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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-11 Minutes, City Commission, work --- --..- - ...--.-..-....-. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING/AGENDA MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COMMISSION . BOZEMAN, MONTANA September 11, 2000 ***************************** The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in agenda meeting and work session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Monday, September 11, 2000, at 3:00 pm. Present were Mayor Youngman, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Kirchhoff, City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Brey, City Attorney Luwe, and Deputy Clerk of the Commission DeLathower. The meeting was opened with the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence. Sianina of Notice of Special Meetina Each Commissioner, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting. Consent Items City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following Consent Items. . Commission Resolution No. 3390 - settinQ the mill levies for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3390 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, ESTABLISHING AND AFFIXING THE NUMBER OF MILLS TO BE CHARGED AGAINST THE ASSESSED V ALUA TION OF ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY SITUA TED WITHIN THE CORPORATE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001. Commission Resolution No. 3391 - creatinQ SID No. 666 - for acquisition of street improvements in Vallev West Annexation COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3391 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, RELATING TO SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 666; CREATING THE EXTENDED DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNDERTAKING ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THE COSTS THEREOF AND INCIDENTAL THERETO THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BONDS SECURED BY THE CITY'S SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT . REVOLVING FUND AND ESTABLISHING COMPLIANCE WITH REIMBURSEMENT BOND REGULATIONS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. 09-11-2000 - 2 - Commission Resolution No. 3392 - creatinq SID No. 667 - for acquisition of water improvements in Valley West Annexation . COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3392 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, RELATING TO SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 667; CREATING THE EXTENDED DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNDERTAKING ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THE COSTS THEREOF AND INCIDENTAL THERETO THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BONDS SECURED BY THE CITY'S SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT REVOLVING FUND AND ESTABLISHING COMPLIANCE WITH REIMBURSEMENT BOND REGULATIONS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. Commission Resolution No. 3393 - creatinq SID No. 668 ~ for acauisition of sewer improvements in Valley West Annexation COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3393 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, RELATING TO SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 668; CREATING THE EXTENDED DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNDERTAKING ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FINANCING THE COSTS THEREOF AND INCIDENTAL THERETO THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BONDS SECURED BY THE CITY'S SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT . REVOLVING FUND AND ESTABLISHING COMPLIANCE WITH REIMBURSEMENT BOND REGULATIONS UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. Commission Resolution No. 3394 - relatina to $2.630.000 Pooled Special Improvement District Bonds. Series 2000 {SID Nos. 666. 667 and 6681; authorizina the issuance and callinq for the public sale thereof COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3394 A RESOLUTION RELATING TO $2.630,000 POOLED SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BONDS, SERIES 2000 (SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NOS. 666, 667 AND 668); AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND CALLING FOR THE PUBLIC SALE THEREOF. Ratify City Manaqer's sianature on Second Memorandum of Understandina for Compostina Feasibility and Implementation Proiect {members of Headwaters Recyclina for the Southwest Montana Composting Proiectl Proclamation - 163'd Infantry Reqiment Remembrance Day. September 16.2000 It was moved by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Frost. that the Commission approve the Consent Items as listed and authorize and direct the appropriate persons to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting . Aye being Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Frost. Commissioner Smiley. Commissioner Kirchhoff, and Mayor Youngman; those voting No, none. 09-11-2000 ---.......