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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-14 Minutes, City Commission, WORK .....",,_. .-.... ".-.--.--..--.-----. MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA February 14, 2005 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Monday, February 14,2005, 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, Planning Director Andy Epple, Acting City Attorney Tim Cooper and Clerk of the Commission Robin Sullivan. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Public comment Ms. Wren Bade, South 9th Avenue and West Curtiss Street, expressed concern that City crews stopped maintaining the ice at the Bogert pavilion on January 26, and the recent warming trend caused the ice thickness to diminish and the hockey boards to become unstable. She stated that, even if the temperatures reach 50 degrees during the day, the ice can remain viable if it is maintained. She stressed that the community is losing a valuable asset and asked the Commissioners to require that it be maintained. Mr. Farwell Smith, 513 South Third Avenue, noted that he came to Bozeman from Chicago, which was warmer but had 50 days of skating each year. He recognized that Bozeman has two refrigerated ice rinks, however, he cautioned that not everyone can afford to skate at them. He stated it is a shame that the Bogert rink is not being maintained, so that those who cannot afford the fees can still enjoy the opportunity to skate. City Manager Kukulski stated that both he and Director of Public Service Arkell were aware of and supported Superintendent of Facilities and Lands Goehrung's decision to terminate maintenance of the ice due to the warm weather. He noted that on Friday and Saturday, the Bogert ice rink was full of water because of the high temperatures and acknowledged that today it is once again frozen. He recognized that if the cold weather continues, then ice could possibly be retained. Review of ProDosal for CTEP Proiect - College Street to Huffine Lane Bicycle/Pedestrian Pathway (2.08 miles of 10-foot wide concrete shared-use Dathwav) Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from Grants Administrator Sara Folger forwarding information on the Community Transportation Enhancement Program and identifying the College to Huffine bicycle/pedestrian pathway as the next project to be funded. Grants Administrator Sara Folger gave an overview of the proposed project, which is a 10-foot-wide shared use off-street pathway along the south side of West College Street from South 11 th Avenue to West Main StreeUHuffine Lane, crossing Huffine Lane and extending westward along the north side of Huffine Lane to Ferguson Avenue. She noted a majority of the costs would be funded through the Community Transportation Enhancement Project (CTEP) monies, which have been under-utilized to date. She noted the City currently has a large reserve in this fund, and the Montana Department of Transportation has indicated that it may rescind the funding if it is not expended. The Grants Administrator stated that the steering committee identified this project as its top priority last fall, and work has been undertaken between that time and now to identify the various elements needed to complete the project, including areas where there are no sidewalks and areas where existing sidewalks simply need to be widened. She then indicated that, based on the plans that she was shown by the Mitchell Group this afternoon, there is a potential that the walkway can be located along the south side of Huffine Lane through that project, with crossings to be provided at Fowler Avenue and possibly at the west entrance 02-14-05 work - 2 - to the Gallatin Valley Mall; and that revision could significantly reduce the costs of the project. She observed that as development continues in this western entrance to the community, traffic will naturally slow. The Grants Administrator concluded her presentation by noting that a public hearing on the formal application for this project is scheduled for March 7. At Commissioner Youngman's request, Grants Administrator Folger identified the six active CTEP projects, which include the bicycle infrastructure project on which work was done this past summer; roof reconstruction on the East Willson School, which is scheduled for this year; the Emerson Cultural Center lighting project, which is currently being bid; and improvements to Soroptimist Park, which are scheduled for this year. In addition, she will be soliciting bids for a consultant to identify the location and parameters for the Milwaukee rail/trail project, which will assist in identifying impacts on any additional development on the parcel that was purchased for the new library site. She indicated that two additional projects are still active but could be dropped. One is the historic signals on Main Street, which are now to be included in the Montana Department of Transportation's resurfacing project, and the other is the ADA ramps, which are currently being incorporated into sidewalk projects. She suggested that the $150,000 currently set aside for these two projects could be put back into the CTEP reserve fund and used for other projects. Responding to Commissioner Krauss, the Grants Administrator indicated that no CTEP monies have been earmarked for the library project itself; however, she suggested that some of the monies budgeted for the Milwaukee rail/trail project could be used for landscaping of the plaza. Further responding to Commissioner Krauss, Grants Administrator Folger indicated that CTEP monies could be used for the installation of an historic signal at the intersection of West College Street and South Willson Avenue; however, she cautioned that signal will probably be installed before a CTEP project could be approved and funded. Mayor Cetraro thanked Grants Administrator Folger for the update. Pre-ADDlication Plan and PUD ConceDt Plan Review - The Bozeman Gatewav Maior Subdivision- DroDosal to subdivide +72 acres of undeveloped agricultural land Ivina along the south side of US Hiahwav 191 /West Main Street into 61 commercial lots for mixed-use commercial/retail/professional office develoDment - Morrison-Maierele. Inc. for Mitchell DeveloDment GrouD. LLC (Z-04313) Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo forwarding the pre-application plan and zoning planned unit development concept plan for The Bozeman Gateway Major Subdivision, along with comments from the reviews conducted by the Development Review Committee and the Design Review Board. Senior Planner Dave Skelton gave an overview of the proposal for The Bozeman Gateway Major Subdivision, a mixed use commercial, retail and professional office development along the south side of Huffine Lane/West Main Street across the street from the Gallatin Valley Mall. He noted that the Development Review Committee, Design Review Board and City Planning Board have reviewed this pre- application; and their comments have been included in the packet. He stated that these comments, as well as the feedback received from the City Commission, will be taken into consideration as the applicant prepares formal applications for this project. Senior Planner Skelton identified possible points of discussion. including multiple variances to the unified development ordinance, the arrangement of subdivision lots that results in no street frontage. the orientation of buildings, and proposed encroachments into the watercourse setbacks and wetlands setbacks. The Senior Planner noted that Farmers' Canal divides the property in half; and the applicant is proposing to pipe the canal through a portion of the project. He drew attention to the trail systems proposed in the interior of this subdivision, noting that adequate pedestrian crossings must be provided. He also noted that safe pedestrian crossings on Huffine Lane at Fowler Avenue and possibly Harmon Street have been identified as essential. He then identified other issues of discussion before the advisory bodies, including the orientation of buildings and ensuring that adequate buffering is provided to ensure that this project is a contributing element to the entryway. 02-14-05 work - 3 - Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Senior Planner Skelton stated that a very rough approximation of the parking needed for this development indicates that the conceptual plan provides the proper amount, falling well within the minimum and maximum number of spaces required by code. He noted that one point of discussion might be the parking provided under common ownership versus the parking owned by specific tenants. Mr. Mark Masek, architect representing the applicant, stated that the design team has paid high attention to detail in this project in light of the site's location in the western entryway corridor to the community. He then noted that, in conjunction with the development, the applicant proposes to extend West Garfield Avenue and Huffine Lane and indicated that the traffic signal at the intersection of Huffine Lane and Fowler Avenue has been approved. He noted that West Garfield Street is to be constructed as a collector, with bicycle lanes on both sides of the streets. He stated that the slip lane is to be eliminated at the intersection of West College Street and West Main Street/Huffine Lane. Mr. Masek drew attention to the significant amount of open space provided, landscaping, berming, water features and trail system. He also drew attention to the alignment of Fowler Avenue, noting that at the south end it has been moved to the east to avoid the wetlands as much as possible. Under this project, the perennial streams are to be enhanced with plazas and benches, ponds are to be added, and the wetlands are to be left in their natural states to the greatest extent possible. Mr. Greg Stratton, Morrison-Maierle, stated the developer's team is comfortable with virtually every comment that has been submitted to date. He requested Commission comment on the request for relaxation from the watercourse and wetlands setback requirements, to allow for a 35-foot setback from the high water mark rather than 50 feet from the edge of the watercourse as required by the code, and to allow for a 1 O-foot setback from watercourses and wetlands that are created as a result of this development. He noted that the requested reductions would provide the flexibility needed to shift the watercourse within the