HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPAB 09-12-17 minutes
Historic Preservation Advisory Board
September 12, 2017 | 6:00 pm
City Hall: Madison Room - 121 N. Rouse Ave., Bozeman MT
A. 06:00:08 PM (00:03:46) Call meeting to order and Roll Call –
Present Were:
Michael Wallner (Chair)
Jeanne Wilkinson
Vicky York
Eric Karshner
Crystal Allegria
Chris Saunders (Staff Liaison)
B. 06:00:16 PM (00:04:04) Changes to the Agenda
Board member Jeanne Wilkinson requested that Action Item #3 is moved to item #1, which was approved by the
Chair.
C. 06:00:55 PM (00:04:33) Minutes for Approval:
7.11.17
Wilkinson requested the following changes to the minutes:
Removing her name from the ‘Present Were’ list since she was not physically present, but conferenced in via
phone
On p. 3 of the minutes, change: “Board member Wilkinson recommended that the DRB have the
authority to review large scale projects” to “all mixed use, multifamily residential, industrial and
commercial new developments and substantial renovation projects located within the NCOD.”
On p. 3 of the minutes, change: “The group discussed the possibility of removing "historically significant"
from the section due to it being defined too narrowly with how we identify historically significant
structures” to “because its addition narrows the intent of this section.”
06:03:44 PM (00:07:22) Wilkinson also posed the question regarding Page 3, Bullet Point - Zone Edge
Transition, last two lines of first paragraph: "Saunders answered that the NCOD guidelines take
precedence over general guidelines in the code because a more detailed standard typically takes
precedence of a more general standard." Q- This statement doesn't make sense because the code
language was more specific and this refers to it as more general. Can we clarify?
Saunders responded by stating that the NCOD guidelines would take precedence over the language in
the City’s Unified Development Code.
06:06:07 PM (00:09:45) MOTION to approve minutes with Changes: (individual not on camera)
06:06:13 PM (00:09:51) MOTION SECONDED: (individual not on camera)
06:06:17 PM (00:09:55) VOTE: All in Favor – Motion Passes Unanimously
D. 06:06:34 PM (00:10:12) Disclosure of Ex Parte Communication (discussions regarding relevant board
information outside of publicly noticed meetings)
E. 06:07:23 PM (00:11:01) Public Comment
06:07:34 PM (00:11:12) Richard (last name not audible) commented regarding detached accessory
dwelling units within the conservation overlay with alleys and discussed at length what the historic area of the
City will look like in the long-term if development and approval of ADUs continues. He concluded that alley-
way ADUs are ineffective and they should not be done.
06:16:16 PM (00:19:54) Gentleman discussed the importance of context in the larger situation. He said that lining high-
rises on either side of Main Street would ruin the context; however, development is not all bad, for example the R Bar
renovations fits within the context of Main Street and built in such a way that fits within the context.
06:22:36 PM (00:26:14) Jeff Ball, 323 South Wallace, asked for the Board Members, as individuals or as a board, to
recommend the City Commission to deny the Black Olive project because it is the wrong project in the wrong place. He
made a comment regarding a change of the NCOD in the Code although the details were not audible in the video, but he
specified the importance of the “transitions” section. He discussed the placement of the change in zoning lines that split
some blocks in half and the implementations the new code could have on these streets. He explained his take on ADUs
(accessory dwelling units) and their importance throughout people’s lives. He requested the circle of public notice get
bigger (300’) and that a 4’x4’ bright fluorescent sign for 60 days in advance to ensure all eyes have the chance to see the
notice sign.
06:29:46 PM (00:33:24) Eileen Hosking, 514 East Davis Street, agreed that transitions should be a part of Code in every
context. Putting a wall between her neighborhood and downtown (high-rise apartments) would disconnect the north
end to the downtown. She encouraged the Board to look carefully at the Code changes.
06:32:29 PM (00:36:07) John Hosking, 514 East Davis, stated it would be a travesty to surround downtown with tall
buildings and explained the reasons why he believed this to be the case. He encouraged the Board to preserve the
historic nature of the town. He said that bringing more people downtown will only crowd downtown and make it
uncomfortable.
06:34:53 PM (00:38:31) Jackie Pursons, 310 East Koch, requested that the Board deny the approval of the Black Olive
project. She explained that 4 stories was a good idea and could be nice. With respect to the ADUs, she agreed with the
vision from Jeff Ball (earlier public comment) about the importance and use of an ADU and would prefer to see ADUs
over the Black Olive project. Parking at the Black Olive project is a major concern.
06:38:12 PM (00:41:50) Stewart Mitchell, 260 East Koch, agreed with all previous comments. He reminisced on the
struggles of the year and the NCOD Guidelines. He addressed the issue of notice period for the amendment of the NCOD
Guidelines and the importance of clarity/blatancy of the notices. He believes there was corruption in the process and
counter to what Bozeman is supposed to be about. He wants growth, but does not want high-rise buildings in the
downtown when there are vacant lots on North 7th that are adjacent to other services. He spoke about other issues in
the city that include affordability, vacant homes, enrollment rates at MSU, parking, etc. He explained that downtown
businesses will be starved of customers and downtown events will be starved of attendees when Black Olive tenants will
flood the streets for their own parking and there will be no space for people to park who live beyond walking distance.
F. Action Items
1. 08:17:44 PM (02:21:22) Election of vice-chair
08:18:12 PM (02:21:50) MOTION: To elect Jeanne Wilkinson as Vice Chair.
08:18:17 PM (02:21:55) MOTION SECONDED: by Board Member Eric Karshner.
08:18:19 PM (02:21:57) VOTE: All those in favor: Motion passes unanimously.
2. Discussion of topics for board retreat
Board Objectives
08:11:07 PM (02:14:45) Board decided to move this discussion to the October meeting.
3. Recommendation to City Commission on re-adoption of Subchapter 4B of the Bozeman Guidelines for
Historic Preservation and the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
Memo
Amending Resolution 4323
Original Resolution 4598
06:45:59 PM (00:49:37) Planner Chris Saunders, introduced the action item and the location where the Guidelines would
affect (B-3 zoning district). He explained the process the City Commission will be taking to look at the 4B Guidelines and
the role that this Board has within the process. Other Boards that have reviewed this or will be reviewing this were
stated.
06:52:39 PM (00:56:17) Saunders responded to a question by stating that this document is related, but separate from
the UDC.
06:54:36 PM (00:58:14) Saunders spoke about the memo, gave a definition of compatible development, what the policy
discussion tonight should be about (legislative, not quasi-judicial).
06:58:18 PM (01:01:56) Clarification on the process was requested from Saunders. A gentleman contributed to the
discussion of the process and how it relates to the law suit.
07:02:36 PM (01:06:14) Board Member Jeanne Wilkinson spoke about the process from the 2006 ordinance that
adopted the original guidelines in 2006 including Boards who provided comment and public process. She discussed sub-
chapter 4B and the timeline of how these guidelines have evolved, and how 4B was adopted. Wilkinson provided her
opinion of what the Board should recommend.
07:13:49 PM (01:17:27) A Board Member stated that having a Historic Preservation Officer would be very important to
the Board.
07:15:46 PM (01:19:24) Saunders explained in more detail what precipitated the changes in sub-chapter 4B and why the
standards were created. He gave background for how the guidelines were created.
07:21:21 PM (01:24:59) A question was asked about the Secretary of the Interior guideline and what is and is not
recommended. Saunders explained what interpretation the Commission will have to make for the language in the
guidelines.
07:23:31 PM (01:27:09) A Board Member sought clarification on commercial and residential zoned lots in relation to the
transition of development. Saunders responded and explained the expectation of the interface between the zones.
