PRESS RELEASE
August 4, 2010
1 PM
FEMA to hold Public Meeting regarding Preliminary Map process for new Flood Maps in Livingston & Park County.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the City of Livingston, Park County Commission, and State of Montana DNRC, will hold a public meeting on August 12, 2010, 7:00 PM, at the Livingston Civic Center. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the results of recent flood study/map efforts, and answer questions regarding the Preliminary Map Approval process; as well potential impacts on affected residences and businesses.
The public meeting will be conducted in a ‘Drop-In” format with maps and studies on display, and organizational representatives available to answer questions, discuss issues, and take comments related to the preliminary map approval process. Likewise, copies of the currently proposed flood study maps are on display in the City-County Building, 414 E. Callender Street.
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PRESS RELEASE
April 9, 2010
10 AM
5th Street Intersection to be closed on April 13, 2010 – All Day
The City of Livingston has received notice that Montana Rail Link will close the 5th Street Intersection/Crossing ALL day, on April 13, 2010. This closing is necessary in order to replace several defective rails within the crossing apparatus. Citizens are advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
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PRESS RELEASE
January 21, 2010
9:00 AM
2010 State of City/Schools/County Event
The City of Livingston, Livingston School District, and Park County Commission will host the 2010 State of the City/Schools/County' event, Monday, January 25, 6:30 PM, at the City-County Complex. The annual State of' event is an excellent opportunity for citizens to engage policy makers in a discussion of the challenges and opportunities that these institutions faced in 2009 – and what lies ahead for 2010. "Last year, as the inaugural event, we had a lot of opportunity for open discussion; that type of exchange is important to developing effective public policy in our community," commented City Manager Ed Meece.
The session will start with brief, prepared, comments from Superintendent Hannibal Anderson, Park County Commissioner Marty Malone, and City Manager Ed Meece. Following these presentations, the public is invited to participate in an open question/answer session. There will also be an opportunity for individual conversation during an informal reception to follow the session. Stephen Matlow, Managing Editor, Livingston Enterprise, will serve as the moderator for the evening.
For more information contact Ed Meece, City Manager, 406-223-7422
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City of Livingston puts new cardboard compactor' into operation at municipal transfer station.
The City of Livingston has started operation of a new Cardboard Compactor', at the municipal transfer station on Bennett Street; as part of its continuing enhancement of local recycling opportunities. Purchased in the FY 2010 annual budget - for approximately $20,000 - the new compactor allows the public to dispose of, and compact, their cardboard materials.
In the fall of 2008, the City of Livingston notified local businesses of its intention to stop picking up commercial cardboard bins in October of 2009. Instead, the COL purchased the cardboard compactor, and businesses/residents can either transport the cardboard to Bennett Street OR hire a private firm to haul away their cardboard. This operational change creates significant savings for the City of Livingston (and its solid waste customers), by eliminating the human/equipment resources necessary for cardboard pickup and transportation to disposal vendors. A private firm removes the compacted cardboard, in return for the value of the cardboard that is sold.
The new Cardboard Compactor is open for public use during business hours for the transfer station (TUESDAY/THURSDAY, 1:00 PM TO 4:30 PM; SATURDAY 9:30 AM to NOON and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM), and is designed for very safe self-operation. If desired, the public may request that transfer station staff give an orientation to the compactor's proper operation.
Contact: Ed Meece, City Manager, 406-223-7422
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Date: October 22, 2009 11:00 AM
From: Darren Raney, Chief of Police
SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH CASINO ROBBERY
Two suspects who are alleged to been involved with the robbery of Yellowstone Charlies Gaming Parlor in Livingston are in custody after being arrested in Tennessee late Wednesday evening.
Joel Kent Kenens, DOB 5/30/1978, and Joel Stephen Boyce, DOB 11/24/1980, were arrested by the Mid-South Fugitive Task Force in the Memphis-Metro area on warrants issued out of Park County for felony charges of robbery, aggravated burglary and theft. They are each being held on $250,000 bond.
Kenens and Boyce were identified as suspects in the robbery by the Livingston Police Department, resulting in arrest warrants being issued. A cooperative effort involving the Livingston Police Department, U.S. Marshall's Office, and Metro-Memphis area law enforcement tracked the suspects to Tennessee and led to their apprehension. Evidence has been recovered potentially linking them to the crime.
The Park County Attorney's office will commence prosecution and additional charges may be filed.
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PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2009
1 PM
City of Livingston Issues Bids for Tree Removal and Replacement
The City of Livingston has released a Bid Notice (due September 4th) for the removal and replacement of 48 dead trees located in the public Boulevards and Right-of-Way.
Any trees removed will be replaced, within the urban forest, utilizing eight different varieties of trees including Maple, Ash, Bur Oak and Common Hackberry. These preferred tree types were chosen for their long life and beauty, as well as their resistance to disease and pests. The root systems of such varieties will also promote a healthier life span for the tree.
In addition to the 2009 tree planting project, Citizens interested in planting a tree - on a City owned boulevard – should contact the Public Works Office at 222-1142. Please remember that the trees on your boulevard will provide years of shade and enjoyment to your address when they are watered and pruned regularly.