overall setbacks for the watercourse. He noted that there are many areas on the site that are not high quality wetlands, but provide drinking holes for the cattle that are currently pastured there. He indicated that the setbacks will be undisturbed, except for possible trails; and all streets and parking lots that may encroach into the setbacks will be curbed and the run-off will go through treatment ponds before entering the waterways. He then noted that outlets are needed to circulate the ponds, and their proposal is to develop streams through the parking lots with those outlets. Mr. Stratton stated the applicant proposes to do a lot of off-site mitigation work to address the wetlands issues, and is currently working with the Montana Wetlands Legacy to determine what would be acceptable. Commissioner Youngman stated that, given the size of the property, she cannot find any topographical justification to reduce the setbacks from the watercourses and jurisdictional wetlands, although she has no problem with relaxing the standards for those wetlands that are artificially created in conjunction with this project. Senior Planner Dave Skelton noted that the Wetlands Review Board will have an opportunity to provide comment on any proposals to modify or enhance the wetlands areas. He then suggested that if the wetlands on this site are not determined to be an asset to the community, the further enhancement of a significant contributing wetland located off-site may be determined preferable. Commissioner Youngman noted that if the wetlands are, indeed, caused by the cows then they would be deemed artificial and may need to be reclassified. She expressed her appreciation for the imaginative design of the project and her interest in being responsive to that design whenever possible. She expressed strong concern about relaxing setback requirements on the natural waterways, although she might give consideration to a general 50-foot setback that narrows because of the watercourse wiggling within the setback, and expressed a willingness to be flexible on those water amenities that are created. She also thanked the applicant for providing a plan that avoids impacts on the natural features through the realignment of Fowler Avenue, which protects both the waterway and the grove of cottonwood trees. Senior Planner Skelton stated that, some time ago, someone trenched the ditches, which caused the wetlands to deteriorate. In recent years, however, the vegetation and riparian area have come back, with the result being a possible amenity for the community that should be protected. He further noted that the two middle watercourses are beginning to rejuvenate themselves; and the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has indicated it may wish to protect those fisheries and not allow any relocations. 02-14-05 work - 4 - Commissioner Krauss characterized this proposal as raising the bar for other developers. He recognized that, while a majority of Fowler Avenue may be realigned to protect the watercourse, at the north end it must align with the existing street; and that will result in encroachment into the setback. He then identified two issues raised at the Planning Board meeting but not included in the minutes. The Planning Board encouraged the applicant to widen the setback along the watercourse to the east as it moves northward through the site to provide as much protection as possible. The Board also talked about the design of the big anchor store at the northwest corner of the development and the possible need to double front it, to possibly dogleg the building to reduce its massive appearance, and to move the loading dock to the corner and provide berming to minimize its visual impacts. The Board also encouraged multiple heights for the retail development to the south. He expressed appreciation for the bike lanes along Fowler Avenue and West Garfield Street, noting that they further expand the corridor system the City is trying to develop. He concluded by indicating he is a little concerned about the streambank setbacks and indicated interest in protecting the viable fishery through the site. Commissioner Hietala stated he supports the proposed development. Mayor Cetraro indicated he echos the other Commissioners' comments. Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Mr. Ted Mitchell, applicant, stated he is interested in attracting both national restaurants and local restaurants to this site. He then stressed his desire to promote uniqueness within this development. Further responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Mr. Mitchell stated it is his intent to provide one-story development along West Main Street and to possibly increase the height of structures further back in the site. He then indicated that the site of the proposed convention center/hotel is what has been determined the best site, given its proximity to the demand generators. Also, it is further from the street and the traffic noises, which the hotel franchisers counsel is preferable. He estimated the project will take seven to nine years to build out, and cautioned that the project will not layout well if he is required to strictly adhere to the setback requirements