious, businesses and residents are encouraged to call law enforcement.
PRESS RELEASE
January 22, 2009
Noon
Starting February 23, 2009, the City of Livingston (Public Works Department) will begin to move residential garbage cans to one side of each alley. Before this happens, the Public Works administration and refuse crew will study each alley to determine which side will be the best option for re-location. A comprehensive study of the City's solid waste operations
City of Livingston to adopt single side' approach with garbage cans.
was completed by ZIA Engineering, and it was suggested that the relocation of cans to one side of the alley would greatly reduce vehicle maintenance, labor and fuel for the solid waste department. Such expenditure reductions are important in the City's effort to provide a high-quality service at the most cost-effective rates possible.
The Public Works Department plans is to start this process by relocating the "Monday" garbage route first, and then continue in day-of –the-week order until all of the refuse routes have been relocated. In the increasingly difficult budget years ahead this move will allow the City of Livingston to continue to provide efficient personal service without increasing costs.
Media Contact: Ed Meece, City Manager, 823-6000
"CIVICS 101" - Livingston Style !
In partnership with the local Adult Education program (Livingston School District), the City of Livingston hosted a four session (night) class that explained how local government works in Montana; and specifically in Livingston. Eighteen local citizens participated, in the sessions, which lasted approximately 2 and 1/2 hours and covered a variety of topics about city operations:
*Roles & Responsibilities of the City Commission, City Manager, Dept. Heads
*Finance, Taxation/Fees, Budgeting, Open Meetings & Open Records
*Departmental Operations (including a field trip) & Utility Services
To get more information about registering for future sessions of the course, or to get a copy of the class materials, contact the Office of the City Manager (citymanager@livingstonmontana.org) at 406-823-6000.
First Annual 'State of the City' Event -- February 12, 2009
Hannibal Anderson, Superintendent of Livingston School District, and Ed Meece, City Manager, each gave a brief presentation of the challenges and opportunities their respective organizations faced in 2008 AND what they see on-tap for 2009. Following their presentations, they engaged the audience in a lively question & answer session. Topics of discussion included city/school cooperation, fiscal and economic concerns, and the possibility of building a new 'Community Center' as a joint project.
The Livingston Enterprise co-sponsored the event, and Stephen Matlow, Editor, served as Moderator for the evening.
PRESS RELEASE
Date: December 5, 2008
From: Darren Raney, Chief of Police
William Christopher Greenwell has been arrested by the Livingston Police Department as a suspect in a residential burglary and thefts from several vehicles.
The arrest was made after the residents of a north side Livingston home awoke on the morning of December 2, 2008 and discovered someone had entered their home during the previous night. The house was unlocked and the occupants were asleep during the burglary. The perpetrator(s) fled undetected after taking items including an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police also received numerous reports of unlocked vehicles being entered the same night in the area of the burglary. Cash and various other items were taken. The crimes occurred in the vicinity of north Yellowstone, 5th and 6th Streets between Front and Montana.
Greenwell was identified as a suspect and arrested later in the day. He has been charged with burglary, trespass to vehicles, theft, endangering the welfare of children, tampering with evidence, possession of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief. He was arrested with a 14 year old male juvenile, however the juvenile's involvement with the reported crimes is being investigated.
The victims of the offenses appear to have been randomly selected. The police department emphasizes the importance of citizens locking their residences and vehicles at all times, even when they are home at night.
PRESS RELEASE
November 7, 2008
11:00 AM
City of Livingston Launches New WEB SITE
The City of Livingston is pleased to announce the launch of their new municipal web site, the result of an intensive effort to provide a comprehensive on-line presence for the community. "This is a huge step for the City of Livingston. The new web site gives the City of Livingston an organized, and attractive, tool for disseminating valuable information to our citizens and the world," remarked City Manager Ed Meece. "Our entire organization, and especially the internal web site team, has made this project the cornerstone of a new public access initiative with our citizens."
