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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-13 Minutes, City Commission, WORK --..--.-..--..-.-.---..- --.........-.-------.--.. .. -..-. .-..-.--.........--.-.------ MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA December 13, 2004 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Monday, December 13,2004, at 9:00 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. Joan Cook, 6115 Fowler Lane, stated she is one of several landowners attempting to develop a "Fowler Family Farm District" to preserve the existing agricultural area, protect continuation of those uses in the area around Fowler Lane, and create horseback riding trails. She asked that development which would conflict with this vision not be encouraged or allowed at this time. Informal Review - Miller Farm Development Plan. A proposal to annex and establish initial urban zonina for future subdivision and platting of 261.3 acres. Ivina south of Genesis Business Park and west of South 19th Avenue - Allied Enaineering for JCD Development Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from Senior Planner Dave Skelton forwarding an informal proposal for annexation and zoning for a future subdivision of 261.3 acres lying south of Genesis Business Park and west of South 19th Avenue. City Manager Chris Kukulski voiced staff's concern that the applicant might consider Commissioner feedback from this review as a commitment to approve the project. He encouraged both the Commission and the applicant to recognize any comments during this review are based on very preliminary information and that the formal review process may result in a different reaction. Planning Director Epple presented the project on behalf of Senior Planner Dave Skelton. He noted that the subject 261-acre parcel is generally bounded by South 19th Avenue on the east, Blackwood Road extended on the south and Genesis Business Park on the north. He stated this property spans two planning classifications in the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan, thus, a growth policy amendment is needed to accommodate the proposed development of this property. The applicant has indicated a willingness to extend municipal sewer from Fowler Lane, through MSU property, to the subject property, and extend municipal water from Goldenstein Lane to the subject property; and that will open the entire area for development. The Planning Director noted the applicant is proposing "R-2" zoning for the south half of the property, a strip of "R-3" zoning in the center, and "R-4" zoning on the north portion of the property. He concluded by asking the Commissioners to consider the appropriateness of annexing and developing this property at urban densities. Mr. Chris Budeski, Allied Engineering, stated that Grace Bible Church has now expressed an interest in being included in the proposed annexation. He identified the three watercourses that extend through the subject 261 acres, in addition to ditches, and stated that the plans for development include improving those corridors as amenities. He noted that a grid system is planned for the main roads. Mr. Budeski showed the Commission a conceptual plan for the extension of sewer improvements from this property to an area behind Gallatin Center, noting that the extension will alleviate some of the bottlenecks that currently exist. In addition, he noted that water is to be extended from the South Third Avenue area, across Blackwood Road, extended to Kagy Boulevard and looped through this property. He acknowledged that a substantial number of off-site improvements will be required to accommodate this 12-13-04 work ..-..--..-- - 2 - proposed development; and the applicants have committed to complete them. He concluded by noting that City staff has indicated a preference for annexing this entire area at once rather than in a piecemeal manner. City Manager Kukulski recognized that considering a project that involves hundreds of acres can sometimes be intimidating; however, he suggested that it can provide an opportunity for positive development. He then noted that, while this property lies south of town, it is actually west of the city limits along South Third Avenue. Commissioner Hietala asked if the sewer and water improvements proposed in conjunction with this project will be adequate for the community in 100 years; Mr. Budeski responded the proposal is based on the wastewater facility plan. He then indicated that, as the city grows to the west, another sewer main will be constructed to serve that basin. Mr. Budeski turned his attention to the preliminary traffic report, noting that a traffic signal will be required at the intersection of South 19th Avenue and Stucky Road. He noted that Graf Street is be extended through the development, at a collector standard, and Blackwood Road will be extended along the southern boundary of the property. He then voiced a commitment to protecting the wetlands and stream corridors on the site, obtaining any necessary permits to ensure they remain amenities for the development. City Manager Kukulski observed that this property is actually closer to Fire Station No. 2 than development along South Third Avenue. He then noted that, given the rural character of this area, it is important to ensure a combination of housing types that allow horses and are sensitive to the agricultural activities that are adjacent as well as houses that encourage business owners to live within city limits. Commissioner Krauss expressed his support for developing this area within city limits and on City services. He then suggested that some "R-1" zoning be considered for this area, particularly since the inventory of those properties is decreasing. He noted it is important to relieve the pressure on development in the northwest segment of the community. Commissioner Youngman recognized the concerns of the neighbors in this area, but recognized the importance of getting further ahead of the growth curve. She aCknowledged that the City must follow its own regulations and noted that South 19th Avenue is built for development. She noted that the parkland needs to be consolidated and consideration given to the wetlands and water corridor setbacks, noting that building envelopes within the setbacks are not acceptable. She also appreciates the plan to protect the trees in the western portion of the site. She then proposed either "R-1" or "RS" zoning along the west edge of the property. She recognized that, on the edge of the city, flexibility seems appropriate and essential. She supports the mix of densities, with the highest being adjacent to Genesis Business Park. Commissioner Kirchhoff stated he, too, supports the variety of zoning and the proposal for stream corridor protection. He also voiced appreciation for the trailway corridors being proposed. He encouraged the developers to create a residential neighborhood environment in which they would like to live and stressed the importance of creating an area that is livable and constructed at human scale. Mayor Cetraro thanked the applicants for coming forward with a big vision. He encouraged a variety of housing types and densities, ranging from low-income housing to high-income housing that attracts people to reside within city limits instead of just outside the city limits. Mr. Neal Ainsworth, one of the developers, stated they are working to do a quality project; and four of the five involved have already picked out the lots on which they wish to reside. City Manager Kukulski summarized the discussion by noting the Commissioners wish to see this development completed on City services and want to see the development include a variety of housing types, ranging from low-income to high end housing. The Commission thanked the applicant for an opportunity to conduct this review. 12-13-04 work - 3 - Continued discussion ~ Goal Setting for 2005 Included in the Commissioners' packets was a listing of the goals, organized in priority order under each of the departments. City Manager Kukulski stated he has prepared a revised list of goals based on last week's discussion, with high, medium and low priority goals color coded. He then requested Commission input on two issues, noting he cannot recall the scoring on the parking commission/parking authority issue. He noted that, in light of the imminent construction of a parking garage, he feels it is critical that the downtown business owners and property owners be intimately involved and that they be empowered to serve in more than an advisory capacity. Commissioner Kirchhoff observed that the Commission has received lukewarm presentations and tepid, scattered support. He suggested, however, it may be appropriate to change the power of the Parking Commission and to empower the advisory groups. He then expressed his support for raising this item from medium to high priority. Commissioner Hietala stated he does not want to make the same mistakes that the City of Spokane made, and cautioned that if the Commission delegates any authority, it must ensure adequate communication is provided. Commissioner Youngman expressed support for delegating authority to a downtown parking group, stating she feels the concerns about doing so can be addressed through the document under which they operate. Assistant City Manager Brey characterized the Missoula parking model as the best he's seen. He noted that the Bozeman Parking Commission has lots of ideas but no monies and, if they had both responsibility and authority, it would be their responsibility to identify how their ideas are to be funded. City Manager Kukulski turned his attention to the last page of the goals, noting he added a new phrase to the first bullet to identify specific projects in which the City should be a partner to enhance the downtown's competitiveness. Following discussion, the Commissioners suggested the language be revised to read "with involvement in" instead of "actively partnering". The City Manager then questioned why, in the first goal under his department, a project manager is needed for the library project since Martel Construction has already been hired in that capacity. Commissioner Youngman suggested the two bullet points under the economic development goal be deleted; the City Manager concurred. Commissioner Youngman asked that keg registration and the Montana League of Cities and Towns be specifically identified on the legislative list. City Manager Kukulski stated that the revised goals list will come back in the form of an attachment to a resolution, for formal Commission action. Discussion - FYI Items The following "For Your Information" items were forwarded to the Commission. (1) City Manager Chris Kukulski reminded the Commissioners that on Wednesday, December 15, the County Commission is hosting a legislative meeting. (2) Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Planning Director Epple noted that, many years ago, mansions were built inside city limits. In the mid 1970s, that trend changed, however, and the exodus of large mansions outside city limits continues. City Manager Kukulski voiced his interest in providing some high end housing within city limits that may entice some of those currently residing outside city limits to move into the city. 12-13-04 work -4- (3) Mayor Cetraro stated he has received a couple phone calls of interest in the City's property on Love Lane. City Manager Kukulski noted that the City requested bids for sale of that property a few weeks ago, and no bids were received. He stated that, at a minimum, he feels the sale price should be the same as the purchase price since property values continue to rise. He suggested that, since the Solid Waste Fund is not in immediate need of those funds, it may be beneficial to hold the property for a period of time before attempting to sell it. Following a brief discussion, the Commissioners suggested that a reasonable offer that does not result in any loss of monies, including all purchase and sale costs, should be considered. Adjournment -10:48 D.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 being Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Hietala, Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Youngman d M yor Cetraro; those voting No, none. ATTEST: ~~.~H~ Clerk of the Commission 12-13-04 work