-- .3- Aaenda Meetina - for reaular meetina and public hearinas to be held on September 18, 2000 . Since this is an agenda meeting, only those issues requiring staff action are contained in the minutes. City Manager Johnson briefly reviewed the background information which was included in the Commissioners' packets. (7. - Conceptual review of plans for Home Depot) City Attorney Luwe told the Commissioners that the Home Depot executives who are coming to make this presentation need to understand their proposal will be subject to the public hearing process, and those comments have to be taken into consideration when a Commission decision is made. These executives should not come before the Commission with the expectation of an immediate decision. Commissioner Kirchhoff asked if the concept review process is now considered a part of Commissioner duties. City Attorney Luwe responded it is on the regular meeting agenda. Commissioner Kirchhoff then inquired if this is how the concept reviews are going to work from now on. City Manager Johnson stated the concept reviews could be heard during a work session since no decision is going to be made at the time of presentation. Mayor Youngman added if a lot of people come forward with concept reviews, the Commission may want to reconsider its timing. There have been no rules of procedure formalized yet; so if there are any reservations about the process, they should be brought forward right away. The Commission also needs to think of ways to encourage public input at the onset of this process. Commissioner Frost agreed one previous weakness of the review process was there was no public input at the beginning. (12. - Amendments to the City's budget for Fiscal Year 2000 . 2001) Commissioner Frost . stated he was a little curious about the tone of this letter, saying he feels like someone is holding a gun to his head; and if that is the case, then something has "gone seriously amuck here". He stated he would like to dig into this a little more and find out exactly what is going on. Commissioner Frost further stated he doesn't believe local government should be blackmailed, and he doesn't like it. He asked who is in charge. City Manager Johnson replied budget decisions are clearly made by the City and County governments, with the Administrative Board being in charge of the Joint Dispatch Center. He stated that at the current time he doesn't have the confidence that the Administrative Board will direct the director to open the Center with the available resources. There is always another excuse why it isn't possible to get this Center opened up. Mr. Johnson continued, saying comments have always been it is going to require increased staffing to open the Center. So, in response to that, the business phone duties were taken away and a new person hired to take over that responsibility, a CAD administrator has been hired; and yet the Administrative Board always has one more excuse why the Center isn't completed. The increased staffing demands is the issue that is brought forward repeatedly. City Manager Johnson said it seems to him that ultimately this demand for increased staffing is going to have to be met because the Administrative Board hasn't shown it has the resolve to open the Joint Dispatch Center under any other circumstances. Commissioner Smiley stated there are a couple of things in the history of this Center that trouble her. Until the current director took over, there were two dispatchers on every shift; and they loved their work, even though they were housed in "that little closet". Now all of a sudden there is a need for all these people, even with all this equipment. Despite repeated requests, the Commission still cannot get any numbers from the director; it is just scary. Commission Smiley continued, saying the City might as well just do this (increase staffing) because the Administrative Board and director . have shown repeatedly they are "not willing to play by the rules". She then said, "I give up. I will not let them force a train wreck on this county! I think this is horrible; blackmail is unacceptable and terrible. " 09-11-2000 -- ------------ ---...--..- ---.- --- .--.- ~ 4 - Mayor Youngman asked if there will be any impacts on the accounts of the other departments because of this. 5 percent reduction in their budgets. City Manager Johnson replied he . assumes staff will make this difference up through vacancies, efforts to reduce overtime, and other means. He noted he decided on the .5 percent figure because when he did the math, he thought the departments would be able to find a way to cut their expenses by this amount. Commissioner Frost asked how does the Commission know exactly what they will be spending the taxpayers' dollars for; and is the County going to match whatever the City does? City Manager Johnson reminded the Commissioners this is a 45/55 percent funding split for the City; and it is his understanding this identical process will need to take place at the county level as well. He again reiterated that there has been a decidedly irresponsible tone from this Administrative Board, and he is not willing to risk the community's safety. Commissioner Kirchhoff asked, "What is the train wreck that is going to happen?" City Manager Johnson replied it could be a caller will be hung up on or a valuable piece of information will be missed so the call cannot be completed, something of that nature. Something that would have the potential of jeopardizing an officer, a firefighter, or the public's safety. Commissioner Brown stated he has been supportive of 9~ 1 ~ 1 in the past, and this memo reinforces some of the questions he has. He said he doesn't understand why these additional positions weren't requested in a timely manner, and it bothers him to have to do this after the City's budget has already been finalized. The effect this will have on every other department in both the city and the county also troubles him. Commissioner Frost said he doesn't like this precedent at all. He believes the Center needs . to work with what they have; and if it doesn't work, then when the next budget cycle comes forward they need to provide the Commission with statistics. He said he has no idea of what goes on in there, and he cannot work with this lack of facts. Commissioner Kirchhoff stated his full agreement with Commissioner Frost. Commissioner Frost mentioned that if the current dispatchers are putting in so much overtime, it sounds like there needs to be at least four more people hired; and they probably will still be accruing compensatory time. City Manager Johnson answered the director's request has always been for four more people. His motion to the Administrative Board was to hire two people now and two next budget year. It is important to get this Center open and get it running correctly so the statistics that all entities have asked for can be gathered, and Mr. Johnson stated he has no confidence that it will happen unless this staffing demand is met. The Board hasn't felt the statistics were a high priority, so the statistic gathering has continually been pushed back. Commissioner Smiley pointed out that if every department did that then those departments who depend on grants and federal funding, like the Health Department, wouldn't be getting any money. City Manager Johnson noted that as long as this staffing issue continues to be a barrier, there is both a public safety risk and also a funding risk. There are federal grant monies involved, and there are requirements attached to those grant monies that may not be met. (13. ' Intent to annex 20.33-acre tract, Rolfe property) Commissioner Frost asked what the zoning for this area was prior to the master plan rezoning of North 19th Avenue. Temporary Planner Caroline replied she will have that information available for next Monday's meeting. He then questioned condition no. 7, regarding running a fire hose across and, therefore, closing North 19th . Avenue. Temporary Planner Caroline replied the Fire Department cannot guarantee any safety or liability if they would be required to fight a fire using the wells currently in place. The Fire Department, therefore, wants a Hold Harmless Agreement from the landowners because there may 09-11-2000 --.-.----....- ....-. .-.--- -- .----.- --.-------- -.-.---- .... -.--------- - 5 - not be adequate fire protection service. . Referring to condition no. 10, Commissioner Frost stated the City needs to start measuring the creeks to determine the amount of stream corridor easements actually needed. Temporary Planner Caroline replied this would be addressed as future development comes before the Commission. Mayor Youngman proposed the Commission should be thinking about a condition relating to smart growth for this annexation agreement. Commissioner Frost offered that is why he asked what the previous zoning was. He believes it was zoned for housing, and he is of the opinion it should remain that way. City Manager Johnson said he is confused by the fire protection condition. He asked why there can't be a hydrant installed off of the new North 19th Avenue water line since there are buildings currently on this property. Temporary Planner Caroline replied the existing houses and barns are at risk, but the applicant wants to defer the installation of hydrants until further development; and there are no development plans at this time. The Hold Harmless Agreement would be effective only until the property is sold and developed. City Attorney Luwe stated he is not in favor of Hold Harmless Agreements in general and suggested the Commission could require a hydrant be installed prior to annexation. (15. - Zone Map Amendment "AS" to "R-S", Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Foundation property) Commissioner Brown noted the property location lists three different sections; but all of the property is in section 17, so this needs to be cleared up. He also asked if the hospital owns the farmstead located in the north-central portion of the property, and if there is any concern about the existence of that farmstead. Assistant Planner Morris stated that could be an issue with the . development of the property, but it isn't with the rezoning of it. City Manager Johnson asked Assistant Planner Morris to please find out about the street and tree maintenance on undeveloped properties, since under "AS" zoning there is a cap; but that might not be the case with properties zoned "R-S". City Attorney Luwe asked if any protests have been received. Assistant Planner Morris replied there were quite a few people from the New Hyalite Subdivision in attendance for the annexation discussion, but none for the rezoning issue. Mayor Youngman stated the staff report mentions this application has been submitted as a contingency of annexation and that annexation application will be on the September 18, 2000 agenda. City Attorney Luwe replied that traditionally comes forward on the Consent Agenda, and that agreement is in Staff Attorney Cooper's office right now. That matter could be on next week's agenda if the attorney review is complete. Mayor Youngman questioned whether "R.S" zoning is a designation traditionally allowed in the city. Her understanding, based on staff's recommendation, is the City doesn't allow below "R-2" with city services because of the costs involved. This isn't what the Commission is used to seeing from staff as an acceptable designation. Assistant Planner Morris responded there will be more scrutiny of the project when it goes through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. Mayor Youngman then asked if the applicants would still have to go through the PUD process if they want to do a regular "R-S" subdivision. Ms. Morris answered they would in order to determine the lot coverage and floor area, per the changes made in June. . Commissioner Smiley asked what happened to the applicant's traditional neighborhood development (TND) idea. Assistant Planner Morris replied they gave it up because of the objections, particularly to the light industrial component, of the neighbors of the New Hyalite Subdivision. 09-11.2000 ---------- -- ._.... ._.n. _.. .. _ ..on .___._._____ - 6 - Commissioner Frost asked, if this zone map amendment is approved, could the applicant come in and do a 1-acre development now? Associate Planner Saunders answered the IIR-S" zoning . designation used to require a PUD for any sized lot. This property is currently a conforming use in the IIR~S" district so they can continue to use it for agriculture. However, any development they pursue under "R-S" would be subject to the PUD process. The landowners want to move forward with the IIR-S" designation to facilitate annexation, and they will later seek the appropriate change in zoning to support whatever plans they finally decide on. There will be opportunities for the Commission to further review this project. Mayor Youngman asserted that having this property develop with an IIR-S" designation is the worst-case scenario for the city. Associate Planner Saunders pointed out the Commission can find it is not in the best interests of the city to develop this property as 1-acre lots, so they could deny that PUD request. If the development doesn't comply with the master plan, that would be another grounds for denial. City Attorney Luwe asked the Commissioners if they want to see development projects go through the review process before the Commission approves the annexation. Commissioner Smiley noted if this application is passed the way it is, there can be 1-acre lots there. Mayor Youngman added an "R-S" designation sends a message the Commission doesn't mean to send unless there are conditions added to make it clear what their intentions are. Commissioner Kirchhoff noted the Commission has the opportunity to say this is not appropriate if the applicant comes forward with 1.acre homesteads shown on the preliminary plat. He suggested the Commission should make that clear now. . Commissioner Frost added the PUD process doesn't provide the City with public parkland; it can be private instead. Assistant City Manager Brey asked if it is the hospital's intention to develop this property at some designation other than IIR-S". Assistant Planner Morris replied they would like to have mixed densities on this property in the future, but "R-S" was an easier designation to work with for a mixed-use proposal. City Attorney Luwe wanted to know if there will be any proposals forthcoming soon. Ms. Morris answered no, there aren't any coming forth soon. Associate Planner Saunders informed the Commission there are a number of swales, gullies, wildlife corridors, and a streambed on this property that would argue for this to develop as another district, like IIR-3". There is not a built-in consideration for those types of things, rather it is implied. The district itself is designed to deal with clustering that you would not normally have in a different zoning district. Commissioner Brown noted he was intrigued by the TND idea as well, but at one of the hearings it was pointed out it was not a real option and could not have been approved at that time. (16 & 17. - Request for variances and CUP, Derzay property) Commissioner Frost inquired about the width of the existing drive, to which Assistant Planner Morris replied it is 12 feet. Commissioner Brown then asked if they have any pullouts. Ms. Morris replied there is a driveway for the residence, but no real pullouts. The applicant does not foresee any changes in the current traffic . patterns, and there will be na custarner traffic ta this site. 09-11-2000 _.._....___n ____.n._ ____ - 7 - Work Session - (AI Discussion of and Commissioners' reSDonses to Bozeman 2020 Goals and Objectives Associate Planner Saunders: and (BI Presentation from Historic Preservation Advisorv Board . re East Willson School - Historic Preservation Officer Strahn (A) Discussion of and Commissioners' responses to Bozeman 2020 Goals and Objectives - Associate Planner Saunders Associate Planner Saunders informed the Commission the Planning Board has sent out 350 to 400 mailings of this new set of goals and objectives to the different groups and individuals who have attended the various planning events. Input from the County and surrounding communities was also sought and included. The original focus groups are now reconvening, and they are hoping to include individuals who weren't present at the first meetings. The plan remains to have this project wrapped up toward the end of this year. Mr. Saunders continued, saying the most important goals are listed first. The economic development goals provided lots of conversation. One of the major points of those goals is Bozeman needs to be a diverse place economically; there needs to be a variety of opportunities for employment, which will promote more diversity. Associate Planner Saunders asserted this Community Plan is the guiding document for the City, not the transportation plan; and this point is brought forward and made explicit in this document. The general transportation theme is alternatives and options; the City needs to look at a full range of transportation options. City Manager Johnson asked if there has been any response from the business group who . reviewed the goals. Associate Planner Saunders replied they provided staff with a written set of comments, and those suggestions ended up being included in the goals and objectives. Mayor Youngman asked if there were conscious redundancies. Associate Planner Saunders stated staff tried to limit the redundancies, but there are critical points that need to be repeated. The nuances are different, but the general concepts are repeated. GuidinQ PrinciDles Section: Mayor Youngman asked if these guiding principles will be included in the master plan, to which Mr. Saunders replied they would. Mayor Youngman then said she is very pleased with the direction things are going with this document. It is reflective of Commission, neighborhood groups, and business groups direction. However, one thing that is still missing connects to the long-standing paranoia that Bozeman will turn into another Aspen or Vail and force everyone to move out of the city. A statement needs to be included in both the principles and the concepts which indicates the inclusion of all peoples into this community, of all different socio-economic levels. Commissioner Smiley stated her agreement that needs to be included, indicating this is one concern that keeps coming up for her, as well. Commissioner Brown also expressed his agreement to have such a statement included. Commissioner Kirchhoff suggested adding that to the section regarding strengthening Bozeman's economy. Associate Planner Saunders responded the economic strengthening discussion was oriented toward having more jobs, while including a good diversity of positions; an alternative job base to draw on people's expertise and resources to keep the community from becoming the classic "mill town". Goals and Obiectives Section; Community Qualitv: Mayor Youngman suggested that . included in section 2.1, street lighting and light pollution, should be home lighting, which does impact the night sky. Associate Planner Saunders replied home lighting is incorporated in section 6.5, which looks at all types of lighting. In section 2.5 Mayor Youngman would like to see in-fill included here 09-11-2000 - 8 - as well; affordable housing through in-fill development. Also a displacement policy should be included in the master plan; "The City will not allow displacement of low- and moderate-income residents . without some kind of accommodation being made to provide alternative housing" was the Mayor's suggested wording. She also advocated the inclusion of an objective indicating support for public/private partnerships to provide affordable housing. Mayor Youngman then asked if housing and economic development should be linked through language because it is desirable to have the two keep pace with each other, since the community cannot thrive with new jobs when there is no place to live. Dealina with Chanae: Mayor Youngman advanced there should be a statement included regarding the inter~jurisdictional area development; something like development should not be allowed next to the city unless it annexes. Mr. Saunders noted that is very explicitly stated in the current document. Mayor Youngman replied it is still easy to miss, and the language should be strengthened or repeated. The concept of rewarding projects that are a high priority for the City, through review or regulatory mechanisms, also needs to be stated more explicitly according to the Mayor. Associate Planner Saunders offered the Planning Board specifically said they want to pursue a positive tone in this document in order to stage a feeling of cooperation with both other governmental agencies and other public and private agencies. Economic Develooment: Mayor Youngman indicated this would be the place to include language regarding bringing about a balance between cost of living and wages. Associate Planner Saunders stated that in the last discussion with the Planning Board that concept was intended to be included in section 5.1, bullet no. 2. They decided not to make it too specific because it would be easier to deal with at a policy level. The Mayor replied she would like to see that language strengthened. Mr. Saunders then suggested language stating, "would seek wages proportionate to the cost of living". All Commissioners agreed to this wording. . Commissioner Kirchhoff noted the language is positive throughout this document and defines what is to be supported and encouraged. He asked if there would be a basis to include those things not supported and, in fact, discouraged. Mr. Saunders answered the Planning Board wanted to keep the tone as "this is what is wanted", rather than calling out specific negatives. At Commissioner Frost's suggestion, all Commissioners agreed to add language making it clear they want only clean, environmentally positive businesses in the city. City Manager Johnson noted that in section 5.1, bullet no. 4, research, as well as educational, mission should be included. What the University is trying to do for economic development is to keep the research projects of the university local by allowing start-up businesses to locate near the university. All Commissioners agreed to that suggestion. Environmental Qualitv and Hazards: Commissioner Brown asked if there is language included to deal with polluted areas. Associate Planner Saunders replied that is included in section 6.3, bullet nos. 3 and 4. Commissioner Brown then asked if the types of businesses that can be located on polluted areas will be limited. Mr. Saunders responded not with this document, although governmental agencies might. Mayor Youngman requested adding language regarding the City's management of its own resources. Associate Planner Saunders stated that was not previously thought of, but will be discussed at future meetings. . Parks. Recreation. and Ooen Spaces: Mayor Youngman proposed adding language encouraging county cooperation. Mr. Saunders noted there was some discussion regarding the 09-11-2000 - 9 - cooperation issue. . Regarding section 7.1. bullet no. 1. Planner Saunders said a timetable was specifically put in here to denote these are important items and need to proceed immediately in order to carry out the plan. There was some discussion of adding other dates to other goals, but it was decided to start with a few dates and then reconsider specific target activities later. TransDortation: Commissioner Kirchhoff asked about the socio-economic study prepared by Mr. Widmayer. Mr. Saunders replied Peccia and Associates obtained a variety of information from the state and other sources. and then looked at the demographic profiles of the existing residents of the entire Gallatin Valley to determine the factors that influence the residents' choice of transportation. Mr. Widmayer was not necessarily making direct forecasts, but modeling transportation changes into the future. Public Facilities and Services: Mayor Youngman indicated water conservation language needs to be included; setting the standard that conservation comes first, particularly stewarding the existing resources. Associate Planner Saunders responded those concerns have not been ignored. The structure of this document does include those concerns; however. the Planning Board decided to lump large over-arching goals, rather than to be repetitious. These issues will come in at a policy level. Mayor Youngman replied she believes this needs to be made more explicit. Commissioner Frost said he came up with a new objective to promote energy efficiency and water conservation, to be included under the housing section. All Commissioners agreed to an energy efficiency objective. Mayor Youngman reiterated the water conservation issue needs to be made as clear as possible, and Associate Planner Saunders stated it will be added to the policy level document. . Assistant City Manager Brey stated one of the tasks necessary to decide if this document is inclusive enough is to consider the way the City uses its master plan extensively, for CTEP funding. This criteria is one of the things that everyone needs to be mindful of. Commissioner Smiley said this is a good document. and she is pleased with it. Commissioner Frost offered his kudos to staff for a job well done; specifically Jody Olsen, Chris Saunders, and the Planning Board. IB) Presentation from Historic Preservation Advisory Board re East Willson School - Historic Preservation Officer Strahn Historic Preservation Officer Strahn and Jim Webster. chair of the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board, set the initial stage for this conversation and reviewed the history of the discussions with the School Board. September 29th is the School District's tentative deadline for proposals. All interested parties are being encouraged to put something down on paper for consideration. The Historic Preservation Board is behind the proposal if the City determines it is desirable to relocate City Hall to this building. The Board doesn't feel the City's submission will discourage others from submitting their proposals. Historic Preservation Officer Strahn said the Board hasn't investigated this idea enough to know if it is in the City's best interests to consider this; however, the way the Request for Proposals IRFP) is written, it would definitely be in the City's best interests to reply if they are interested in the . possibility of such an undertaking. There would be several months after the RFP submission to pull together a more tangible project proposal. If the City does not respond to the RFP, all opportunities will be lost. The Historic Preservation Board would be happy to draft a response to the RFP for the 09-11-2000 - ..--.". ... -- .-----------..-- --- - - 10 - Commission to review prior to the September 29th deadline. The Board has prepared a list of advantages, although not all Questions have yet been resolved. . Those advantages include: 1) consolidation of more City departments under one roof; 2) addressing the overcrowding issues in the City Hall building; 3) close proximity to the County building; 4) use of Willson Auditorium, as well as other areas within the school itself, for large public meetings. The School District does have some interest in maintaining a portion of the building for storage purposes and office space for those entities currently housed in East Willson School. It is conceivable the City could have space left over for School District purposes, based on the current square footage of occupancy in its buildings. The School Board of Trustees might be inclined to help offset the costs of rehabilitation if they are still using that building; the cost of rehabilitation the School District has settled on is $3.2 million. The expenses incurred by the District for moving out of Willson School would be $1 to $1.2 million, and they might be willing to contribute that amount to the rehabilitation should they still be involved in the occupancy of the building. Financing and parking are issues that will need to be addressed. A Question that also needs to be considered is would the City be interested in a purchase, a long-term lease, or some other custodial arrangement. Commissioner Frost mentioned one advantage had been left out, that being preserving a beautiful building. Historic Preservation Officer Strahn replied he assumed the Commission would feel that was a part of the Historic Preservation Board's hidden agenda. It would be a wonderful asset to the community to save this building; and even though he is not sure this is the best idea being considered right now, it is one that has enough merit to deserve discussion. Commissioner Frost continued, saying he would say to move ahead with the proposal since it doesn't bind the City to anything. He would like to look into it because he likes that building, he . thinks it needs to be preserved, and the City could expand in that building as the city grows. Mr. Webster reminded the Commission this is not a binding thing; just to indicate interest precludes the City from being locked out of future consideration. He stated the Historic Preservation Board is not behind anyone project, they are just interested in bringing forth ideas to the School Board. Commissioner Smiley stated her opinion that she believes the Historic Preservation Board should go ahead with a proposal on the City's behalf. Commissioner Kirchhoff voiced his agreement. Commissioner Brown indicated he would very much like to see the East Willson School preserved; however, he thinks this