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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-06-11 spec 262 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONT ANA June 11, 1987 ************************ The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in a special session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, June 11,1987, at 2:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Pro Tempore Stiff, Com- missioner Jordan, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull, City Manager Wysocki, City I Attorney Bruce Becker and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. Mayor Mathre was absent. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Signing of the Notice of the Special Meeting The Mayor Pro Tempore requested that each of the Commissioners sign the Notice of Special Commission Meeting. Each Commissioner in turn signed the Notice. It was moved by Commissioner Jordan, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that the absence of Mayor Mathre be authorized in compliance with Section 7-3-4322(2), M.C.A. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Pro Tempore Stiff; those voting No, none. It was then moved by Commissioner Martel, seconded by Commissioner Vant Hull, that the Commission waive the Commissioners' salaries for this meeting as established in Ordinance No. 1137. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan and Mayor Pro Tempore Stiff; those voting No, none. Continued discussion - sJte -E!~posal for U. S. West Direct Present at this continued discussion were the above-noted members of the City Commission; Wi Ibur Visser and Jane Jelinski, County Commissioners; Dr. Bill Tietz and Dr. John Jutila, Montana State University; State Representative Dorothy Bradley; Bob Correa, Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Jim Kack, coordinator for this application. I Mr. Jim Kack stated he is working on this proposal as a volunteer citizen. He noted that, with the County, the City and MSU present at this meeting, the entire constituency of the Gallatin Valley is represented. He then noted that if U. S. West Direct does choose a site within Montana, it will be the biggest single event any community has had in over fifty years. Mr. Kack stated he feels that various activities surrounding this site proposal give a clear signal that the communities in Montana have agreed to support one location. Also, being willing to compete with larger communities in other states shows the local residents that the City, County and MSU are willing to put their best foot forward and try to succeed in obtaining the site selection. Dr. William Tietz, President of Montana State University, stated that this proposal is a culmination of what the City, County and MSU have been preparing for over a period of time. He noted that during the past three to four years, the three entities have worked together to develop the tech park. He stated that the University of Montana and Missoula, Montana Tech and Butte, Helena, Great Falls, and Kalispell have all indicated support for the selection of Montana State University and Bozeman as Montana's site proposal for the U. S. West Advanced Technology Center. He noted that the cooperation of communities throughout the state should be beneficial in this application, reminding the Commissioners that the communities usually compete among themselves instead of providing a unified front. Dr. Tietz stated that, through cooperative efforts, the entities are now in a position to respond quickly to proposals of this nature. He noted that in a short period of time, requests for siting proposals for the Super Collider, U.S. West Direct and IBM have been received. I Dr. John Jutila, Vice-President of Research at Montana State University as well as Co- Chairman of the U. S. West Task Force, noted that community and institutional cooperation is necessary in this type of proposal. He noted that at the Institutional level, the University offers access, enthusiasm and hunger for this type of industry. He also noted that an indUS- trial partner needs research, which would give faCUlty and students at MSU an opportunity not currently avai lable. Dr. Jutila then stated that on Tuesday, a task force visited the campus; and it appears that the University will receive $1.8 million over the next three years for 06-11-87 Special Meeting 2G3 enhancement of the material sciences program. He noted that will be an important item in the U.S. West siting proposal. Dr. Jutila then indicated that Montana State University has state of the art facilities in many of the areas that would be important to U.S. West, offering resources which may not be available elsewhere in the fourteen-state region. He also noted that MSU has a national reputa- tion in its physics program; and it is also strong in computer sciences and electrical engineer- I ing. Commissioner Vant Hull asked if a special session of the Legislature would be required to address some of the items that might need to be included in a competitive proposal. Dr. Tietz stated that there is a potential need for the Legislature to address various items, including: (1) State land is to be a portion of the site and is to be sold at less than market value; (2) a major investment on the part of the State Investment Board; (3) a contribu- tion from the Coal Tax Trust Fund; and (4) commitment to development of an engineering and physical sciences facility at MSU either through bonding or monies from one of the trust funds. County Commissioner Wilbur Visser stated that at the recent MACa convention, Representa- tive Ron Marlenee indicated support for the selection of Bozeman as