HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-11 Minutes, City Commission
MINUTES OF THE AGENDA MEETING/WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
May 11, 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 Monday, May 11, 1998, at 3:00 p.m. Present were
Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner
Youngman, City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Brey, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk
of the Commission Sullivan.
Agenda Meeting - for reaular meeting and public hearinas to be held on May 18. 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.
(5 ) Associate Planner Chris Saunders gave a background report on this item,
indicating that it includes two twists, one pertaining to the possible use of impact fee credits
to address bottlenecks in the sewer mains downstream from the project and the other
pertaining to the strip of land located along the west edge of this subdivision, since it lies
within the County. He stated that the applicant is also seeking a variance to allow him to not
install the sidewalks in conjunction with the street improvements, but to install them in
conjunction with the development of each lot.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Associate Planner stated that the timing of
the installation of sidewalks was discussed at the Development Review Committee. He noted
that Acting Water/Sewer Superintendent Certalic expressed concern about the damage his
. equipment might do to sidewalks which had already been installed; and Chief Building Official
Poulsen indicated that an occupancy permit is now being required for all single-family dwellings,
which could be the process used to ensure that sidewalks are installed.
In response to the suggested alternative, City Attorney Luwe cautioned that if a final plat
has been submitted and approved and an improvement has not been installed or financially
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guaranteed, then it cannot be required. He further cautioned that financial guarantees
are
typically for one year or less. He reminded the Commissioners that, based on past history, if
a developer is not required to install sidewalks until the lot is developed, the Commission may
face the need to order in sidewalks under a sidewalk program at some time in the future.
. Responding to City Manager Johnson, City Engineer Brawner stated that water and
sewer lines are extended at least to the property line, which is located one foot inside the
sidewalk and, in those cases where there is an easement in the front yard, the service lines are
extended beyond the easement, so they are stubbed out at least thirteen or fourteen feet inside
the sidewalk.
Commissioner Smiley asked
for more information about Acting
Water/Sewer
Superintendent Certalic's concerns, so the Commission can make a more informed decision.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, City Attorney Luwe questioned whether the City
can require a property owner to install sidewalks prior to issuance of the occupancy permit if
the final plat has been filed without the sidewalks being installed.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, City Attorney Luwe stated there are several instances along
. the edges of the community where the property on both sides of the road may be inside city
limits but the road still remains in the county because the annexations did not extend to the
centerline of the roadway.
City Attorney Luwe cautioned that if the Commission approves the requested variance,
steps must be taken to ensure that the result is not a potential liability to the City because its
legislative immunity has been waived.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Associate Planner Saunders stated that this
subdivision is to be developed in five phases, with each phase estimated to take two to three
years to build out.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, the Associate Planner stated that once the draft capital
improvement programs for each of the impact fee funds have been officially adopted by the
. Commission, then the projects included in those programs become eligible for the impact fee
credit program.
Responding to Commissioner Smiley, the City Attorney reviewed the options available
to the Commission pertaining to the requested variance, which include denial, approval with
a financial guarantee required, approval with no financial guarantee required, or removal of the
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requirement altogether. He once again cautioned that some of those options carry with them
some liability issues which must be carefully weighed.
(6 and 7) Associate Planner Jody Olsen gave a brief overview for each of these
applications to allow the sale of beer and wine at existing restaurants under the new cabaret
. licenses.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Associate Planner stated that 72 square feet
of landscaping around the sign at the Burrito Shop is being required because that condition was
not fully met when the sign was installed under the Certificate of Appropriateness.
Further responding to Commissioner Rudberg, City Attorney Luwe stated that requiring
striping of the parking lot is appropriate because of the potential for additional traffic being
attracted to the site with the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, the Associate Planner characterized the window at the
Burrito Shop as a pick-up window, noting there are no facilities for drive through ordering. She
then stated that under the cabaret license, alcoholic beverages may not be passed through the
pick-up window for off-premises consumption.