Web site design was performed by Ciesa Designs, and is supported by content management software from Revize, Inc. Peter Vandergrift served as Project Manager for web site implementation, and assisted staff with their content development processes. With the Revize software in place, City staff can maintain/update the site in a matter of moments – guaranteeing that the information available will be as current and relevant as possible. Initially, citizens will be able to access a variety of public services/applications in .pdf' format. However, the City plans to convert many of those items to true on-line interactivity; according to the priorities voiced by the community.
The City has pre-established several links' to local community service organizations, however, groups that desired to be added can make such requests through the Community Links page on the site. In addition, citizens should feel free to provide feedback about the new web site to info@livingstonmontana.org
PRESS RELEASE
10/27/08
The Livingston Police Department has recovered a military Humvee that was reported stolen on October 21st. The vehicle was recovered Saturday in a remote location west of Livingston. Lucas C. Lee, 19 years of age, and Steve A. Williams, 20 years of age, are in custody and are being charged with the theft. A 17 year old juvenile has also been identified as being involved and charges are pending. The individuals are Livingston residents. Williams recently moved to Livingston from out of state.
The same individuals have also been identified as suspects in breaking into a municipal water reservoir on Livingston's north side, as well as several nearby buildings including the Verizon and Altell cell phone buildings and two other public radio transmission buildings. Williams has been charged with the break-ins. Further investigation is being conducted and charges are pending against Lee and the juvenile.
The communications systems were not disrupted or tampered with and no communications equipment was reported missing. Based on the criminal investigation, there is no information to indicate that the water supply was contaminated in any way. Preliminary tests conducted by the EPA indicate no presence of contaminants. The final results should be received later in the day. Pending the receipt of these results, affected residents are still being advised to not drink or use the water. It appears that the suspects accessed the water reservoir out of curiosity rather than with the intent to contaminate the water.
On 10/22/08 City employees discovered a broken access hatch to the 90,000 gallon water reservoir that feeds approximately twenty homes in the Highground neighborhood located on the north side hill. The damage appears to have been intentional. As a result, access to this reservoir tank was possible, however it is unknown if the water supply was contaminated. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the EPA has been notified and will test the water today. The tank will be drained, cleaned and inspected prior to being filled. All measures are being taken to ensure the water will be safe before being sent to affected users. This process may take several days. Any questions can be answered through the Utility Office at 222-1142.
As a precautionary measure, the City notified affected residents and requested that they do not consume City of Livingston supplied water until further notice. Residents will be updated on the process.
The City of Livingston water is supplied by wells that pump water to three separate reservoirs that then supply water to specific areas throughout the city. Only one reservoir has been tampered with. If you do not live in the aforementioned area and have not been notified, your water is safe for consumption.
The Livingston Police Department is investigating the incident. Being a potential threat to public infrastructure, state and federal law enforcement agencies have been notified. It is unknown if this incident is connected with a break in to the Verizon Wireless building, located in the vicinity of the water reservoir, or the theft of a Humvee from the Army National Guard Armory located about a mile away. Both of these incidents were reported on 10/21/08 and are believed to have occurred sometime during the previous night. No communications equipment was damaged or taken from the Verizon building. The Humvee is still missing. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact the Livingston Police Department at 222-2050.
PRESS RELEASE
October 22, 2008
The Livingston Police Department is investigating the theft of a military Humvee taken from the Army National Guard Armory in Livingston sometime between 5:00 PM on 10/20/08 and 11:30 AM on 10/21/08. The vehicle is 4 door, camouflage in color, with a green canvas top. The lettering "143MP" and "MP2" is located on the rear bumper. It was reported that there were no weapons or communications equipment in the vehicle.
An investigation is being conducted by the Livingston Police Department to locate the vehicle and identify any suspects. The motive for the theft is unknown. The public is encouraged to notify their local law enforcement if they see the vehicle or contact the Livingston Police Department at 222-2050 with any information about the theft.
PRESS RELEASE
September 3, 2008
2:00 PM
Livingston named Runner-Up for Risk Management Award
The Montana Municipal Insurance Authority (MMIA) has announced that the City of Livingston was named as Runner-Up' for the Bob Worthington Risk Management Achievement Award 2008. This award is given in recognition of exceptional effort to manage and prevent municipal risks.' According to the letter of notification, "The City of Livingston was nominated as a great example of initiating improvements by reallocating claims expenses to departments for more accountability, as well as introducing best practices changes in your departments to improve operational outcomes."
