HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-17 Joint City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Minutes THE BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION/GALLATIN COUNTY COMMISSION
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING
BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
Friday, December 15,2017
Mayor-Carson Taylor: Present
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus: Present
Commissioner-Jeff I<rauss:Absent
Commissioner-I-Ho Pomeroy:Absent
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: Present
County Commissioners:
Chairman—Don Seifert: Present
Commissioner—Steve White: Present
Commissioner—Joe Skinner: Present
Staff Present at the Dais:City Manager(CM)Andrea Surratt, County Administrator(CA)Jim Doar,City
Clerk Robin Crough
A. 12:02:18 PM (00:06:37)Call to Order-12:00 PM-Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse
Mayor Taylor called the City Commission to order at 12:02 PM.
B. 12:02:25 PM (00:06:44) Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence
C. 12:03:19 PM (00:07:38)Changes to the Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
D. 12:03:34 PM (00:07:53)Motion and Vote to authorize the absence of City Commissioner I-Ho
Pomeroy and City Commissioner Jeff Krauss. The motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: Motion
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus:2nd
Mayor-Carson Taylor:Approve
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus:Approve
Commissioner-Jeff I<rauss:Absent
Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
Commissioner- I-Ho Pomeroy:Absent
Commissioner-Chris Mehl:Approve
E. 12:03:53 PM (00:08:12)General Public Comment
Mayor Taylor opened public comment.
12:04:40 PM (00:08:59)John Weddleton, Public Comment
Mr.Weddleton,Assembly Member of Anchorage,Alaska introduced himself and spoke to city/county
cooperation and the nice town.
12:05:56 PM (00:10:15)Heather Grenier, Public Comment
Ms. Grenier, representing HRDC,thanked the City and County for investing in transportation. She
discussed Streamline funding sources and discussed top priorities for a needs assessment.
12:08:00 PM (00:12:19)Lee Hazelbaker, Public Comment
Mr. Hazelbaker, Director of HRDC transportation,thanked the elected officials for their support. He is
stepping down at the end of the year,to be replaced by Sunshine Ross. He updated the City Commission
that the improvements requested will start on January 81h
F. 12:10:08 PM (00:14:27)Action Items
1. 12:10:11 PM (00:14:30) Discussion and Decision on Commitment to Construction of a Joint
Law Enforcement Building as Part of a Phased Approach to Addressing Deficiencies in Current
Facilities a
12:10:23 PM (00:14:42) Procedure
Mayor Taylor introduced the procedure for today's meeting.
12:10:53 PM (00:15:12)Staff Presentation
CM Surratt discussed the work she and the County Administrator have done on a potential joint law&
justice center as well as a municipal law&justice center. CA Doar thanked City and County staff for their
cooperation on the project,and is looking for direction today.
12:13:56 PM (00:18:15)Questions of Staff
Cr.Skinner asked about the City's position on making a decision today on working together. CM Surratt
stated the City is not prepared to make that commitment today.
Mayor Taylor asked when staff would be prepared to present on the Rouse safety center so that the
City Commission could make a decision to go one way or another.Assistant City Manager(ACM)Chuck
Winn discussed the dual path asked by the City Commission, and the need for more joint work moving
forward. He stated that Gallatin County's proposed four options did not sufficiently include City staff. He
discussed the incorporation of future fire stations as well.
Cr.White asked what needs to be examined for a municipal center, and since the County is looking at
March 6th for the ballot, how will that happen in time?CM Surratt stated that the City needs to look at
the potential fire station component. Cr.White also asked if the present design has unacceptable
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Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
deficiencies and why additional research is needed.ACM Winn clarified that the options had reductions
that were not discussed with the City,and now the City needs to be clear on what the options actually
a re.
Chair Seifert clarified that the reductions were done in the context that the project would go forward
with the previous design, and his rationale for a phased approach.
Cr.White asked if there were law enforcement deficiencies determined.
12:33:29 PM (00:37:48) Public Comment
Mayor Taylor opened public comment.
12:33:49 PM (00:38:08)Marty Lambert,Public Comment
Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert asked to please do the courthouse project first if they are going
to phase,which he also hopes is not what they do. He discussed the courthouse project in detail,
specifically current limitations and the possibility of increased services. He noted that there are a record
number of cases this year, and a fourth district judge is already needed.
12:37:05 PM (00:41:24)Judge Mike Salvagni,Public Comment
Mr.Salvagni, retired judge, discussed his decades of experience with the Law&Justice Center.As a
citizen, he stated the court building should go first.The main structure can then assist with space for law
enforcement.
12:42:40 PM (00:46:59)Dave Weaver,Public Comment
Mr.Weaver,Chair of the Gallatin County CIP committee, he commented that the economic solution to
this is to build both buildings simultaneously. He also agreed that the court building should be built first
if necessary. He stated it was necessary to allocate sufficient resources for voter education.
12:46:01 PM (00:50:20)Sheriff Brian Gootkin,Public Comment
Sheriff Gootkin stated he was disappointed to hear the City was looking at a municipal center and
implored the entities to work together again.
12:46:48 PM (00:51:07)Judge Karl Seel,Public Comment
Municipal Judge Seel adopted all previous speakers'comments. He stated that the City doesn't fully
know these options since they were not involved, but Option 2 is the only one that makes sense. He also
discussed phasing options.
12:49:52 PM (00:54:11) Discussion
Cr. Mehl stated goals are shared, but the City is also looking at long-term solutions that are efficient for
the tax payers. He reiterated the Commission does not have enough information yet to commit today.
Cr.White asked about the incorporation of future Fire Station 4,and how it effects the project.
Cr.Skinner expressed the amount of work a joint project takes, and that they're probably already a
month behind for a June ballot issue.
DM Andrus stated that are currently too many unanswered questions to make a decision today.She
thinks continued discussions are necessary.
Cr.White stated there are some things that could be re-looked at regarding the court building, but that
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Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
it's essentially already designed. He stated if they miss the March 62h deadline, it's probably two years
out instead. He reiterated his goal is to work with the City.
Mayor Taylor stated the previous joint project was the best iteration and best project proposed. He
discussed options but that the City actually needs to be able to look at cost estimates to make a
commitment.
Cr.Skinner is hesitant to commit his staff to a month's work without knowing.
Cr. Mehl stated that this delay is a result of decisions that were not made together.
Cr.White stated the County was unable to previously commit since no numbers were provided.
Mayor Taylor stated the courthouse or police/sheriffs'station could be decided today.
Chair Seifert discussed the importance of providing services to a growing county. He is in favor of a
phased, combined approach with law enforcement first.
DM Andrus stated that January 292h is a more realistic deadline for City staff.
Cr.White asked if there is any expectation that the County proceed for March 62h, and waste work. He
also discussed that if the City does not agree to work with the County,there isn't a backup option for
the County.
Mayor Taylor suggested that staff and the City Commission do it by the 22"d
Cr. Mehl stated that the City is committing to looking at both options, but this due diligence is
necessary.
Chair Seifert asked CA Doar what County staff's capacity is to do this, and how a January 22"d decision
affects the March deadline.
DM Andrus commented that the next steps committee was never working for a March 6th deadline, and
it's unfair to put the City in this position.
01:44:17 PM (01:48:36)Motion that the County Commission commit to the construction of a joint law
enforcement building as part of a phased approach to addressing deficiencies in the current law and
justice campus.
Commissioner—Joe Skinner: Motion
Commissioner—Steve White:2nd
01:44:33 PM (01:48:52) Discussion
Cr. Skinner does not have optimism to meet the deadline. He asked for a commitment from the City to
help pay.
Chair Seifert stated the County is committed to moving forward with a joint project.
Cr.White agrees with Cr. Skinner and supports the motion.
Cr. Skinner also wants this project to happen, and to happen with the City.
Chair Seifert also asked the City to inform the County if they make the decision earlier.
01:49:04 PM (01:53:23) Vote on the Motion that the County Commission commit to the construction of
a joint law enforcement building as part of a phased approach to addressing deficiencies in the current
law and justice campus. The motion passed 3-0.
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Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
Commissioner—Joe Skinner: Motion
Commissioner—Steve White:2"d
Commissioner—Joe Skinner:Approve
Commissioner—Steve White:Approve
Chairman—Don Seifert:Approve
01:49:25 PM (01:53:44)Questions of Staff
Cr. Mehl asked what motions CM Surratt needs this afternoon given the discussion.
01:50:24 PM (01:54:43)Motion that the City move expeditiously to pursue both proposals as discussed
today with a public discussion on January 22"d.
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: Motion
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus:2nd
01:50:44 PM (01:55:03) Discussion
DM Andrus asked for clarification for what "both proposals" means exactly.
Cr. Mehl clarified the two proposals,stating cooperation with the County as well we due diligence for
the Rouse site.
DM Andrus asked for further clarification,whether this is suggesting the police/sheriffs'station gets
built first with the courts second.
Mayor Taylor stated he would like the clarity for the motion.
Cr. Mehl stated there is a pressing public safety issue. His preference is to start with the public safety
offices.
01:52:55 PM (01:57:14)Amendment to the Motion to move forward with the police/sheriff proposal
first as asked by the County.
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus: Motion
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: 2nd
01:53:23 PM (01:57:42) Discussion
DM Andrus stated she is very much in favor of the court buildings be built in a very timely manner.
Mayor Taylor stated that this is the surest way to get a new courthouse.
01:54:49 PM (01:59:08) Vote on the Amendment to the Motion to move forward with the
police/sheriff proposal first as asked by the County. The motion passed 3-0.
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus: Motion
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: 2nd
Mayor-Carson Taylor:Approve
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus:Approve
Commissioner-Jeff Krauss:Absent
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Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
Commissioner-I-Ho PomeroV:Absent
Commissioner-Chris Mehl:Approve
01:55:00 PM (01:59:19)Amendment to the Motion that the City fairly and equitably pay its share of
the costs for this project.
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: Motion
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus: 2nd
01:55:35 PM (01:59:54) Discussion
DM Andrus stated the City needs to have an active role in the discussions of the design work.
Cr. Mehl stated this amendment solely addresses payment of an equitable share, and to work together.
Mayor Taylor supports the amendment, and to use the formula used previously.
01:57:29 PM (02:01:48) Vote on the Amendment to the Motion that the City fairly and equitably pay
its share of the costs for this project. The motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: Motion
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus: 2nd
Mayor-Carson Taylor:Approve
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus:Approve
Commissioner-Jeff Krauss:Absent
Commissioner- I-Ho PomeroV:Absent
Commissioner-Chris Mehl:Approve
01:57:43 PM (02:02:02) Discussion on the Main Motion
Cr. Mehl appreciates the County's participation today.
DM Andrus will also be supporting the motion, and hopes to move forward together, although the City
needs to investigate further.
Mayor Taylor also supports the motion.
01:59:33 PM (02:03:52) Vote on the Main Motion as Amended that the City move expeditiously to
pursue both proposals as discussed today with a public discussion on January 22nd The motion passed
3-0.
Commissioner-Chris Mehl: Motion
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus: 2nd
Mayor-Carson Taylor:Approve
Deputy Mayor-Cynthia Andrus:Approve
Commissioner-Jeff Krauss:Absent
Commissioner-1-Ho Pomeroy: Absent
Commissioner-Chris Mehl:Approve
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Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
3. Appoint City of Beze.m—an and- Gallatin Geunty GernmissieneFs to a joint City County
a vwii Rccviii,m.ciivc cicP fer s,prpFvpria^cc Staff t6 Serve 6n the/oemmlttee �
4. Authorize the Gity ManageF and Gallatin Geunty C-hanrte Sign a Memorandum a
Law&justice Ee.nterJupe 5, 2919 Ball +�
G. 02:00:54 PM (02:05:13) FYI/Discussion
There was no FYI.
H. 02:01:03 PM (02:05:22)Adjournment
Mayor Taylor adjourned the City Commission at 2:01 PM.
C,A/"_ <
Carson Taylor
Mayor
ATTEST:
O�■ ■ ■ ■ ♦♦ Y J�
Robin Crough
C,• ♦` :J,' City Clerk
J Lx 0,
PREPARED BY:
Robin Crough
City Clerk
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Bozeman City Commission and Gallatin County Commission Special Meeting Minutes,December 15,2017
Approved on: ) fW[Ac,gj
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