Media Contact: Sandy Wulf, Assistant Director of Public Works, 222-1142.
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PRESS RELEASE
July 28, 2009
4 PM
City of Livingston receives COPS (CHRP) grant award - $172,548 over 3 years
Today, the City of Livingston received notice, US Department of Justice, that they have been awarded a COPS grant in the amount of $172,548.00 over a three year period. This grant award will allow the Livingston Police Department to hire an additional police officer (1 FTE) to incorporate into departmental operations; bringing total staff compliment to 14 sworn officers. Upon expiration of the COPS grant, the City of Livingston must continue to maintain the position, utilizing its own financial resources.
The COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Economic Stimulus) of 2009, P.L.111-5. CHRP grants provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for 3 years (36 months) to hire new officer positions (including filling existing officer vacancies that are no longer funded in an agency's budget) and complying with a no supplanting requirement.
Media Contact: Asst. Chief Glenn Farrell, 222-2050.
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PRESS RELEASE
June 30, 2009
10 AM
City of Livingston receives glass recyclables from Yellowstone National Park
On June 23rd, the City of Livingston received its first shipment of glass recyclables from Yellowstone National Park (Xanterra, concessionaire). The City hopes to receive a weekly average of 11 tons from Yellowstone National Park for processing, delivered by its subcontractor Headwaters Recycling. The City will pulverize the glass for reuse in local municipal projects, and re-sale to private customers.
"It's exciting to see that we are now receiving large quantities of glass from local businesses and residents and also from several communities throughout Montana. I'm so proud that Livingston is becoming a leader in recycling glass products for the State of Montana. " said Sandy Wulf (Assistant Director of Public Works).
The City of Livingston has operated the only municipal glass pulverizer in Montana, since November of 2008; after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Quality (Montana) for purchase and installation of the equipment. Following award of the DEQ grant, the Livingston City Commission integrated the glass pulverizer into the City's plans for construction of a new municipal solid waste transfer station.
To date, the City has accepted shipments from Billings, Bozeman, and now Yellowstone National Park. The City charges $29/ton for processing the glass, and makes it available for resale at the price of $15/ton.
Media Contact: Sandy Wulf, Public Works, 222-1142.
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June 18, 2009
1 PM
City of Livingston Flood Study Accepted for Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Plain Insurance Study (FPIS) being conducted by FEMA.
The City of Livingston received informal notice on Wednesday, June 17, that their flood plain study and maps, submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, have been recommended for integration in the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study for Park County. "This is a huge milestone for the City of Livingston. The City Commission's diligence to see this issue properly studied has seemingly reversed potentially serious economic consequences that would have resulted from the approval of inaccurate flood data and maps," stated Ed Meece, City Manager.
In February of 2008, as a reaction to perceived inaccuracies in the flood study being performed by the United States Corps of Engineers (USACE), the City of Livingston hired Clear Creek Hydrology to perform a detailed flood plain analysis. Clear Creek's eventual submission to FEMA, on behalf of the City of Livingston, included new field/river surveys, more accurate cross-section alignments, and enhanced modeling techniques.
At this point, FEMA has yet to move the Park County FIRM and FPIS effort to the Preliminary Map Approval stage – which will include elements for both public comment and technical appeal.
Media Contact: Ed Meece, City Manager, 823-6000.
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PRESS RELEASE
May 7, 2009
11 AM
City Officials to Meet with National Main Street Representative.
City of Livingston officials will meet with Todd Barman, National Main Street program, on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 2 pm, District Court Room, at the City/County Complex. The National Main Street program is looking for feedback from local officials, and citizens, regarding operation of the local Main Street program. The meeting will be conducted in a conversational style, and no action will be taken.
Media Contact: Ed Meece, City Manager, 823-6000.
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PRESS RELEASE
April 29, 2009
9 AM
City of Livingston adds new features to Web Site
www.livingstonmontana.org
The City of Livingston has released three additional features on its new web site – www.livingstonmontana.org - Community Calendar', Citizen Spotlight', and Bids & RFP's'. "These new features provide our community even greater access to their local government, and enhance citizens' ability to interact with their neighbors," commented City Manager Ed Meece. "We hope to add items like on-line bill payment, and increase the ability to submit most forms and applications, electronically, later this year."
Community Calendar: The Community Calendar will be accessible from most pages on the Web Site, via an interactive Icon. This calendar will include local events of interest, public meetings, public works projects, etc. In addition, a citizen can complete a 'Calendar Request' form, to submit an event for inclusion on the calendar.
Citizen Spotlight: This is a new page that features a different citizen, business owner, policy maker, or individual in the community. There will be a photo, and responses to a pre-set list of questions. The first 'spotlight' is Nick Currie, local business owner and Scout Master.
Bids & RFP's: This is an on-line posting of all Bids & RFP's that are currently out for response. A simple click on the desired item will produce a complete copy of the spec/bid pages needed to compete. There is also an explanation of the Administration's Local Vendor Preference policy.
For more information contact Ed Meece, City Manager 406-823-6000