the site for the U. S. West proposal. He noted that Rep. Marlenee is to be in Bozeman on Monday and would like to meet with representatives of the various entities, probably some time before 10:00 a.m., in the Commissioners' community room. He further noted that the congressman has been working to get U .5. West to Montana. County Commissioner Visser then indicated that recent discussions with Yellowstone County Commissioner McKay have revealed that if Bozeman is selected as the site in Montana, their group will lend its support and backing to this application. Mr. Jim Kack noted that concern has been expressed about the impact that this type of industry, with the potential of 1500 employees, will have on the community. He noted that probably 750 new employees and families will be brought into the area, while the remaining 750 employees will be hired from current residents of the area. He then reminded the Commissioners I that each fall, 10,000 new residents come into the community; and those same 10,000 residents leave each spring. He noted that the community has adjusted to accept that fluctuation; and they will also easily accommodate 750 new families into the area. He further reminded the Commissioners that the Wally Byams have held three conventions in Bozeman, bringing a large influx of tourists for a period of time; and the community has accepted that expansion well. Commissioner Vant Hull noted that the impact on traffic would be the most noticeable and asked if the various entities will cooperate in addressing those issues as well. She also asked how important a third interchange at North Nineteenth Avenue would be to the project. Dr. Tietz stated it is important, noting that the State may need to cooperate with the local entities to develop that third interchange as early as possible. He also noted other traffic areas that need to be reviewed include the intersection of West Main Street and West College Street, extension of Kagy Boulevard from South 11th Avenue to South 19th Avenue, and extension of Goldenstein Lane from South Third Avenue to South 19th Avenue. Mr. Kack reminded those present that it is important to take this process one step at a time. He noted the local application must be submitted by June 15; and the task force must make its decision by June 18. He indicated that the State's application must then be filed with U.S. West by July 15; however, the community will basically have until September 1 to address some of the items. Commissioner Vant Hull asked if joint letters will be important. Mr. Kack indicated that joint letters, indicating a cooperative effort, will be very important in the future; however, they are not necessary at this time. I County Commissioner Jane Jelinski asked if any official action is required at this meeting. Mr. Kack indicated it is not, a verbal indication of commitment and cooperation is suffi- cient at this time. County Commissioner Visser noted that spin-off operations from this main project could be just as valuable to a community. Representative Dorothy Bradley asked if representatives from the company will visit the area on more than one occasion, noting that the Gallatin Valley sells itself. She then asked how important it would be for the Legislature to meet prior to the July 15 submittal deadline. She reminded those present that a loan from the Permanent Coal Tax Trust Fund must be approved 06-11-87 Special Meeting 26ft by a three-fourths vote in both houses; therefore, advanced education of the legislators concern- ing this application may be beneficial. Dr. Tietz stated it seems to be the general feeling at the State administrative level that the State government must do something spectacular to get people's attention; and support for a $55 million plant would do that. He then noted that if the Legislature were to consider this item, any approval should be contingent upon Montana being chosen as the site for the center. Dr. Tietz then indicated that probably a committee of three will visit all fourteen states after I U. S. West has received the proposals; however, he does not anticipate any additional visits from company representatives. Dr. Tietz stated it appears that U. S. West will develop an inventory of potential sites from the proposals it receives, reviewing that inventory when a spin-off operation is to be established. Commissioner Vant Hull indicated that she discussed this item with Mr. John Scully, attorney for U. S. West, and asked him what features would make Bozeman an appealing site. She stated his response was the University, and the quality of life for families should be stressed. Mayor Pro Tempore Stiff noted that the Commission has three draft letters of support from which to choose. Following a brief discussion, the Commission concurred that the letter as drafted by Commissioner Vant Hull should be selected. It was moved by Commissioner Jordan, seconded by Commissioner Martel, that the Commis- sioners send a letter of support, as drafted by Commissioner Vant Hull, and signed by all Commissioners. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Martel, Commissioner Vant Hull and Mayor Pro Tempore Stiff; those voting No, none. Mr. Kack assured the Commission that he will keep them updated on the status of this appl ication as well as the entire process. Adjournment - 3: 45 p. m. I There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Vant Hull, seconded by Commissioner Jordan, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vant Hull, Commissioner Jordan, Commissioner Martel and Mayor Pro Tempore Stiff; those voting No, none. JUDITH A. MATHRE, Mayor ATTEST: Clerk of the Commission I 06-11-87 Special Meeting