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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-04-27CORRECTIONS TO MINUTES April 27, 1992 Page 6 -Line 18 -Change "block from" to "mile beyond" MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA April 27, 1992 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, April 27, 1992, at 3:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Swanson, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Vincent, Commissioner Knapp, City Manager Wysocki, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. None of the Commissioners requested that any of the Consent Items be removed for discussion. Minutes -April 20, 1992 It was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the minutes of the regular meeting of April 20, 1992, be approved as submitted. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Vincent, Commissioner Knapp and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none. Decision -master plan for Valley Unit Park City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commissioners that they had received this plan at their meeting of April 13, at which time the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board made their presentation of the plan, along with their recommendation for approval, and public comment was received. He then recommended that the Commission take action on the plan at this time. Commissioner Frost stated he feels the master plan for the Valley Unit Park is a good one. He noted, however, it is important to recognize that it may be a long time before this master plan is implemented and the park developed. Commissioner Stiff noted that this is a very small park, with a relatively small percentage available for development as usable parkland. He then noted the letter under "FYI" items which suggests that the City establish criteria for dedicated parkland. Mayor Swanson concurred with Commissioner Stiff's second statement, suggesting that the "FYI" lette~ be forwarded to the Planning staff for their consideration. 04-27-92 -2 - It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Vincent, that the Commission approve the master plan for Valley Unit Park as submitted to them by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board at the April 13 meeting. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Vincent, Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Frost and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none. Discussion -draft ordinance enabling creation of neighborhood parking districts City Manager Wysocki stated that a draft copy of the proposed ordinance and a memo from Assistant to the City Manager Ron Brey, dated April 24, were included in the Commissioners' packets. Assistant Brey gave a brief history of the process which has occurred to date. He reminded the Commission that in the Fall of 1990, the City was approached by residents near the University campus about the on-street parking problems they were incurring because of students, staff and faculty parking in their neighborhood instead of on campus. He noted that at that time, it was generally determined that such implementation of a neighborhood parking district would not be feasible until the Fall of 1992, thus allowing MSU to provide more on-campus parking spaces for those who can no longer park on the streets. He noted it was also determined that such a program should be implemented only at the request of the neighborhood, rather than City-initiated. The Assistant stated that since these determinations were made, the City staff has had a number of discussions with the principal proponents of the district,Jand has provided assistance in their endeavors. He stated that the City has conducted both daytime and nighttime parking counts; and those counts have revealed a substantial increase in daytime parking in the area around campus as far north as West Alderson Street and as far east as South Third Avenue. He noted that once a parking district is created, it will push that on-street parking further out; therefore, care must be taken in drawing the boundaries of the district. Assistant Brey stated that the principal proponents of the district in that area are presently embarking on a petition drive; and they are targeting a four-block area outward from the campus. He stated it is anticipated that those petitions will be submitted to the City within the next two or three weeks; and the City will then be expected to take the appropriate actions. He noted that, because of this impending petition, it is important that the City proceed with the adoption process for this draft ordinance so it is in a position to react to the petition. 04-27-92 -3 - Assistant Ron Brey then reviewed the contents of the proposed ordinance, reminding the Commission that it is rather generically written so that each district can be created in a manner that is best for that particular neighborhood. He noted that it provides for describing the affected area, establishing the days and hours of the district, the individuals eligible to purchase permits, the effective dates of the annual permits, visitor permits and any special provisions or exceptions to the district. He stated that if a sorority or fraternity is located within a district, its residents would be eligible to purchase permits. He then noted that some public areas, such as parks and schools, and possibly some business areas, should appropriately be excepted from the district. The Assistant stated that adequate and appropriate signing is essential in a neighborhood parking district. He noted that this ordinance provides that all signage will be approved by the Director of Public Service, in consultation with the City Attorney. He stated that exceptions to the regulations of this ordinance include emergency vehicles and business vehicles, such as delivery vehicles. He noted that provisions are also made for daytime social gatherings, possibly through a telephone