HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-26 Minutes, City Commission
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MINUTES OF THE AGENDA MEETING/WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
May 26, 1998
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. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in agenda meeting and work session in the
Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Tuesday, May 26, 1998, at 3:00 p.m. Present were
Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner
Youngman, City Manager Johnson, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan.
Agenda Meeting - for regular meeting and Dublic hearinas to be held on June 1. 1998
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.
. (3A) City Manager Johnson stated that he has received a request from Greg Kuhl for
permission to address the Commission at next Monday's meeting and indicated his intent to
add this item to the agenda.
(4) Planning Director Andy Epple gave a brief background on this application, on
behalf of Associate Planner Jody Olsen. ~e stated that under this preliminary plat, two lots will
be subdivided into three lots. The subject property is located along West Main Street,
immediately west of North 20th Avenue. He noted that staff was concerned about the impact
this proposal might have on the parking configuration for the existing structure on the site,
stating that a joint parking lot and shared driveway with the lot to the north may be necessary.
He stated that staff was also concerned about the size and configuration of the northernmost
lot, which has approximately 3,300 square feet of buildable area. He noted that staff is unable
. to support any variance request which might result from this proposed subdivision. He then
indicated that the Planning Board has conducted its public hearing on this application and,
following the hearing, forwarded a recommendation for approval.
Responding to the City Manager, the Planning Director stated that, hopefully, if a
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variance is sought for this lot in the future, the planner at that time will check this file and find
staff's concerns.
Commissioner Youngman suggested that, with the new computer software, it may be
possible to red flag this lot and identify staff's concerns about the potential of a variance
. request.
Mayor Stiff asked how much the Commission should be concerned about the traffic
these three businesses might generate, particularly in light of the current traffic volume on
North 20th Avenue and the problems that can currently be encountered at the intersections of
West Main Street and North 20th Avenue and West Beall Street and North 19th Avenue.
Director of Public Service Forbes stated that, from a practical standpoint, the square
footages of the three businesses will be limited, which should also limit the traffic volume
generated.
The Planning Director reminded the Commission that it may place a condition on
approval of this subdivision pertaining to traffic, possibly in the form of requiring the applicant
to provide a detailed traffic analysis.
. (5) The City Manager indicated that the Commission may wish to delay action on this
request until the budgeting process is undertaken.
(8a) The City Manager stated that, while these account balances are being written off,
efforts to collect them will continue.
Commissioner Rudberg noted that the write-offs cover a six-year period, and the total
represents a very small percentage of the amount billed.
(12) The City Manager stated the intent of this ordinance is to implement a
moratorium on personal service antennae until staff has had an opportunity to process a zone
code amendment regarding this type of facility. He noted that he has been approached by a
group seeking permission to install antennae in various locations, including on City property.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, City Attorney Luwe stated that this ordinance
. will not apply to the tower being requested by KMMS radio. He then noted that issues to be
considered are whether the Commission wishes to encourage all antennae to be located in one
area or spread throughout the community, the type of amenities needed to offset them, and
whether the antennae should be located on government facilities or on private facilities.
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( 13) Historic Preservation Officer Derek Strahn gave an overview of this project, which
includes the relocation of a very prominent historic structure and the construction of a new
residence in the BonTon District, which is considered the City's premier historic district. He
characterized this as the most significant historic preservation project he has reviewed because
. of its magnitude as well as the structure involved. He stated that, following review of the
application, staff has forwarded a recommendation of approval, subject to conditions; and the
Design Review Board will consider that recommendation at tomorrow's meeting.
The Historic Preservation Officer stated that the applicant plans to construct the new
house on essentially the same footprint as the existing house, which encroaches into the front
yard setback. He noted that the applicant wishes to use stone for the exterior, but is
concerned about the cost and proposes heavy stucco or wood as an alternative.
Mayor Stiff suggested the possibility of using manufactured stone to reduce the cost
of the exterior.
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(14) Historic Preservation Officer Strahn reviewed this application, which includes the
construction of an accessory dwelling unit above a new garage. He stated this is the second
. application for an ADU to be process, but the previous application was withdrawn after
Commission approval. He noted the applicant has agreed with the conditions recommended
by staff, but his attorney has forwarded a suggestion for revision to one of those conditions
because of the impact the condition, as written, might have on the title insurance. He indicated
that he has requested the proposed revision in writing and plans to forward it to the City
Attorney for review prior to next week's meeting.
(15) Historic Preservation Officer Strahn characterized this as a straight forward
application which staff supports, subject to conditions.
( 16) Senior Planner Dave Skelton briefly highlighted some of the items contained in
the staff report for this requested annexation. He stated that several of the issues in the staff
report were previously identified in the Valley West Annexation and the XL Annexation, and
. apply to this requested annexation as well.
The Senior Planner noted that staff was directed to investigate language regarding
affordable housing, to be included in all future annexation agreements. He then distributed a
memo, dated May 26, in which he forwarded an initial attempt at developing language to
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address this issue. He noted that some of the components and percentages will require policy
decisions by the Commission.
City Attorney Luwe suggested that the same procedure be followed for this annexation
as for the Valley West Annexation. He reminded the Commission that, following the public
. hearing, if the Commission wishes to annex the subject 419 acres, staff will come back with
a draft annexation agreement for Commission review and approval prior to forwarding it to the
applicant. He then noted that the draft language will provide for the development of an
affordable housing plan, in which the applicant can identify how this condition is to be met.
He noted there are different mechanisms for creating affordable housing, but under the
proposed language, 2 percent of the lots are to be donated to the Human Resources
Development Council land trust, to ensure that the affordability of those units is retained. He
stressed that those lots are to be the same size as the other lots in the development and are
to be interspersed throughout the development, not all located in one corner.
Mayor Stiff noted that the application material submitted over a month ago includes
some very interesting ideas for development of the property once it is annexed. He noted that
. those include the development of residential units at a density of six to seven units per acre
without the appearance of overcrowding, and that type of development could lend itself to
affordable units.
Senior Planner Skelton stressed the importance of leaving the requirement for affordable
housing units as open as possible, providing the applicant with flexibility in meeting the
requirement. He then cautioned that any revisions to infrastructure requirements in conjunction
with affordable units must be determined appropriate for the entire community. He noted that,
while he agrees with the concept of alleys and narrow streets within the development, staff
feels it is critical that the major roadways be developed to existing City standards.
The Senior Planner cautioned that the issue before the Commission at this time is
annexation; however, much of the testimony will probably revolve around the proposal that has
. been submitted. He also cautioned that some of the issues raised will be more appropriately
addressed during subdivision review and, with the type of language which staff has proposed
be included in the annexation agreement, that can be accomplished.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, the City Attorney stated that the annexation agreement is
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recorded at the Clerk and Recorder's Office, so any future developer of this property will be
aware of the requirements.
Commissioner Rudberg noted that, despite the proposed requirement that at least 15
percent of the houses built will be affordable, those units will lose their affordability with the
. first resale because of market levels. As a result, she noted that only truly affordable units
gained will be those constructed on the 2 percent of the lots donated to the HRDC land trust.
She then stated she feels it is best to work with people, not beat them over the head.
Responding to Commissioner Frost, City Attorney Luwe stated that whether the 15
percent of the units constructed as affordable units remain affordable will depend on the plan
and guidelines submitted by the applicant and approved by the Commission. He noted that if
grants or tax credits are used to develop affordable units, then the requirements of those
programs must be followed.
Further responding to Commissioner Frost, the City Attorney stated that the language
on the land donation could be changed from "same size lots" to "average size lots"; however,
he cautioned that the softer language could create problems in enforcement in the future.
. Responding to Planning Director Epple, the Commissioners concurred that they want
staff to bring back revised language under which the affordable units would be dispersed
throughout the development and providing that the lots donated will be a typical lot size.
(17) The Senior Planner stated that the Planning Board continued its public hearing on
this item.
Break - 4: 15 to 4:22 D.m.
Mayor Stiff declared a break from 4: 15 p.m. to 4:22 p.m. to allow the Commissioners
and staff an opportunity to relocate for the work session.