set forth in the code. The Commission thanked Mr. Mitchell for the opportunity to review this project. Informal Review - StoneRidae Square PUD ConceDt Plan - allow construction of one larae-scale retail buildinQ within the 181.743 sauare foot retail comDlex at the northwest corner of West Oak Street/North 19th Avenue - SDrinaer GrouD Architects lZ-04264) Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo forwarding the concept plan for one large scale retail building within a 181,7 43-square-foot retail complex located in StoneRidge Square. The subject property is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of North 19th Avenue and West Oak Street. Associate Planner Jami Morris briefly introduced this concept plan and reminded the Commission that this property has been zoned to allow regional, community and neighborhood commercial development. Mr. Lowell Springer noted that the first concept plan he submitted for this project worked very well for his clients but met with pretty strong criticism before the Commission. He distributed a packet of plans reflecting some of the changes that have occurred as a result of that first review, noting that the plan submitted for consideration at this time addresses the issues previously raised. He noted that the revisions include creating more of a downtown feel in the "B-1" zoned area at the southern portion of the site and proposing smaller structures that meet the guidelines for the StoneRidge Planned Unit Development. He highlighted the main entrance to the development, noting it is to be flanked by two rather large retail structures and provide vehicular access, ending at a plaza that provides pedestrian access to the green space along the eastern boundary of the site. He then noted that several building envelopes have been moved closer to North 19th Avenue, and the larger structures have been moved outside the "B-1" zoning boundary. Mr. Springer noted that he has been working with the potential clients as he has attempted to address the City's concerns and has been able to get them to compromise on a variety of issues. He has also worked with Planning staff as the plan has progressed. 02-14-05 work _____ .u._______._..___ -5- Mr. Springer posted some architectural renderings, stressing that these are simply conceptual and not detailed or final. Mr. Springer stated that the amount of parking proposed under this design is within the amount allowed by code. He noted that the elimination of several parking spaces has allowed for the central plaza that he suggested might be used for community events such as a farmers market or an art show. Mr. Springer concluded by comparing this project to the previous agenda item, noting this site is approximately one-third the size of the other project and, as a result, the scale is substantially different. Commissioner Krauss questioned whether a two-story bank with drive-up lanes is considered neighborhood commercial development. Mayor Cetraro stated he feels this development proposal is significantly better than the previous proposal. He voiced appreciation for the efforts to de-emphasize the parking area and for the proposed building design. Commissioner Hietala expressed his appreciation for the effort to create a neighborhood feel on the south end of the site, noting it caps off the "B-2" regional feel. Commissioner Krauss stated this proposed development still looks like the Bridger Peaks development across the street and, as a result, he is not impressed with the revised plan. He also characterized it as the "Hastings Shopping Center with a more modern approach". He indicated that he is still interested in the idea of moving at least some of the large scale retail to the front of the site and double fronting it, thus creating a greater presence along the roadway. Commissioner Kirchhoff recognized the architect's work on this plan and voiced his appreciation for the changes made. He acknowledged that it is difficult to make large scale retail and highway commercial development work on a human scale. He noted that trying to push big buildings and parking around is a game of tug of war that does not produce any really good results. As a result, he suggested the north end of the site may be planned the best way possible. He turned his attention to the south end of the site, noting that while the new plan reflects improvements, he feels more of a block feel can be provided. Commissioner Krauss suggested that moving the large scale retail to the North 19th Avenue edge could allow for the smaller retail development and restaurant pads to be located along the green space, allowing for better dining experiences. Mr. Springer noted that, based on the Commissioner comments, he may try to reinforce the plaza and create more of a hard edge along North 19th Avenue. Commissioner Youngman expressed her appreciation for the improved design that has resulted from responding to the Commissioners' previous comments. She noted that trying to combine regional and neighborhood scale commercial development has resulted in a development with no rhythm and no theme. She stated support for the additional development along North 19th Avenue and for the common entryway that is bracketed