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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-17 Minutes - Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) NURB Meeting – September 5, 2017 1 Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 5, 2017 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: John Usher, Chair Robert Pavlic Bobbi Clem Dan Doehring Jeanne Wesley-Wiese (arrived at 7:05 pm) Non-Voting Members: Ethan Barlow Dalton Brink Nolan Campbell Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff: Shane Strong, KLJ Engineering Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Chris Nixon, 719 North Wallace Avenue Call to Order – Chair John Usher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Changes to the Agenda – No changes were made to the agenda. Public Comment – No comment was received under this agenda item. Minutes – August 1, 2017. It was moved by Dan Doehring, seconded by Bobbi Clem, that the minutes of the meeting of August 1, 2017, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 3-0 vote. NURB Meeting – September 5, 2017 2 Discussion/Action Items – Review of budgeted monies for Fiscal Year 2017-2018. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018. She noted that the budget reflects monies from the TIF and monies from the bond proceeds. She drew attention to those projects listed under the Infrastructure header for which no monies have been budgeted, including Front Street, North Ida Avenue, the quiet zone feasibility study and public arts program. She stated these are projects for which monies had been budgeted in the past; however, the requirements for bond repayment and the designated bond reserve resulted in no monies being available for those projects. Update on financial status of NURB fund. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2016-17, noting that the second half property taxes have been received. She stated most, if not all, of the expenditures for this fiscal year are reflected in the report; and no bond proceeds were received during the fiscal year. She concluded by stating that the balance at the end of the fiscal year is lower than she had projected. Robin Sullivan then turned attention to the revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2017-18. She noted that the bond proceeds received were significantly higher than she had projected; and it is important to carry as many of those proceeds over to next fiscal year as possible to cover the costs of the East Tamarack Street project. She then briefly highlighted the expenses that have been incurred to date. Possible action on quiet zone at railroad crossings. A memo from KLJ Engineering estimating the cost of the feasibility study for the three crossings at $21,700 was distributed to the Board. The proposal includes a topographical survey of each crossing; analyses of the crossings, including on-site diagnostic reviews; and facilitating coordination with this Board and railroad personnel. Brit Fontenot reminded the Board that only one of the crossings is in the district; the other two lie outside the district. It is important to understand that all three crossings need to be addressed if the quiet zone is to be effective. Dalton Brink suggested that owners in the northeast area be approached to assist in financing the feasibility study. Brit Fontenot reminded the Board that the Gallatin Valley Land Trust had committed $7,500 toward the pedestrian crossing on North Wallace Avenue; however, those monies were not needed because of the low cost of that project. He expressed a willingness to approach them about committing that $7,500 to the quiet zone feasibility study. John Usher asked if there is any wiggle room in the budget for the current fiscal year. Robin Sullivan responded that she has looked at the budget and has been unable to identify any line items from which monies could be moved. Bobbi Clem noted that at last month’s meeting, Brad Koon reported Shelby received grant monies to address safety concerns. She suggested that it may be possible to obtain grant monies for a fence along the railroad tracks and then seek funding assistance from the Gallatin NURB Meeting – September 5, 2017 3 Valley Land Trust for construction of a trail. She stated two members of Vision NorthEast are also on the GVLT Board and she will ask them about their willingness to assist with funding. Brit Fontenot stated that the feasibility study is the first step in the process of creating a quiet zone; and it is the basis upon which grant applications would be made. Chris Nixon noted that at the RUDAT meeting, someone asked who would be willing to contribute to a quiet zone. He suggested that information could be beneficial in this process. Brit Fontenot recognized the benefits of a grassroots effort to raise funding for the feasibility study; however, he cautioned against a campaign that results in small contributions. Nolan Campbell stated he sits on an advisory board for GVLT. He cautioned that, with the lack of new open space bonds for the County, money will be tight. However, GVLT is good at raising money. John Usher stated it is important to determine the stake this Board is willing to put in, after which the remainder of the monies can be sought from partners. Bobbi Clem asked about the possibility of cash-in-lieu of parkland monies from future developments being earmarked for this study and improvements; Brit Fontenot responded he will check with City staff to find out if that is a possibility. Bobbi Clem then asked if the Commission may be willing to contribute to the project. Commissioner Liaison Pomeroy responded that she anticipates it would be difficult to convince the Commission to do so in light of all the requests for funding and the limited monies available. Nolan Campbell stated he recently worked on a housing project in Missoula, and he found that a decibel study was needed to fully qualify for HUD approved financing. He noted that the most affordable land is often by train tracks, and recognized that a quiet zone could be beneficial. He concluded by cautioning that the decibel study includes all noises, including airplanes. Ethan Barlow asked how many properties in this district have changed hands in the past 24 months. He suggested that some of those developers may be willing to contribute toward the costs of the feasibility study. Responding to questions from Brit Fontenot, Nolan