HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-28 Minutes, City Commission, WORK
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN. MONTANA
March 28. 2005
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The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session in the Commission Room, Municipal
Building, on Monday, March 28, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Andrew Cetraro, Commissioner
Jeff Krauss, Commissioner Marcia Youngman, Commissioner Steve Kirchhoff, Commissioner Lee Hietala,
City Manager Chris Kukulski, Assistant City Manager Ron Brey, Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell,
Director of Finance Anna Rosenberry, Planning Director Andy Epple, City Attorney Paul Luwe and Clerk of
the Commission Robin Sullivan.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Public comment
Ms. Carol Armstrong expressed interest in the Story Mansion. She noted that her husband's family
home in California has been turned over to a museum, and she provided contact information on that facility.
She voiced her interest in seeing the Story Mansion be an asset to the community and open to the public
for various events.
Mr. Russ Tuckerman, 43 Gardner Park Drive, stated he is thrilled that one of the items on this work
session is review of the Three Parks Master Plan. He noted that he has invested time and money in this
process over the past six years and has information readily available for this discussion.
Ms. Robin Wolcott gave a presentation on behalf of the 400 members of the Sacajawea Audobon
Society. She voiced concern about the proposed Three Parks Master Plan, stating that the Sourdough Trail
goes through a riparian area that serves as a magnet for migratory birds and a nesting place in the summer.
She has personally seen 148 species along the trail, which is more than one-third of all bird species
recorded in Montana. She noted that in 2001, plans were approved for the park west of Sourdough Trail,
with the purpose of that park being to provide a wildlife corridor and protect the creeks; approval of this
master plan would be contrary to that purpose. She feels the proposed parking lot, picnic tables, trails and
comfort sation would be detrimental to the existing habitat and result in the loss of prime wildlife habitat.
She noted that during the community input meetings, natural resource protection and habitat enhancement
were identified as the two top priorities. Unfortunately, the proposed new trails, especially those that form
loops, make the area more accessible for disturbances that destroy the habitat. She also finds the picnic
tables, comfort station and parking lots out of place in a wildlife corridor. She concluded by encouraging
the Commission to not approve a master plan that does not protect the natural resources and provide for
habitat enhancement, noting that the existing trail and bridge are examples of enhancement without
development.
Mr. Richard Wolcott noted he lives along Sourdough Trail. He contributed toward the purchase of
Tuckerman Park under the representation that it would serve as a buffer and natural corridor to protect the
creek and Sourdough Trail. The proposed master plan is contrary to how those funds were solicited and
he stated that, if this plan is approved as submitted, he should be entitled to a refund of his monies.
Mr. Ron Kaiser, member of the Sundance Springs Homeowners' Association board, stated he has
been involved in the master planning process for the past two or three years since two of the three parks
are adjacent to their subdivision. He noted the plan reflects a collaborative effort, particularly since a
number of viewpoints were brought to the table. He stressed that, while no one views this document as
perfect, it is a good compromise and, collectively, the Association is happy with the outcome. He noted an
easement for public access to the west side of the creek has been included, and voiced a commitment to
work with the Audobon Society in creating plantings to support the bird habitat and replace the habitat to
the north that has been lost through development. He encouraged the Commission to adopt the master
plan as soon as possible so that trees can be planted and improvements made this summer.
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Mr. Cory Lawrence, 4510 Morning Sun Drive, stated he lives adjacent to Tuckerman Park. He noted
that he became involved because of his concern for the safety of his children, particularly since the leash
law is not obeyed. He feels that the master plan provides protection for the wildlife habitat and trail corridor
and encouraged approval.
Ms. Sue Livers, Morning Sun Drive, stated she lived in Gardner Park for thirty years and now lives
in Sundance Springs. Her experiences have revealed that living on the east side of Sourdough Trail is
substantially different from living on the west side. She noted that on the Gardner Park side, the trail was
a wonderful place for four legged wildlife and an incredible place to walk. On the Sundance Springs side,
she has enjoyed sitting on her patio and listening to the many different kinds of birds and watching the
various kinds of aviary wildlife that dwell in that area. She concluded by encouraging the Commission to
approve a master plan that keeps Tuckerman Park pristine and protected for the "gentle wildlife."
Ms. Ann Bryan stated she has been involved with the master plan process from the Gardner Park
side. She expressed her appreciation for the amount of effort and time that have been put into the planning
process over a long period of time. She voiced her interest in having the easement and deed restriction of
the parking lot in Gardner Park Subdivision reviewed by the City Attorney so that adoption of the master plan
can move forward. She indicated her support for a master plan that allows the wildlife to remain and yet
allow the citizens and residents of the community to enjoy the area.