call of notification to the enforcement officer. The Assistant stated that fees are a part of this program; and that fact has been set forth in the petition being circulated. He suggested that those fees be set at $10 for a regular permit and $5 for each visitor permit. He further suggested that one permit be allowed for each legitimate vehicle at a residence and a total of three visitor permits over a year per household. He noted this is anticipated to cover the administrative costs as well as pay for the signs over a period of time. He also noted there will be continual enforcement costs involved. He stated that, to be easily enforceable, it is important that the City determine where and how parking permits are to be displayed, noting the importance of consistency. He then noted that a $10 fine for violation of the provisions of this program is included in the ordinance. Assistant Brey stated his intention to bring this ordinance back to the Commission next week, in final form. He suggested that at that meeting, the Commission accept public comment prior to provisional adoption, since under the new semester system, many of the students will be gone before the May 18 meeting. He then suggested that at the May 18 meeting, the Commission conduct a public hearing on the ordinance prior to its final adoption. He suggested that under this schedule, there will be adequate opportunity for public input into this new program. Assistant Brey then responded to several questions from the Commission, clarifying some of the provisioris of the ordinance. He cautioned that this program does not guarantee a resident 04-27-92 -4 - that an on-street parking space will be available in front of his/her home; however, one should be able to park within the same block. He suggested that the existing pressure on on-street parking in the immediate area should be relieved under this program; therefore, finding an on-street parking space should be much easier. Commissioner Frost asked what the parking district signs will look like, stating his interest in ensuring that they will blend well with the neighborhood. Assistant Brey stated it is imperative that the signs provide adequate notification of the neighborhood parking district, to legitimize the district and allow for enforcement. He further noted that the signs must comply with the uniform signage and distribution standards; however, he suggested there would be some latitude in their design and coloration. Commissioner Frost then noted that in Palo Alto, California, the signs for parking districts are very attractive and readily recognizable. He also noted they are not mounted as high as other traffic signs on corridors. Assistant Brey suggested that a standard size and shape of sign be utilized, to help keep the costs of signage down. He noted that a different color scheme could then be used to denote the parking district, without utilizing extraordinary height or size. Mayor Swanson suggested that an acceptable sign could possibly be developed through input gathered from the ORB and the neighborhood. Commissioner Vincent noted that, while there would be no guarantee that one could park in front of one's house, the chances of parking close to one's house would be greater if a neighborhood parking district is created. Mr. Tim Jacobsen, 912 South Third Avenue, reminded the Commission that one person's solution is another person's problem. He stated that at the present time, he is not impacted by students and faculty parking in front of his home; however, if a parking district is created, he probably will be. He also noted that if his home is included in the district, he will incur additional costs and inconvenience. He stated that he does sympathize with those who do have a parking problem; but he does not support this proposed method of addressing i.t. He noted that if a parking permit can be purchased for each of the vehicles which may be parked on the street, this system would be more acceptable that if a two permit limit per household were implemented, as he had heard proposed initially. He also expressed concern that this is essentially another form of tax, questioning whether residents would actually see more enforcement in the neighborhood. He then 04-27-92 -5 - stated he feels the University should provide adequate parking on campus, to alleviate this problem. Mr. Jacobsen stated that signage is also of concern, particularly since this is an historic district, and the City has adopted very stringent regulations on any proposed changes within that area. Ms. Jody Holzworth, representing the Exponent, stated she sympathizes with the residents' difficulty in finding on-street parking spaces. She stated, however, there are more vehicles attempting to park on campus than spaces available; therefore, students are forced to pa rk in the residential area. She then asked how this issue is to be addressed. Assistant Brey responded that the City has delayed its consideration of creating a neighborhood parking district to allow the MSU administration an opportunity to address t hat issue. He also noted that this delay has provided adequate opportunity to monitor the daytime and nighttime parking counts; and that information has revealed that such a district would be appropriate. Mr. Bob Lashaway, Facilities Services at MSU, stated they did a study around the campus area and determined that creation of a neighborhood parking district would displace 600 to 700 vehicles. He stated that they have been working on additional parking areas on campus during t he past year; and by the end of the summer, they plan to have additional parking spaces in an expanded Linfield Hall area, 270 additional spaces in the Gatton lot, and an additional paved area in the south Fieldhouse parking lot for 220 additional cars. He stated that additional parking will accommodate those vehicles which are displaced on the neighborhood streets. He then noted that in the future, additional parking lots