Campbell stated the developers in the area have asked if a decibel study has been done in the neighborhood. Responding to comments from Bobbi Clem, Nolan Campbell stated that housing is being considered in The Cannery District. Bobbi Clem stated someone is looking at redevelopment of the depot. Brit Fontenot noted that the budget for the year has been set, and the monies for the next couple years are generally prioritized. He suggested that the Board encourage others to help fund the $21,000 feasibility study to understand the problem, with this Board taking on managing of the project. He noted that under this proposal, those contributing funds would receive the data but not be required to be actively involved in the process. NURB Meeting – September 5, 2017 4 Responding to Dalton Brink, Brit Fontenot stated he does not plan to reach out to private developers; however, he will talk to GVLT. He encouraged Board members to contact others that they may know about helping to fund this study. The Board agreed that further discussion should deferred to next month, when more firm information is available. Update on Vision NorthEast process and findings. Bobbi Clem reported that they have reached out to some neighborhood businesses and encouraged them to create a business association. Bobbi Clem announced the summer stroll has been set for the evening of Saturday, September 16, and is designed to be an adult evening. On Sunday, September 17, they will organize the parade of sheds, which will begin at the climbing rock at 10 a.m. and end at the East Aspen Street park area with a variety of events and a picnic. She recognized that there has been much angst about development in the area; and these events are an effort to not lose the essence of the northeast neighborhood. Updates on current projects. Shane Strong reported the final walk-through with the City was done on North Wallace Avenue last week. A few more punchlist items were identified, with the biggest ones being adjusting the valve boxes and manhole rings to grade. That work should be done by the end of the month. Completing the design for East Tamarack Street is still waiting for information from the Montana Department of Transportation and Gallatin County. After that information has been obtained, the designs will be completed and submitted to this Board and the City for review. Shane Strong reported that the East Peach Street project is not a smooth one. He reported that a major gas line was ruptured today; and it has been found that a section of gas main is running under the new curb and gutter, which will result in a change of the subgrade material. Because of the gas line as well as abandoned service lines coming off an old gas main, NorthWestern Energy is requiring crews to use shovels in an 18-inch strip rather than using machines. This change may result in a change order, but monies may be available in the miscellaneous work allowance to cover those costs. Shane Strong reported that crews have also encountered problems with hitting other underground utilities, including sections of storm sewer that they had just installed. Dirt work on the subgrade on the east end of the project is done, and both the water and sewer have been tested and found to be good. The storm sewer was videoed today, and the street should then be ready for final subgrade and paving. Work on the west side of North Wallace Avenue will then begin. Responding to Brit Fontenot, Shane Strong stated that this portion of the project will extend just west of Perkins Place, which is the edge of the Phase II North Rouse Avenue project. He indicated that the project is to be completed yet this year, and he anticipates the City Engineering Department will not be lenient when it comes to enforcing liquidated damages. NURB Meeting – September 5, 2017 5 Responding to John Usher, Shane Strong indicated that the East Tamarack Street design should be ready for bidding in the winter for construction next year. Staff updates on items of interest to the Board. Brit Fontenot noted that he came to this meeting from the Zoning Commission meeting at which parking reductions in the Midtown district was considered. The Zoning Commission supports the removal of parking requirements and has forwarded a favorable recommendation for Commission consideration at its September 18 meeting. Under this change, developers along the North 7th Avenue corridor will be allowed to consider a variety of issues, including bus transit, bicycle parking and shared parking when determining the amount of parking to be provided for a project. Responding to questions from Board members, Brit Fontenot stated that this provision pertains to only the B2M zoned properties within the Midtown TIF district and is designed to incentivize growth and increase the tax base. This provision should allow for less parking and more building on lots within this core area. He concluded by noting the district extends from Murdochs on the north to the “Barmuda Triangle” on the south and approximately a block on either side of North 7th Avenue. Set agenda for October 3, 2017 meeting or cancel meeting. To be included on the agenda, in addition to the standard agenda items, are additional discussion on a quiet zone at the railroad crossings, review of the taxable values from the Department of Revenue, and introduction of Finance Director Kristin Donald to the Board. FYI/Discussion (formerly Neighborhood News). Nolan Campbell reported that the residential restriction on that portion of the Idaho Pole site lying north of the interstate has been lifted, and it is no longer under institutional control. He confirmed that it does, however, remain a Brownfield site. At Chair Usher’s request, those present introduced themselves since the three non-voting members have been appointed in recent months. Chris Nixon suggested the possibility of expanding this TIF district to include the Idaho Pole site. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese noted that when the district was originally created, there was resentment to the designation of blight and concerns revolved around the provision for eminent domain. Expanding the district will result in those issues and resentments being encountered again. Adjournment – 8:25 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Usher adjourned the meeting. John Usher, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman