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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-12 Minutes, City Commission INUTES OF THE COMMISSION MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA March 12, 2001 The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session and work session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Monday, March 12, 2001, at 6:00 pm. Present were Mayor Youngman, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Smiley, City Manager Johnson, Staff Attorney Day-Moore, and Deputy Clerk of the Commission DeLathower. Commissioner Kirchhoff was absent. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The Commissioners recognized and congratulated Clerk of the Commission Sullivan for her achievement of Second Level Membership in the Master Municipal Clerk Academy of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Authorize absence of Commissioner Kirchhoff from this meetinq, in compliance with Section 7-3-4322(2), M.C.A. It was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Smiley, that the absence of Commissioner Kirchhoff from this meeting be approved in compliance with Section 7-3-4322(2), Montana Code Annotated. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Brown, and Mayor Youngman; those voting No, none. Consent Items City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following Consent Items. Authorize City Manager to sion - Supplement to H.T.E., Inc., Software License and Services Agreement - add building permits [~ro(Irammine Building Inspection Division report for February 2001 Claims It was moved by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the Commission approve the Consent Items as listed and authorize and direct the appropriate persons to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Smiley, and Mayor Youngman; those voting No, none. Presentation of "State of the Neighborhood Address" - Jon Gerster, Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA) Mr. Jon Gerster, 719 North Wallace, representing the Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA), presented a neighborhood update based on his memo, which he distributed just prior to the meeting. He characterized this address as an important yearly communication between the neighborhood and the Commission and noted it is preferable to present this information in person rather than just hand the Commission a piece of paper. Mr. Gerster's address included the mission, assets, challenges, goals, signs of hope, and issues of concern for the northeast neighborhood as well as its wish list for the future. 03-12-2001 -2- The mission of the northeast neighborhood, according to Mr. Gerster, is to be as positive as they can in light of the challenges they face as a neighborhood. He noted each neighborhood is full of experts who can offer free advice, and the northeast neighborhood tries to take advantage of that at every opportunity. They continue to try to be inclusive of both businesses and residences, although some entities are posing challenges by not wanting to be cooperative. Assets of the northeast neighborhood, as outlined by Mr. Gerster, include its diversity and affordability, which makes this area a good entry market for young families; and that brings with it its own set of challenges. This area is the closest corner of Bozeman to the great green spaces, which they value and want to protect for the entire town. This is also a good mixed-use neighborhood; one where residential, industrial, and business co-exist. Mr. Gerster highlighted some of the challenges met during the past year, including the distribution of 1,200 newsletters in an area roughly stretching from Main Street north to Story Mill Road and from the Cupola property to North 7th Avenue. The north central portion of town now identifies with the northeast section, which they view as a compliment to the northeast neighborhood. Mr. Gerster proudly announced the neighborhood has designed, produced, and paid for two speed signs, "Northeast Neighbors Thank You for Driving 25 MPH", one of which has already been installed on North Wallace; and the other will be installed as soon as a post has been erected. They have already received lots of positive comments on the existing sign, with people particularly appreciating the politeness of it. However, speeding continues to be an issue in the neighborhood, especially on North Wallace. Mr. Gerster stated neighborhood children are at great risk, and their childhood should not be taken away by a speeding truck. Focusing next on neighborhood goals, Mr. Gerster noted the next neighborhood meeting will be held 27th March at 7:00 pm in the Hawthorne School gym; and the Commissioners are invited to attend. NENA has been participating in the Off Broadway development, and Mr. Delaney has been very receptive of their input. Cleanup NENA was a great success last year, and they anticipate it will be again this year; but it could probably be held more than once per year. The neighborhood is working with City officials to designate a crosswalk on North Church to help children cross to Hawthorne School safely. NENA is also working with Historic Preservation Officer Strahn on the North Church Historic District, as well as the beautification of the depot park. They are hoping to pursue the creation of pocket parks in the area as well. Pointing to signs of hope for the northeast neighborhood, Mr. Gerster cited the restoration and renovation of the brewery, the retention of Strategix, and the East Main Street improvements. NENA is happy about the proposed new library and is grateful to have the opportunity for input early on on such projects as 777, Off Broadway, and the Four Seasons Sunrooms. They are also very encouraged by the formation of the interim interneighborhood council, which Mr. Gerster will chair for its probationary period; and they will be encouraging other neighborhoods to organize and participate as well. Issues of cOncern for the northeast neighborhood identified by Mr. Gerster include the expansion of a heavier industrial base with its "Iron Curtain" potential; and the disheartening lack of neighborly concern of the larger businesses, particularly the Empire organization. The Idaho Pole land continues to be a concern because it remains a "blank slate", the Cupola land is looking good, but they will continue to watch its development, and they would like to see the Front Street proposal killed once and for all. Concluding his address with NENA's wish list, Mr. Gerster said they are hoping to maintain the green spaces, particularly some of the more cherished ones like the pocket park along Bozeman Creek. They would like to have the creek opened up once again, and they are hoping to pursue that with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. They are encouraged by Code Enforcement Officer Hasler's methods and believe them to be working very well. Mr. Gerster admonished the Commission to remember that while the "fast track" process is promising and a nice gesture to the development community, it should never circumvent the public input process. Rather, they should be encouraging people to show up at the meetings to voice their opinions and offer their expertise. Finally, he reminded the Commissioners that whatever affects the northeast side of town will eventually affect Main Street and the rest of Bozeman, which is Why NENA is so dedicated to their little corner of 03-12-2001 -3- town. Ordinance NO. 1534 - establish initial zoninq desi(~nations of "R-O" on 12.7251 acres and "R-3" on 22.6499 acres located in the SW]&, Section 1, T2S, R5E, MPM (Walton property lyin.q between Durston Road and West Oak Street, immediately west of Gallatin County Rest Home) Previously distributed to the Commission was a copy of Ordinance No. 1534, as approved by the City Attorney, entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 1534 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, AMENDING THE BOZEMAN ZONE'MAP'S ZONING DISTRICT DESIGNATIONS TO ESTABLISH INITIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS OF "R-O" (RESIDENTIAL - OFFICE) ON 12.7251 ACRES AND "R-3" (RESIDENTIAL - MEDIUM-DENSITY) ON 22.6499 ACRES LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST ONE-QUARTER OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST, PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN OF MONTANA. It was moved by Commissioner SmileY,.seconded by Commissioner Brown, that Ordinance No. 1534, establishing initial zoning designations of "R-O" on 12.7251 acres and "R-3" on 22.6499 acres located between Durston Road and West Oak Street, immediately west of Gallatin County Rest Home, be finally adopted. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Frost, and Mayor Youngman; those voting No, none. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following' "For Your Information" items. (1) Copy of a letter from Ellen Trygstad regarding the city ice rinks, and Superintendent.of Facilities and Lands Goehrung's letter of response, dated March 8. (2) Memo from FOR Parks; dated March 5, regarding site acquisition for a regional park. (3) Copy of the Career Transitions class schedule for April 2001. ". (4) . Copy of a letter from the Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board to the Transportation Coordinating Committee, dated February 26, regarding the 2000 update of the TransportatiOn Plan. (5) Flyer announcing that copies of Montana's Local Government Review, prepared by Kenneth L. Weaver and Judith A. Mathre, are now available for purchase. (.6)' Announcement of the Montana Fair Housing annual conference being .held at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls on April. 11 through 13. (7) Letter from the Montana Department of Commerce announcing public input meetings scheduled on the annual action plan for affordable housing, public facilities, and economic development. (8) Letter from the Montana Department of Transportation, dated March 6, listing the CTEP sub-allocations for Fiscal Year 2001. (9) Plan. Copy of an advertisement soliciting public comment on the Bozeman 2020 Community (10) NeWsletter from Headwaters Recycling, announcing that the next meeting is schedUled for 10:00 am on March. 14 at Three Forks. 03-12-2001 -4- (11 ) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, March 13, at Manhattan. (12) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 13, at the Professional Building. (13) Agenda and revised agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 pm o,n Tuesday, March 13, at the Professional Building. (14) Agenda for the Gallatin County Planning Board meeting to be held at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 13, at the Courthouse, along with minutes from their meeting of February 27. (15) Agenda for the Transportation Coordinating Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 21, in the Commission Room. .During his. FYI, City Manager Johnson offered the following: 1) At 10 am on March 22 there will.be a meeting for input on the self-certification process. 