with stores and the two banks of smaller shops within the neighborhood zoning. She concluded by voicing her concurrence with Commissioner Krauss's suggestion that restaurants be located adjacent to the green space, noting that outdoor eating in that area could be much more enjoyable than eating along a busy street. Mr. Jason Hawkins, developer, voiced frustration with the process, noting that he is caught between the wishes of the Commission and the demands of the tenants that wish to locate within this development. He stated that he has now run into a dead end on the north end of this property, stating that parking is a critical issue, and it must have direct access to the front doors of those stores. He characterized this as the first development in which he has been involved where he has the tenants but cannot get site plan approval to construct the shopping center. Commissioner Kirchhoff noted he is not seeing the type of development that he would desire for this property. He suggested that if the southern end of the site could be salvaged through a more hardscaped block look, the result might be a more desirable development, but he acknowledged that the interests of the Commission run counter to the large scale type of retail development proposed for the northern end of the site. 02-14-05 work _.n ___.._____ - 6 - Mr. Springer noted that when the proposed development of this site is combined with the Home Depot development to the north, it begins to flow better. He then drew the Commissioners' attention to the fact that accesses to this project from Tschache Lane tie into the accesses into the Home Depot site. Mayor Cetraro thanked Mr. Springer for the opportunity to review this revised concept plan and encouraged him to continue in his efforts to improve the plan in response to the comments made. Informal Review - Churn Creek Annexation/Subdivision - proposal to annex 360 acres immediatelv across StOry Mill Road from the City's landfill and allow for residential development under an "R-1" zonina designation - Sprinaer Group for OBD. Inc. (1-04031) Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo forwarding an informal application for annexation of a 360-acre parcel lying along the east side of Story Mill Road, immediately across the road from the City's landfill, and the establishment of an "R-1", Residential-Single-household, Low-density, zoning designation. Distributed just prior to the meeting was a letter from Ellen Trygstad and Richard Burke forwarding their concerns about this proposed annexation. Associate Planner Jami Morris gave a brief overview, identifying the location of the subject 360-acre parcel. She noted that this property is located outside the planning boundary of the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan, so if annexation is considered, that boundary must be extended to include this parcel. She stated that, included in the packet of information was an aerial photo showing the wetlands, streams and ridgelines. Mr. Lowell Springer, architect representing Mr. Jim Gorman and potential purchasers ofthe property, stated a portion of this subject property is located within the boundary of the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan. It is adjacent to the city limits and is currently subdivided into several larger tracts. He believes it would be preferable to annex the subject property and subdivide it into lots for clustered residential development on City services rather than allowing it to develop as currently subdivided. He noted that under the City's regulations, steps could be taken to ensure that the prime wildlife habitat on this property is protected as well as the City's watershed, which is adjacent to the subject property. Mr. Springer stated that game on this site is amazing, noting that he has seen eagles, moose and cougar on this property and has seen an increase in deer near his home, which is located on the 16th fairway of the Bridger Creek Golf Course. He noted this property can be developed without impacting the viewshed from above or below, thus protecting the ridgelines unlike many of the ridgelines in that area that have already been violated. He characterized this as the type of area in which the City should promote development rather than the flat, productive agricultural land in the valley that is being developed. He noted that one neighbor to the north indicated she is generally in favor of this proposal but would like to be part of the development. He then stated that if the Commission is generally supportive of this proposal, he would like to lead an effort to work with the neighbors and other developers along Bridger Drive to create a comprehensive plan for the entire neighborhood. Mr. Springer stated that most of the comments from the Development Review Committee, Design Review Board and Planning Board have been generally positive. He recognized that development of this property must be subject to a lot of guidelines and a lot of close work with the City staff, Planning Board and City Commission. He concluded by stating that this might be a good location for a new fire station. Mr. Jim Gorman distributed a packet of pictures that were taken on the subject property, all from below the ridgeline. He introduced the development and design team for this project, stating that their interests are in protecting the City's watershed, preserving wildlife corridors, and protecting the aquifers in the area. He noted that development within city limits would increase the property tax revenues to the City. Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Mr. Gorman confirmed this property is located within the interim district for the Bridger bench but is not located within the Bridger Canyon zoning district. He then stated that the land, as currently subdivided, could be developed with ten ridgeline homes and associated fencing. He voiced his strong interest in developing within the city, which has regulations in place to protect the ridgelines, viewsheds and groundwater resources. 02-14-05 work - 7 - Commissioner Youngman stated she is struggling with this proposed annexation, noting it is the first time that the Commission has had to consider dealing with serious wildlife habitat and foothills property. She noted it feels like it is located a long way from the urban core and, given its location and characteristics, she believes that it needs to be considered in a significantly different way from the typical annexation proposal and that the Commission needs additional input from the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and any other agency that can provide information on how this type of property should be viewed and key issues to be addressed. She also noted that amending the growth plan to include this property will have serious infrastructure capacity impacts that must be taken into consideration. She concluded by expressing an interest in receiving more information and in seeing computer generated models for this site. Mr. Springer expressed a willingness to participate in those additional discussions, given the special and unique characteristics of this site. Mayor Cetraro voiced his supportforthis proposal and encouraged Mr. Springer to seek cooperation from adjacent landowners in developing in a manner that provides connectivity and fluidness of development. Responding to questions from Commissioner Hietala, Mr. Springer noted that the riparian and wetland areas can be easily identified, but he is unsure how the remainder of the animal habitat would be identified. He then stated he believes less than 30 percent of the site is buildable and noted that clustering must be encouraged. Commissioner Hietala expressed his interest in pursuing annexation ofthis property and developing it within city limits, on City infrastructure. Commissioner Krauss encouraged the Commissioners to keep Triple Tree Ranch and Sourdough Ridge in mind when thinking about whether to annex this property. He noted there are ample building spaces on this subject 360-acre parcel off the ridgeline and recognized there will be areas of the site visible from the community as well as areas that are not. He suggested that, through annexation, the City can control development, ensuring that it is clustered; and that development can be served by City water and sewer services. Commissioner Kirchhoff voiced his reservations about the proposed annexation, suggesting that allowing for low development under the interim county zoning district might be preferable. He proposed that Gallatin County might be a better steward of habitat, ridgelines and aquifers than the City. He noted the City has a kneejerk reaction of annexing anything for which a request is made; however, he cautioned the result is tax revenues that don't cover the costs incurred and potentially the degradation of things that the community felt were important. Commissioner Youngman reiterated her request for additional information for this proposed annexation, given the special constraints of this property and its location. She also asked that staff advise the Commission objectively on the issues that have been raised. Mr. Lee Poole, one of the potential property owners, characterized himself as a green developer, noting that he has done development at Big Sky. He cited his track record, which includes being a crusader for conservation easements and purchasing properties in Madison County that had been slated for development, in addition to being a green developer. He noted that, with development, Moonlight Basin has seen an increase in moose herds and voiced his commitment to impact wildlife to the least extent possible if annexation and development of this parcel are granted. The Commission thanked the applicant for the opportunity to review this proposal. Discussion - FYI Items The following "For Your Information" items were forwarded to the Commission. (1 ) Copy of the first round of suggested revisions to the unified development ordinance. (2) Letter from Dab Dabney, dated February 7, forwarding suggestions on the structure of review fees for planning and engineering processes. 02-14-05 work -------- -....