Mr. Ralph Walton stated he lives on Morning Sun Drive, having moved to Bozeman a little over a
year ago. He has watched with interest the process of developing this master plan and the amount of work
that has gone into it, and asked that the Commission adopt the plan.
Review of grant aDDlication for Justice Assistance Grant Proaram (JAG) - to fund costs of aCQuiring
a transDort vehicle for tactical team Dersonnel and eauiDment
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo forwarding information on the grant
application.
Director of Public Safety Mark Tymrak noted that once a year the Montana Board of Crime Control
receives federal grant monies for distribution throughout the state. The grant application for this year's
allocation is a joint application with Gallatin County for a replacement vehicle for the tactical team personnel
and equipment. The vehicle will replace a mid 1980s ambulance that has been converted to a transport
vehicle, painted black and used for the past twelve years. It is now worn out and is no longer reliable. He
cautioned that the grant is in the amount of $20,497; and any costs over that amount are to be split between
the City and the County.
No public comment was received on this grant application.
Mayor Cetraro thanked Director of Public Safety Tymrak for presentation of the grant application.
Review of Three Parks Master Plan
Included in the Commissioners' packets were a memo from Superintendent of Facilities and Lands
James Goehrung forwarding information on the Three Parks Master Plan; a copy of the master plan for
Gardner Park, Tuckerman Park and McLeod Park; and a letter from the Board of Directors for the Sundance
Springs Residential Homeowners Association.
Superintendent Goehrung referenced the maps of the three parks posted for Commission viewing,
noting that there are several issues on which staff is seeking Commission input prior to preparing the final
master plans for public hearing and adoption. He stressed that, once adopted, this Three Parks Master Plan
will serve as guidance in the decision-making process for development and maintenance of Gardner Park,
Tuckerman Park and McLeod Park, adjacent parks located in the southeast quadrant of the city.
The Superintendent highlighted McLeod Park, noting that this is a county park and, as a result,
Gallatin County contributed $1,000 to this master planning process. Key issues include keeping this a
natural area because of the wetlands, and lack of parking and other amenities in the area. Under this plan,
some trail connections are to be provided through this natural area, and the City will be responsible for its
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maintenance. He asked if the Commission wants City staff to enter into discussions with the County about
compensation for this maintenance.
Superintendent Goehrung next addressed Gardner Park, noting that parking facilities were originally
proposed on Lots 1 and 2 to provide access to the trail head that ties this park to the bridge and the
Sourdough Trail. The residents of Gardner Park are opposed to converting those two lots to a parking lot
and, since cars currently park along the narrow road, staff is proposing a parking lot with six spaces at
another site within the subdivision. The residents have indicated a willingness to provide an easement in
the new location and to fund development of the parking lot. The draft of the easement, prepared by a
private attorney, includes restrictions on future activities for Lots 1 and 2, Block 1.
The Superintendent turned his attention to Tuckerman Park, which is located in Sundance Springs
Subdivision. He stressed that many compromises have been made in the plan now being considered by
the Commission. Two acres of the ten-acre park are located along the west side of Nash Spring Creek, and
that parcel is currently landlocked. In 2002, a bridge was proposed across the creek, to provide access to
that two-acre parcel; however, those plans were abandoned until after a master plan has been adopted.
Key issues for this park include the wildlife corridor, bird habitat, possible access to the two-acre parcel
through an easement across the Sundance Springs private open space and landscaping/screening to
delineate the park boundary. The Superintendent noted the residents have asked that if the easement is
created, it be with the stipulations that there be no bridge, no signage and no delineation of the easement,
that the existing memorial bench be removed and that native grasses and plantings for wildlife and bird
habitat be planted. Other issues include trail locations and amenities such as a parking lot and comfort
station.