"This recognition from MMIA is a well deserved honor to our Leadership Team at the City of Livingston. Across the board, the City's departments demonstrate a dedicated effort to providing quality, cost-effective, public services – this recognition puts a spotlight on their hard work", stated Ed Meece (City Manager).
During FY 2008, the City of Livingston developed a more accurate method for allocating its insurance premium costs, rather than a simple per-capita (employee) method utilized by many municipalities. Instead, the City of Livingston now combines a per-capita cost allocation with a claims paid' allocation, which places the financial burden of increased claims experience directly on the departments generating the claims. In doing so, the City has been able to foster greater departmental accountability for the cost of property and injury claims. For instance, this change meant a much larger internal charge to the Sanitary Sewer fund than in previous years; when the City was using just the per-capita method of allocation.
The City of Livingston has also become increasingly pro-active in identifying potential risks and mitigating them before there is damage to life, limb, or property. In addition, during FY 09, the Public Works Department will undergo a staff re-organization that creates a new Risk Manager position (without any additional staff).
As it continues to adopt other Best Practices' within its municipal operations, the City of Livingston has also expanded its interaction with other regional municipalities that have undertaken similar projects. In November 2007, the City of Livingston's management staff met with their counterparts from the City of Billings to exchange information and operational practices; with both municipalities benefiting from this opportunity.
Formal recognition of the City's risk management achievements will be made at the MMIA Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the Montana League of Cities Annual Convention, October 9, 2008, in Missoula, Montana.
PRESS RELEASE
June 16, 2008
9:00 AM
City of Livingston to give final consideration to Water/Sewer Rate Increases
This evening, at its regularly scheduled meeting, the Livingston City Commission will consider an annual increase to the rates paid by Water and Sewer Utility customers (14% and 19% respectively). This action is part of a three-year plan introduced by the Administration in May, which recommended that the City enact the same level of increases in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Any rate increases for 2009 and 2010 will require legislative action, at that time, and are not part of Resolutions 3953 and 3954 (which are under consideration tonight).
"These increases are necessary if the City is going to complete several critical maintenance and repair projects" commented City Manager Ed Meece. A list of the projects planned for implementation, if the rate increases are enacted, includes:
Water (indicates year project begins)
$27,000 - Front Street Water Main (upgrade) – Main to Yellowstone (2008)
$139,500 - Carroll Lane Water Line Project (2008 & 2009)
$172,000 – Park to Front Street, line crossing at 5th Street (2008)
$158,000 - B Street Water Main Replacement (2009)
$350,000 – Water Line Project C,D,E Street (2009 & 2010)
$155,000 – Water Line Project,T' alley between Main & B (2009 & 2010)
Sewer
$155,000 – Main Line Replacement 7 & 8th off Montana (2008)
$217,000 – 5th Street Storm Drain Crossing (2008)
$145,000 – Main Line Replacement T' alley behind B and C Street (2008)
$580,000 – Digester Lid at WWTP (2009)
$520,000 – Composting Plant Operations (2009)
$110,000 – Main Line Replacement B & Main Street in T' Alley (2009-10)
$120,000 – Main Line Construction 3rd & Yellowstone, off Montana (2010)
$250,000 – Main Line Construction 8th and Chinook to Montana (2010)
$140,000 – Main Line Construction, 3rd , Montana & Reservoir (2010)
Prior to this proposal, the City last increased water and sewer rates in March of 2005. The revenue raised by these proposed increases ($481,00 in Water and $742,000) in Sewer) will not cover the full cost of the planned improvements. However, it will provide the City additional funds that can be leveraged into grants, and low interest loans, enabling the projects to proceed in a timely manner. Since the utilities are operated as Enterprise Funds', any revenues from their operation are limited to expenditure on utility-related items and may not be transferred to other funds (such as the General Fund).