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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-10 Minutes, City Commission, SPEC MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA September 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 Monday, September 10, 2003. Present from the City were Mayor Steve Kirchhoff, Commissioner Marcia Youngman, Commissioner Lee Hietala, Commissioner Jarvis Brown, Commissioner Andrew Cetraro 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 7:00 a.m. by County Commission Chair John Vincent. Topics identified for discussion included the interlocal agreement for planning, the interlocal agreement for transit, fireworks and the airport interchange. Fireworks. County Commission Chair John Vincent stated that Denny Klewin was in their office a few days ago with pictures showing the damage to his property as a result of fireworks. Commissioner Youngman suggested that, if the County implements limitations on the days and hours that fireworks are allowed, the City will match it. She acknowledged that people will shoot off fireworks on July 4, but stated that fireworks from May through August is excessive. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that selling fireworks is a big fund raiser for at least two non-profit organizations in the community. County Commission Chair John Vincent questioned if restricting availability of fireworks close to town would make much difference, since they are for sale everywhere else. Responding to Commissioner Youngman, County Commissioner Murdock stated Mr. Klewin's preference is for a ban but he would settle for enforcement of existing and new ordinances. He then noted that his own house was almost burned down in 1990, when firecrackers were thrown at it and the juniper bush caught fire. He expressed support for limiting the shooting of fireworks to July 3 through 5. County Commission Chair Vincent stressed the importance of researching State statutes to determine if the allowable time for sale can be set locally. Commissioner Youngman noted that having fireworks stands erected on pockets of county property within city limits makes it look like the City is allowing the sale. She then suggested a requirement to post signage prominently at each of the fireworks stands so that people know when the fireworks can be shot. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that, during fire season, many fire districts have a policy that fireworks may be shot and barbeques held only if one can demonstrate that fire extinguishers, water and shovels are on hand. He suggested that similar requirements be imposed locally and that people be required to stay one-half hour after shooting off fireworks to ensure that no fires were started. Mayor Kirchhoff observed that today's people don't like to be disturbed and are generally less tolerant. He then noted that the danger of damage to property is real, citing a hole burned in the deck of an unoccupied house as a result of fireworks this past July 4. Interlocal agreement on transit. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that an interlocal agreement is being prepared for execution by all involved parties. He stated that this step must be taken before the request for proposals can be advertised for the study that the City of Bozeman and Gallatin 09-10-03 Special --- ___._n_________ --....---- - 2 - County have agreed to fund jointly. He noted that this document will allow for the creation of a board of directors that includes representation from the various groups involved. Commissioner Brown noted that the transit committee worked hard to get the report that has been completed, but additional data is needed. He then noted that March 1 is the next deadline for funding. County Commissioner Bill Murdock noted that Yellowstone Park will be buying several of the new yellow buses that were recently demonstrated around the area, and will convert them to snow coaches for the winter. He suggested that during the shoulder seasons, those buses will not be used in the park much and suggested that Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman may be able to piggy back on those purchases rather than purchasing eight new buses immediately. He noted that the new buses for the park will probably run on compressed natural gas. He then indicated that aO-percent federal match money is available for capital purchases for transit systems. Commissioner Cetraro questioned how many people will use a transit system, and suggested that current services be intensified to see if they are better used before jumping into a new system. County Commissioner Murdock stressed that marketing is a large part of making a successful transit system. He suggested that allowing students to drink while riding from the downtown bars to the campus might attract some ridership. Interlocal agreement on planning. Mayor Steve Kirchhoff asked about the status of this agreement. County Commissioner Murdock stated the farm and ranch community was not interested in the language that required land developing adjacent to the city to develop at city standards. As a result, the County passed a growth pOlicy with no interlocal agreement required, but a paragraph that indicated the County will work with the City. Mayor Kirchhoff stated he feels an interlocal agreement is needed to ensure that the two governmental entities are working in concert and allowing for growth in the most orderly and cost effective manner. He noted that annexing vacant land allows for development compatible with city patterns; annexing land that has developed at county standards can result in the need to bring existing infrastructure into compliance with city standards at a substantial cost. Responding to County Commissioner Murdock, Mayor Kirchhoff voiced appreciation for the County requiring those wishing to develop adjacent to the city to approach the City first, and noted the cooperation between the planning entities is good. Commissioner Brown noted that there will be a joint meeting of City Planning and County Planning next week and asked for an update on that meeting. Mayor Kirchhoff left at 7:40 a.m., due to his teaching schedule. Responding to Commissioner Brown, County Commissioner Murdock stated the County can, and does, require central water and sewer services, citing Landmark Subdivision and Elk Grove Subdivision as examples. All of the Commissioners recognized that the more affordable housing is moving further west, with the subdivisions west of Belgrade, Manhattan and Three Forks being where those who cannot afford to live in Bozeman are locating. Commissioner Youngman asked the County Commissioners to check on how far from city limits the automatic referral to the City is triggered. She cited recent approval for development of property south of Goldenstein Lane that does not touch city limits but is very close, noting that in that instance, the trail connection is less than ideal; and it is important for the City and County to work together to ensure those assets are retained. Airport interchange. County Commissioner Bill Murdock voiced disappointment in the e-mail which the County Commission received from City Manager Clark Johnson in response to a request for funding assistance for a study to show the need for an airport interchange. He noted the concern expressed was 09-10-03 Special - 3 - that an airport interchange would make it easy for those traveling to Big Sky and West Yellowstone to bypass Bozeman. Commissioner Brown noted it was his impression that an interchange is not needed for the airport at this time, but needed to be listed in the transportation plan update if it were to be considered in the next ten years. Commissioner Youngman asked if the County would commit to requiring agricultural zoning only along the interchange, rather than allowing commercial or residential development. County Commissioner Bill Murdock stated he anticipates Belgrade would annex the area adjacent to the interchange and, given its relaxed requirements, would allow large commercial development. He then noted he had initially thought Mayor Kirchhoff's predictions for development along North 19th Avenue were naive, but has found he was very right. County Commission Chair John Vincent noted that once an interchange is constructed, development is inevitable. County Commissioner Murdock indicated he would commit to tight zoning along a new airport interchange, but cautioned that if it is annexed, the County will have no control over it. Discussion re miscellaneous issues. (1 ) County Commission Chair John Vincent noted that speed studies are now underway on Huffine Lane. (2) Commissioner Jarvis Brown raised the issue of the 1 DO-acre regional park and possible credits for open space in the Baxter Meadows Subdivision. County Commissioner Bill Murdock indicated his support for some credits, particularly since the developer did not receive full market value in the transaction and is required to construct improvements. County Commission Chair Vincent acknowledged that the e-mail from Commissioner Jennifer Smith Mitchell regarding rezoning of the park sounded like it represented the Commission as a whole. (3) County Commissioner Murdock stated that a park task force, chaired by City Parks Foreman Ron Dingman, will be making recommendations to the County Commission on the formation of a county park district or a county park board. He noted that a district will require funding through a mill levy, and noted that cities may opt in or out of the district. He indicated that the district would be autonomous and have its own staff. Commissioner Marcia Youngman noted that the City heavily subsidizes county resident use of city parks, and a district would spread the costs more appropriately. The down side is whether city parks would be maintained at their current level, which is inadequate by resident standards. She then noted the City has hesitated to create a park maintenance district in anticipation of this type of program. (4) County Commission Chair Vincent stated that by mid-October Mr. David Bennett will give a wrap-up on the detention center. He noted the recommendation will probably include a new jail and a number of programs to keep people out of jail. He observed that the $18 million school bond issue will tell a lot about voter willingness to fund specific needs of the community. (5) County Commission Chair Vincent indicated that, after the next joint meeting, he plans to go talk to the editorial board of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, informing them that the Commissions have begun to communicate on a regular and on-going basis. Adjournment. 8:20 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Commissions at this time, the meeting was adjourned. 09-10-03 Special -- -.- ------------.-------- ._ ______ - __._ _._.__ ._.___ ___.________...__.. _.___" _..___.....______. .._._ _.____._____._......._ . __._.____.___.. .__..._._.___.u ___n..__.....___.__.. _ - 4 - S~.-KI~F~ Mayor ATTEST: (It:J~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission 09-10-03 Special - ----------