-- - 8- (3) Letter from Cliff Chisholm, dated February 7, regarding Senate Bill No. 237. (4) Letter from Scott Bischke and Katie Gibson, 3940 Graf Street, voicing opposition to the sale of any of the land at the new library site. (5) Letter from Eva Patten, 8945 Trooper Trail, voicing her opposition to sale of any of the land at the new library site. (6) Notes from the Hockey at Bogert Park meeting held on Tuesday, February 3. (7) Copy of the press release announcing that garbage collection will remain on schedule during the week of February 21 and that the landfill will be open on Monday, February 21, the Presidents' Day holiday. (8) Agenda for the Bozeman School District NO.7 Board of Trustees meeting, to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14, at the Willson School. (9) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 15, at the Courthouse. (10) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16, at the Professional Building. (11) Agenda for the City Planning Board meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, in the Commission Room, and notice there will be no Zoning Commission meeting due to the lack of agenda items. (12) Letter from Gallatin County Open Lands, dated February 2, forwarding information on the Board of Park Commissioners and asking for recommendations on the City's representative on that Board. Commissioner Youngman noted it is important that the Commission respond to this request. (13) City Manager Kukulski noted that just prior to the meeting he distributed copies of a draft letter to the congressional delegation regarding the $5 million appropriation for the parking garage. He asked that the Commissioners authorize staff to prepare letters for Commission signatures prior to the end of the meeting, to remind them that this project is still a priority for the City; the Commission concurred. (14) City Manager Kukulski submitted the following. (1) Received an invitation from the Chamber of Commerce to give an update on the State of the City at their March 3 meeting at the GranTree Inn. (2) Announced that he will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday to discuss the local option tax. He noted that the local Chamber and the Kalispell Chamber have been supportive of this bill; and it is important to encourage business owners to push for passage of this bill as well as the Chamber. (3) Provided an update on the selection committee that has been appointed to review the proposals for the Story Mansion, which are due at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. (4) Identified those who have been appointed to the task force to consider alternatives to selling any of the property at the new library site. (15) Planning Director Epple stated that staff is working on a proposed revised fee schedule to generate revenues that will cover more of the costs of project review. He noted that under the revised fee schedule, the costs for a "mom and pop" project will remain low while the costs of major commercial development will be increased substantially. He noted that the revised schedule will be submitted to the Commission during a work session in two weeks. (16) Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell announced that bids for the West Babcock Street improvements will be opened tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. (17) Assistant City Manager Ron Brey stated that his review of the comments received on the big box study revealed that they are so disparate in nature that he will simply ask the consultants to deal with them as comments in the final environmental impact statement. He then noted it appears some of the comments that were previously submitted to the consultants have not yet been responded to and he will ask the consultants to do so. 02-14-05 work -------- - 9 - (18) Commissioner Youngman announced that she attended the discussion on the re-entry facility and asked if there is any way for the City to add conditions that will provide protection to the neighborhood. Planning Director noted that the crisis stabilization house will generate many of the same concerns that the re-entry facility will. (19) Commissioner Hietala asked about the skating rink issue. City Manager Kukulski noted that maintaining ice in the recent weather conditions is a real challenge. He then asked that, if the Commissioners want staff to flood the rink once again, he be given the latitude to terminate the flooding if the weather warms again; all of the Commissioners agreed. (20) Commissioner Krauss reported on his recent trip to Helena to attend meetings, noting that he attended a portion of the power authority meeting. (21) Commissioner Kirchhoff noted that Lisa Ballard, who is now employed by the Clean Cities group, has requested an opportunity to address the Commission on February 22 regarding the yellow bus program. (22) Commissioner Kirchhoff noted that he is liaison to the transit stakeholders advisory board. He is concerned that, after 2~ years, it appears the board is becoming fractured and that the result of their work will be slightly expanded GalaVan and Bobcat transit programs. He noted that the consultant has indicated that for under $1 million a year, half of which would be covered by grants, the community could have a full fledged transit system with six buses. Adjournment - 10:18 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 Young n an aro; those voting No, none. A ATTEST: ~.~~ Clerk of the Commission 02-14-05 work