HomeMy WebLinkAbout23- Ordinance 2065 - Final Adoption Generally Revising the Purchase and Disposition of Municipal Property
Ordinance 2065 Page 1 of 9
ORDINANCE NO. 2065
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA REPEALING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 6, DIVISION 5 OF THE BOZEMAN
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 8, DIVISION 1 TO BE
ENTITLED REAL PROPERTY; AND GENERALLY REVISING THE ENABLING
LEGISLATION FOR THE PURCHASE AND DISPOSAL OF REAL PROPERTY,
INTERESTS IN WATER, AND THE GRANTING AND ACCEPTANCE OF
EASEMENTS; AND CLARIFYING SAID DIVISION SUPERSEDES STATE LAW.
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman has adopted self-government powers and those
powers are enumerated in its Charter, and the laws and Constitution of the State of Montana; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its Charter, the Montana Constitution, and state law, the City may
exercise any power not prohibited by the constitution, law or charter and neither the Montana
Constitution, state law, or the City Charter prohibits the City Commission from adopting this
Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §7-8-101(2) and (3), MCA the City may sell or trade to any
county or political subdivision any property, however held or acquired, that is not necessary for
the conduct of the city or town business; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §7-8-103(2), MCA the City is empowered and given the right to
accept, receive, take, hold, own and possess any gift, donation, grant, devise, or bequest, any real
property; any improved or unimproved park or playground; any water, water right, water reservoir,
or watershed; any timberland reserve; any fish or game reserve in any part of the state and to own,
hold, work, and improve the same; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §7-8-4201, MCA the City may sell, dispose of, donate, or lease
any property belonging to the city; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §7-14-4101, MCA the City has the authority to establish, alter,
and maintain traffic ways and public grounds; and
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WHEREAS, the City is subject to the restrictions of Article X, Section 6, of the Montana
Constitution when disposing of city owned real property; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Attorney General Opinions 43 Op. Atty. Gen. No. 41 and 43 Op.
Atty. Gen. No. 55 the City pursuant to its self-government powers may dispose of city property
however acquired including property held in trust for a specific purpose and sell property by a
simple majority; and
WHEREAS, the city commission recognizes these revisions are necessary to clarify
processes for the disposal of city owned real property; to codify that disposal of city property that
will preserve historical properties, provide for economic development, provide for affordable
housing, or for purposes that further the climate action and sustainability goals of the city may be
sold for less than appraised value subject to conditions; and increase efficiencies in the process to
obtain interests in water as well as the granting and accepting of easements of real property, rights-
of-way, or public infrastructure.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA:
Section 1
That the entirety of current Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 5 of the Bozeman Municipal Code is
hereby repealed and the division reserved.
Section 2
That under Chapter 2, Bozeman Municipal Code, a new Article 8 and Division 1 shall be created
and shall be codified as follows:
ARTICLE 8 – PROPERTY
DIVISION 1. –REAL PROPERTY
Sec. 2.08.100. - Authorization for city to obtain property.
Sec. 2.08.110. – Acquisition of interests in water.
Sec. 2.08.120. - Authorization for city to sell, donate, and exchange city property.
Sec. 2.08.130. - Appraisal required for acquisition and disposal of real property; exceptions.
Sec. 2.08.140. - Additional requirements for sales, donations and exchanges.
Sec. 2.08.150. - Terms of sale.
Sec. 2.08.160. - Lease of city property.
Sec. 2.08.170. - Easements.
Sec. 2.08.180. – Use of proceeds of property disposition.
Sec. 2.08.190. - State law superseded.
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Sec. 2.08.100. - Authorization for city to obtain property.
Except as may otherwise be provided by this code, the city commission has jurisdiction and
power, under such limitations and restrictions as are prescribed by law, to purchase and accept
by donation or exchange any real property necessary for the use of the city and to preserve, take
care of, manage, and control the same. The city manager may enter into leases on behalf of the
city for the purposes of providing facilities for city operations.
Sec. 2.08.110 - Acquisition of interests in water.
The city manager may, subject to the availability of funds, purchase or otherwise acquire any
interests or rights in water including the acquisition of shares in a water project or entity for and
on behalf of the city.
Sec. 2.08.120. - Authorization for city to sell, donate, and exchange city property.
A. The city commission has the jurisdiction and power to sell, donate, or exchange any real
property belonging to the city, however acquired, including property held in trust for a
specific purpose. The city manager may enter into agreements to sell, donate, or exchange
real property subject to ratification by the city commission and compliance with this
division.
B. Any sale, donation, or exchange of real property must be accomplished under the
provisions of this division.
C. In an exchange of real property, an exchange of city property may not be made unless
property received in exchange for the city property is of an equivalent value. If the
properties are not of equivalent values, the exchange may be completed if the city receives
sufficient consideration approved by a majority of the city commission, in addition to the
delivery of title. Sufficient consideration may include but is not limited to financial
compensation or a public benefit as determined by a majority of the city commission.
D. The city may exchange, donate or sell at a reduced rate city owned real property to another
governmental entity for a governmental purpose.
E. The city may donate or sell at a reduced rate city owned real property containing a
historically significant building or monument to an entity that agrees to restore or preserve
the property. The contract for the transfer of the property proposed for historic preservation
that is sold for less than appraised value or donated must contain at minimum provisions
that:
1. Require the property to be preserved in its present or restored state upon any
subsequent transfer; and
2. Provide for the reversion of the property, including any improvements made to
the real property, to the city for noncompliance with conditions attached to the
transfer.
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F. The city may donate or sell at a reduced rate city owned real property for economic
development purposes to an entity that agrees to develop the property for economic
development purposes. The contract for the transfer of property proposed for economic
development purposes that is sold for less than appraised value or donated must contain at
minimum, provisions that:
1. Require the property be developed in such a manner as to provide economic
development opportunities, including job creation or retention, for
industries of value to the city, or for development implementing an urban
renewal plan; and
2. At the discretion of the city commission, provide for the reversion of the
property, including any improvements made to the real property, to the city
for noncompliance with conditions attached to the transfer.
G. The city may donate or sell at a reduced rate city owned real property to an entity for the
purpose of constructing buildings which will provide emergency or transitional shelter
housing or rental housing for low to moderate-income households, or buildings which may
be sold as low to moderate-income households. The contract for the transfer of property
proposed for housing built pursuant to this section must contain at minimum, provisions
that:
1. Provide, for a period of time and under the conditions specified in the
transfer, emergency or transitional shelter or housing for low to moderate-
income households; and
2. At the discretion of the city commission, provides for the reversion of the
property, including any improvements made to the real property, to the city
for noncompliance with conditions attached to the transfer.
H. The city may donate or sell at a reduced rate city owned real property for climate action
and sustainability purposes to an entity that agrees to develop or otherwise utilize the
property for purposes that further the climate action and sustainability goals of the city.
The contract for the transfer of property proposed for climate action and sustainability
purposes that is sold for less than appraised value or donated must contain at minimum,
provisions that:
1. Require the property be developed or otherwise utilized in such a manner
as to further the climate action and sustainability goals of the city; and
2. At the discretion of the city commission, provide for the reversion of the
property, including any improvements made to the real property, to the city
for noncompliance with conditions attached to the transfer.
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I. The city manager may establish procedures for the purchase, exchange, donation, or sale
of City real property. The city manager must adopt such procedures by administrative
order.
Sec. 2.08.130. - Appraisal required for acquisition and disposal of real property;
exceptions.
A. An appraisal is required when the city purchases a fee simple interest in real property or a
conservation easement using public funds, unless specifically exempted.
B. An appraisal is required for any sale, exchange, or donation of city real property, unless
specifically exempted.
C. An appraisal is not required when the sale, exchange, or donation of real property is to or
between another governmental entity if the property will continue to be used for
governmental purposes. A sale, exchange or donation of real property with another
governmental entity may, at the discretion of the city commission, provide for the reversion
of the property, including any improvements made to the real property, to the city in the
event the recipient no longer uses the property for governmental purposes.
D. An appraisal is not required for the acquisition of interests in water rights or rights of way
for utility or road purposes.
E. For any purchase, sale, exchange or donation requiring an appraisal under this article, the
property must be appraised within one year prior to the date of provisional adoption of the
ordinance approving the sale, donation, or exchange unless waived by the commission.
Sec. 2.08.140. - Additional requirements for sales, donations and exchanges.
A. Prior to selling, exchanging, or donating any real property under this division, the city
commission must find the real property proposed for sale, donation, or exchange is either
no longer necessary to conduct city business or that the public interest may be furthered by
the sale, donation, or exchange. This determination must be made by a two-thirds vote of
all commission members.
B. If the determination required by subsection A is made in the affirmative, the commission
must decide at a subsequent public meeting whether to adopt an ordinance selling, donating
or exchanging the property. This determination must be made by a two-thirds vote of all
commission members.
C. For the sale of real property, the city may sell property by bid, public auction or direct
negotiated sale, subject, where required by this division, to a minimum price established
through appraisal. For donations and exchanges, the city may negotiate a donation or
exchange directly to a specific person or entity, including other governmental entities,
without advertising for bids.
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D. Notice of sale, exchange, or donation must be published as provided in Mont. Code Ann.
§7-1-4127. The city may terminate these procedures at any time and may reinitiate the
same or different procedures at a later date.
Sec. 2.08.150. - Terms of sale.
Unless otherwise determined by two-thirds of the city commission:
A. Except for sales conducted pursuant to 2.08.120 (D), (E), (F), (G) and (H) a sale under this
division must be for cash or on terms approved by two-thirds of the commission.
B. Except for sales conducted pursuant to 2.08.120 (D), (E), (F), (G) and (H), or for sales,
exchanges, or donations with another governmental entity, a sale of city real property may not
be made for less than 90 percent of the appraised value.
C. The title to any property sold may not pass from the city until the purchaser or the purchaser's
assigns have met all obligations of the sale or exchange agreement.
Sec. 2.08.160. - Lease and Licensing of City Property/ Parking Permits.
A. The city commission has the power to lease any lands, buildings, structures, or improvements,
owned by the city, however acquired, for any length of time and for any purpose. The
commission may enter into such leases at a reduced rate if the city property is to be used for a
public purpose.
B. The development or other use of any city lands, buildings, structures, or improvements,
whether by a lessee, or their invitees, must comply with this code.
C. The leasing of one or more parts of a building, improvement, or structure may be done by
resolution of the commission. The leasing of an entire tract of record owned by the city must
be done pursuant to ordinance.
C. The city manager may grant a license for a temporary use of city real property under conditions
determined by the city manager. The parking commission may grant a license for a temporary
use for facilities under its jurisdiction under conditions determined by the parking commission.
E. The parking commission has the power to issue permits for parking spaces in parking structures
and parking lots within its jurisdiction and establish standards for the same.
Sec. 2.08.170. – Easements.
A. The city manager or director designee may on behalf of the city accept the grant or dedication
of real property, rights-of-way, or public infrastructure. The acceptance must be in writing.
The acceptance must be recorded in the records of the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder and
the original must be returned to the city clerk. Nothing herein may be construed to authorize
the city manager to accept an easement or grant as shown on a subdivision plat until such final
plat has been approved by the city pursuant to law.
B. The city manager may grant rights-of-way for private, municipal, or public utilities across land
owned by the city. The city manager may determine whether consideration for the grant is
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required. The grant must be in writing. The grant must be recorded in the records of the Gallatin
County Clerk and Recorder and the original must be returned to the city clerk.
D. The city manager may authorize, subject to the availability of funds, the purchase of right-
of-way for public infrastructure or public purposes.
Sec. 2.08.180. – Use of proceeds of property disposition.
The funds derived from property disposed of in accordance with this division, in the discretion of
the city commission, may be credited to any account that is in the best interest of the city.
Sec. 2.08.190. - State law superseded.
Pursuant to the city's self-government powers, Section 7-8-4201, MCA, addressing the disposal,
donation, lease or sale of city property is hereby superseded. All other applicable provisions of
state law not in compliance with this division are hereby superseded. Title 7, Chpt. 8, Part 1, MCA
is specifically not superseded.
Section 3
Repealer.
All provisions of the ordinances of the City of Bozeman in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance are, and the same are hereby, repealed and all other provisions of the ordinances of the
City of Bozeman not in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance shall remain in full force and
effect.
Section 4
Savings Provision.
This ordinance does not affect the rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred or
proceedings that were begun before the effective date of this ordinance. All other provisions of the
Bozeman Municipal Code not amended by this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5
Severability.
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That should any sentence, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase or section of this ordinance be
adjudged or held to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of
this ordinance as a whole, or any part or provision thereof, other than the part so decided to be
invalid, illegal or unconstitutional, and shall not affect the validity of the Bozeman Municipal Code
as a whole.
Section 6
Codification.
Sections 1 and 2 of this Ordinance shall be codified.
Section 7
Effective Date.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after final adoption.
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PROVISIONALLY PASSED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana,
on first reading at a regular session held on the 13th day of December, 2022.
____________________________________
CYNTHIA L. ANDRUS
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
MIKE MAAS
City Clerk
FINALLY PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the
City of Bozeman, Montana on second reading at a regular session thereof held on the ___ of
____________________, 2023. The effective date of this ordinance is __________, __, 2023.
_________________________________
CYNTHIA L. ANDRUS
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
MIKE MAAS
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
GREG SULLIVAN
City Attorney
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