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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-24 Minutes, City Commission MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONT ANA March 24, 2006 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in special session in the Community Room, Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 West Main Street, on Friday, March 24, 2006, at 7:00 a.m. Present were Mayor Jeff Krauss, City Commissioner Jeff Rupp, City Commissioner Kaaren Jacobson, City Commissioner Steve Kirchhoff, City Commissioner Sean Becker, County Commissioner John Vincent, County Commissioner Joe Skinner, and City Clerk Robin Sullivan. Sianina of Notice of Special Meetina Each member, in turn signed the Notice of Special Meeting. Public comment No public comment was received. Discussion reaardina land use plannina. includina annexation policies County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic noted the County is working to launch a long-range planning program, which is a relatively new concept for the County and different from past policies. She distributed a copy of her memo from March 14, which reflects the County's interest in a comprehensive long- range planning program that includes (1) a rural land use program, (2) a county-wide zoning regulation, (3) a county-wide transfer of development rights program, and (4) a "neighborhood" planning and zoning initiative. She indicated that the general county-wide zoning will have a low density; however, areas like Four Corners could have increase density through a more specific plan. She indicated that grass roots zoning districts will be encouraged, and the County will look at creating donut jurisdictions around the cities through agreements. The County Planning Director noted that she has drafted a resolution of cooperation, and has forwarded copies of that document to Mayor Krauss, City Manager Kukulski, and the County Commissioners. It is anticipated this resolution would lead to a larger interlocal agreement that includes annexation of lands adjacent to the city. County Commissioner John Vincent noted that a memorandum of understanding is key to making this planning effort successful, and recognized that both governmental entities have an opportunity to do something significant. County Commissioner Joe Skinner acknowledged that the overall plan is a grandiose one, and expressed his interest in entering into an interlocal agreement with the City while concurrently working on the overall county-wide planning program. County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic noted that last week they talked to the Cities of Manhattan and Belgrade about the interlocal agreement and TDR program; and they appear to be interested, particularly Manhattan. She stated that it is extremely difficult for the County Commissioners to act on applications in the unzoned portion of the county, and cautioned that denials are tenuous because of the lack of regulations. Mr. John McKenna, Chair of the Airport Authority, voiced concern about unzoned areas in the county, particularly those around the airport. He acknowledged that the County Commissioners can feel backed into a corner when considering proposals for development. He then noted he is nervous about the recent approval of a subdivision that includes 600 homes near the airport, indicating he anticipates those residents will soon begin complaining about the noise. 03-24-06 - 2 - Planning Director Madgic noted that the County is finding that developers and landowners are asking for greater predictability. To address this issue, the County is talking about appointing a working group. County Commissioner Skinner stated the County is working on the drafting of regulations and, once those are complete, public input will be sought. It is their hope to have the information available to the public and comments received within the next few months. He recognized that, while no dates have been set, it is important to do so to keep the process on track. County Commissioner John Vincent aCknowledged there is the potential for the County to approve a subdivision relatively close to Bozeman without requiring the infrastructure they know will be needed one day. He noted that he has witnessed the impacts of not requiring the infrastructure up front and the increased costs incurred in later upgrading that infrastructure. Mayor Krauss noted it is important to identify high-density areas, and noted those are typically properties annexed and developed at urban densities. He stressed that feathering of the edge of a fast- growing city is inappropriate, especially with the current 6-percent growth rate. He suggested the possibility of agreeing on the service boundary for high-density development, requiring that that development occur on central systems. He then indicated he does not want to see the urban area locked in a ring of green with 10 to 20-acre parcels, cautioning that the result will be to move development to another ring, like Four Corners. He stressed the importance of providing an abrupt edge, and identified groundwater, transportation and density as three factors to be considered. He noted that density development is most appropriate near the city; such development on Sourdough Road or Springhill Road is sprawl. Assistant Planning Director Chris Saunders noted Bozeman and Gallatin County are not the first to face these issues, citing Helena and Lewis and Clark County as an example of an area where the costs of fixing infrastructure problems are extremely high. Responding to County Planning Director Madgic, Mayor Krauss suggested that each Commission identify a list of items to be included in a memorandum of understanding or an interlocal agreement prior to the next meeting. Commissioner Becker characterized the joint resolution as a good start, but noted it is important to get into the specifics on some of the issues. In an effort to better understand the County's issues, he asked that the City Commissioners be provided with the agendas and minutes from the County Commission meetings as well as the Planning Board meetings and that a packet of information be provided before these joint meetings. County Planning Director Madgic suggested that the resolution of cooperation be formalized during the April joint meeting. Mayor Krauss suggested that the last interlocal agreement, which was not accepted by either the City or the County, be used as the basis for a new agreement. County Commissioner John Vincent stated that conversations with Larry Swanson, economist in Missoula, suggests that the Gallatin Valley will continue at its current growth rate for another ten years, after which he argues it will simply level off. Commissioner Jeff Rupp recognized the need for financial incentives to encourage development within certain areas. He suggested that this might include some mechanism for promoting development within city limits rather than in the county. Discussion on miscellaneous issues/topics Solid Waste. County Commissioner Skinner announced that the refuse district has two positions coming open on its board within the next couple months. The board is in the process of changing its bylaws so that board members can be from anywhere in the county rather than from within the district, and asked for a city recommendation. He stressed that these members would not be Bozeman representatives; the board is simply seeking good applicants. 03-24-06 - 3 . Parking at Fairgrounds. Mayor Krauss noted he had planned to attend the Fairgrounds Board meeting about parking at the Fairgrounds for the senior citizen center, but failed to do so. Mr. Bob Brekke, member of the Fairgrounds Board, responded that the issue was discussed at the last meeting; and Sue Shockley was asked to work with the City on pursuing the issue further. He noted that use of the fairgrounds for parking through an informal arrangement has worked well, but he also looks forward to the potential of crosswalk improvements to assist with safe crossing of the roadway. Transportation plan update. Mr. Paul Reichert, Executive Director of the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, noted that the transportation plan is being updated, and the extension of roads is really at least 50 percent of land use planning. Assistant Planning Director Saunders stated that a meeting has been scheduled for March 30 to finalize the scope of services for the RFP for updating the transportation plan; and the draft RFP will be taken to the April meeting of the Transportation Coordinating Committee for review and approval. Select maior topic for next meetina Items to be included on the agenda for the April 14 meeting are review of the draft resolution of cooperation, a ten-minutes update on planning issues, a city/county litter ordinance, and an update on development on hospital property. The main topic of discussion is to be the detention center and location of the police and sheriff offices. Adiournment - 8:15 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned. ~,~r.~.~ ~' ATTEST: EF Y- AU, Mayor ~oY~ L. SULLIVAN City Clerk 03-24-06