will be provided in the Faculty Court area and between South 12th and 13th Avenues near family housing. He also indicated that the existing parking lot near the Plant Growth building and the south Fieldhouse parking lot are not fully utilized at the present time. Responding to Mayor Swanson, Mr. Lashaway stated the University has budgeted $550,000 for expanding its parking lots this year. He then stated that after all of their projects are completed, there will be 4,000 to 4,500 parking spaces on campus. Further responding to the Mayor, Mr. Lashaway stated that a shuttle system from the Fieldhouse parking lot is not really feasible. He noted that it is a seven to ten minute walk from the south Fieldhouse parking lot to Montana Hall, which is the center of campus; and people won't pay to ride thc:1t short a distance. He also noted their intent to upgrade the lighting on campus, 04-27-92 -6 - particularly along the corridor from the south Fieldhouse parking lot to the central core of campus. Responding to Commissioner Vincent, Mr. Lashaway stated that the south Fieldhouse parking lot is generally utilized for event parking only. He noted it is not really convenient to campus; and the walk from the lot to the central campus is not as attractive as walking through the residential area. He also noted that if a circle is drawn from the center of the campus extending to the south end of the Fieldhouse parking lot, it also includes South Willson Avenue. He then indicated that there is currently no charge for parking in that lot; however, in August, a $5 fee will be implemented, to cover the administrative fees for issuing an "F" sticker. He then acknowledged that the parking sticker fees have increased dramatically in the past two years to cover the costs of providing the additional parking spaces. Commissioner Vincent stated he lives on South Third, in what is proposed to be a neighborhood parking district. He then noted that if the fees continue to rise, students and faculty will be more willing to park further from campus as a way to avoid those costs. He then stated that he walks 1 Ya miles to school each way; and he feels students should be encouraged to walk from as far away as eight blocks, instead of driving four blocks, parking in a residential area and then walking the other four blocks. Commissioner Vincent then noted that in Seattle, there is a neighborhood parking district which extends almost a block from the University of Washington campus in some places. He stated that discussions with some of the residents in that district revealed that they are very supportive of the program. He noted they also discussed how the property values in that district have increased because of the fact that the parking pressure has been eliminated. Commissioner Vincent then stated he can understand Mr. Jacobsen's concerns, particularly since he would probably be located just outside the neighborhood parking district and, therefore, subjected to the relocated parking problems. He also noted that his backyard neighbors, who front on South Grand Avenue, have expressed an interest in being included in the district. Mayor Swanson noted that this item will be placed on next week's agenda for further consideration and action. Discussion -City Commission's budget unit for FY92-93 The City Manager submitted to the Commission a proposal for their budget unit for Fiscal Year 1992-93, as prepared by the Clerk of the Commission. 04-27-92 -7 - Commissioner Frost stated support for the proposed budget, noting that the Commission does not always expend all of the monies appropriated; however, it is nice to have the monies available if needed. He noted, however, that he does wish to compare this budget unit to the rest of the budget at the appropriate time. Commissioner Stiff questioned where the monies would come from to fund the addition monies included in this proposed budget. He then noted his desire to review this budget unit again, in light of the other budget units and the revenues available. He indicated his support for replacement of the sound system in the Commission Room, noting the current system is not adequate. Responding to Commissioner Vincent, the Commissioners reviewed the various seminars and conferences they attend under the "travel and schools" portion of the budget. They also indicated that those monies are expended by majority vote of the Commission. Commissioner Knapp stated she feels this is a well-thought-out budget. She then indicated her desire to consider possible revisions to the volunteer recognition activities; however, she noted the amount budgeted would cover any of her proposals. Mayor Swanson noted his surprise that the various boards and commissions have not made more requests for funding. He also expressed an interest in publishing a second edition of the City Notes in the late summer or early fall, with a copy being forwarded to MSU students during their orientation. Mayor Swanson then stated the Commission will further consider this budget unit in light of the total budget in the near future. Pledged Securities as of March 31, 1992 In compliance with the provisions of Section 7-6-201 to 7-6-212, M.C.A., Commissioner Stiff and Commissioner Vincent have examined the receipts of Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities held by the Director of Finance as security for City funds deposited in Bozeman banks. The inventory of Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities was found to be in order. It was moved by Commissioner Vincent, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, that the Commission approve the inventory of the Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities as of March 3 1, 1992, and a listing of these be set forth as follows: DEPOSITORY BONDS AND SECURITIES 04-27-92 -8 - MARCH 31, 1992 RATE MATURITY FIRST SECURITY BANK -Bozeman Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Trusteed with National Bank of Commerce