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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-17 Minutes - Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) NURB Meeting – June 6, 2017 1 Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 6, 2017 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Vice Chair Bobbi Clem Robert Pavlic John Usher Non-Voting Members: Ethan Barlow Tom Noble Dalton Brink Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff: Jessica Johnson, Neighborhood Coordinator Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Chris Nixon, 719 North Wallace Avenue Dan Doehring, 704 North Church Avenue Call to Order – Vice Chair Jeanne Wesley-Wiese called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Changes to the Agenda – No changes were made to the agenda. Public Comment – No comment was received under this agenda item. Minutes – May 2, 2017. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Bobbi Clem, that the minutes of the meeting of May 2, 2017, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Discussion/Action Items – Discussion regarding Bozeman Creek pedestrian bridge project. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated this item is once again on the agenda because people along East Aspen Street NURB Meeting – June 6, 2017 2 expressed opposition to the bridge in previous meetings. She noted this bridge project has been in the Board’s work plan for the past fifteen years; and she supports it. Bobbi Clem reiterated her opposition to the bridge because of the continuing increased costs. She questioned whether people had been given a cost estimate when they first voted to support the project and noted that in the most recent vote, people were handing her their votes before they were even told what the costs would be. She acknowledged that when this bridge was initially proposed, there were no sidewalks on North Rouse Avenue or East Tamarack Street; however, there will be sidewalks on East Peach Street and East Tamarack Street with the impending street improvements and traffic signals at the intersections of those streets with North Rouse Avenue, so this bridge no longer has its value. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese responded she feels it still has value because it provides a much safer crossing and a natural amenity to the neighborhood. Responding to Dalton Brink, Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated the Board previously voted to include this project in its work plan and it has been approved by the City Commission. Further responding to Dalton Brink, Brit Fontenot stated the bridge was one of the five projects listed in the resolution for the bond issue. He stressed that this was the fifth project on the list; and it is anticipated the reconstruction of East Peach Street and East Tamarack Street will take all of the $1.4 million bond issue. If any monies remain, they can be expended on Front Street, North Ida Avenue or the bridge. He noted that at this time, it is anticipated the bridge will be funded with monies outside the bond issue; and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $82,000 for the bridge and sidewalk along East Aspen Street. He noted, however, the Commission has identified the importance of considering the residents that will be impacted by the project and how they feel about it. He cautioned that there are currently a lot of encroachments into the East Aspen Street right-of-way. Ethan Barlow stated that, even though this has been a longstanding project, he feels it is important to consider whether the impending street improvements resolve the issues in an alternative way. He questioned whether committing $82,000 of the total monies available is the appropriate thing to do. Brit Fontenot noted items previously funded but not in next year’s budget include the feasibility study for a quiet zone and rehabilitation of the depot. Responding to questions from Bobbi Clem, Brit Fontenot stated the bond monies will be taken in two draws, with the first being taken in July to cover the costs of reconstructing East Peach Street and the second being taken in July 2018 to cover the costs of reconstructing East Tamarack Street. John Usher briefly recapped some of those who have spoken in support of and in opposition to this project, noting he can see both sides of the issue. Update on possible CDBG funding options. Jessica Johnson reported that there are two kinds of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies, and one of those is a planning grant. Those grants are usually in the amount of $25,000 and require a funding match. Applications for those monies open July 1 and she suggested that, if the Board wishes to NURB Meeting – June 6, 2017 3 pursue this funding, it retain Prospera to prepare the application and administer the grant if successful. She noted the feasibility study for the quiet zone would qualify for these monies; and those administering the monies do not anticipate a rush of applications on July 1. Brit Fontenot noted that he was tasked with identifying other possible funding sources for the feasibility study since there are three railroad crossings in close proximity, only one of which is within this district. He cautioned that no funding has been included in the budget for the upcoming year. He proposed that, if the Board is interested in pursuing this study, it engage Prospera to prepare an application and include a match in the FY19 budget. Chris Nixon suggested the possibility of either NENA or RUDAT doing a survey to find out who is interested in pursuing this study for a quiet zone. He then voiced concern about spending monies on studies, stating he would rather see the monies spent on projects. He noted that other communities, including Helena, have done quiet zones, and he feels those plans could be used here. Shane Strong noted that Brad Koon in KLJ’s Helena office works with MRL and noted he can contact him about this crossing. He suggested that Mr. Koon may be able to attend or call into the next Board meeting to discuss this issue further. John Usher suggested that board members get their questions together so that Brad Koon has them prior to the meeting, thus shortening the discussion and making it more productive. Shane Strong voiced agreement and asked that board members forward their questions to either him or Brit Fontenot in the next two or three weeks so they can organize them and forward them to Brad Koon. Update on RUDAT process and findings. Bobbi Clem stated about twenty people interested in this project met on May 26 and decided its next steps are to determine whether they wish to concentrate on the same area as the original RUDAT