07:26:20 PM (01:29:58) A Board Member handed out a document to the Board and asked Saunders what the governing
document would be for residential character areas if 4B was eliminated. A statement was given regarding the guidelines
and detailed some of the contents of the guidelines from Chapter 3. He discussed transition zones and provided specifics
for what transition zones should look like and what quantifiable qualities they should have.
07:34:36 PM (01:38:14) A citizen asked for clarification on the process regarding how the 4B guidelines will be changing
or adopted. A discussion of how the Board influences the Commission vote was had and the role the Board has in
advising the Commission. The language of block character was also discussed by Board Members and Planner Saunders.
07:41:03 PM (01:44:41) A Board Member recommended that they start over and rewrite/develop different guidelines.
He also spoke about growth in Bozeman. Another Member discussed the idea of “infill”.
07:46:26 PM (01:50:04) A gentleman spoke in support of growth and infill and the reasoning behind why he believes it
can be a good thing. A woman discussed her ideas for how the guidelines should be reviewed and revised.
07:51:53 PM (01:55:31) A Board Member makes a suggestion that the Board recommend the City Commission not
approve or readopt Resolution 4598...rather, initiate a 12-week public process to rewrite sub-chapter 4B. Members
discussed the specificity of the 12-week public process comment.
07:54:19 PM (01:57:57) MOTION: Having reviewed and considered public comment and all of the information
presented, I move to recommend the City Commission not affirm and readopt Resolution 4598 which adopted sub-
chapter 4B design guidelines for commercial development within the neighborhood conservation overlay district
specifically B-3 halo (including the amendment incorporated in sub-chapter 4B by Resolution 4323 regarding an
exemption from setback and height transition policies if abutting commercially zoned and residentially zoned lots under
unified ownership and are being developed under a Master Site Plan) into the design guidelines for the neighborhood
conservation overlay district. Rather, recommend initiating public process to rewrite sub-chapter 4B. This process should
include a neighborhood working group, at least 2 public workshops and favorable recommendations for Bozeman
Historic Preservation Advisory Board and Zoning Commission.
07:55:51 PM (01:59:29) MOTION SECONDED.
07:55:56 PM (01:59:34) VOTE: Motion passes.
07:57:07 PM (02:00:45) A Board Member spoke on the motion and re-enforcing the rest of the NCOD guidelines until
the rewrite of 4B happens. Saunders spoke about what the City Commission agenda items will be on Monday.
08:15:40 PM (02:19:18) MOTION: Having reviewed and considered the proposal, public comment and all of the
information presented, I move to encourage the Commissionners to review the Secretary of Interior’s 2017 Historic
Preservation guidelines in relation to the NCOD and to prioritize the NCOD guidelines as originally written without 4B to
avoid compromising the values and historical character within the NCOD guidelines. For example, the Secretary of
Interior’s standards do not recommend adding new construction that result in the diminutions or loss of the historic
character of the building including its design, materials, location or setting (page 162). Furthermore, the Secretary of
Interior’s standards do not recommend constructing a new building on a historic property or on an adjacent site that is
much larger than a historic building.
08:16:57 PM (02:20:35) MOTION SECONDED. Individual not on camera.
08:17:03 PM (02:20:41) VOTE: All those in favor: motion passes unanimously.
G. FYI/Discussion
1. 08:06:52 PM (02:10:30) Update on Historic Preservation Specialist arrival
2. Board questions and general discussion
08:19:46 PM (02:23:24) Discussion on who can attend the Monday Commission meeting.
08:24:58 PM (02:28:36) MOTION : Move to appoint Board Member Eric Karshner to speak on behalf of the Board at the
Monday Commission Meeting.
08:25:02 PM (02:28:40) MOTION SECONDED: Motion seconded by Michael Wallner (Chair)
08:25:07 PM (02:28:45) VOTE: All those in favor: motion passes unanimously.
H. 08:29:13 PM (02:32:51) Adjournment
For more information please contact Chris Saunders at csaunders@bozeman.net or 406-582-2260
Preservation Board meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and require assistance, please contact
our ADA coordinator, Chuck Winn (TDD 582-2307).