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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-19 Minutes, City Commission MINUTES OF THE JOINT CITY/COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING BOZEMAN, MONT ANA May 19, 2006 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman and County of Gallatin met in their monthly session in the Commission Meeting Room, City Hall, 411 East Main Street, on Friday, May 19, 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 Scan Becker, City Manager Chris Kukulski, City Planning Director Andy Epple, City Director of Public Safety - Police Mark Tymrak, City Director of Public Safety - Fire Chuck Winn, County Commissioner John Vincent, County Commissioner Joe Skinner, County Commissioner Bill Murdock, County Attorney Marty Lambert, County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic, and City Clerk Brit Fontenot. Call to Order Mayor Jeff Krauss called the meeting to order at 7:00 am. Al!enda Item 1: Law and Justice Center (formerlv Al!enda Item 4) City Manager Chris Kukulski reminded the Commissions that authorization to purchase the Bozeman City Library facility, located at 220 East Lamme Street, is an Action Item on the May 22, 2006, City Commission agenda. He also noted that the City may consider either the Law and Justice Center or the soon to be acquired City Library facility for use by the City Police Department. City Manager Kukulski notes that the City retains a lease on space in the Law and Justice Center until 2009 but would like to work with the County and consider alternatives. He emphasized that there is no intention on the part of the City for disagreeable relationship with the County regarding the 911 Facility at the Law and Justice Center and that any new designs for maximizing space are at least three months away from completion. Cr. Bill Murdock stated while a long-term solution is necessary regarding law enforcement space in the Law and Justice Center, a short-term fix could revolve around some relocation of the 911 Facility rather than separating the City and County police departments. As one example of why the City/County police departments should not be separated, Cr. Murdock distributed an e-mail from Jan Brownell, Program Director of the Gallatin County Attorney's Office's Victim Assistance Program. Cr. Murdock emphasized his desire for the City to do everything possible to maintain the City/County Police Departments in the same facility. He noted that newly appointed District Judge John Brown will soon occupy a new building on the grounds of the Law and Justice Center which will open more space to law enforcement. Additionally, Cr. Murdock noted, the 911 Facility can be relocated in approximately one to one and a half years, providing additional space. He noted the possibility that youth probation may also relocate. Cr. Murdock emphasized that rather than become mired in the details at this stage, he would like to see the City and County agree with the concept of keeping the City and County law enforcement agencies together in one facility. Cr. John Vincent agreed with Cr. Murdock's statements and added that he too would like to keep the police departments together because it is in the best interest of public safety. Cr. Joe Skinner suggested that the County would agree to formally discuss this issue with Mr. Kukulski and his staff and consider solutions. 05-19- 2006 - 2 - Responding to Mayor Krauss, Director Tymrak stated that conditions at the Law and Justice Center arc intolerable. He agreed that splitting the City/County law enforcement was not ideal but his needs are critical. Director Tymrak stated that the current dialogue and consideration of options between the City and County on this issue is encouraging. He noted that despite the lack of space, his department could use twelve additional officers but recognized the futility of such a request. Director Tymrak noted that any move by City Hall to the Bozeman City Library facility represents only a short-term, five to ten year, solution. His needs dictate quicker action on the part of the County. Additionally, Director Tymrak agreed, in principal, that moving detectives or the 911 Facility away from the Law and Justice center would be a short-term solution. County Attorney Marty Lambert stated that the efficacy of law enforcement remains effective only if the detectives from both City and County remain together; in addition to the interview and victim/witness rooms. City Manager Kukulski stated the 911 Facility does not need to remain at the Law and Justice Center. He noted that relocating the 911 Facility is a potential solution. City Manager Kukulski suggested the idea of renovating an existing building or constructing a new facility be put before the voters. This would show some tangible advancement on the issue. Responding to Cr. Becker. Director of Public Safety Chuck Winn noted the City's Fire Protection Report was not yet available. Cr. Becker opened discussion concerning the possibility of moving the 911 Facility to Fire Station 2. Cr. Murdock then inquired as to County's financial responsibility if the City builds a new fire station. Cr. Kaaren Jacobson reminded the Commissioners of the recent earthquake near Dillon, Montana. She stated that it is a frightening thought that all law enforcement and communications are located in a single facility. In the event of a catastrophe, Cr. Jacobson noted, this could prove devastating in a number of ways to both the City and County. Cr. Steve Kirchhoff agreed with Cr. Jacobson, adding that this possible scenario adds certain urgency to the situation. He noted, however, that it is a worthwhile endeavor to umbrella as many City/County services as possible. Cr. Vincent stated that consensus seemed to put the major emphasis on public safety. He noted, however, that the Commissions are obligated to inform the public of the degree to which the pressing needs of public safety are not met. Cr. Vincent suggested reaching out to the public in this regard. He hypothesized: what would be the result if there was a catastrophe with no prior effort made to inform the public of safety deficiencies? City Manager Kukulski asked if Mr. Murdock's suggestion of setting up a joint task-force to address the issue of space at the Law and Justice Center should be followed? Cr. Murdock replied that City/County staff could come up with short-term solutions. Mayor Krauss responded that Director Tymrak is the city staff member best suited to assess the issue and suggest solutions. Cr. Vincent reminded the Commissioners that discussions of relocating the 911 Facility have been ongoing for between four and six years and re-emphasized his point that after a catastrophe it will be too late to address the public on this issue of safety deficiencies. City Manager Kukulski stated that a solution to the 911 Facility issue will be offered at the next 911 board meeting. 