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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-18 Minutes - Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) NURB Meeting – June 5, 2018 1 Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 5, 2018 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: John Usher, Chair Bobbi Clem Dan Doehring Robert Pavlic Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Non-Voting Members: Dalton Brink Ethan Barlow Nolan Campbell Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff: Shane Strong, KLJ Engineering Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director David Fine, Economic Development Specialist Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Mitch Overton, Director of Parks, Recreation, Forestry and Cemetery Brian Close, Chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Bob Arnold, 625 East Tamarack Street Call to Order – Chair John Usher called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 8 and May 22, 2018. It was moved by Dan Doehring seconded by Bob Pavlic, that the minutes of the regular meeting of May 8, 2018, and the special meeting of May 22, 2018, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. NURB Meeting – June 5, 2018 2 Discussion/Action Items – Discussion regarding wetlands and cash-in-lieu of parkland monies – with representatives of Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and Director of Parks, Recreation, Forestry and Cemetery Mitch Overton. Mitch Overton addressed the issue of wetlands, noting that they can be utilized as parkland dedication; however, the applicant must identify a significant impact on wildlife or the importance of preserving natural resources. He stated the result of accepting wetlands is technically a waiver of parkland dedication. He then cited the Four Points development as an example of where some wetland property was accepted because of its value to natural resources and wildlife. Also, that site was integrated into the park as one of its amenities. He stressed that the wetlands must be accessible to the general public, which might be through the use of trails or boardwalks. Brit Fontenot drew attention to the map that shows the boundaries of the Northeast Urban Renewal District, the northeast neighborhood and the wetlands and water courses. He noted the wetlands at the northwest end of The Village Downtown that are of particular interest to this Board. Mitch Overton stated the southern 35 acres of the Story Mill Park is a wetland restoration project that will have elevated boardwalks and trails as well as several amenities including public art and benches. He stated a large impetus for this project was the fact that the parks master plan has identified the northeast area of the city as a park poor neighborhood. Mitch Overton stated he is in preliminary discussions with representatives of the Audubon Society about potential designation of the wetland area at The Village Downtown as public park. Also, the Mayor is involved in a project that would connect a trail from the wetlands along the Front Street right-of-way to North Wallace Avenue. Responding to questions from Jeanne Wesley-Wiese about the Gallatin Valley Land Trust trail project along the Front Street right-of-way between North Rouse Avenue and North Wallace Avenue, Mitch Overton stated several issues have been encountered. He stated that Kenyon-Noble has installed a new fence outside the street right-of-way and will be removing the old fence soon. The next step will be completion of the North Rouse Avenue street improvement project; and once that is completed, this trail project will move forward. Mitch Overton addressed the issue of cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication. He noted state law requires that residential developments offset the impacts for recreation by dedicating parkland or paying cash-in-lieu. He noted that option is often used when a development is adjacent to a large park or when it is an infill project. Brian Close cautioned that the cash-in-lieu fee is based on the appraised value of the property at the time, which is significantly lower than the value of a fully developed lot. He then stated that the subdivision committee of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board has begun to recommend accepting improvements-in-lieu for underdeveloped parks on the northwest side of the community rather than cash-in-lieu because those improvements result in a functional park rather than an empty park and a bank account. He acknowledged that this requires developer cooperation; but the benefits to the community are much greater. Mitch Overton stated the last major acquisition from the cash-in-lieu fund was Burke Park, although smaller projects have been funded since then. He noted that the criteria for use of cash-in-lieu funds are set forth in Chapter 38 of the Unified Development Ordinance, and noted NURB Meeting – June 5, 2018 3 that the application for those funds can easily be found on the City’s website. He indicated that the criteria include using the funds to serve the development from which the monies originated. He recognized that this does not mean the park will necessarily be within that area but that the monies will be used based on the radii set forth for parks in the park master plan. He stated the cash-in-lieu fund has a balance of approximately $450,000 at this time and those monies are being used to fund successful applications. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated the northeast neighborhood wants to save the wetlands. She noted they were once offered to the City but were not accepted. The neighborhood feels they are a huge asset to the community, with many birds migrating through the area. Mitch Overton stated that he and Chris Nixon are going to walk the wetlands on Thursday evening. He then noted that the classic impression of “two-inch mowed grass for a park” is changing and that water mitigation and a natural park are being recognized as beneficial to the community. He recognized the benefit of the site, particularly with its close proximity to downtown. Bobbi Clem asked about the Woonerf that has been proposed for East Aspen Street for the Cottonwood & Ida planned unit development. She noted that East Aspen Street in that area is only two blocks long, and the western portion of it has been abandoned. At the present time, the East Aspen Street right-of-way between North Wallace Avenue and North Ida Avenue has been turned into a park with a trail through it, trees and a bench. She noted that, with that proposed planned unit development and other development plans in the immediate area, development will become quite dense and the importance of outdoor spaces will be more important. Brian Close stated that a park calculation must be done for residential development and, at that time, the developer must determine whether to provide parkland or cash-in-lieu. The common