is a tremendous commitment of time, money, and energy on behalf of the city. Therefore, he doesn't feel he has enough information to proceed with a recommendation. Mr. Webster agreed there are certainly some unknown variables, but to move forward with some concrete thoughts could be helpful. Commissioner Brown added he sees this completely consuming large numbers of City staff, large numbers of staff hours, and totally consuming the City's bonding capacities. Mayor Youngman stated her biggest reservation is the affordable housing project proposal. She feels a proposal by the City would bump them out of the playing field because the City is a much easier sell. If the City enters this consideration, it has to be with a statement saying the City supports the affordable housing project first and foremost. She acknowledged there are some negative factors about the affordable housing project, but she still doesn't want them bumped from consideration. Mayor Youngman said the Commission will need input from staff down the line regarding ways to . make the economics of this project work before they can consider doing a real proposal. She also said if this is a real gain to both the city and the downtown; and if it turns out to be the only way to save the building, then her consideration would be higher. 09-11-2000 -- --- - .----.. --- ---- ---. ---.--.-- ...----.. .-......--- ...---.-.--.. - 11 - Mr. Webster responded the School District believes the Dabney project is a wonderful project based on its merits, but then it comes back to who the District wants to partner with. Right now, the . School District is not too favorably inclined to look positively upon that partnership. Commissioner Smiley noted it would be unfortunate if the City bumped another project, and then found out it couldn't do it. Mr. Webster indicated the Historic Preservation Board had talked to the School District about that issue, and they are cognizant that they will need to have more than one project in the consideration. Both the School Board and the Historic Preservation Board want to create a win/win situation. Historic Preservation Officer Strahn agreed it would be a shame if some other possibilities were eliminated. His sense, in talking to the School District representatives, is this is a loose document; and the City could write a loose proposal saying that if no other viable proposals come forward, the City would like to submit one. City Manager Johnson added he could not recommend investing $3 million into this building and having a 30-year lease; that would not be an option for the City. Commissioner Smiley proposed this idea be explored in more detail. Commissioner Brown asked the City Manager if he thought a credible proposal could be put together before the deadline. Mr. Webster answered that it is up to the Historic Preservation Board to write the proposal and submit it to the Commission in two weeks. Then after they see it, the Commission can decide if they want to submit it or not. Discussion - FYI Items . City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1) Letter from Andy Kerr, Engineering Assistant, to property owners regarding the installation of STOP signs and parking restrictions at the intersection of Villard Street and Third Avenue. (2) Press Release announcing applications are available for the City's 2001 Parkland Development Grant Program. (3) City Commission Meeting List of Planning Projects currently scheduled from September 18, 2000 through November 6, 2000. (4) Headwaters Cooperative Recycling newsletter of September 6, 2000. (5) Agenda for September 12, 2000 Development Review Committee meeting to be held at the Alfred Stiff Professional Building beginning at 10:00 am. (6) Agenda for September 12, 2000 Design Review Board meeting to be held at the Alfred Stiff Professional Building beginning at 3:30 pm. (7) Agenda for September 12, 2000 Gallatin County Commission meeting to be held at the Gallatin County Courthouse beginning at 9:00 am. . (B) Agenda for September 11, 2000 Bozeman School Oistrict Board meeting to be held in the Board Room of Willson School beginning at 7:00 pm. 09-11-2000 -- - 12 - (9) Draft Ordinance No. 15-, an emergency interim zoning ordinance, providing for a 6- month moratorium on submission and approval of all permits for any alteration to, or change in the . use of, any existing residential building or for any development which has the effect of displacing existing residential buildings within the city limits. Commissioner Smiley forwarded the following FYI items: 1) She questioned the letter to the editor regarding the City's signs. City Manager Johnson said he had asked staff, and no one had an answer right off the top of their head. Mayor Youngman replied the City needs to submit an answer, and she would like to know that answer when one is obtained. She noted the "Welcome to Bozeman" signs are on the public right of way. Assistant City Manager Brey stated there is a specific exemption from the code requirements because they are on the public right of way. 2) The March of Dimes event is Wednesday at noon; and she, Commissioner Brown, and Commissioner Kirchhoff will be working at that. 3) She expressed concern about Montana State University doing experiments on primates and dogs beginning this fall. She said she never thought she would have to deal with something like this in Bozeman. Mayor Youngman asked if the City has any authority over anything they do at the University. City Manager Johnson responded the City has a good relationship with MSU and is good partners with them, so the City is able to influence them to a certain degree. He suggested the City should investigate this first, and then decide on a course of action. 4) She stated she is supportive of a 45 mile per hour speed limit on the frontage road to Belgrade. Commissioner Brown submitted the following FYI item: 1) He asked if anyone was working on the management agreement for the senior center. He said he is getting heat from those people. City Manager Johnson replied that is not at the top of the attorneys' priority list. Commissioner Kirchhoff submitted the following during his FYI: 1) The Department of Energy . has been talking about wanting to bring 100 jobs to Bozeman through the Gallatin Development Corporation and Senator Conrad Burns. He is wondering if this is a project the Commission wants to send a letter on or not. The concern to him is that if the city gets 100 federal jobs, what are the consequences to the city; will this be a net gain or a net loss? Also, is this what the City envisions Gallatin Development Corporation doing for it? Commissioner Frost noted these people are coming with existing jobs. Commissioner Kirchhoff responded it is unclear at this time, but it appears 60 jobs will be transfers from other locations; the other 40 openings could be filled with city residents. Commissioner Brown stated this is like the US West proposal of several years ago, which did not happen. Commissioner Frost noted if they come, the City can't stop them. He doesn't feel this is something the Commission would want to encourage, though. Commissioner Smiley asked where they would locate, and Commissioner Kirchhoff said the talk is they will build a very high-security building. Commissioner Smiley then expressed concern that a federal building would not have to follow City codes. Mayor Youngman stated she, too, has reservations about this. While she doesn't think the Commission needs to do anything public, they will want to make sure legitimate City interests are addressed. She did note this would be an incredible asset to the University. Commissioner Smiley noted an influx of federal jobs could help this area, as they do bring in better wages. 2) He is getting phone calls from people living in the Gallatin Building regarding the Jacob's Crossing project. His understanding is the project is coming forward in late October. City Attorney Luwe replied Staff Attorney Cooper will now hand out Ordinance No. 15-, an emergency interim zoning ordinance, for Commission review and asked the Commissioners to respond with comments to Mr. Cooper by the end of this week. Assistant City Manager Brey offered the following FYI item: 1) He stated he has been . accosted by folks reading the articles appearing in the paper and asking why is the City doing this; how do they relate to one another; how are the problems created going to be addressed; how can we continue to encourage economic growth, increase tourism, and so forth without addressing the 09-11-2000 - 13 - attendant problems? Commissioner Frost noted a lot of these things the City has no control over. The master plan will not influence others decisions. Mr. Brey replied that will, however, be a . document the Commission can turn to to describe the vision for how all these things fit together, rather than dealing with them independently, as in a vacuum. These issues need to be flushed out from a policy standpoint, so they can be addressed in a joint manner. Mayor Youngman submitted the following FYI items: 1) She noted that during conversations with the neighborhood groups, code enforcement questions came up; and the City will be getting more and more of those questions. It occurred to her that it would be useful and neighborhood friendly to put together a brochure explaining the problems, who to call, and how the neighbors can help with enforcement. This could help improve the customer service image of the City. The danger is it invites more complaints, while the positive is it reduces calls to staff persons. The VISTAs could write a draft brochure which, after approval, could be copied on colored paper and included with the newsletter. She asked the City Attorney if that would be acceptable to the legal department, and if they would have time to review the brochure. City Attorney Luwe answered it will reduce their workload in the future if people know the appropriate authorities to contact. Assistant City Manager Brey noted this issue has been talked about before, and there are two actions this gesture could spawn - retaliation and/or anonymous complaints, and the need to determine the extent of enforcement at the very beginning. The Commission will need to decide if they want staff to pursue anonymous complaints. Mayor Youngman noted animal control violations is a big issue that needs to be included. All Commissioners agreed to the creation of an enforcement brochure for inclusion in the newsletter. Mayor Youngman requested the Commissioners e-mail her their list of issues to be included in the brochure. 2) The VISTAs will be interviewed by Ron Tschida, Bozeman Dai/y Chronic/e, in the next few days in preparation for a story regarding the neighborhood council idea. The Commissioners need to be prepared for questions and/or comments. Mayor Youngman feels the neighborhood councils . need to shape their own existence and come forward to the Commission with their ideas, rather than the Commission telling them what to do. All Commissioners agreed with that philosophy. Adiournment . 6:03 pm There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Kirchhoff, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost. Commissioner Kirchhoff, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Smiley, and Mayor Youngman; those voting No, none. ~(J A TTEST:_ -- ~_ MARCIA B. YOUN~Or - - (k'~ d~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN -- Clerk of the Commission PREPARED BY: e in-J...J... ) ~ 1J~a.*l tlll-U-A '\ KAREN L. DeLA THOWER - Deputy Clerk of the Commission 09-11-2000 ---