Roll Call. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
. The meeting was opened with the roll call, Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of
silence.
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Work Session - (A) Discussion re prooosals/recommendations submitted by Community
Affordable Housina Advisory Board at Mav 11 work session
(A) Discussion re proposals/recommendations submitted by Community
Affordable Housing Advisory Board at May 11 work session
City Manager Clark Johnson stated this item has been placed on the agenda at the
. Commission's direction. He reminded the Commissioners that, attached to the Board's
recommendation, forwarded in a letter dated May 5, was a letter from Homelands Development
Co., forwarding suggestions for reducing the costs of housing. He also noted that on the
second page of its letter, the Board has forwarded a recommendation for hiring of a consultant
to identify possible methods of reducing the cost of housing. He stated that, if the Commission
wishes, staff can forward its responses to the specific proposals submitted by Homelands
Development.
Director of Public Service Phill Forbes addressed each of the proposals submitted under
the "infrastructure" section in the letter from Homelands Development Co., L.L.C., dated May
1. He prefaced his comments by reminding the Commission that the infrastructure costs are
a small percentage of the overall costs of a home; however, the impacts of reduced standards
. on the infrastructure will be for a lifetime. He also encouraged the Commissioners to consider
all other components of the housing costs, not just the infrastructure.
City Manager Johnson reminded the Commissioners of Assistant City Manager Brey's
caution that some of the suggested relaxations might work alone, some might work in tandem
with others but not alone, and some may be inappropriate in a specific neighborhood or in
conjunction with other relaxations.
The Director of Public Service further reminded the Commission that the standards
which have been established are minimum standards, and care must be taken to ensure that
any relaxation of standards for affordable housing units does not result in sub-standard
developments just for affordable housing since the overall infrastructure of the community may
be impacted.
. Director of Public Service Forbes noted the first suggestion is that the width of
sidewalks be reduced from five feet to four feet, and recognized that as a viable option from
staff's viewpoint. He stated however, that the second suggestion for combination curb and
sidewalk is not an option from the staff's viewpoint. He noted the City has a policy that when
there is over four inches of snowfall, all publicly maintained streets within the City will be
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plowed on a priority basis. He recognized that if the City had a policy under which certain
streets in the community were not to be plowed, as suggested in the Homelands letter, curb
sidewalks might be considered a possibility along those streets. He characterized the issue of
sidewalks on one side of the street only as one which has been argued for as long as the
. sidewalk policy has been in place. He stated that, for a number of reasons, the requirement
for sidewalks on both sides of the street has been reaffirmed each time the issue is reviewed.
The Director of Public Service stated that rolled curbs have been used in a few of the
subdivisions in the community, including the New Hyalite View Subdivision and Westfield
Subdivision, Phase I. He noted that, as a general rule, the homeowners don't like them and,
from staff's viewpoint, they don't like to see people lay down a pipe and pour concrete over
it to create a better approach. He stated that, in fact, in some instances the homeowners have
removed the rolled curb and installed a standard driveway approach.
Director of Public Service Forbes turned his attention to the fifth suggestion, recognizing
that PVC pipe has been used for water pipes in some communities over the past thirty years.
He cautioned that the cost savings in using PVC pipe is dependent on the price of oil, and when
. the price of oil is high, the cost of PVC pipe is essentially the same as the cost of ductile iron
pipe. He then stated that, because of the high water pressures in Bozeman, he feels more
comfortable with ductile iron pipe than with PVC pipe.
The Director of Public Service noted that street widths have also been the topic of
numerous discussions through the years. He indicated that the Commission could consider the
proposed 31.foot-wide streets in 53-foot-wide rights-of.way only if alleys are incorporated into
the subdivision. He then commented that he feels the current standard street width in
Bozeman is workable and provides the width necessary for two driving lanes and two parking
lanes while accommodating snowplowing. He recognized that it doesn't snow twelve months
a year in Bozeman, but cautioned that the streets should be designed to accommodate those
months when it does snow. He also cautioned that a proposal will be coming before the
. Commission in which 18-foot-wide streets have been suggested, in conjunction with an alley
system, and he is not sure that is a workable option.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, the Director of Public Service stated some of
the streets in the older part of town are 30 feet to 32 feet in width, and the Street Department
incurs problems when trying to plow snow on those streets. He then noted that is some of
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those instances, parking is removed from one side of the street, and the results are entirely
different.
Director of Public Service Forbes noted the last suggestion is for periodic inspections
rather than continuous inspections. He stated that, particularly in times of high growth, it is
. difficult enough with continuous inspections to ensure that infrastructure is being installed in
accordance with the plans and specifications. He further cautioned that infrastructure has a
life of 70 to 100 years, and every effort must be made to ensure that it is properly installed.
The Director of Public Service then addressed the second item under the suggestions
regarding financing. He stated that at the present time, it seems that every engineering
consultant in the community is submitting drawings on behalf of private clients. He then
stressed the importance of having the City's Engineering staff carefully review those plans, to
ensure that they have been properly done. He cautioned that having an outside plan check
could result in a less comprehensive review, which could lead to future problems with the
infrastructure system.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, City Manager Johnson stressed the importance of ensuring
. that the City's infrastructure is not compromised with any possible relaxation of standards.
Director of Public Service Forbes stated that he has an implementation checklist from
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development listing several questions to be
answered when considering affordable housing issues. He then stressed that there are a
number of places to look for cost savings when considering affordable housing, and reiterated
his request that the Commissioners look at all areas and not just the infrastructure standards.
Commissioner Smiley requested that the Commissioners be provided a copy of the
checklist.
At Mayor Stiff's request, the Commissioners began reviewing the Community Affordable
Housing Advisory Board's recommendations, a page at a time.
Mayor Stiff stated that on the first page, he has concerns with the Board's comments
. that the housing developed to date is not interspersed throughout the community and that
developing affordable housing through grants and non-profits is time-consuming and expensive.
He stated that the housing units developed by the Human Resources Development Council and
Bozeman Interfaith Housing as well as those housing units developed under the tax credit
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program are will dispersed throughout the community. He also noted that those efforts have
generated a significant number of affordable units in recent years.
Commissioner Frost stated he feels it is important to have all of the players working
together to address this issue. He then noted that the Commission has previously directed staff
. to develop regulatory reforms to help address this issue, including the development of an
affordable housing planned unit development, and to date none of those steps has been
completed.
Commissioner Youngman noted that the key recommendation on Page 2 is the hiring
of a consultant, and suggested that the Commissioners may wish to talk about a slightly
different phasing from what is proposed. She reminded the Commissioners that the affordable
housing policy was adopted 3 % years ago and, since then, the only regulatory reform adopted
was the accessory dwelling unit provision. She noted that 2 % years ago, the Commission
agreed to hire a consultant to complete drafting of regulatory reforms but, after the proposals
were received, the Commission determined it did not want to spend the monies to proceed with
that project. She stated that, in the time since then, the City staff has not had time to draft
. any regulatory reforms under which the private building industry could become a more active
player in this program. She recognized that a couple of the Commissioners are uncomfortable
with the hiring of a consultant, but she questioned whether staff will get any time in the near
future to work on this issue.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Youngman stated she feels the community
has made a wonderful start toward addressing the affordable housing issue, but the latest
housing assessment revealed that 2/3 of the people in the community cannot afford to rent or
purchase the average home. She stated the most serious problem is for those in the 30 to 50-
percent of median income range, noting that regulatory reform and implementation of the
remainder of the affordable housing policy could help to solve the problem.
City Manager Johnson distributed to the Commissioners copies of the request for
. proposals to which Commissioner Youngman had referred. He noted that the City received two
proposals in response to this request and was in the process of negotiating with one of those
firms when the Commission voted to not fund the project. He stated that, while a specific
dollar amount had not yet been identified, it appeared the figure would be in the $9,000 to
$10,000 range.
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Commissioner Smiley stated that if the focus is to be on regulatory reform, then the City
needs someone who knows the language. She noted, however, that if that is not to be the
focus, then a task force should be considered instead.
Planning Director Epple stated that the Planning staff is a bit uncomfortable with trying
. to identify and develop regulatory reforms for affordable housing. He cautioned that none of
the planners has any experience or expertise in housing programs. He also noted that with the
current workload, staff does not have time to commit to the development of regulatory reforms
for Commission consideration.
Commissioner Rudberg stated she cannot believe that Bozeman is an island, noting that
many other communities, ranging from major cities to small metropolitan areas like Bozeman,
are encountering the same issues. She suggested that it may be better to contact some of the
other communities to determine how to best address the issue and to find out what does and
what does not work. She noted that those results will have to be considered in light of their
location and whether those communities have snow.
Mayor Stiff stated he feels the community has done a good job of addressing the
. affordable housing issue, noting that the law of supply and demand will also help to ensure that
more affordable units are available. He then indicated that his concern is for those teachers
and other working professionals who do not have the income necessary to purchase a home
in Bozeman. He also noted an interest in identifying how to address the mobile home park
issue. He then indicated that he does not support hiring a consultant.
Commissioner Youngman stated that the City has recently entered into 24 consultant
contracts for public works projects, for a total of $450,000/ noting that the work completed
under 17 of those contracts could have been done in-house if staff had the time. She noted
that each one of those contracts was unanimously approved by the Commission, and
questioned why affordable housing is different. She noted that if this work could have been
completed by volunteers or City staff, it would have been done by now. She stated, however,
. that with the current staffing and workload, staff will be unable to even consider addressing
this issue for quite some time. She then noted that, with the contemplated changes in the
annexation process, it is apparent the Commission feels the issue of affordable housing is not
being sufficiently addressed at the present time. She indicated that, while she supports the
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hiring of a consultant, she feels much of the work suggested under Phase I could be completed
by the Board.
Commissioner Smiley stated that, while she feels a consultant could assist in the
process, she does not want to see the City take a step backward while trying to bring a
. consultant up to speed. She suggested, instead, that a consultant could be hired to do
research and pull information together which the Board or a task force could use when
addressing the needs of the community.
Commissioner Frost stated that nothing has been accomplished on affordable housing
reforms in the past 4 + years, and the Commissioners now share concerns about how to
encourage the development of affordable housing on the 1,000 + acres of land which has been
recently annexed and not yet developed. He noted that if the Commission does not make any
regulatory changes now, those vacant properties will be developed over the next four to five
years with no additional affordable housing units being provided. He then indicated that a
consultant would not do all of the work on affordable housing issues, but would serve as an
organizer and a leader to move the process forward.
. Mayor Stiff noted that, as a result of the Board's presentation and concerns raised by
the Commission, the City staff has developed a proposed condition to be attached to
annexations to ensure that the affordable housing issue can be better addressed during the
subdivision and development processes. He also noted that one of those who submitted a
proposal during the previous RFP process is representing the 419 + -acre annexation which the
Commission will be considering next week, and the City will be able to benefit from his
knowledge at no cost through that annexation and development process. He then stressed that
he is 100 percent for affordable housing, but he does not feel there needs to be "a lot of
regulatory commotion" right now.
Commissioner Youngman expressed concern that under this proposal, an unlevel playing
field will be created because the developers of all future annexations will be required to provide
. affordable housing while the developers of the 1,000 acres which has just been annexed will
not be required to do so.
Following Commissioner discussion, Neighborhood Coordinator/Grants person Goehrung
suggested that the Commissioners individually review the request for proposals which the City
Manager has distributed, make any desired changes to the document and submit them back
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to him. He suggested that he could then redraft the RFP, based on those changes, and submit
it to the Commission for consideration. He suggested that a phased contract could be
established if the Commission decides to proceed with a consultant, and the project could then
be terminated at the end of any phase. The Commissioners concurred with the suggestion to
. consider a revised RFP during the work session on June 8.
Commissioner Rudberg questioned what the desired result of addressing the affordable
housing issue is to be and whether regulatory reforms or subsidized housing is to be used to
gain the desired result. She suggested that until those questions can be honestly answered,
the Commission is not in a position to move forward.
Commissioner Rudberg then stated that she is having problems with the proposed
condition to be added to future annexations. She also indicated she feels it is important to
provide incentives to builders, rather than mandating compliance through measures like
inclusionary zoning.