study, to name itself, to identify its purpose, and to develop its goals. She noted that the group has identified five goals based on the RUDAT report. Responding to Bob Pavlic, Bobbi Clem stated the historic mixed use (HMU) area is so unique, flexibility needs to be retained. She does not anticipate any significant change in the zoning requirements in this area, although it is important to recognize that part of the area is transitioning to more business-type development. She noted that accommodating multi-modal transportation has been identified as a concept to be promoted. Responding to comments from Ethan Barlow, Brit Fontenot confirmed that the taxable value of the property is what drives the increment in a tax increment financing district; and buildings appraise for a much higher value than parking spaces. As a result, it is important to recognize the 1970s standards for parking need to be adjusted as other options are provided, such as bus stops and more bicycle racks. Chris Nixon noted that the Streamline buses will need to be rerouted when North Rouse Avenue is reconstructed, and suggested that they be moved to North Wallace Avenue so they become more aware of the businesses located there. Brit Fontenot responded that he anticipates Streamline already has a plan in place, but will contact them. NURB Meeting – June 6, 2017 4 Updates on current projects. Shane Strong reported that Knife River is lagging on the punch list work on North Wallace Avenue. He noted that retention payment has been withheld and, if the work is not done soon, he will recommend that liquidated damages be assessed. He noted the primary items remaining include staining the traffic circle, removing the curb paint in front of Karst Stage, completing the concrete work, repairing a low spot in the asphalt at Fridley Place, and grassing the boulevard. Shane Strong reported that the East Peach Street project has been bid, the Notice of Award issued, and the contracts signed and returned by the contractor. The insurance certificates need to be revised to meet the contract requirements. Once that is done, the City will sign the contracts, a preconstruction meeting will be held, and the Notice to Proceed issued. He anticipates that these steps will be completed in the next two or three weeks, keeping the project on schedule. Responding to Bob Pavlic, Shane Strong stated the staging area for this project has not yet been identified. Shane Strong turned his attention to the East Tamarack Street project. He stated they are currently waiting feedback from the City Engineering Department on how to handle the natural low point that occurs on the bridge to ensure that the stormwater inlets do not drain directly into the creek. Also, he is waiting for the County to give him the approximate elevation of the bottom of the bridge abutment walls so he can prepare the plans for boring under those abutments. He stated that once he has that information, he can wrap up the street designs and have the project ready to bid this fall or in the spring for construction next summer. Shane Strong stated he is also waiting for the Montana Department of Transportation to acquire the right-of-way at the intersection with North Rouse Avenue, which will impact when the conduit for the fiber can be installed. Shane Strong stated the City has replanted three trees in the park area; Jeanne Wesley-Wiese noted that approximately fifteen trees were cut down. Brit Fontenot stated he will contact the Park Department to find out why only three trees were planted. Staff updates on items of interest to the Board. Brit Fontenot reported that closing on the bonds is scheduled for July 20. This is the first private placement of bonds by the City, and Big Sky Western Bank was the successful bidder. He characterized this as the culmination of a lot of work over the past several months. He noted that this bond issue will fund reconstruction of two of the major streets in the district, and one of the major streets has been reconstructed through the City’s street program. He noted that these improvements make this district more attractive for both residential and commercial development. Brit Fontenot announced that the budget and work plan for next fiscal year will be submitted to the City Commission on next week’s consent agenda. This is a departure from the process followed in past years, where each tax increment financing district made a presentation and highlighted its efforts. NURB Meeting – June 6, 2017 5 Update on financial status of NURB fund. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2016-17, noting she expects next month’s report will change substantially with the second half property taxes. Responding to Bobbi Clem, Brit Fontenot confirmed that Solstice Landscaping will mow the East Aspen Street park area more often. He cautioned that options for addressing the gophers are very limited. Bobbi Clem stated she is also concerned about the weeds; Brit Fontenot asked who she uses for spraying weeds and indicated he will contact them about spraying the weeds in this right-of- way. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for remainder of calendar year. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that John Usher be selected Chair for the remainder of the calendar year. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, second by John Usher, that Jeanne Wesley-Wiese be selected Vice Chair for the remainder of the calendar year. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Set agenda for July 4, 2017 meeting or cancel meeting. It was moved by Bobbi Clem, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the July 4 meeting be cancelled. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. To be included on the August 1 agenda, in addition to the standard agenda items, is a discussion with Brad Koon regarding a quiet zone study. FYI/Discussion (formerly Neighborhood News). Bob Pavlic reported that he has heard there is a buyer for the Bronken Distributing property. Also, the three lots on North Ida Avenue adjacent to Bell Plumbing have been sold; the Tow Zone property has been sold; and the Silent Knight Muffler property is being sold. Chris Nixon asked about the Lattice Materials property since all of its property boundaries have recently been marked. Bobbi Clem reported that planning is underway for the vacant lot between The Loft and Tree Line. She has also heard that something is being done with the Idaho Pole property. Adjournment – 7:57 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Vice Chair Wesley-Wiese adjourned the meeting. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Vice Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman