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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-17 Minutes, City Commission __.__m_..__._ MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA February 17, 2004 ***************************** Sianing of Notice of Special Meetina ~ 6:00 pm Each Commissioner, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting. Tour of second floor of Alfred M. Stiff Professional Buildina The Commissioners met at the Alfred M. Stiff Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, at 6:00 pm to tour the second floor in anticipation of possible remodeling for City offices. Acting City Manager Brey noted that approximately seven years ago, the City sold the Carnegie Building at 35 North Bozeman Avenue, which had approximately 5,000 square feet of usable space and purchased the Professional Building at 20 East Olive Street, which has approximately 21 ,000 square feet of usable space. This transaction was based on the premise that the City needed additional office space in the downtown area to house its operations. It was recognized that the City would not need the entire space immediately, so the main floor was remodeled to accommodate the Planning offices and the Engineering offices, at a cost of roughly $385,000. Approximately a year ago, former City Manager Johnson decided that relocating the Building Inspection offices and the City Attorney offices to the second floor would be desirable, so the annual leases were terminated; and tenants have remained on a month-to-month rental basis and rental income has dropped from $90,000 to $35,000 annually. The Acting City Manager noted that, from a customer service standpoint, having the Planning, Engineering, and Building Inspection offices in the same building is beneficial. And, due to the confidential nature of the legal staff's work, it is important that they be located in an area where that confidentiality can be maintained, rather than in the current open working environment. Unfortunately, what had initially been anticipated to be a small project has mushroomed, based on the architect's estimates and the identified need for upgrades to the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system; and it is necessary to have the Commission make the decision since it will have an impact on the general fund budget for next fiscal year. Superintendent of Facilities and Lands Goehrung distributed copies of the cost estimates for the proposed remodel and the proposed floor plan. He stated that the basement and main floor of the building were constructed in 1959; and in 1972, the second floor was added. He noted that the second floor was apparently constructed "on the cheap" and efforts to address problems with the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HV AC) system and create a comfortable working environment have not been successful. Also, remodels over time have resulted in a maze of offices that is less than efficient. Superintendent Goehrung noted the estimates for the remodel only total slightly over $129,000. Adding the upgrade of the HVAC system, however, results in a total estimated cost of $210,000. He then indicated that the City's Information Technology offices are in the basement of the Professional Building; and a separate air conditioning system has been installed to keep those offices operating within a range acceptable to the equipment. The building, however, does not have a backup generator for that equipment. With this remodel, he suggested that the wiring connections needed to accommodate an emergency generator, along with any additional wiring for future data and telephone needs. These improvements will allow the City to continue operating in the event of a catastrophic event. Acting City Manager Brey noted that, if this remodel is completed and the City Attorney and Building Inspection offices are moved, the space that will be opened up has already been spoken for, with the possible exception of one cubicle. Superintendent Goehrung stated that the proposed modifications to the second floor and HV AC system would be beneficial both for City operations now and for future resale of the building. He then took the Commissioners on a brief tour of the facility, showing them the ventilating system and the portions that need to be redone. 02-17-04 - - ______ ________________m _____________________n_____ -- .------.--...----- ..-.---.-----.---.-.-------...-..----.-..----.--..-.----.-.-----.-.--.-..- .....----...--.-.-..- .-...-. ----.---.--.-----..--. --..-.-....- - 2 - Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Superintendent G oehrung stated that 0 ne half 0 f the remodeling costs and three fourths of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system would be billed against the Building Inspection Division's budget, leaving the remainder to be funded through the general fund budget. Acting City Manager Brey noted that the remodel was scheduled to begin this spring. The dentist, however, has encountered difficulty in finding new space and may be unable to relocate prior to the anticipated date of remodel. As a result, the City is considering a two-phase remodel, with the dentist being asked to bear the costs of demobilization/remobilization. The City Attorney offices would be relocated first under this scenario, with the Building Inspection offices being moved a few months later. Responding to Commissioner Kirchhoff, Superintendent Goehrung stated the life expectancy of a mechanical system is thirty years; and the existing system has surpassed that timeline. Break - 6:43 pm to 7:00 pm Mayor Cetraro declared a break from 6:43 pm to 7:00 pm to give the Commission an opportunity to relocate to City Hall and prepare for the formal portion of the meeting. Call to Order. Pledae of Alleaiance and Moment of Silence The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Tuesday, February 17, 2003, at 7:00 pm. Present were Mayor Andrew Cetraro, Commissioner Jeff Krauss, Commissioner Marcia Youngman, Commissioner Steve Kirchhoff, Commissioner Lee Hietala, Acting City Manager Ron Brey, Planning Director Andy Epple, City Attorney Paul Luwe, and Deputy Clerk of the Commission Karen DeLathower. . The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Acting City Manager Brey asked that the Consultant Agreement with RSBA & Associates for the Story Mansion be removed from the consent items for discussion and that the bylaws for the Bozeman Community Alcohol Coalition be removed and placed on next week's agenda for discussion and possible action. He also requested that the request for modification of impact fee credits for the Wastewater Treatment Plant digester system be removed from the agenda. Minutes - February 2 and February 9. 