Commissioner Frost noted that Bozeman has been growing for the past nine years, with
a small amount of affordable units being provided. He stated his concern is for the working
. professionals in the community who cannot afford to buy a $125,000 to $130,000 home. He
then indicated that he feels the affordable rental units have been pretty well addressed,
although he is concerned that they are located in large units rather than being interspersed
throughout the community.
Mr. Tim Howard, Homelands Development Co., L.L.C., stated he came into the room
about midway through the Commission's discussion about the Deaconess annexation, and does
not understand some of the proposed requirements for land dedications and commitments to
development of affordable housing. He expressed concern that the cost of the lots, including
the land and the required improvements, for a subdivision recently approved by the Commission
is $5,700 higher than the going price of a lot today. He noted that if he is then required to
dedicate 15 percent of the lots for affordable housing, the cost will climb even higher.
. Mr. Howard stated he is trying to provide housing in the $90,000 to $100,000 range
within his development. He noted that it appears no one can provide a stick built home in that
price range, so he is considering the possibility of placing manufactured homes on permanent
foundations as a method of providing homes in that price range. He then cautioned that if the
Commission tries to force the market to provide affordable housing, development will move into
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the county or to Belgrade. He stated that to build a house in Bozeman is expensive, particularly
in light of the costs of materials and labor. He then encouraged the Commission to establish
a group of people from the community to analyze the issues and identify methods for lowering
the cost.
. Mr. Chuck Hinesley stated that he is currently constructing affordable housing units in
the North Meadows Subdivision, and those units will be available for sale within the next
couple of weeks. He stated that these units are condominiums, and 700-square-foot one-
bedroom units will cost $49,950, 1 ,OOO-square-foot two-bedroom units will cost $59,950, and
1 ,300-square-foot three-bedroom units will cost $69,950. He stated that, with a 10-percent
down payment, the monthly payments for principal and interest will range from $299 to $450
per month plus $50 per month for fees to the condominium association. He noted that if the
product is available and buyers purchase the product, then private builders can help to meet
the need.
Mr. Hinesley noted that some people have difficulty in qualifying for a loan because they
don't have the down payment, they don't have the income to support the payment, or they
. have credit problems. He suggested that the Commission could assist in providing affordable
housing by assessing the building permit fees and impact fees at the time the unit is occupied
instead of up front. He concluded by inviting the Commissioners to tour the model unit when
it is open.
Ms. Caren Roberty, Human Resource Development Council and staff person for the
Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board, stated the Board was not aware of the terms
of the Deaconess annexation, noting that if that information had been available, it probably
would have influenced their recommendations. She noted that today's conversation has once
again shown that, when considering regulatory issues, it is difficult to give up what one
believes is important or necessary. She recognized that if there are few things which the City
is willing to give, then a consultant will not be able to do anything.
. Ms. Roberty noted that Missoula obtained an $800,000 grant to write down the costs
of homes so they were affordable to those at 80 percent of median incomes. She stressed that
those in the 30-percent to 50-percent of median income range cannot afford to own a home.
She noted that in Bozeman, the $80,000 range is the limit on affordability for those in the
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80-percent range. She then indicated that the 24 affordable homes constructed by HRDC are
in the $60,000 range, and the last one was sold to a high school teacher.
Ms. Roberty then stated the Board's recommendation to intersperse affordable units
throughout the community is aimed more at single-family residences than at affordable
. apartment projects. She noted that, to date, most of the affordable units have been
constructed in projects instead of individually.
Mr. Del Bakke, Executive Director of the Southwest Montana Building Industry
Association, stated that members of the Association are willing to work with the City to
develop affordable housing projects. He noted that the Association has a significant amount
of data on this subject available to them through their national association, and they would be
willing to share that information with the Commission. He stated the building costs in Bozeman
are not significantly different from anywhere else in the country, with the only significant factor
being what is necessary to accommodate the climate. He suggested that if the zoning could
be revised to accommodate increased densities; then more affordable housing could possibly
be provided. He concluded by once again offering the expertise of the Association's
. membership.