open space provided in a planned unit development must be open to non-residents to be credited toward the parkland requirements. Responding to questions from John Usher regarding the process, Brian Close stated that development proposals go to the Planning Department first and, at the appropriate time, the subdivision committee of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board will review the proposal and submit its recommendations. He then stressed that a street is not a park and, therefore, a Woonerf would not count toward the parkland dedication. Responding to questions from Dan Doehring about the trail to the M, Mitch Overton stated that project is now moving forward, with construction to be completed in 2019. He noted that a $660,000 grant was approved in 2013; and only a 13-percent match is required for that grant. It has taken a couple years to get the right-of-way for the trail. Since this is a highways project, the Department of Transportation is leading it and will put the project out for bid this fall, with construction to done next summer. Mitch Overton stated that the Story Mill Park is to be done next year, noting that a majority of that work is landscaping. He indicated that Recreation Department offices will be moved to the former Boys and Girls Club building next month. Bob Pavlic voiced concern about the lack of maintenance for the pocket park where the boulder is located; Mitch Overton responded he does not have monies or staffing for maintenance. NURB Meeting – June 5, 2018 4 Brian Close stated that if the tree in the park has died, the Board should contact the Forestry Department so they can replace it. Mitch Overton thanked the Board for the opportunity to meet with them and respond to their questions. Resolution 2018-02 supporting the Memorandum of Understanding for the Cottonwood & Ida Project and recommending consideration and approval by the City Commission. Nolan Campbell announced his continued conflict of interest regarding this project and left the table. Brit Fontenot reminded the Board that the Cottonwood & Ida project has been before them several times. He highlighted some of the provisions in the resolution and stressed that this resolution demonstrates overall support of the broad concept of the project and not any specific details. Further, the resolution does not commit this Board or the Commission to any specific future actions. He concluded by stating that the date in the last “Whereas” on the first page needs to be changed to today’s date. It was moved by John Usher, seconded by Bobbi Clem, that the Board adopt Resolution No. 2018-02 with today’s date in the “Whereas” referenced by Brit Fontenot. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Brit Fontenot indicated that he will forward this resolution to the Commission after it is signed. Updates on current projects. Shane Strong reported that award of the bid for the East Tamarack Street project, including the fiber conduit, will be on next week’s Commission meeting agenda. After that meeting, the Notice of Award will be signed; and he anticipates it will take three weeks to get the bonds and have the documents fully executed. He anticipates that the preconstruction meeting will be held the first or second week of July, with work to begin thereafter. Brit Fontenot stated that it has taken time to pull all of the information together for this bid award, including the easement needed for the sanitary sewer installation. He recognized that this Board will be out of money after this project is completed; however, he noted it is important to recognize that three streets are being improved in three years. Responding to the Chair, Shane Strong stated this is a four-month project, so it will be completed this year if it is started in July. He then indicated that work in front of Lattice Materials must be done Thursday through Sunday so it does not negatively impact the crystal growing operations. Shane Strong stated that Knife River hopes to use the City’s property at the corner of East Tamarack Street and North Rouse Avenue (the old Montana Department of Transportation site) for staging. Shane Strong turned attention to the East Peach Street project, noting that JR Civil has requested substantial completion while the contract document provides only for final completion. Outstanding items at this time include adjusting several manholes to grade, hydroseeding of the NURB Meeting – June 5, 2018 5 boulevards and replacing some sign plates. He noted that the contractor needs to understand they are now in liquidated damages. Brit Fontenot stated he will work with the Neighborhood Coordinator to ensure that information on rerouting of traffic and street closures is included in the street reports and on the website and distributed to the neighbors as needed. Bob Arnold, 625 East Tamarack Street, asked about where the sidewalk along the north side of East Tamarack Street is to be located, particularly since his property pin is located close to the existing curb and the fire hydrant is on his property. Shane Strong stated he will visit the site tomorrow and talk to him about the design for the improvements. He then indicated that the Engineering Department has required sidewalks on both sides of the street. Staff updates on items of interest to the Board. Brit Fontenot reported that the bid award for the East Tamarack Street project and the easement for the sewer main will be on the June 11 Commission agenda. He then reported that on June 4, the Commission approved the work plan and budget for next fiscal year. Update on financial status of NURB fund. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2017-18 and the spreadsheet showing expenditures from the bonds. She briefly reviewed the information, noting that there were only a couple small expenditures this past month. Set agenda for July 3, 2018 meeting or cancel meeting. Following a brief discussion, the Board determined that the July 3 meeting is to be cancelled. Selection process for consulting engineer. Brit Fontenot reminded the Board that the current consulting engineer contract expires on August 17, and the process for selection of a new consulting engineer needs to be undertaken soon. He then asked at what level the Board wishes to be involved, noting that last time a board member served on the selection committee and then the Board interviewed the top candidates. Following a brief discussion, it was determined that the selection committee should review the responses to the request for proposals, conduct the interviews and select the engineering firm. The selection committee will include John Usher and Nolan Campbell as representatives of this Board. FYI/Discussion. There was no discussion under this agenda item. Adjournment – 7:50 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Usher adjourned the meeting. NURB Meeting – June 5, 2018 6 John Usher, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman