HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-19 Minutes - Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB)
NURB Meeting – October 1, 2019 1
Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB)
Regular Meeting Tuesday, October 1, 2019 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October
1, 2019, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman,
Montana. Present: Absent:
Voting Members:
Bobbi Clem Corwin Dormire John Usher Dan Doehring Jeanne Wesley-Wiese
Non-Voting Members: Ethan Barlow Nolan Campbell Robert Pavlic
Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff:
Kristin Donald, Director of Finance David Fine, TIF Specialist Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests:
Chris Nixon, 719 North Wallace Avenue Jon Gerster, 719 North Wallace Avenue
Call to Order – Vice Chair Jeanne Wesley-Wiese called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Changes to the Agenda – No changes were made to the agenda.
Public Comment – Jon Gerster asked about the status of the quiet zone and how to jump start that project.
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese responded that there are three crossings involved, only one of which lies within this district. This Board has set aside monies for a study, which is the first step in the process; however, funding sources need to be identified for the other two crossings before a study can be undertaken.
David Fine stated the study to identify the solutions needed to create a quiet zone will cost $20,000 to $30,000; and that study must be initiated by the City. He noted that one developer
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may be willing to step forward to get the process going, and developers of The Cannery District may be interested since their development includes some residential units located close to the railroad tracks. He suggested the next step may be to do a request for qualifications to get a
price for the study. He cautioned that the cost of the study pales in comparison to the cost of the treatment options needed for the quiet zone. He then indicated that some intersection design is upcoming near the Griffin Drive crossing, and it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to undertake the study and possibly incorporate the needed treatments. He
concluded by noting the City now has a transportation engineer on staff. Jon Gerster suggested that, through public pressure, the Montana Department of Transportation may be encouraged to contribute toward the study and remediation. He then indicated a connection with Montana Rail Link could also possibly lead to their contributing to the project.
Minutes – August 6, 2019. It was moved by John Usher, seconded by Bobbi Clem, that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 6, 2019 be approved as submitted. The motion
carried on a 3-0 vote. Discussion/Action Items – Appointment of Chair for remainder of Calendar Year 2019. It was moved by John
Usher, seconded by Bobbi Clem, that, effective immediately, Jeanne Wesley-Wiese be appointed Chair and that Bobbi Clem be appointed Vice Chair for the remainder of Calendar Year 2019. The motion carried on a 3-0 vote.
Staff updates on items of interest to the Board, including East Tamarack Street and East Peach Street. David Fine reported that JR Civil, the contractor for the East Peach Street project, has not been back for a final walk through and has not completed the punch list
items. He noted that Knife River, the contractor for the East Tamarack Street project, has completed the final walk through and the punch list items. The last step in that project is submittal of the final drawings and the core report to the City. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese’s question regarding sidewalks on only one side of North
Wallace Avenue, David Fine stated the City’s Engineering Department did not want to do it; however, he does not have an answer on why. He noted that, if this Board wishes, it could add that sidewalk to its work plan.
Bobbi Clem asked if the ability to get to Bozeman Creek from the ends of the bridge installed on East Tamarack Street is a liability issue for the City. If so, she suggested that fences may need to be added at the ends of the bridge. David Fine responded he will check on that issue.
David Fine reported that last week, the developer of the Cottonwood and Ida project signed the final paperwork. He then stated that the changes to the project, including the decrease in the number of residential units and increase in townhome style units, trigger a full review of the
planned unit development.
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Update on property values within the district. Kristin Donald, Finance Director, distributed copies of updated information on the taxable valuation within the district as a result of the reappraisal. She stated that she has not been able to calculate the amount of the increment
for this year because the number of mills levied by the various governmental entities were just due to the Gallatin County Treasurer. She noted that by next month’s meeting, she should be able to do that calculation. She turned attention to the change in incremental taxable value over the past few years and the significant change in value from Fiscal Year 2019 to Fiscal Year
2020. Kristin Donald stated the Montana Department of Revenue allows a governmental entity to capture only one-half of the new assessment value on existing properties but does allow capture of the full assessed value on new construction. She indicated that, while the number of
mills assessed may decrease because of the new valuations, this district will see a higher collection. Kristin Donald noted that if there is a downturn in the economy and valuations, the district will
not feel the impact immediately. She cautioned that, because of that delay, it will take longer for the increment to rebound once the downturn is over. Board discussion regarding amount budgeted for staff support. Jeanne Wesley-
Wiese reminded the Board that this issue was discussed at length during the August meeting but she feels it was not adequately resolved. She noted that this district does not have any money in its budget to undertake projects and won’t have for probably a couple of years. As a result, this district will not require much City staff support. She asked for input from the other
board members. John Usher noted that he had never considered the possibility of negotiating the amount this Board pays for staff support.
Responding to Bobbi Clem, Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated that this year’s budget includes 10 percent of the new position in the Economic Development Department plus staff time in other departments. She then indicated that, since this district’s budget is “bone dry”, the $23,000 budgeted for staff support does not sit well.
David Fine responded that the increase in funding for staff support is just over $9,000 more than last year. He stressed that the costs for the first year are higher than in subsequent years because of the need to obtain additional furniture and office supplies. He expressed a
willingness to talk to both the Midtown Urban Renewal Board and the Downtown Urban Renewal Board to see if they would be willing to pay a little bit more for the position. He acknowledged that both of those districts see much higher tax increment revenues than this district does. He indicated, however, that funding consistency is essential and expressed an interest in establishing a formula that can scale and be responsive to increased demands on
staff time in future years. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese and John Usher voiced support for a formula that acknowledges the impacts each tax increment financing district has on staff time and provides parity for all.
Responding to Bobbi Clem, David Fine stated he will be prepared to forward a new proposal for funding at the next board meeting.
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Update on financial status of NURB fund. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the FY2020 revenues and expenditures to date. She briefly reviewed the information, noting there are no revenues and few expenditures to date.
Responding to questions from Bobbi Clem, David Fine stated that sidewalk snow removal is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. He noted that the City now has two code enforcement officers, but they have little time to monitor snow removal or to do the follow up
necessary to ensure compliance. Bobbi Clem asked if the City is responsible for snow removal on the bridge, noting that steps should be taken to ensure that is done; David Fine confirmed it is the City’s responsibility. Update on wetlands project. Chris Nixon reported that Mike Delaney and Ileana Indreland donated 32 acres, and the Sacajawea Audubon Society is under contract to buy an additional 7 acres of wetlands on the northeast side of the community. He noted they have not
kicked off their major fundraising campaign because they have not reached that step; however, their goal is to establish a wonderfully restored wetland that results in “the biggest bang for the buck”. He stressed the importance of ensuring a functional wetland that addresses stormwater runoff, connectivity and missing trail links.
Chris Nixon stated this chapter of the Audubon Society is the largest in the state and is the only chapter that will own the property it is preserving. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese recognized the gift this wetland is to the community. She noted it was in
great peril but will now be a great asset into the future. Chris Nixon identified approximately ten acres of wetland that have been lost in the community over the last year due to development projects and street widenings. He acknowledged that
some of those wetlands are being mitigated, but there is no mechanism in place to ensure preservation of wetlands if a developer chooses not to do so. He expressed concern that monies can be paid into a wetland bank that is located in another county, and none of those monies are being directed to wetland restoration projects in Bozeman.
David Fine noted that pathways and wetlands do not currently count toward parkland dedication; however, he suggested that as the City Commission balances exactions, it may recognize wetlands do contribute to open space.
Chris Nixon noted that in 2002, the Commission accepted cash in lieu instead of accepting the wetland as parkland dedication because the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board wanted active parks rather than passive parks. He voiced his gratitude that the community is now able to preserve all but three acres of that critical area.
Chris Nixon drew attention to the significant number of development projects that are in the planning phase or under construction. He noted that most of Bozeman was a wetland at one time, and noted some local businesses are encountering problems because of that. He then indicated that at one time there was consideration for a stream diversion under East Main Street
to run east of North Broadway Avenue; however, construction of the new Town Pump
eliminated that possibility.
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Review of the urban renewal plan. Robin Sullivan asked that this item be deferred to next month’s meeting since two of the three board members present were involved in the drafting of the plan and none of the new board members are present; the Board agreed.
Set agenda for November 5, 2019 meeting or cancel meeting. To be included on the November 5 agenda are the mandatory ethics training, review of the urban renewal plan, a
financial report and the updated increment valuation.
FYI/Discussion. Bobbi Clem noted that her business on North Wallace Avenue is connected to Bozeman Fiber. David Fine stated City staff is working to identify sources of financing for a conduit master plan
study so the fiber backbone and network can be logically expanded. Responding to Chris Nixon, David Fine stated all of the conduit pulling to date has been ad hoc, and having a master plan will become even more important as more conduit and fiber are
pulled. He also noted that the Commission has identified fiberoptic cable as essential infrastructure, so establishing the criteria for extensions is critical. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese noted that she received a notice from the EPA for a public meeting regarding the Idaho Pole site.
David Fine stated that meeting will provide a good opportunity for public input and getting questions answered. He then stated the water portion has been split from the surface layer on the site, and the surface has been delisted. He acknowledged the importance of understanding
the issues and ensuring that the City is not set up for unnecessary liability. Chris Nixon announced that the next NENA meeting will be held on October 24 at Beall Park. Adjournment – 7:45 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this
time, Chair Wesley-Wiese adjourned the meeting.
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman