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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-10 Minutes, City Commission, SPEC MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA December 10, 2003 ********.******************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in special session with the County Commissioners at the GranTree Inn, 1325 North 7th Avenue, Bozeman, Montana, at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2003. Present from the City were Mayor Steve Kirchhoff, Commissioner Marcia Youngman, Commissioner Lee Hietala, Commissioner Jarvis Brown, Commissioner Andrew Cetraro, Commissioner- Elect Jeff Krauss, City Manager Clark Johnson and Clerk of the Commission Robin Sullivan. Present from the County were County Commission Chair John Vincent and County Commissioner Bill Murdock. County Commissioner Jennifer Smith Mitchell was absent. Informal work session with County Commissioners The breakfast meeting was called to order at 7:15 a.m. by County Commission Chair John Vincent. Topics of discussion included: Miscellaneous items. (1) County Commission Chair John Vincent expressed his appreciation that the City Commission used the County Commission's renovated room for Monday afternoon's meeting and encouraged the Commissioners to do so whenever they want. (2) County Commission Chair John Vincent announced that they have made their appointments to the transit stakeholders committee; and the first meeting of that body has been set for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16. (3) County Commission Chair John Vincent noted that the new speed limit signs on Huffine Lane have been posted and the lower speeds seem to be working well. He further noted that the traffic signal at the intersection of Huffine Lane and Cottonwood Road has been erected but is not yet activated. He then expressed his interest in having the various law enforcement agencies step up patrol efforts on Huffine Lane from West College Street to Cottonwood Road to remind drivers of the reduced speeds and calm the others. Transfer of development rights. Mayor Kirchhoff expressed his appreciation for learning the County is moving down the road of getting this program up and running. He noted that, at Monday night's public hearing on the Bozeman Creek corridor plan, he found a small group of city residents want to become involved in that process and will probably sit in on those County meetings to learn more about the programs. County Commissioner Bill Murdock suggested that one City person on the committee might be beneficial and that the Commission prepare to appoint a representative. Consolidated Solid Waste District. Mayor Kirchhoff requested an update on this issue. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that Mark Kottwitz, the City's Solid Waste Superintendent, has been attending the meetings of the solid waste district board. He suggested that, despite what the newspaper reports, the City of Bozeman could haul to the Logan landfill through a contractual arrangement with that district board. Mayor Kirchhoff noted that during previous discussions on this issue, the City Commissioners identified a number of concerns about the numbers and the proposed operation of the district and asked if those are the same problems perceived by the City of Belgrade. County Commissioner Murdock responded that he does not know what Belgrade's issues are; and the County has had no conversation with them on that issue in the past year. He noted that if the City of Bozeman were to haul its refuse to Logan, the tipping fees could be reduced because of the economy of 12-10-03 Special - 2 - scale. He recognized that one of the previous concerns revolved around control of the board of directors, and the low number of City representatives on it. He then noted the board currently has five members and asked if the City Commission would accept adding two members to it. County Commission Chair Vincent noted the County is concerned about the City's landfill employees and appreciates their talent and experience. He then suggested that they may be best suited to run the Logan facility. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that the County had previously sought proposals for a manager for the Logan landfill, but that process was fraught with problems; and a new process is now scheduled to begin in January, with the hope that an award can be made well ahead of the July 1 start date. He encouraged the City of Bozeman to submit a proposal for consideration. Mayor Kirchhoff stated he has pride in what the City has done in solid waste management; and his interests revolve around making sure that taxpayers are given the best service for their dollar. He noted that is the basis of his concerns about handing off control; and he would have no problem handing the program off to a board with the same mind set as the City's. County Commissioner Murdock responded that many of those questions and issues could be addressed through the City making a proposal to run the Logan landfill operation, construction of a transfer station near Bozeman, and adding two City of Bozeman seats on the district board. He indicated that the board is currently comprised of five members, one from Three Forks, one from Manhattan, and three from Gallatin County. County Commission Chair Vincent noted that, as long as the two governing bodies keep talking on this issue, he believes at some point an agreement can be reached. He then observed that one current County Commissioner is a former City Commissioner, one former County employee will soon be seated as a City Commissioner, and one current City Commissioner will soon be running for the County Commission. He suggested that, with this combination on the governing bodies, they have the best possible opportunity to reach agreement. Responding to questions from Commissioner-Elect Krauss, County Commissioner Murdock indicated the County Commission intends to make changes to its recently adopted requirement that all County residents must haul to the Logan landfill to make that requirement apply to commercial haulers only. He stressed that this requirement helps to make the waste stream more predictable. Commissioner-Elect Krauss stated he continues to be interested in a contractual arrangement for use of the Logan landfill. City Manager Johnson noted the County is interested in a predictable waste stream flow and volume; and the City is interested in financial feasibility. He noted the City is interested in disposing of its trash in the most cost effective manner and, as a result, he wants to see the price for dumping at Logan on a contract basis rather than joining the solid waste district. He then reminded the Commissioners that the City's recycling program requires subsidy, and the price at the tipping floor of the transfer station must take that cost into consideration as well as the collection and disposal costs. Responding to Commissioner Cetraro, City Manager Johnson stated he is not concerned about who operates the Logan landfill, noting that it must be operated under a certain set of rules, and the board will be responsible for its oversight. He indicated that disposal is not an issue for him; his concerns end when the solid waste leaves the City's jurisdiction. Mayor Kirchhoff left the meeting at 7:45 a.m. due to his teaching schedule at the University. Responding to Commissioner Brown, the City Manager indicated no new cell is to be opened at the City's landfill; however, with an increased slope in the existing cell, he hopes to gain another thirteen to seventeen months on the existing cell. He acknowledged that the City trucks will need to drive to Logan for a period of time because the transfer station will not yet be complete. He hopes that time will be shortened with extending the life of the landfill, but recognizes timing is contingent, in part, on the length of time it takes to litigate issues. He then indicated the City is currently measuring its garbage in an effort to create some more predictability for the Logan landfill operation. 12-10-03 Special - 3 - Commissioner-Elect Jeff Krauss stated he anticipates a number of County residents will haul to the City's transfer station, particularly those who live in close proximity to it. The City Manager concurred, noting that those who live east of Bozeman will probably not haul to the Logan landfill. Commissioner Youngman left the meeting at 7:55 a.m. to attend another meeting. County Commissioner Murdock reiterated that, if Bozeman uses the Logan landfill, tipping fees will be less than they are presently. City Manager Johnson indicated a willingness to sign an agreement to commit hauling trash from the transfer station to the Logan landfill; he simply wants to have a price to consider. Responding to Commissioner Hietala, the City Manager stated the City will respond to the request for proposals. He indicated the proposal will be prepared by the Solid Waste Division staff on behalf of the City of Bozeman, since they have the expertise. Growth. Commissioner-Elect Jeff Krauss noted that Bozeman is growing to the west. He asked if the County has identified where it wants to see growth occur in the jurisdictional area around Bozeman or if it has determined the philosophies of the developers in the area. County Commissioner Bill Murdock responded that a planning consultant for the County is meeting with developers to ascertain their plans. He noted the County has not yet drafted regulations, but recognizes that upzoning will be necessary to encourage growth where desired. Responding to Commissioner-Elect Krauss, County Commissioner Murdock stated he feels if the City accepts transfer of development rights (TORs) from the County, the County should be willing to assist by paying a portion of the infrastructure costs or impact fees to accommodate that development. He also recognized that some City TORs may transfer to the County and, as a result of that potential cross-over, City participation in the process is extremely important. Commissioner-Elect Krauss expressed concern that a green belt could be created around the community and asked how the city would grow beyond that point. Law and Justice Center. County Commissioner Bill Murdock announced that, since additional space is needed for those entities located at the Law and Justice Center, the County has made a $1.68 million offer on the Hamilton Stores building, which contains 36,000 square feet. He stated the County is anxious to keep the City in partnership at the Law and Justice Center, and noted that Assistant City Manager Ron Brey is serving on the committee that is looking at the square footage needs for the Law and Justice Center. He indicated a variety of possibilities have been identified for offices being relocated to the Hamilton Store building, which would open up additional space for those remaining at the Law and Justice Center. Jail. Responding to Commissioner Brown, the County Commissioners confirmed they are in the process of selling the 20-acre parcel on West Oak Street that was formerly considered for a new jail site. They indicated that a new facility will likely be constructed on the existing Law and Justice Center, probably east of the existing detention center. Adiournment - 8:10 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Commissions at this time, the meeting was adjourned. ATTEST: STEV~~~ ~Z~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission 12-10-03 Special