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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-17 Minutes, City Commission spec MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA February 17, 2006 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in special session at the Holiday Inn, 5 Baxter Lane, on Friday, February 17, 2006, at 7:00 a.m. Present were Mayor Jeff Krauss, City Commissioner Sean Becker, City Commissioner Jeff Rupp, City Commissioner Steve Kirchhoff, County Commissioner Joe Skinner, County Commissioner John Vincent, County Commissioner Bill Murdock, County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic, City Manager Chris Kukulski, and City Clerk Robin Sullivan. City Commissioner Jacobson was absent. Joint meetina of City Commissioners and County Commissioners Establish regular meeting schedule. Mayor Krauss suggested that the two Commissions meet on a regular basis. It was agreed by all Commissioners present that they would meet on a Friday morning, once a month for breakfast. The City Clerk was asked to contact the Secretary of the County Commission to arrange the dates for monthly meetings for the remainder of the calendar year. It was also determined that a list of subjects will be prepared for each meeting and that all statutory requirements are to be met. County-wide transit system. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that an interim six-bus system including retro yellow busses is being sought, pending the consultant's final public transit report. He noted that the busses are circa 1920s jammer busses and operate on bio-fuel. The goal is to have three busses, delivered by August 1 of this year, operating on a schedule that includes five to six trips to Belgrade daily, with several stops in town includini stops at the big box stores as well as other high ridership places. He added that the local cost per bus is 21,000, with the remainder of the cost being funded through the Highway Transportation Bill. City Commissioner Rupp noted that 90 percent of the system is currently in place and, as planned, this new transit system could be implemented without a tax increase. County Commissioner John Vincent characterized this as a good common sense first step and stated he feels an incremental approach is the best way to implement a mass transit system. County Commissioner Murdock identified the components to a successful transit system: marketing, including "cool busses;" price; and frequency of service. He then indicated that local matches for the busses will be sought as follows: ASMSU, one bus; MSU, one bus; City of Belgrade, one bus; and the City of Bozeman and Gallatin County, three busses. City Commissioner Becker noted he was approached by organizations in town that can no longer use their 16-passenger vans who were hoping to lease, rent, or borrow the busses or become a part of the program. He also asked if any bed tax revenues would be available for this program City Commissioner Rupp responded that the local organizations may be able to purchase vehicles through this system. County Commissioner John Vincent noted that the bed tax is earmarked for marketing and, during the legislative sessions, that wins over funding for impacts on local infrastructure. Mayor Krauss said that he views this as a test rather than a first step. If the system doesn't cover costs and if there isn't ridership, then discontinuing the system should be considered. He also doesn't want to see GalaVan fail, with the service it provides, because of this transit system. County Commissioner Murdock clarified that the community would no longer be eligible for federal transportation funds if the GalaVan service is not continued. 02-17-06 Special -2- City Commissioner Rupp noted that ridership will be tracked and cautioned that transit systems across the country don't break even. He then observed that those who are transit dependent are generally the elderly, students, and those who work one. or two jobs and drive older, undependable vehicles. Televising of Commission meetings. City Manager Kukulski noted that Bresnan has the equipment necessary for televising of meetings but has not yet been able to install it because there is no interlocal agreement in place. He recognized it is important to take only those steps with which the County is comfortable but expressed his interest in proceeding as quickly as possible. Responding to Mayor Krauss, County Commissioner John Vincent stated the County will not televise its meetings until after the first of the year, if then. Mayor Krauss asked that the County send bills for maintenance of the Community Room, particularly the bulb for the overhead projector, to the City. County Commissioner Bill Murdock responded that the City could provide parking passes for the County Commissioners who are using the City Hall rooms for meetings. County-wide zoning. County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic confirmed the rumor that the County Commissioners are considering zoning in the county is true. She noted that an essential part of that program is the TDR component, which will require some involvement from the City to be successful. She suggested that this be the only topic for an upcoming joint meeting. County Commissioner Murdock identified the need for an interlocal agreement to address the TDR issue as well as other issues, such as city standards which conflict with county standards. He suggested that it is in the City's interests to not see 500-unit subdivisions develop in the county. He then indicated that the County is committed to compensating landowners for not developing. He stated that the County will have a draft proposal by next month's meeting. In response to a request from City Commissioner Becker, County Planning Director Madgic noted that she would get a packet of information to the City Commissioners prior to the next meeting. Recycling. Mayor Krauss noted that he and City Commissioner Becker attended the last solid waste district meeting, and indicated that the City is interested in joining the district. He acknowledged that it is now more than twenty years since this partnership was originally suggested. He also recognized that a change in the bylaws is necessary to allow the City to continue operating its landfill for the convenience of city residents while being in the district. He then noted that he gets the telephone calls and letters from angry county residents because they are no longer to go to the City landfill, but must now go to the Logan landfill. County Commissioner Bill Murdock acknowledged that convenience sites and recycling sites are needed in the eastern portion of the county; however, he noted that many of those on the solid waste district's board live in the western portion of the county, where the landfill is only a few miles away. He then asked if the City has possible locations for drop-off sites. City Commissioner Rupp stated that he is interested in joining the solid waste district only if there is a recycling component and if the amount buried is reduced. City Manager Kukulski said that the solid waste collection system is working fine and is at least breaking even with the direct haul to Logan. He noted that less than 2 percent of the populace in Bozeman is using the City landfill, which is no longer open to county residents. He then stressed that recycling and composting are essential components. He indicated that the City's recycling program costs an estimated $250,000 annually with $100,000 in revenues from the sale of cardboard, leaving a $150,000 shortfall to be covered. Mayor Krauss said that County Grantwriter Larry Watson has indicated a recycling program will soon be mandated by the federal government, with a minimum of 15 to 20 percent being diverted from the waste 02-17-06 Special -3- stream. He noted thatthe Bozeman landfill, as a convenience center for the Bozeman residents, could stay open for over a decade. City Manager Kukulski noted that SFI is interested in the possibility of putting a roll-off at the landfill and possibly other locations, and in being a hauler. As a result, he suggested that they be included in future discussions on solid waste issues. Addressing concerns raised over littering, County Commissioner Murdock stated that self haulers cannot use the Logan landfill unless there is a cover on their loads. Mayor Krauss thanked the County and the solid waste district for their willingness to take the City's garbage on essentially overnight notice. County Commissioner Vincent noted that the County Commission makes the appointments to the solid waste district board. County Commissioner Murdock acknowledged that Bozeman needs two members on the board and suggested the County Commission may be willing to consider suggestions from the City on those appointments. He then noted this is an issue that needs further discussion at an upcoming joint meeting. General discussion. County Commissioner John Vincent stressed the importance of committing to monthly meetings, which will send a signal to the public that Bozeman and Gallatin County are truly working together. County Commissioner Murdock noted that Belgrade is booming and, as a result, it may be beneficial to invite representatives from the City of Belgrade and possible the Town of Manhattan to attend some of these joint meetings. Mayor Krauss noted that a larger room may be needed for those occasions when some of the controversial or larger issues are being discussed. County Commissioner John Vincent requested that agendas be set for future meetings, with one large topic and possibly a few smaller topics to be discussed each month. He indicated that the meeting could then be properly noticed, allowing for decisions to possibly be made. It was agreed up by all present that the agenda for next month is land use planning, including the annexation policy. Adiournment - 8:13 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: ~~ F ~. K S, Mayor ~J~ IN L. SULLIVAN City Clerk PREPARED BY: DaM~M- Deputy City Clerk 02-17-06 Special