2004 It was moved by Commissioner Krauss, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the minutes of the meeting of February 2,2004, be approved as submitted. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Hietala, and Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none. Mayor Cetraro deferred action on the minutes of the meeting of February 9, 2004 to a later date. Consent Items Acting City Manager Brey presented to the Commission the following Consent Items: Commission Resolution No. 3655 - providina for an increase in the number of members on the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Board COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3655 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) BOARD. 02-17-04 .._ __.__.___._n._____ - 3 - Acknowledge receipt of application for annexation of 40.22 acres described as Tracts 1 and 2. COS No. 1256. from Bach Builders & Developers for Carl Vandermolen (south side of Baxter Lane approximately 1400 feet west of North 19th Avenue): refer to staff Authorize City Manaaer to sian - Acceptance of Public Street and Utility Easement - Philip Saccoccia. Jr.. IRA Rolloyer - 45-foot-wide easement alona north edae of Tracts A and B. COS No. 1215C (south side of Baxter Lane) Claims It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Kirchhoff, 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 Youngman Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Hietala, Commissioner Krauss, and Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none. Authorize Actina City Manaaer to sian - Consultant Aareement with RSBA & Associates for study of the feasibility of establishina the StOry Mansion as a lodaina and hospitality facility Acting City Manager Brey reminded the Commissioners that he had requested this item be removed from the consent agenda, noting that was in response to a request from Commissioner Youngman. Commissioner Youngman stated she requested this item be removed from the consent agenda for discussion because there is no reference to neighborhood impacts and interests included as a part of the study. Since the Story Mansion is located in a fully developed neighborhood, it seems wise to work with the neighborhood from the beginning; and she would like to have recognition of neighborhood issues added into the consultant's agreement. Commissioner Krauss noted this is a marketing study to determine the feasibility of using the Story Mansion as a lodging and hospitality facility, not a neighborhood study. If the study indicates the use of the Story Mansion as a hotel isn't feasible, discussions with the neighbors would be unnecessary. Commissioner Youngman responded her intention is not to blindside the neighbors, rather to touch base with them early in the process to help determine what will make reuse of the Story Mansion work and what won't work. Superintendent of Facilities and Lands Goehrung stated the Story Mansion Task Force is very concerned about the neighborhood and suggested perhaps meetings could be set up to gauge the receptiveness of the neighborhood. He is not sure, however, which section of the contract such a provision would be added to. Mr. Goehrung said he is willing to investigate and determine how neighborhood concerns can be included from the beginning of the process. Commissioner Hietala asked the difference between a lodging facility and the Mansion's former use as a fraternity. Acting City Manager Brey answered the SAE house was a permitted use by zoning, but a hotel isn't. Use of the Story Mansion as a hotel would require a zone change, and a formal protest by the neighborhood would require a super majority vote by the Commission. Commissioner Krauss asked if there is a formal neighborhood organization in the neighborhood surrounding the Story Mansion. Superintendent of Facilities and Lands Goehrung stated there is the South Willson neighborhood group, which has been active for many years, and the Southside neighborhood group. Commissioner Kirchhoff agreed neighborhood input from the onset is a fine idea, but he questioned if it must be included in the contract. Commissioner Krauss suggested letting the consultants do the marketing analysis and having the Story Mansion Task Force meet with the neighbors. Commissioner Hietala said he doesn't see how a feasibility/marketing consultant can do an adequate job of consulting with the neighborhood because those are two separate things. Mayor Cetraro 02-17-04 .-.------ -.--. ..._~- - 4 - agreed with Commissioner Hietala, noting if the contract is changed to add neighborhood parameters, the cost will rise. Commissioner Youngman stated she doesn't believe the scope of the contract should be changed, but the Commission cannot knowledgeably comment on the receptiveness of a zoning change if they don't have adequate neighborhood input included in the consultant's report. Acting City Manager Brey stated his concern is that neighborhood protests could have a significant impact on this use irregardless of what the consultant says. He suggested using the City's neighborhood coordinator to report neighborhood concerns via the interviews with City officials in the areas of zoning, development, and transportation that will be conducted by the consultants, as outlined in the Consultant Agreement. Superintendent of Facilities and Lands Goehrung stated the Story Mansion Task Force hopes to make a presentation to the Commission in April, and they will include neighborhood concerns in their presentation. Based on his conversations with the Task Force, he feels they are well aware there may be neighborhood concerns with the reuse of the Story Mansion. It was moved by Commissioner Kirchhoff, seconded by Commissioner Hietala, that the Acting City Manager be authorized to sign the consultant agreement with RSBA & Associates for study of the feasibility of establishing the Story Mansion as a lodging and hospitality facility. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Hietala, Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Youngman, and Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none. Public comment Dennis Kidder, 702 Bridger Drive, addressed the Commission regarding life and safety issues caused by the effects of global warming. Mr. Kidder said he is a humanitarian who is asking for public policy on use decisions for his discovery. Therefore, he has requested a meeting with the Governor and other state officials; but to date he has not received a reply. While he cannot divulge his findings, he would like to be heard in either a confidential or public forum. Appointments: (a) Commissioner to serve on committee to select consultant to update the desian obiectives plan and (b) Commission member on Public Transportation Stakeholders Advisorv Board It was moved by Commissioner Hietala, seconded by Commissioner Krauss, that Mayor Cetraro be appointed to serve on the committee to select a consultant to update the design objectives plan and Commissioner Kirchhoff be appointed as the Commission member on the Public Transportation Stakeholders Advisory Board. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Hietala, Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Kirchhoff, and Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none. Reauest for modification of previously-approved impact fee credits for improyements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant diaester system Acting City Manager Brey reminded the Commissioners that this item was removed f rom the agenda. Presentation from selection committee - consultant to conduct economic and fiscal impact analysis of larae scale retail development (bia box stores) on the City of Bozeman and on housina. employment. pay scales. and existina retail activity within the city Bill Ranard, member of the big box task force, presented the selection committee's recommendation for a consultant to conduct an economic and fiscal impact analysis of large scale retail development on the city. Other selection committee members include Ashley Ogle, Lowell Springer, David Smith, and Commissioner Hietala. The committee met four times; two times for committee discussions and two for calls to references and interviews with the consultants. By the end of the second meeting, the committee 02-17-04 ---- -- ........-----...-...---.- ....._....._ .__u_..___ -.-.-....------..-..--- ... -.. .--.---------.--- ---- .-..-----...-.-- -s- had narrowed the field from five applicants to three, based on the ranking factors used. The factors included the quality of proposal received, consultant qualifications and experience, including reference checks, related experience with big box fiscal impact analysis on housing, employment, pay scales, and existing retail activity, accountability and experience with previous City of Bozeman projects, availability and capacity of consultant, and cost. Of the three remaining respondents, EPS was ranked first by four of the five committee members, with no clear second place being identified, so the committee decided to call references for all three companies. After those reference checks were conducted, the field was narrowed to two finalists, and conference call interviews were set up with key individuals of the two firms. Following those interviews, the committee unanimously agreed to recommend EPS to the Commission. Mr. Ranard highlighted the reflections of committee members, noting EPS stood above the others in all aspects. They believe EPS will take the time to completely understand the focus and scope of the project, since they are planning between five and six visits to Bozeman with two or more people included in each visit. The committee feels EPS needs help to refine the focus of the project, thereby reducing the timeframe and costs; and EPS is amenable to having that discussion. All respondents were over the $60,000 budgeted for this analysis, but the committee feels if EPS can be supported on the City's end by being responsive to their requests and keeping the response timeframe down, both the time and cost can be reduced. However, the committee believes the analysis will not be completed in less than six months. Mr. Ranard closed by stating all committee members have expressed an interest in continuing to work on this process with the consultant, once they have been hired. Ashley Ogle, selection committee member, stated EPS did an overall good job throughout the entire process; and they have a lot of experience in this field, with perspective from both sides of the issue. The selection committee offered to have a focus session with EPS to narrow down the scope of this project, which would reduce the timeframe and cost. Following that, EPS will provide the committee with a revised timeline and the ensuing reduced costs. Commissioner Krauss asked if the committee talked with the people who will actually be doing the work. Commissioner Hietala replied they had a phone conference with two of the four principals for more than an hour. The principals include two technical people, a project manager, and an advisor to assist with presentations. If EPS is selected, Commissioner Hietala said he believes they will provide independent confirmation of former studies and give credence to the Duncan impact study. He hopes the City can get a tool that is flexible enough to use to create its own calculations regarding impacts. Acting City Manager Brey stated the City identified fees on a sliding scale, based on the size of the facility. However, when the recommendation came forward to the City Commission, the City Attorney's office felt they would have trouble defending that fee structure because it wasn't tied to any impacts that needed to be mitigated. While an impact analysis was conducted for WalMart, the City had concerns with the results of that study because all the information received was soft. Those concerns have been worked into this request for proposals. The goal is not to do a study for every big box project proposed, but to have known impacts in place that need to be mitigated. A lot of those impacts are already covered through the infrastructure impact fee structure. T he impacts the City is interested in determining include market penetration, job creation versus job loss, salaries, benefits, and do those have an effect on the City's affordable housing market and what is that impact. The City needs to make those calculations in a defensible way for any big box proposal that comes forward. Acting City Manager Brey pointed out the Commission has put in place a 75,000 square foot size cap until this study is complete and those assessments can be made. There are several elements the City is requesting to have included that don't fit into the conventional mold for a study of this type, including that the consultant's recommendations need to be approved by City legal staff before those recommendations are made to the Commission. Acting City Manager Brey reminded the Commission they are being asked to endorse the firm that the selection committee has picked and directing staff to enter into contract negotiations. The Commission will then approve that contract. Responding to Commissioner Cetraro, City Attorney Luwe stated the 75,000 square foot retail size cap is in place until the study is completed and the Commission decides to either implement changes stemming from that study or the size cap is removed. The Commission created the size cap and has the power to make changes to that ordinance. Commissioner Hietala noted some consultants feel big box stores don't have much impact in terms of creating new, low-wage jobs because the workforce comes from other businesses that are at the end of 02-17-04 - 6 - their life cycles. There is also not a lot of impact on affordable housing because of that displacement of the workforce. However, Bozeman is different because of the growth being experienced. Commissioner Krauss stated he is not comfortable with maintaining a moratorium on the size of retail buildings; and he wants to take the quickest route to get that process going, so he will support the selection of a consultant to conduct an impact analysis. When the consultant contract comes forward, he would like the Commission to have another discussion on this matter. Acting City Manager Brey noted the task force recommendation was for mitigation fees to begin at retail buildings over 75,000 square foot. When the City Attorney's office felt it may not be defensible, 75,000 square foot was set as the cap. When the impact analysis study is received, that mitigable number may be changed. Responding to Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Kirchhoff noted that Home Depot suggested that they pay $500,000 in mitigation fees, which they have done in two installments over two years, with no contingency of a study being conducted. In any zoning district, if a Planned Unit Development(PUD) is utilized, any size proposed building can be reviewed and granted approval. Planning Director Epple said he has recently met with developers who are interested in building a shopping center with two anchor tenants who will each exceed 40,000 square foot. This will be considered large-scale retail development because it is over 40,000 square foot for a single retailer and will then be subject to extra design considerations. So far the Planning Department has not had any proposals that would exceed the 75,000 square foot size cap. Planning Director Epple stated the ordinance is so specific, that he doesn't believe the size cap can be exceeded, even through the PUD process. Mayor Cetraro asked what kind of incentives the City offers people to build within the city. He asked if a study needed to be undertaken to develop those incentives. Mayor Cetraro noted that currently there are several empty storefronts which are not large enough for retail, but are too large for office space. Acting City Manager Brey responded that in other communities, there are some areas where there are large, vacant structures in the downtown that might be renovated from several storefronts to one large retailer, but that is not applicable in Bozeman. Also, tax increment approaches have been utilized, such as allowing new commercial development to capture tax increment dollars to use to redevelop a declining area. Commissioner Hietala suggested that perhaps that type of approach can be worked into the big box economic impact analysis. Acting City Manager Brey stated that when looking at the net effects to be addressed in the study, the City is looking at things such as increased revenue from property taxes paid from development versus the general fund impact created by that development. Planning Director Epple noted there are built-in incentives for any business to reuse an existing building connected to City services because those impacts are already accounted for in the impact fee ordinance; and they would not be subject to impact fees, except for differences from prior usage. There is substantial savings in impact fees to be realized from redeveloping empty buildings. It was moved by Commissioner Krauss, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the Commission endorse the selection committee's recommendation of EPS and direct staff to enter into contract negotiations with EPS. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Krauss, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Kirchhoff, and Commissioner Hietala; those voting No being Mayor Cetraro. Commission Resolution No. 3656 - authorizina submittal of application for Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance (for Rose Park) Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Commission Resolution No. 3656, entitled: COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3656 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND ASSISTANCE. 02-17-04 _____ ______________________ n.___ - _______________________..____nn__________ . --., .--------.-- - 7 - Also included in the packet was a copy of the financial summary and introduction from the application. Cary Silverman, member of the disc golf club and Rose Park supporter, thanked the Commission for its continued support of this project, noting they should have a successful turn with this application. Mr. Silverman also thanked FORParks for their work and support of this application and project. Commissioner Krauss asked if the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board has granted their support of this project, to which Mr. Silverman replied they have. Responding to Commissioner Krauss, Acting City Manager Brey stated this grant needs to be awarded first, and then the City will match the grant. The City has committed to that and has money set aside for parks. This project dates back to 2001 when disc golf was moved out of Lindley Park and the City agreed to assist them in finding a new home contingent upon the disc golf group finding funding. Commissioner Youngman noted the Commission typically does a support letter to be included in the application packet; and she has drafted a letter for that purpose, which can be used or revised if the Commission so desires. Craig Sward, member of the disc golf club and grant project contact, stated the biggest part of this project is to try to change the land from a flat wetland to a multi-use park. The disc golf club has gone through a lot of work to determine how much dirt is required to create sculpted hills, and they have determined $500,000 worth of land sculpting is going to be required. A large amount of money has been secured for that purpose. If this grant application is successful, they believe they can get that all completed. Commissioner Youngman noted this northwest area of town has need for such a park, and it will serve the needs of the entire community, not just the disc golfers. Commissioner Krauss asked Mr. Sward if they have received contributions from other entities for the land sculpting. Mr. Sward replied they have, and they have been working closely with the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks so they are getting the application filled out accurately. They have been told that they did not receive funding from their last application because they lacked the important survey information, which has now been provided to them as a gift from FORParks. It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Kirchhoff, that Commission Resolution No. 3656, authorizing submittal of the application for Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance for development of Rose Park, be adopted, and that the Commission authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support to be included with this application. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Hietala, Commissioner Krauss, and Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none. Continued discussion re selection process for new City Manager Acting City Manager Brey informed the Commission that the advertisement that was to appear in the February 9th issue of the ICMA newsletter was not included in that publication. The earliest the ad can be included in that newsletter is March 8th, which means it will not be received by subscribers until March 15th or 16t\ at the earliest. Therefore, the Commission might wish to consider extending the deadline for receipt of applications until roughly April 1st. People who are actively seeking employment as a City Manager will find the City's ad in another format, but those who would consider applying in Bozeman if they knew the vacancy existed could be missed. These are international city and county managers who aren't necessarily seeking another position unless it is just the right one. Acting City Manager Brey noted that if the Commission had asked him to recommend only one place to advertise, the ICMA newsletter would have been it. The Commission unanimously agreed to run the advertisement in the March 8th ICMA newsletter and extend the application deadline to roughly April 1 st. Acting City Manager Brey reminded the Commission that interviews with the finalists will be open to the public, and the Commission needs to be thinking how they want to handle that. During the last search, the interviews were held during the regularly scheduled Commission meeting times; and the agenda was arranged so there was no other business. 02-17-04 ---------- ---.--------..--... - ---...---..- ----- - 8 - Commissioner Youngman noted that during the last City Manager search, both the public reception and the dinner with each finalist were very valuable. Public participation during the public candidates' reception was good. Acting City Manager Brey added that during the reception, the public was given the opportunity to fill out a form indicating their impressions of the candidates. The Acting City Manager suggested other possibilities for getting to better know the finalists would include having staff take them on a tour of City facilities and the community, which would give the candidates the opportunity to have some sense of Bozeman and the west. or to send a subcommittee of the Commission to the finalists' cities to interview their staff. Acting City Manager Brey asked the Commission to start thinking of how they want to put together and negotiate a contract. City Attorney Luwe stated the safest way to negotiate a contract is to appoint a Commissioner to do the negotiating and to have the Commission give direction to that Commissioner. Discussion. FYI Items The following "For Your Information" items were forwarded to the Commission. (1 ) Letter from Terry Groth, 1121 Holly Drive, dated February 7, expressing concerns about the proposal to require installation of sidewalks in New Hyalite View Subdivision. (2) Memo from Mary Vant Hull, dated February 14, seeking a letter of support for the County/ FORParks Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application for the regional park. (3) Copy of the article entitled Cities weigh energy venture, published in the February 12 edition of the Missoulian, as submitted by Acting City Manager Ron Brey. (4) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting which was held at 10:00 a.m. today at the Professional Building. (5) Agenda for the joint meeting of the City Planning Board and Zoning Commission to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, in the Commission Room. (6) Agenda for the Montana Transportation Commission meeting to be held on February 19 in Kalispell. During her FYI, Commissioner Youngman referred to Mary VantHull's request for a Commission support letter for the FORParks application to the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, noting several individual Commissioners have written support letters. However, FORParks is requesting a letter of support from the Commission. The Commission has never written a letter of support without the recommendation of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, and they have not given that recommendation at this time. Martha Lonner, president of FORParks, stated the County is also applying for a piece of the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and will be submitting their application for beginning development of the 100-acre regional park. They have received letters of support from other County entities, and they are now asking for a group letter of support from the Bozeman Commission. They are applying to turn the lake that is currently dug into a fish habitat by innoculating the lake and having the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks stock and maintain it. They also plan to develop the area around the lake into a usable area for all county citizens by improving a trail system around the lake. The County Commission passed a resolution of support today. The County is asking FORParks to raise the matching monies, which is 50 percent of the $146,000 grant they are hoping to receive. Also the County is requesting FORParks sign a contract to be the maintenance provider for this portion of the park. Ms. Lonner noted FORParks conducted a survey, which is an important part of the grant application, at a cost of approximately $1 ,000. A list was purchased that represented a random sample of the citizens of the county by zip code and the no-call names had to then be eliminated from the list. A question was included as to whether or not people in this county desire a county-wide parks and recreation program; and if so, are they willing to pay extra taxes to fund that. Seventy-six percent of those responding to the survey indicated they would be in favor of such a proposal. The survey results were given to the Rose Park group so they could include it with their application, as well. The survey is good for four years, so anyone in the county can use it when applying for grants in the future. 02-17-04 -------------------- - on_ __._.___.__ - 9 - Commissioner Kirchhoff asked if this proposal and the proposal for the development of Rose Park are in competition with one another, and could both applications be approved. Ms. Lonner replied both applications could be granted funds, but FORParks doesn't feel the proposals are in direct competition with one another. Commissioner Krauss asked if FORParks has support from other communities in the county. Ms. Lonner answered they have support from Manhattan and the Three Forks School District, but they didn't have the opportunity to present their proposal to the City. The City of Belgrade has provided its unanimous support, although they were adamantly opposed to the 100-acre park in the beginning. Carole Crowell, FORParks member, added Sue Harkin, City Recreation Superintendent, has called and said she is planning to use the survey data to apply for other recreation grants. The Commission unanimously agreed to write a letter of support for the FORParks/County application for Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance and to use Mary VantHull's suggested model number 2 for that letter. During his FYI, Acting City Manager Brey offered the following: 1) suggested the Commission have several 15-minute presentations from department heads each week at 6:00 pm in preparation for the new budget. Any time there is a light agenda, some more presentations can be added. 2) Although the sidewalk meeting with the residents of the New Hyalite View Subdivision wasn't well received, it will prove to be a useful tool because the neighborhood will be well informed during the hearing process. The neighborhood asked when this issue would come before the Commission, and they were promised it wouldn't be before late February. However, the clear expectation from the neighborhood was that it shouldn't come forward before mid-March. 3) He will be in Helena all day Friday for the next energy meeting. Commissioner Kirchhoff noted the following during his FYI: 1) He received a letter from Autumn dela Houssaye, Montana State University Office for Community Involvement, thanking the Commission for their gift of $300. 2) He received a letter from Tom Reiner protesting the proposed funding mechanisms for North 19th AvenueNalley Center Road improvements. Mr. Reiner suggested an SID or local sales tax and/or fuel tax could be used. Adiournment - 9:43 pm 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 Youngma a Mayor Cetraro; those voting No, none. ATTEST: ~.,t ~~ R N L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission PREPARED BY: t\~ ~~ KA ENL.DeLATHOWE Deputy Clerk of the Commission 02-17-04 -".-.-------