HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-21 Minutes - Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB)
NURB Meeting – April 15, 2021 1
Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB)
Regular Meeting Thursday, April 15, 2021 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 15,
2021, via Webex.
Present: Absent: Voting Members:
Ethan Barlow Bobbi Clem Corwin Dormire Natalie Van Dusen
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Non-Voting Members: Chris Nixon EJ Daws Robert Pavlic
Commissioner Liaison: I-Ho Pomeroy Staff:
David Fine, Urban Renewal Program Manager Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests:
Amy Kelly Hoitsma Chandler Dayton Call to Order – Chair Corwin Dormire called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Changes to the Agenda. No changes were made to the agenda.
Public Comment – NOTE: David Fine read a statement prepared by the City Attorney to ensure that this Webex meeting meets all of the legal requirements for an open meeting. He repeated the required statement throughout the meeting as needed.
No comment was received under this agenda item. Approval of Minutes – April 1, 2021. It was moved by Ethan Barlow, seconded by Corwin
Dormire, that the minutes of the regular meeting of April 1, 2021 be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote.
NURB Meeting – April 15, 2021 2
Discussion/Action Items – Final Recommendations to the Bozeman City Commission of a Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Work Plan and Budget for the Northeast Urban Renewal District. David Fine
reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 work plan and budget as drafted by staff. He gave a brief overview of the budget as contained in the spreadsheet, noting that this proposal was reviewed and preliminarily approved at the April 1 board meeting.
David Fine stated the estimated beginning balance is $370,000 with projected revenues of $271,000, resulting in an estimated $641,000 in cash available for the upcoming fiscal year. He noted that staff has recommended expenditure of $18,000 for engineering of Front Street between North Ida Avenue and East Aspen Street, $190,000 for constructing Front Street from East Tamarack Street to North Ida Avenue, a carry over of the $15,000 budgeted for the Front
Street connector trail, and $50,000 for additional due diligence related to the proposed parking structure to ensure the interests of both the City and this district are protected. He then noted that monies are also budgeted for trails and boulevard maintenance, staff support, professional services and bond costs. The estimated balance of $117,400 is set aside in a designated
reserve for projects. David Fine concluded his overview by reminding the board members that the work plan and budget are this Board’s recommendation to the Commission for expenditure of monies within
this District.
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated she voted against the budget at the April 1 meeting because it does not include projects for the people living in the neighborhood. She has been informed that the district is all about economic development, which has her upset and distressed. She noted
that a copy of the district plan was included in this meeting’s packet so the new members have that information available. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese noted that this District was created after residents in the area fought the
creation of a transfer station along L Street just north of the railroad tracks. That effort opened the door for designation of this area as blighted and the subsequent creation of this urban renewal district. A task force was created and spent a year developing the principles in the plan, and it was acknowledged that this has always been and is a mixed use district with an equal number of industrial/commercial uses and residential properties that pay into this fund.
None of the projects has addressed livability in the area even though residents have contributed to the fund and livability was a thread throughout the principles. She noted that pedestrian connectivity is one of those principles, and the pedestrian bridge would be a part of that connectivity. She then noted that she is the only voting member who lives in the district and is
impacted by the Board’s failure to consider projects that will enhance livability for residents on an equal footing with projects that promote economic development. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese acknowledged that growth and development are impacting all parts of Bozeman; however, she also has a fiduciary responsibility to the people who live in this district.
She concluded by stating she voted against the proposed work plan and budget at the last meeting because nothing in it addresses the livability aspect. Corwin Dormire thanked Jeanne Wesley-Wiese for her comments, but suggested a number of
items address livability in the district. He noted this is a mixed use district and is a fantastic part of town, with residential, industrial and commercial uses in close proximity. He acknowledged the changes that Jeanne has seen since she has lived in the area a long time, and recognized
NURB Meeting – April 15, 2021 3
that not all of them have been beneficial for the residents. He noted that this Board can help to shape changes that occur within this district. He acknowledged her interest in the pedestrian bridge, but recognized that some of the projects included in the proposed budget are time
sensitive. He then suggested that improvements already made, including sidewalks and infrastructure, the quiet zone study and addressing lighting issues, do enhance livability in the area.
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese responded that everyone liked “this funky side of town”; and the standard street improvements, including curb and gutter, is “defunking” it. She stated that the additional street projects proposed will further impact the character of the area, with the pedestrian bridge being the only project that enhances livability of the neighborhood. She noted that she is an artist and painter, and she likes the creative things that the Board has previously discussed but
not funded. Bobbi Clem cautioned that the Board is restricted on how it can spend the monies, stating it is her impression that infrastructure is the primary target.
David Fine suggested that a refresher on the urban renewal plan and the purposes for which tax increment monies can be spent be included on next month’s agenda. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated she personally has no problem with the train whistles but agreed
to the quiet zone study because others in the area wanted it. Bobbi Clem noted that the Front Street project was moved forward because it is most cost effective to make the improvements to that small section of road in conjunction with a larger
project. She reminded the board members that there was a lot of angst in the neighborhood when the Brewery was demolished; and it is important that the area not lose the depot also. Chris Nixon noted he has attended most of this Board’s meetings over the years and
understands Jeanne Wesley-Wiese’s frustration. He noted that several years ago a survey was done and all but two people supported the pedestrian bridge. Over the years, he has watched the cost of that project go up and, while additional monies were budgeted, there was never enough to complete the project. He recognized that the depot is an historic treasure in the community, and it is important to ensure it is not lost. He stated that he, too, would like to see
the pedestrian bridge completed, noting that he would use it. Also, he sends a lot of his guests to walk on the North Church Avenue trail and would like to see that trail extended and the pedestrian bridge constructed for their enjoyment as well as the enjoyment of those who live and work in the area.
Responding to Corwin Dormire, David Fine referenced the budget spreadsheet. He noted that the projected beginning balance and estimated revenues result in a total of $641,000 that could be spent next fiscal year, including the bond repayment and bond reserve. He cautioned, however, that this is a reappraisal year and, therefore, the projected revenues may not be
completely accurate. He noted that street projects have been the highest priority set by the Board in previous work plans and budgets. He concluded by noting that the reason the staff has recommended this work plan and budget is because it is the most efficient and cost effective way to complete the small street project. He then stated the bridge design is not yet
complete, so the pedestrian bridge is not a shovel ready project.
NURB Meeting – April 15, 2021 4
Chandler Dayton stated that both the Front Street reconstruction and the pedestrian bridge are desirable projects and asked if there is any compromise in how the budget moves forward. She noted the Tinworks Project is a two-year project and asked if the Front Street work could be
staggered so more monies could be added to the pedestrian bridge project at this time. She identified the importance of sending a clear signal to the residents of the area that pedestrian facilities will be enhanced rather than continuing to put this project on the back burner.
Amy Kelly Hoitsma stated she lives on East Peach Street. She asked that the Board give a nod to the bridge project, noting it has been on the work plan for ten years. She stated there is a lot of change happening in the neighborhood, and it’s important to provide some amenities for those living there. She acknowledged that the cost of the bridge project has changed over the years, due in large part to the changes in requirements. She concluded by encouraging the
Board to address the resident needs and mitigate some of the changes that are impacting them. Responding to Natalie Van Dusen, David Fine confirmed that KLJ Engineering is working on the design of the pedestrian bridge, but their progress has been slower than he had hoped. He
noted that if a project is not bid in January, the price will not be good. He then reminded the Board there is only enough money to fund one construction project this fiscal year. He stated the developer of the Tinworks Project is proceeding with infrastructure bidding this summer, and the cost savings that would be realized for the Front Street construction would be significant if it were included. He suggested that if, for some reason, the privately funded infrastructure is not
done this fiscal year, the Board could reprioritize its projects and amend its budget. Natalie Van Dusen stated it seems logical to proceed with the shovel ready project and to make a commitment that the drawings will be finished so the pedestrian bridge can be done next year,
particularly given its priority for the neighborhood residents. Responding to Chris Nixon, David Fine confirmed that monies have been appropriated for the pedestrian bridge engineering and design work; and he has been assured that the work will be
completed before the end of this fiscal year. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, David Fine stated the pedestrian bridge should be a shovel ready project by the end of this fiscal year. The next step will be to identify its construction as a priority in next year’s work plan and budget.
Ethan Barlow stated he thinks the pedestrian bridge is a great project, and noted that whether it becomes a priority in next year’s budget will be dependent on the circumstances at that time. He stressed the importance of evaluating the value and impact of each project and not allowing
a single project to become a symbol wrapped in emotion. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese noted that this district is her home and her neighborhood, as it is for several others. She then stated the residents in this area have been negatively impacted in a variety of ways over the years, and one of the results of those impacts was the creation of the
NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA) to fight further potential impacts. Responding to Chris Nixon, David Fine stated the pedestrian bridge is the only anticipated shovel ready project for next fiscal year; however, he noted there are several projects on the
future projects list in this work plan and budget that may become more important.
NURB Meeting – April 15, 2021 5
It was moved by Bobbi Clem, seconded by Ethan Barlow, that the Board approve the work plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 as recommended. The motion carried on a 4-1 vote; Jeanne Wesley-Wiese voted No.
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese voiced her frustration that the pedestrian bridge was knocked out once again, this time by the street in front of the depot. She asked for discussions prior to projects being included in the budget instead of after the draft work plan has been submitted.
FYI/Discussion. Responding to Bobbi Clem, David Fine stated that, with the number of new board members, it would be useful to have a meeting in May at which the urban renewal plan can be reviewed as well as the state law as it pertains to expenditure of monies in tax increment
financing districts. He also noted the agenda could include a review of the rules of procedure, which are designed to keep meetings organized. He confirmed that the meeting will be virtual rather than in person.
Bobbi Clem stated the property behind the Brown Building and the Bronken site have been purchased. She noted that plans include an addition and renovation to the Brown Building, and a mixed use development that includes 15 high-end residential units. She suggested that the developer might be willing to provide a schematic presentation at next month’s meeting if the Board wishes.
David Fine asked that the information be forwarded to him, and he will coordinate a presentation at a future meeting.
Adjournment – 7:45 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Dormire adjourned the meeting. Corwin Dormire, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board
City of Bozeman