Commissioner Youngman stated she feels the plans for McLeod Park and Gardner park make sense
and provide for the public interest. On the other hand, she does not support the plan for Tuckerman Park,
based on her eleven years of history with that park and subdivision. She gave a history of the Sundance
Springs Subdivision process, which began in 1994. She noted that when this subdivision was first
proposed, residents in the area opposed it; and, through its approval, the Commission ensured that a strong
corridor of open space buffering Sourdough Trail and Gardner Park was provided and that any impacts on
wildlife habitat were mitigated. She also noted that the open space in the development was consolidated
and, at that time, it was anticipated public access would be provided through that space. She stated that,
through a community effort, the City acquired the ten acres in the southeast corner that is now Tuckerman
Park, and school children and Commissioners helped plant 200 trees and bushes to start restoring the
native vegetation. Unfortunately, few of those trees and bushes survived because they were not watered
regularly; and she wishes to ensure that any future plantings are watered for several years until they
become well established. She appreciates the compromise that has been made by the residents in the area
and the efforts of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board; however, she does not feel that either the
public or the eco system benefits are adequate. She recognized that, while that portion of the park west
of the creek was to remain as natural open space, a trail has been created through use. She recognized
the importance of protecting the bird habitat and suggested that signage be installed to educate those who
wish to continue using the trail and that attention be drawn to the leash law. She is concerned that the plan
as drafted is stacked toward enhancing the privacy of the properties that abut it and away from public
benefit. She is also concerned about the proposed restroom, noting that such a structure would detract from
the natural viewshed corridor.
Commissioner Youngman voiced concern about the private property encroachments into the
parkland on the west side of the creek, noting that sod overlaps into the parkland on several properties,
further intruding into the buffer for wildlife. She noted that under the conditions for approval of Sundance
Springs Subdivision, the back portions of the lots were to be in drought resistant native vegetation; and that
is not occurring. She concluded by asking that this plan be revised in a manner that can be supported by
both the surrounding neighborhoods and the public and that can be enjoyed by the birds.
Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Superintendent of Facilities and Lands James Goehrung
stated that the concerns of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board include the issues he identified above,
with the language in the proposed easement being a key issue. He suggested that, until the Commission
indicates whether it is willing to consider an easement, he does not feel additional staff time should be spent
on reviewing that document. He then noted that there is already an easement along Goldenstein Lane, and
that will remain in place.
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Commissioner Krauss noted that he has participated in maintenance of the Sourdough Trail and the
development of other trails in the area over the years. He recognized the natural tension between the public
who want access to the trails and parks and the residents of the area who want to keep the area as wildlife
habitat. He noted that the trail in the two-acre portion of the park was established in an effort to maintain
a presence in that public area. He stressed the importance of ensuring that any trail on the west side of the
creek be small and that the natural bird habitat be restored and protected.
Commissioner Krauss observed that what was formerly swamp to the north is now developed with
condominiums, making it more critical to restore the bird habitat in Tuckerman Park and to minimize trail
traffic in that area. He stressed that this parkland, however, is not a private wildlife preserve or an extension
of back yards. He finds that this master plan is not too intrusive; rather, it allows for the social trail that has
been created and provides a couple places to sit and enjoy the park. He also finds the parking area and
restrooms appropriate, particularly since this site is at the southern terminus of the Sourdough Trail and is
located in an urban setting.
Commissioner Krauss noted that the neighbors in Sundance Springs need to agree to maintain the
plantings, and stated he is pleased that the Audobon Society is willing to recommend the types of plantings
needed to enhance the bird habitat. He concluded by noting that, while he might prefer to have more public
access to the western portion of Tuckerman Park, he feels the master plan is a good compromise and he's
willing to proceed.
Commissioner Kirchhoff stated he feels the master plans for McLeod Park, Gardner Park and
Tuckerman Park are fine as proposed. He noted, however, that ensuring survival of the new vegetation to
naturalize the two acres of Tuckerman Park west of the creek is essential. He concluded by acknowledging
that these plans are the result of significant public input and compromise, and indicated he is willing to move
them forward to the public hearing process.
Commissioner Hietala stated he feels it is appropriate to have public facilities at the south end of
Sourdough Trail. He also supports the proposed parking area and picnic tables. He recognized the amount
of work that has gone into these master plans and voiced his support.
Commissioner Krauss encouraged the development of a specific plan for the parking area in
Gardner Park, and that the plan be included in the master plan for the park.
Superintendent of Facilities and Lands Goehrung stated he has been in contact with the engineering
firm that is working on the plans for the parking lot. He acknowledged that these master plans are weighted
toward the neighborhood concerns, but stressed that the residents have made a strong commitment to
involvement in the long-term maintenance. He then indicated his biggest concern is the encroachments,
particularly into Tuckerman Park. He noted that in one instance, a property owner is mowing all of the way
to the creek and another has denuded the site of natural vegetation to the creek and provided a landscaped
yard well beyond the property boundary.
Commissioner Krauss suggested these situations should be subject to code enforcement or
enforcement by the property owners through their association. He then noted that the sooner everyone
reaches agreement and natural plantings are done, the greater the potential that new residents will comply
with the covenants of the development and not encroach into the parkland.
As a result of this review, Superintendent Goehrung indicated he will get these master plans
scheduled for final hearing as soon as possible.
Informal review - Weissman Concept Planned Unit Development (Z.05016) and Pre.application for
Weissman Subdivision lP-05002). subdivide approximatelv 3 acres at 1237 North Rouse Avenue into
five lots. and allow redevelopment of sites throuah rehabilitation of existing structures and
construction of new structures
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo forwarding information on the proposed
subdivision and planned unit development for the Weissman site located at 1237 North Rouse Avenue.
Distributed just prior to the meeting was an e-mail message from JP Pomnichowski forwarding an
excerpt from the comments she made during the Planning Board's review of this application.
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Planning Director Andy Epple presented the staff report on behalf of Planner Susan Kozub. He
stated this proposal is a dual application for subdivision and a planned unit development under which a site
with a collection of older industrial buildings is to be redeveloped. Under this proposal, a common parking
area is to be provided, as well as an open space area in the center of the complex, adaptive re-use of three
buildings, clean-up of the site and construction of a new building.
The Planning Director noted that this site is bounded by East Oak Street on the south, North Rouse
Avenue on the east, the extension of North Montana Avenue on the west and the railroad right-of-way on
the north. He noted that the configuration of the proposed lots requires relaxations from the subdivision
regulations, including lot area and width on Lots 1 and 3, and setbacks on North Montana Avenue, North
Rouse Avenue and East Oak Street. He identified street vision triangles as an issue to be carefully
considered.
The Planning Director stated that under the planned unit development process, the project is
required to meet performance points; and staff believes that through a combination of open space on site
and possibly open space improvements on a site close to this site, such as the Fairgrounds or the trail
system in the vicinity, that requirement can be met.
Mr. Doug Minarik, Comma Q Architects, stated they have looked at parking requirements and
pedestrian and vehicular circulation. He identified parking as a big concern given existing building locations.
He noted that a potential lease of land from Burlington Northern Railroad could help alleviate the parking
issue. He then indicated that, with the improvements to North Rouse Avenue that the Montana Department
of Transportation has scheduled in the next five years and the installation of a traffic signal at its intersection
with East Oak Street, the safety of that intersection will be greatly enhanced.
Responding to Commissioner Hietala, Mr. Minarik stated the building at the intersection is built as
a series of bays, and he recognized that cutting off the easternmost bay would open up the triangle and
increase safety. He also noted that doing so will enhance the aesthetics of the site and help to better
identify the corner as well as allow for connecting pedestrian movement on the periphery of the site.
Commissioner Youngman voiced her appreciation for the applicant's willingness to consider
reducing the building's encroachment into the sight triangle. She then indicated she is comfortable with the
proposed mixed use and redevelopment of this site.
Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Mr. Minarik stated that all four buildings on the site are
identified for office/retail use, and by parking in every nook and cranny on the site, exactly the proper
number of parking spaces can be provided. The down side is that doing so limits circulation on the site.
He stressed that if land to the north can be leased, that will dramatically relieve congestion on the site and
will allow for better vehicular and pedestrian circulation. He stated that a gymnastics facility is proposed,
and it is important to provide a buffer zone for the children being dropped off at that facility. He concluded
by noting that the brick structure encroaches 6 inches across the property line, which could impact the
installation of a sidewalk along the east side of that building.
Commissioner Kirchhoff voiced his support for the overall concept of redeveloping this site. He
questioned, however, how the performance points are to be met.
Mr. Minarik responded that the applicant is looking at park development on the east side of North
Rouse Avenue or to the south of this site, making it more accessible to the public than any open space
enhancements on site.
Further responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Mr. Minarik indicated that including residential units
in this development has not been considered but acknowledged that it may be possible to convert the grain
elevator into residential use.
Commissioner Kirchhoff stated he feels it is important to encourage a residential component for
projects in the core of the community and asked that affordable housing be incorporated into the project if
possible.
Commissioner Hietala stated he would prefer to see a contribution toward a park in the northeast
neighborhood to residential units on site.
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Commissioner Krauss acknowledged the need for compromises in adaptive re-uses; however, he
stated he is not willing to compromise on sidewalks along North Rouse Avenue. He supports the general
concept, noting that it will result in enhancing a site that has long been an eyesore in the community.
Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell stated that the Montana Department of Transportation has
scheduled improvements to North Rouse Avenue for 2009 or beyond, and that will include curb, gutter and
sidewalk from East Main Street to Story Mill Road. In the meantime, she noted that a sidewalk along this
property would provide a nice pedestrian facility.
Planning Director Epple noted that, through adaptive reuse, impact fees are significantly reduced
because fees are paid only on the new impacts and not on those demands historically generated from the
site.
The Commissioners thanked the applicant for the opportunity to review this proposal.
Update - reauest for proposal process for StOry Mansion
City Manager Chris Kukulski noted that the task force has held three meetings since the proposals
were received; and next week the task force will forward its recommendation that the Commission decline
to accept any of the four proposals. He stated the selection committee, which is a sub-committee of the
task force, does not feel any of the four proposals received meets the minimum standards of the request
for proposals. The process, however, has provided some valuable information that can be used in seeking
proposals again, possibly this fall. During the summer, he noted that grant monies are to be used to restore
the exterior of the structure to its original grandeur; and the task force feels that will increase the appeal of
the property and potentially result in additional proposals. He concluded by stressing the importance of
completing the process currently underway prior to moving to the next step.
Responding to questions from the Commission, City Manager Kukulski noted the consensus at the
last task force meeting was that the exterior renovations should be completed prior to seeking proposals
again rather than seeking them immediately. He then highlighted the four proposals received, noting that
all of them were in conceptual form and did not include any financial package.
Commissioner Kirchhoff noted the City is probably the best recipient for a variety of funds and
suggested that removing it from City ownership may not be the best option at this time. He does not see
any need to move quickly to another request for proposals process, although he stressed the importance
of keeping options for disposing of the property open.
The City Manager noted that this request for proposals was made because of pressure from the
community, particularly in light of talk about grandiose plans for the site. He stated that, now that the
proposal process has been completed, that talk will no longer be a distraction, and the task force and City
can move forward.
Responding to Commissioner Krauss, the City Manager stated he expects contracts for two grants
will be approved in early May. The Save America's Treasures (SAT) grant has more strings attached and
the City is moving forward through the process to acquire and use those monies, recognizing there may
come a time when the City chooses not to accept those funds because of circumstances that might arise
in the meantime.
Commissioner Krauss stated he does not want to take the property off the market, but wants to be
able to consider proposals on an on-going basis. He stressed that he does not support any proposal that
includes subdividing the property.
Responding to Commissioner Hietala, City Manager Kukulski reviewed how the four proposals
received prior to the deadline did not meet the criteria.
City Attorney Luwe cautioned that the current proposal process must be completed prior to moving
to the next step.
City Manager Kukulski noted that, while the task force is advisory to him, all final decisions are made
by the Commission. He noted that when the mansion was purchased, it was not anticipated that it would
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still be in City ownership in three, five or ten years; however, he does not feel there is any need to over-react
at this time.
Responding to Commissioner Krauss, City Attorney Luwe stated that the manner in which the
decision is made is dependent on the process. He noted that the City may put the mansion on the market,
may seek bids or may go through the request for proposal process.
Planning Director Epple stressed that any proposal for use of this property must comply with the
parameters of the "R-1" zoning district. He then noted that an engineer has been retained to prepare a plat
to eliminate the lot lines in this block and that plat will be submitted to the Commission for action when it
is ready.
City Manager Kukulski indicated that one of the consent items on next week's agenda will be to
decline the four proposals. In response to Commissioner comments, the City Manager noted the next step
will be to come back in thirty days with a recommended process for moving forward with possible sale of
this property.
Discussion - FYI Items
The following "For Your Information" items were forwarded to the Commission.
(1 ) Copy of Gallatin County Commission Resolution No. 2005-017, scheduling the April 5 and
May 3 meetings to be held at Buck's T -4 at Big Sky.
(2) Copy of a letter from Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell to Tony Kolnik, dated March
23, responding to his letter dated March 15.
(3) Updated listing of planning projects to be considered at upcoming Commission meetings,
dated March 23, 2005.
(4) Agenda for the School District NO.7 Board of Directors meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, March 28, at the Willson School.
(5) Agendas for the County Commission meetings to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March
29, and 1 :30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, at the Gallatin County Courthouse.
(6) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, March 30, in the Commission Room.
(7) Meeting notes from the Community Alcohol Coalition meetings held on January 12 and
February 9, 2005.