2) On Thursday, March 8, he attended a meeting of City Managers in Helena to discuss HB 124, which is the big taxation policy bill. They ultimately decided to support the loss of revenues from gambling, alcohol, vehicle licenses, and corporate license fees. And agreed to a plan whereby the State will give cities an entitlement based on a base year, and that amount will then grow by a specified factor every year. Right now, the first couple of years' growth factor looks like it will be 3 percent. Bozeman won't' win financially under this proposal, but it will bring stability to the revenue process cities haven't had before. Commissioner Brown asked how often the payments will be made. City Manager Johnson replied payments will be made once per year and will be made directly to the cities; no longer will the payments be run through the counties, which will simplify the process. 3) The big issue appears to be whether or not there is going to be a local option sales tax. The concept is still alive and well and may yet come out of the legislature this year. The general concept now is the seven major trade centers would be required to share 25 percent of the sales tax generated in the sub-region and'regions, based on population. This may be limited to things that are attributable to non-residents, like food, motels, gas, and recreational items. This bill is critical because it would mean a whole lot more money would .be coming into the city coffers. Four percent is the maximum that could be taxed, and that is city and county taxes combined. There is no bill number yet; the sub- committee is drafting the bill right now. Mayor Youngman noted the City will probably want to back off the creation of the Park Maintenance District if this tax comes forward because it will provide more revenue. Commissioner Frost presented the following FYI items: 1) The advertisement "Help Shape Bozeman's Future", regarding the meetings to be held on the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan, is now appearing in every paper. He acknowledged the good work of Nikki Naiser, City Planning Board, who put the ad together. 2) He traveled to Helena on Friday for the hearing on natural resources, noting the committee didn't like what they heard. Commissioner Brown offered.the following FYI items: 1) He believes the Commission needs to have a discussion regarding the FOR Parks letter of March 5, 2001 and Jerry Williams' proposal for a site for the regional park. He noticed in the Williams' proposal the purchase price doesn't include the improvement of two of the streets; the west and south ones. Mayor Youngman added there also needs to be a public discussion about why a big park. There are community members who still don't understand the need for a large park; an issue which came up at the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting last week. 2) The Commissioners do not need copies of all legal reports, like the library one for instance. Instead, there should be a single copy-placed in the shared mailbox in the Clerk's office. Commissioner Smiley suggested just listing names rather than all the other information if it is 03-12-2001 -5- similar offenses. During her FYI Commissioner Smiley asked what is the status of the Burke Park parking lot. Mayor Youngman replied the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board is coming up with their recommendation at their next meeting, and they will bring it before the Commission swiftly after that. Mayor Youngman offered the following FYI items: 1 ) Acknowledged the two Boy Scouts who were attending the Commission meeting to satisfy merit badge requirements. 2) Presented an update on the water conservation consultant saying the scope of services proposal has been reviewed and sent back to the consultant with an initial set of suggestions. 3) She previously distributed to the other Commissioners a copy of the response from Senator Baucus regarding the roadless initiative. 4) She will be meeting with Thane Richard, youth member of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, tomorrow regarding the formation of a Youth Council to advise the community on issues of interest to young people. 5) One of the. Torch Relay meetings was held last week, and the WindDrinkers have agreed to coordinate the logistics and volunteers. Coca Cola, Chevrolet, and the WindDrinkers will coordinate the selection of the relay runners, each of whom will run approximately ~A of a mile. 6) She is continuing working with the committee on the Ali-American Award submission, noting all entities are being very helpful with providing the necessary information. There have been lots of honors and recognitions bestowed upon this community; some they didn't even realize until they started gathering this information. 7) Consideration of HB 382 has been rescheduled to March 22"d. The focus has been narrowed down to landlord/tenant issues. Adjournment - 7:04 pm There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Smiley, seconded by Commissioner Brown, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Frost, and Mayor Youngman; those voting No, none. ATTEST: Clerk of the Commission MAR I~AB. YOUN~yor PREPARED BY: Deputy Clerk of the Commission 03-12-2001