St. Paul MN Hsg & Redev Auth Bd 10.0 12/01/2002 West Jordan UT Wtr & Swr Rev Bd 7.25 07/01/1994 El Paso Cnty Co Hosp Rfgd 7.20 05/01/1994 Pub lndl Corp Port of Camas 8.50 11/01/2002 Sub-Total -First Security Bank -Bozeman Pledging Amendment to· Repurchase Agreement: Trusteed with National Bank of Commerce: Fed Home Loan Bank 7 .50 06/27/1994 Trusteed with American National Bank and Trust Co. of St. Paul: Fed Natl Mortgage Assn Fed Home Loan Bank Sub-Total -Repurchase Agreement TOT AL -First Security Bank -Bozeman 8.90 02/10/1995 8.90 05/25/1993 RECEIPT NO. 047041 046776 046737 046763 046739 664755 667372 TOTAL AMOUNT $ 100,000.00 $ 300,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 270,000.00 $ 970,000.00 $ 1,000,000.00 500,000.00 250,000.00 $ 1,750,000.00 $ 2,720,000.00 This is to certify that we, the Commission of the City of Bozeman, in compliance with the provisions of Section 7-6-407, M.C.A., have this day certified the receipts of the American Bank and Trust Company of St. Paul and the National Bank of Commerce for the Depository Bonds held by the Director of Finance as security, for the deposit for the City of Bozeman funds as of March 31, 1992, by the banks of Bozeman and approve and accept the same. TIMOTHY SWANSON, Mayor . JOE N. FROST, Commissioner BEVERLY H. KNAPP, Commissioner ALFRED M. STIFF, Commissioner JOHN C. VINCENT, Commissioner The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner 04-27-92 -9 - Vincent, Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none. Discussion -FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1) Copies of the initial goals submitted by the Commissioners. (2) Letter from A.A. van Teylingen, 415 North 15th Avenue, dated April 15, regarding criteria for city parks. (3) Update No. 1 on the regulations for hazardous waste incinerators, boilers and industrial furnaces as published by the EPA for Region VIII. (4) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, in the Carnegie Building. (5) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, in the Carnegie Building. (6) Copy of the tabulation of traffic citations issued during the period March 25 through April 24, under the grant. The City Manager noted that 234 citations and 131 warnings were issued during that period. He further noted there are enough grant monies remaining to fund another month's activities. Commissioner Frost asked if bicycle violations are separated out, except for the line item for bicycles on sidewalks; the City Manager responded that they are all listed as vehicles. (7) Memo from MSU President Mike Malone to Commissioner of Higher Education Hutchinson, dated April 14, regarding possible funding revisions in the University system. Commissioner Knapp stated she had picked this memo up at the breakfast meeting held this morning. She noted the University administration is hoping to gather community input prior to the May 5 Board of Regents meeting. She then noted that if the University enrollment is downscaled by 1800 students, that will have many impacts, one of which could be University housing which is bonded. (8) Letter from Brian Gallik, attorney representing Brentwood Homeowners' Association, dated April 24, 1992, indicating they do not intend to appeal the Planning Board's April 21 decision on the Dickinson Manor. 04-27-92 -10 - (9) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. ( 10) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. ( 1) reminded the Commission of the meeting on the Idaho Pole superfund site, set for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at the Library. (2) Noted the city-wide spring sweeping program has just begun and will continue until the entire community has been covered. (3) Stated that theft complaints, particularly those involving bicycles, have increased dramatically, as have car break-ins. (4) Noted that Clean- Up Bozeman, which was conducted on Saturday, was quite successful. (5) Noted that Free Dump generated total chaos at the landfill, with 932 loads, totalling 450 tons of garbage being dumped that day. He further noted those loads included many white goods and two large loads of tires. (6) Noted that over seventy volunteers worked the recycling program at the Fairgrounds on Saturday; and they were overwhelmed with recyclables. (7) Announced that he will be in Colorado for a deposition on Thursday and Friday. (8) Noted he is presently negotiating with the three bargaining units involved in contracts this year. (9) Announced that the auditors will begin their work on Fiscal Year 1991-92 next week. ( 10) Announced that reminder notices for the second half assessments will be mailed next week, in an attempt to reduce the number of delinquencies as of May 31. ( 11) Noted that a weekend trip through the park revealed that the peak run-off may have already occurred, particularly in the Gallatin drainage. He noted that discussion of water conservation will be upcoming in the next few weeks. (12) Reminded the Commissioners that the removal of any items from the consent agenda for discussion should be forwarded to him on Monday mornings so he has adequate time to gather additional information or notify staff of their need to attend the meeting. (11) Commissioner Knapp submitted the following. (1) Attended the Senior Citizens Advisory Board meeting on Thursday. She noted they are excited that their membership has grown from a few hundred to over 1700 members. (2) Participated in Clean Up Bozeman on Saturday, along with Commissioner Frost and Mayor Swanson, by cleaning up and mowing around City Hall. (3) Participated in the recycling festival at the Fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon, noting the amount of recyclables accepted was truly overwhelming. (4) Announced she is attending the Montana Library Association annual conference, which began on Sunday at the Holiday Inn and the GranTree Inn. She stated that total attendance is well over 450, with two more days of the conference remaining. 