(8) City Manager Kukulski suggested that the April 25 work session begin with a noon luncheon
instead of beginning 2:00 p.m. He noted that will give staff an opportunity to provide some updates prior
to the facilitator arriving at 2:00 p.m.
The Commissioners agreed to begin the meeting at noon instead of 2:00 p.m.
(9) City Manager Kukulski noted the local option tax bill will be considered by the house
committee within the next few days. He cautioned that if the vote were taken today, the bill would probably
not pass and encouraged the Commissioners to be in contact with key legislators.
(10) The City Manager asked the Commissioners to e-mail him two or three topics on which they
would like discussion in upcoming work sessions.
(11 ) Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell submitted the following. (1) Announced that she and
City Engineer Rick Hixson will be going to Helena to meet with the Montana Department of Transportation
regarding the North 19th AvenuelValley Center Road improvements. (2) Stated that overlay of North 19th
Avenue between West Main Street and Durston Road is scheduled to begin next week. (3) Announced that
the Montana Department of Transportation is undertaking a $14.6 million project on 1-90 that extends from
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Bear Canyon to Three Forks; and that project will result in shifting traffic to one lane. (4) Stated that work
on the West Babcock Street project will begin next week.
(12) Planning Director Epple submitted the following. (1) Stated that the remodeling on the
second floor of the Professional Building resulted in a flood this afternoon, as workers sawed through a pipe.
(2) Noted that the School District is not satisfied with his determination that leasing ground to GalaVan for
a garage facility on North 27th Avenue will trigger subdivision review, and cautioned that they may be
contacting individual Commissioners.
(13) Commissioner Youngman announced that groundbreaking for the new library will be held
on Thursday, April 14.
Responding to Commissioner Krauss, City Manager Kukulski stated that the monies for the library
project will be expended as shown in the cash flow spreadsheet.
(14) Commissioner Krauss asked when the resolution amending the Bozeman Creek
Neighborhood Plan will be placed on the agenda; staff responded it has been drafted and will be on the
agenda within the next few weeks.
(15) Commissioner Krauss asked when the Commission will begin reviewing the proposed
revisions to the unified development ordinance, particularly since the Planning Board has completed its work
on the first batches.
City Manager Kukulski responded that they will be placed on the agenda for review as soon as
possible.
(16) Commissioner Hietala asked about the Town and Country Grocers project at the intersection
of South Third Avenue and Kagy Boulevard.
Commissioner Kirchhoff noted that he met with two representatives from the SouthEast
Neighborhood Association, and they are very concerned about the administrative review process through
which this application is being processed. He stated, instead, the neighborhood would like to have this
project go through the standard public hearing process.
Planning Director Epple noted that a few years ago, the distinction between major and minor site
plans was eliminated, with those site plans meeting code requirements being handled in-house. He stated
that the Town and Country Grocers proposal complies with the code since the building mass has been
broken into modules of less than 5,000 square feet. He assured the Commission that, even under the
administrative review process, there is an opportunity for public input; and anyone may appeal his decision
to the Commission. Further, he noted that the code provides that, on the vote of four Commissioners, the
Commission may reclaim the decision-making process.
Assistant City Manager Brey stressed that, no matter what process is followed, the critical element
is telling the neighborhood what process will be followed and identifying the avenues for communication.
Responding to Commissioner Krauss, Planning Director Epple stated that Project Engineer Bob
Murray has assured him the distance from the intersection to the driveway is 340 to 350 feet, which is
beyond the required 330-foot separation. He stressed that the decision on any variance from that
requirement is made by the City Engineer. He concluded by stating that no part of the parking lot or any
building is to be located within the 50-foot streambank setback.
City Manager Kukulski asked if the Commission wants to immediately assume jurisdiction over this
application or if the application should be handled through the administrative review process; a majority of
the Commissioners indicated an interest in allowing it to proceed through the administrative review process.
(17) Commissioner Hietala voiced an interest in a joint city-county meeting.
(18) Mayor Cetraro identified topics for upcoming work sessions, including consolidation of City
Hall, re-utilization of core properties like Kenyon-Noble, and increased efficiency in serving the public.
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Assistant City Manager Brey responded that staff has been looking at various alternatives for a
facility to house all City offices, including the Kenyon-Noble site.
Adjournment ~ 10:15 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by
Commissioner Kirchhoff, seconded by Commissioner Hietala, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye bein Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner
Hietala, Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Youngma nd yor Cetraro; those voting No, none.
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AN
ATTEST:
~ .z ~,:...~
IN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
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