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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-20 Minutes - Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) NURB Meeting – January 14, 2020 1 Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 14, 2020 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, in the Gallatin Conference Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: Bobbi Clem Dan Doehring Corwin Dormire John Usher Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Non-Voting Members: Nolan Campbell Ethan Barlow Robert Pavlic Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff: David Fine, Urban Renewal Program Manager Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Addi Jadin, City Parks Department Matt Marcinek, Gallatin Valley Land Trust Chris Nixon, 719 North Wallace Avenue Call to Order – Chair Jeanne Wesley-Wiese called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. Changes to the Agenda – No changes were made to the agenda. Public Comment – No comment was received under this agenda item. Minutes – November 5, 2019. It was moved by Bobbi Clem, seconded by John Usher, that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 5, 2019 be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. NURB Meeting – January 14, 2020 2 Discussion/Action Items – Update on Front Street Connector Trail; request for additional funding in FY2020-21 budget – GVLT and City Parks Department. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the minutes from the 2015 board meetings at which the Front Street connector trail was discussed as well as an excerpt from the adopted FY2016 work plan and budget. David Fine stated that, in response to the Board’s request for an update on the Front Street connector trail, he has asked Parks Program Manager Addi Jadin and a representative from the Gallatin Valley land Trust to attend this meeting. Addi Jadin stated that both she and Matt Marcinek live in the northeast neighborhood. She noted that Matt will give an update on the timeline and budget for the Front Street connector trail, and indicated that additional trails projects are being considered in this area. Matt Marcinek, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, stated he has been with the organization for two years and, as a result, spent quite a bit of time reviewing the process and timeline from 2015 to date. He briefly highlighted that history, noting that in early 2015, the City, GVLT and the neighborhood started working on this project because it was identified as an opportunity to connect the Cannery District with the northeast area and depot park. Everyone involved anticipated that a lot of things would begin happening in this area and this connector trail would help to tie all of them together. At that time, it was determined that a portion of the fence at Kenyon-Noble’s yard was encroaching into the Front Street right-of-way and that it would need to be moved to allow construction of the trail. Matt Marcinek stated in that March 2015, an application was submitted for TOP monies. In April 2015, Kenyon Noble stated it would be willing to move the fence, but needed a legal document before doing so. It took nearly two years to get that document drafted and signed; and in 2017, Kenyon Noble moved the fence. In May 2015, the TOP Committee undertook review of the application with the understanding that the fence would be moved. At that point, the City took over administration of the project, and the Director of Public Works looked at the estimated costs provided by the GVLT. In light of that analysis, the estimate rose, and a request to this Board for assistance resulted in $20,000 in tax increment financing monies being appropriated for the project. That contribution, donations from other sources and in-kind services led to TOP Committee approval and subsequent City Commission approval of the application for $178,000 in November 2015. Matt Marcinek stated that in the latter part of 2015, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Director of Public Works identified some issues with Bozeman Creek and engaged Sanderson Stewart to look at the project and the bridge requirements. That firm also worked with Nishkian Monks on plans for the bridge. Matt Marcinek reported that the reconstruction of North Rouse Avenue has played a part in delaying the trail project. The Montana Department of Transportation must complete its work on that portion of North Rouse Avenue adjacent to Birch Street because it involves the waterline under Birch Street and replacing the stormwater line in Birch Street, at the point where the bridge is to be located. First, the Montana Department of Transportation had to complete its negotiations with Kenyon Noble for additional right-of-way at the intersection to accommodate curb and gutter and a 10-foot-wide paved path. It appears that acquisition is now complete, so the road reconstruction can move forward this summer. NURB Meeting – January 14, 2020 3 Matt Marcinek stated that after the Drinking Horse Trail was completed this fall, his office began working on the estimates and budget for the Front Street connector trail project. A review of the original estimates and the new updated estimates revealed that when the engineers began working on the design for the Bozeman Creek crossing, the costs for the bridge abutments rose from $7,500 to $69,000 because of the floodway. Also, the bridge had to be extended from the original 60-foot length to 78 feet. He cautioned that costs may need to be further revised depending on Corps of Engineers review and requirements. Also, the costs for design and engineering rose from $15,000 to $58,000. He indicated that Sanderson Stewart has agreed to do the design and engineering for 8.2 percent of the project and has done approximately $32,000 in work to date. He concluded by stating that the increased costs have resulted from some assumptions about the creek in 2015 that were not accurate. Also, inflation over the past five years has further impacted the estimated costs. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Matt Marcinek confirmed that a portion of the Kenyon Noble building and its fence encroach into the Front Street right-of-way. He reported it has been negotiated that the Kenyon Noble building can remain, and they have paid a permit fee for the encroachment. It was also determined that the trail can be located on one-half of the street right-of-way. Addi Jadin stated that, in light of the sticker shock from the new estimates, both the City staff and GVLT questioned whether it is worth continuing to pursue a project that has grown from $178,000 to $440,000. She noted that projects completed in the last five years include the Story Mill Park and the path to the M. The northeast neighborhood continues to have a poor level of parks and trails and, as a result, limited connectivity. This connector trail has been identified as an important link in the community’s trail system, which can extend from the M to the west side of town. Addi Jadin noted this Board has completed reconstruction projects on East Tamarack Street and East Peach Street that include bike lanes, which provide more choices and connectivity. Projects currently on the horizon in this area include the new City’s public safety center and additional construction in the Cannery District, including more commercial and a residential component. Addi Jadin briefly highlighted the trails that are currently in place and the projects that are being considered. She is working with GVLT and MSU to fortify the trail along Oak Street, to fill in the gaps and improve the existing path. That trail will extend from the west side to the safety center and the Story Mill Park. She noted that new subdivisions, many of which are located on the west side, are putting in trails and parks. The long-range view is to provide more east/west connections that tie into the north/south trails. She voiced her interest in using the Front Street connector trail project as a prototype to use in other parts of town as this vision is pursued. Addi Jadin stated that additional TOP monies will be requested and donations from the public will be sought. In addition, they are requesting that this Board consider an additional contribution in its upcoming budget to fund items listed as future projects in the original estimates. Those include finishing the sidewalk along North Wallace Avenue to the railroad, signage, an ADA ramp and thermoplastic crossing to depot park, and bollards next to the Kenyon-Noble parking lot. The estimated cost of those improvements is $15,000. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese questioned why the trails have to be paved instead of a permeable surface. NURB Meeting – January 14, 2020 4 Matt Marcinek responded that this trail has been identified as asphalt because it is located on a former road and is already paved. Addi Jadin stated the transportation plan includes different classes of trails and allows a gravel path in certain instances; however, shared use trails must be asphalt. Responding to Bobbi Clem, Addi Jadin stated this will be a year round trail and, as a result, snow will be removed either through brooming or plowing. Further responding to Bobbi Clem, Matt Marcinek indicated that work on the trail is to begin in late summer, immediately after the Montana Department of Transportation has completed its work in the Birch Street right-of-way. David Fine stated this Board’s work is now resulting in increased development and an increased taxable value. He cautioned, however, that the Board should not act on this request until work on the work plan and budget for next year is undertaken and the actual revenues are known. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated this Board is supportive of trails in the neighborhood. Also, she sees the value of connectivity, but the Board must consider its own projects as well as this request as it sets its work plan and budget. Responding to questions from John Usher, Matt Marcinek confirmed that the Birch Street right-of-way is not being vacated. Rather, there will be three lanes on Birch Street at this intersection. He then confirmed that the pipe under the bridge is stormwater outfall that has to be moved. He then indicated that the bridge is being redesigned to stay 10 feet from the new water line; and that new design will be for an 8-foot-wide bridge instead of the original 10-foot-wide bridge to maintain that separation. A brief discussion revolved around possible enhancements for the trail, including sunscreen stations, a water station, an air station for bike tires, and an enhanced greenway. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese thanked Addi Jadin and Matt Marcinek for their presentation. Staff updates on items of interest to the Board. David Fine reported that the increased property values within the district may result in a significant increase in the annual tax increment. He showed the Board an estimated increase in the increment for this fiscal year, as prepared by the Finance Director, of $110,000, to $268,847 but cautioned against spending monies that have not yet been collected. He suggested that, since monies have been set aside for the pedestrian bridge in this year’s budget, it might be beneficial to ask Sanderson Stewart to look at the Gaston proposal for the bridge to determine what impacts the new FEMA floodplain map may have on the design and costs. He also suggested that some high level design work could be requested so that a more realistic cost can be identified. Responding to John Usher, David Fine stated Sanderson Stewart has been retained to do engineering work for all of the tax increment financing districts; and each district pays for the work they have requested. David Fine stated he has almost completed a request for qualifications for an engineering firm to do work for the quiet zones. NURB Meeting – January 14, 2020 5 Update on financial status of NURB fund. Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the FY2020 revenues and expenditures to date and a copy of the revenues and expenditures from inception to date. She briefly highlighted the report, noting that the current property tax revenues are $25,000 higher than they were at this time last year. She highlighted some of the major expenses to date, which were for the East Tamarack Street construction and the bond payment. She stated that additional engineering costs are anticipated for the East Tamarack Street project, and she does not believe the final bills have been submitted for the East Peach Street project. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for Calendar Year 2020. Bobbi Clem voiced a willingness to serve as Chair for the calendar year; Corwin Dormire indicated he could serve as Vice Chair. It was moved by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, seconded by John Usher, that Bobbi Clem be elected as Chair and Corwin Dormire be elected as Vice Chair for Calendar Year 2020. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Set agenda for February 4, 2020 meeting or cancel meeting. Since there are no pressing items for the Board to consider, the Board cancelled the February 4 meeting. The next meeting will be held on March 3. Items to be included on the agenda are updates on items of interest to the Board, a report on the financial status and initial discussion on the budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. FYI/Discussion. Bobbi Clem noted that she had previously reported on a proposal to extend fiber service to her building and the cost involved. Three of her tenants agreed to pay the costs of extending that service and are very pleased with their service. She chose not to get service in her existing space since she is moving to the warehouse across East Tamarack Street. Bobbi Clem noted that Tanya Andreasen is now the City’s Community Housing Manager, which leaves the Neighborhood Coordinator position open. David Fine stated that cascading staffing changes are creating challenges across the City structure. He then reported that four interviews for the new Economic Development Department position are scheduled for next week. Once that position is filled, they will undertake the process of filling the Neighborhood Coordinator position. 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