04-27-92 -11 - ( 12) Commissioner Vincent stated that he participated in cleaning up Bozeman on Saturday by working with his neighbor to make two trips to the recycling festival and two trips to the landfill. He noted this was an educational experience, which revealed that there ought to be a better way to handle this activity. He stated that employees working at the landfill estimated that probably 20 percent of those taking advantage of the free dump day were not city residents; and he feels that is a percentage that must be addressed. He then forwarded his suggestion that a coupon of some sort be included in the special assessment billing, which could be punched for one free dumping each half of the fiscal year. He suggested this would significantly reduce the amount of overtime involved in the free dump day, decrease the impact on those operating the landfill, decrease the waiting in line and possibly allow for segregating of loads and dumping portions in various places. Commissioner Vincent noted that the recycling festival was very busy as well. He stated this was encouraging, noting that he would have been very concerned if the landfill had been extremely busy but the recycling festival was relatively quiet. (13) Commissioner Stiff noted that he heard from a number of constituents about a variety of issues during the past week. He noted that during the week, he attended the 50th weddin'tJ anniversary of a former Commissioner and the funeral of another former Commissioner's mother. ( 14) Commissioner Frost submitted the following. ( 1) Attended the ORB meeting, noting that he decided to attend four meetings in a row to see how the Board is operating. He stated that at the present time, it seems to be working well. (2) Noted the letters which the Commissioners received from the Recreation Department, one pertaining to Langohr Park and one pertaining to Pooh Corner violations. (3) Noted that Waste Management is increasing its fees for residential garbage collection in Belgrade to an amount equal to Bozeman's $40 base fee plus 2 % bags per week. (4) Expressed concern that service stations are washing down their premises, rather than sweeping them, particularly in light of the potential water shortage. (5) Reminded the Commissioners of the breakfast meeting on Thursday at the Baxter, at which time Charles Little will make a presentation regarding linear trail systems. ( 15) City Attorney Luwe noted that the Prosecutor and City Court personnel were busy this past week with two jury trials. (16) Mayor Swanson submitted the following. (1) Announced that he met with the 04-27-92 -12 - Clerk of the Commission again in a continuing attempt to address various issues in her office. He stated his intent to ask Commissioner Knapp to enter into the discussions within the next week and review the strategies which have been developed to date. He then indicated his intent to bring this item back for Commission consideration within the next few weeks. (2) Noted that the goals he submitted are tied to the master plan goals. He also noted that his goals referenced the study of the Bozeman Creek drainage, which had been prepared through the Gallatin Development Corporation; and that study was forwarded separately in the Commissioners' packets. (3) Requested that a review of the Building Inspection Division report be placed on next week's agenda, since he has questions about enforcement and some of the figures contained in the report. (4) Stated he gave welcome speeches to several different groups this past week, including the Library Association on Monday morning, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) on Saturday night, and the Clean Up Bozeman volunteers on Saturday morning. Consent Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following Consent Items. Commission Resolution No. 2855 -authorizing sale of bonds for 1991 sidewalk program COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2855 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, RELATING TO THE 1991 SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL WARRANTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,000.00, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ENGINEERING DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, INSPECTION AND ENGINEERING CERTIFICATION OF SIDEWALKS ALONG PARTICULAR STREETS IN THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA. Application for temporary beer and wine license -Bozeman Community Recycling Coalition -Saturday, April 25 -Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building 2: ratify issuance of license Deviation from Section 18. 18.050 of the zone code to allow 1 %-foot encroachment into the required side yard setback -Pam and Jerry Bancroft. 515 South 6th Avenue: per DRB recommendation Authorize City Manager to sign -mutual aid agreements between the City of Bozeman and other large cities in Montana for disaster assistance Authorize City Manager to sign -engineering services agreement with Marvin & Associates for traffic safety study of off-system intersections Authorize City Manager to sign -engineering services agreement with Gaston Engineering and Surveying for northwest water distribution system improvements Acknowledge receipt of application of annexation -Morrison-Maierle/CSSA for Carl Schrenk -13.0 acres generally located north of the Main Mall and south of West Babcock Street: refer to staff Building Inspection Division report for March, 1992 Claims 04-27-92 -. ' ' . -13 - It was moved by Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the ' Commission approve the Consent Items as listed, and authorize and direct the appropriate persons to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Vincent and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none. Adjournment -4:55 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Vincent, Commissioner Knapp and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none. 04-27-92