HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-11 Minutes, City Commission Spec Hales Dinner
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
June 11, 2004
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The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in special session at Boodles, 215 East Main Street,
on Friday, June 11,2004, at 5:30 pm. Present were Mayor Andrew Cetraro, Commissioner Jeff Krauss,
Commissioner Marcia Youngman, Commissioner Steve Kirchhoff, Commissioner Lee Hietala, and Deputy
Clerk of the Commission Karen DeLathower.
Sianina of Notice of Special Meetina
Each of the Commissioners, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting.
Dinner with City Manaaer interviewee David Hales
The City Commissioners met with City Manager candidate David Hales over dinner at Boodles, 215
East Main Street. Items of discussion during the dinner included: City parks and the Legal Department.
Mr. Hales then asked each of the Commissioners what their vision for Bozeman is, and how the City
Manager can assist with achieving that vision. Commissioner Kirchhoff stated he loves Bozeman, and he
wants to enhance the community's livability with the changes that are made. There are essential qualities
in Bozeman that he wants to retain because it is important the city doesn't lose itself in the midst of the
growth that is taking place. His goal is to prevent Bozeman from having its identity erased. Retention of
the natural environment is very, very important; and he is committed to maximizing land use. Commissioner
Kirchhoff stated he is looking for a City Manager who can be "full on" and hit the ground running. He is
looking for someone who can shepherd the City through some very large upcoming projects, like the
Performing Arts Center, and upcoming Capital Improvement Program projects.
In response to Mr. Hales, Commissioner Krauss stated it is important to him that Bozeman not lose
its "small town with a middle class" identity to become known as a town for only the very wealthy. There
is a need for a diversified economy and to preserve the remaining agricultural economic opportunities.
Economic development is very important, particularly with the fine airport and interstate system readily
available to Bozeman. Commissioner Krauss suggested increased use of City staff to aid in the anticipation
and preparation of growth related issues. Also important to the future of the city is the implementation of
a development rights purchase program.
Commissioner Youngman responded the issue of primary importance to her is ensuring that
Bozeman remain a liveable community, which includes embracing the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan and
its commitment to affordable housing. Commissioner Youngman stated she is hoping to increase
neighborhood involvement by creating an active, genuine city-wide neighborhood structure.
Mayor Cetraro answered that he is interested in preserving the high quality of life in Bozeman,
partially by evaluating the City's growth plans. He wants to embrace forthcoming changes and move the
city on to the next level.
Responding to Mr. Hales, Commissioner Hietala stated he feels Bozeman is becoming economically
fractured, and he wants to create opportunities for all people to live here. He feels that can be accomplished
by addressing the market forces and unencumbering development. Commissioner Hietala said he is
interested in redeveloping the core area of Bozeman, perhaps by providing incentives for vertical housing
in the downtown.
Mr. Hales stated his experience has been that developing housing in the downtown core is a great
challenge because of its cost.
06-11-04 Special
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Adiournment - 8:30 D.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Cetraro
adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.
ATTEST:
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Clerk of the Commission
PREPARED BY:
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KAREN L. DeLA THOWER
Deputy Clerk of the Commission
06-11-04 Special