Mayor Stiff thanked those who spoke at this meeting and requested that continued
discussion of this issue be placed on the June 8 agenda.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following
"For Your
Information" items.
(1 ) Letter from Katrina Kuntz, 518 North 17th Avenue, stating she does not feel a
jail should be constructed behind the Gallatin County Rest Home.
Commissioner Rudberg stated that she will forward this letter to the task force for a
response.
. (2) Memo from Commissioner Smiley, dated May 19, forwarding notes from the City-
County Planning Board meeting.
Commissioner Smiley stated that she prepared the notes so that the Commissioners
would have the information in a more timely manner.
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(3) Memo from Clerk of the Commission Sullivan, dated May 21, forwarding the
forms for the City Manager's upcoming evaluation.
(4) Letter from Joe Driskell, Alcohol & Drug Services of Gallatin County, to all
Stakeholders, dated May 19, providing an update on their program.
. (5 ) Invitation to attend the annual membership meeting of the Gallatin County
Council on Aging, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on May 28, at the Library.
(6) Invitation to attend an open house for the new Ag Center at the Gallatin County
Fairgrounds, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29.
(7) Copy of a letter from Engineering Aide Kerr, dated May 18, to property owners
regarding parking restrictions on Olive Street near South Tracy Avenue.
(8) Copy of a letter from Engineering Aide Kerr, dated May 15, to property owners
regarding parking restrictions on West Beall Street near North 10th Avenue.
(9) Memo from Clerk of the Commission Sullivan, dated May 26, forwarding an
invitation to attend the July 21 Planning Board meeting to listen to a presentation from the
County open space task force.
. (10) Letters of concern about the intersection of North 19th Avenue and West Beall
Street, particularly in light of the recent bicycle/car accident, as submitted by Cherie Newman,
415 South Church Avenue, dated May 21; Jessie Nelson, 9 Trails End Road, dated May 21;
and Kate Bryan, 1020 East Babcock Street, dated May 22, 1998.
(11 ) Revised calendar of work sessions and meetings for the budget for Fiscal Year
1998-1999.
Following discussion, the Commissioners eliminated the work session scheduled for
Thursday, May 28, so the first work session will be held on Tuesday, June 2.
City Manager Johnson announced that these work sessions will be conducted in the
Conference Room at the Professional Building. He then indicated that during the first work
session, the sections covered will be the transmittal letter and the financial summaries.
. Responding to Mayor Stiff, the City Manager stated that detailed information is
available, although it is not contained in the budget document which has been submitted to the
Commission. He indicated the information will be available at the work sessions as well as a
summary of the items not funded in the budget recommendations.
05-26-98
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( 12) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting which
was held at
10:00 a.m. today in the Conference Room at the Professional Building.
( 13) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held
at 3:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, May 27, in the Conference Room at the Professional Building.
. (14) Agenda for the County Commission meeting which was held at 1
:30 p.m. today
at the Gallatin County Courthouse.
( 15) City Manager Johnson submitted his weekly report, as follows.
(1) Attended the
development conference last week. He noted that he participated on a sub-group on affordable
housing and left with many questions, so he recognizes the Commission's struggle during
today's work session. (2) Attended a meeting with the Department of Environmental Quality
in Helena on Friday regarding the Bozeman Solvent Site. He stated this issue continues to
frustrate him, but he also recognizes that the Department has a tremendous workload.
(16) Commissioner Youngman submitted the following. (1) Stated that
she enjoyed
the growth conference, noting it provided valuable information and ideas on a number of issues
with which the community is currently grappling. (2) Attended the open house on water
. issues. She distributed copies of the two newsletters available at that meeting to the
Commissioners.
(17) Mayor Stiff stated that he attended both the morning and late
afternoon sessions
with the water consultants, and was disappointed at the public participation in the process.
( 18) Commissioner Smiley stated that she will be doing a lot
of things on mental
health this week and will keep the Commissioners apprised of those activities.
Adjournment - 5:50 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
e Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg
and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none.
05-26-98
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ATTEST: AL6 D M. STIFF, Mayor
. GJ~ cZ~J
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
.
.
05-26-98