05-19-2006 - 3 - Director Tymrak stated that his department is currently working with a consultant concerning space. He stated that he is getting somewhat mixed messages on the issue of departmental space at the Law and Justice Center. He noted that his work with the consultant is expending large amounts of time therefore he requests clearer direction. County Attorney Lambert stated that the City must consider options for dealing with existing leases. Al!enda Item 2: 911 Financinl! City Manager Kukulski stated that the Director of9l1, Ben Hess, requested a $150,000 budget increase from the City of Bozeman. He noted that the City finds difficulty with such an increase where the City currently finances the majority of the needs for greater Gallatin County and notes the inequity in funding between, for example, the City of Bozeman and the City of Belgrade. City Managcr Kukulski suggested that solutions to the 911 funding inequity come from other towns and cities in Gallatin County. Mayor Krauss stated that he has followed the 911 budget issues for a decade and noted that the issue must be addressed. He suggested taking the funding issue to the voters emphasizing the importance of public safety. Cr. Murdock reminded the Commissions that the 911 funding issue has been put before the voters twice already and could be done again. City Manager Kukulski replied that the City can be much more proactive in its efforts to inform voters on the issue and agrees that the 911 funding problem needs a long-term solution. Al!enda Item 3: City/County Impact Fees Update Director of Planning Andy Epple noted the progress made concerning the fire impact fee study. He explained that the planning staff has been exploring options with the consultants and is currently awaiting the completion of the fire facility study, reminding the Commissions that the City Planning Department cannot develop an impact fee study until the facility plan is in place. Director Epple stated that the sewer and water impact fee study was incomplete; awaiting the completion of thc facilities study. He noted that the City and County, with in conjunction with State and Federal agencies, are progressing with a transportation plan. The financial estimates from which are expected to form the basis of the street impact fees. Director Epple estimated the plan would be complete in about one year. Gallatin County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic emphasized the County's commitment to street/road impact fees. She noted the County has not yet hired a consultant but has narrowed the field down to three. Mayor Krauss stated that his concern is that the City and County are not coordinating their efforts regarding the street impact fees. He suggested that the City and County make an effort to retain the same consultants. He also suggested that at least the City and County consultants, if different, should coordinate. City Manager Kukulski agreed with Mayor Krauss and echoed the suggestion that the City and County attempt to use the same consultants for the street impact fee study, and noted that the City and County currently utilize the same consultants for the fire impact fee study. 05-19-2006 - 4 - Cr. Kirchhoff agreed with Mayor Krauss concerning the utilization of the same consultant if possible or at least the same study methodology. Director Epple stated that the transportation impact fee study will begin as soon as the transportation plan is complete and endorsed by both the City and County. Al!enda Item 4: City County Planninl! Update (fofmerly Al!enda Item 1) Mayor Krauss opened the discussion on Agenda Item 4. Gallatin County Planning Director Jennifer Madgic suggested that Commissioners from both the City and County establish a joint working group to discuss City/County planning issues. Mayor Krauss voiced support for this idea and volunteered to work with a County Commissioner in this regard. Cr. Murdock volunteered to represent the County on the joint working group. The members of the working group suggested that by the end of 2006 they could submit a long- range work plan establishing a joint commitment to county-wide zoning issues and the updating of subdivision regulations. Cr. Murdock stated that he would like to see the County enter into an interlocal agreement with the City. He noted that the County has determined a comprehensive list of improvements. As an example, he suggested an expedited planning review process. Cr. Murdock stressed that neither the City nor the County should antagonize the building community. Director Epple explained that planning in Bozeman is very active. He pointed out that parks, water/sewer, transportation, and affordable housing are especially busy. He noted that the City is assisting the County with the creation of a Transfer of Development Rights program (TDR). Director Epple then outlined one TOR concept describing a possible tired or graduated TDR system based on the dual goals of the City and County. A fundamental premise of the system is to avoid creating disincentives to developing within the city. Cr. Becker stated that he liked the idea of a graduated system. Cr. Rupp asked about the time frame of such and agreement. Mayor Krauss expressed concern about discharge from County development and would like to see sanitary sewer options considered in any TDR proposaL Responding to the public, Director Epple noted that a TDR report was not currently available. Al!enda Item 5: Ovtion Taxes Agenda Item 5 was not discussed. Select maior topic fOf next meetine: No topics were selected for the next meeting. 05-19-2006 - 5 - Adiournment - 8:30 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Commissions at this time, the meeting was adjourned. A TrEST: ~ . - ..' --~. ~-l0 ~"- " ,.~-- ''''-...... ..->. '- BRIT . ;ONUmOT City Clerk 05-19-2006