. (8) Assistant Planning Director Arkell gave an overview of the project, stating that
the parking lot as proposed will cover approximately 90 feet by 175 feet at the northeast
corner of Centennial Park. She reminded the Commission that when the Senior Center
was
expanded a couple of years ago, the requirement for additional parking was met through an
agreement with the County, with the understanding that when the seniors had sufficient
monies, they would construct additional parking south of the building, in the park area. She
stated that the proposed parking area is to be located where the Parks Department has recently
installed a trash can on a concrete pad and a picnic table, also on a concrete pad. She stated
that no accessible parking spaces are proposed in this lot; rather, all of the accessible spaces
for the Senior Center are to be provided in the existing lot. She then indicated that this new
parking lot is to be available to users of the park and the ballfields as well as the Senior Center.
. She stated that if the Commission approves the proposed location of the parking lot, it will be
subject to the site plan review process and will not be submitted to the Commission for final
approval.
City Attorney Luwe cautioned that parking requirements for the park may require the
provision of disabled parking spaces and suggested that, even if they are not required, it may
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be appropriate to provide disabled spaces as a public accommodation issue.
( 15) Associate Planner Chris Saunders gave a brief overview of this requested zone
change, stating that the Planning Board is forwarding a recommendation for "R-2" instead of
the "R-3" requested by applicant, and the applicant has agreed with that recommendation.
. (9A) City Attorney Luwe distributed copies of a draft impact fee ordinance and
requested that it be added to next week's agenda. He reminded the Commission that this
ordinance implements the changes which Associate Planner Saunders presented a couple of
weeks ago. He then forwarded a change to the definition of "initiation of construction", noting
that this change results from a meeting of several staff members just prior to this meeting.
Break - 3:50 to 4:00 D.m.
Mayor Stiff declared a break from 3:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to allow the Commissioners
and staff an opportunity to relocate for the work session.
Roll Call. Pledae of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
. The meeting was opened with the roll call, Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of
silence.
Work Session - (A) Presentation from Chamber of Commerce re Convention and Visitors'
Bureau. bed tax fundina and marketina Droaram for FY1998-99 - David Smith and Racene
Freide; (B) Presentation re out-of-state travel (Rockv Mountain ChaDter of APWA) - Street
SUDerintendent Sicz and City Enaineer Brawner; (C) Presentation of recommendations from
Community Affordable Housing Advisorv Board; (D) ComDletion of City Commission budaet unit
for Fiscal Year 1998-99
(A) Presentation from Chamber of Commerce re Convention and Visitors'
Bureau, bed tax funding and marketing program for FY1998-99 - David Smith and
Racene Freide
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a letter from Mr. David Smith, dated May
6, forwarding the proposed budget and marketing plan for the Convention and Visitors' Bureau
. for the upcoming fiscal year. Distributed during the presentation were information sheets on
how the monies are expended and the economic impacts of tourism on Yellowstone Country.
Mr. David Smith, Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce,
reminded the Commission that approximately ten years ago, in response to the motel and hotel
industry, the State Legislature enacted legislation to implement a 4-percent accommodations
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tax, more commonly referred to as the "bed tax". He stated that this tax is imposed on all
forms of accommodations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, guest ranches and
campgrounds. He noted that when the tax was implemented, it generated approximately $4
million, last year it generated $9 Y2 million, and it is projected to generate $10 million in the
. state. He then reminded the Commission that last year, the Legislature committed $400,000
of these funds in each of the next four years toward the purchase of Virginia City and Nevada
City, a use which he believes is appropriate since it helps to protect the State's heritage and
promote tourism.
Mr. Smith stated that in the nine incorporated cities that meet certain criteria, 12 Y:z
percent of the revenues generated are remitted back to the municipalities and, in each of those
instances, the City has designated the Chamber of Commerce as the entity to receive those
funds. He noted that in Bozeman, the revenues average $60,000 to $65,000, and those
monies are used to promote conventions and attract visitors to the community.
Ms. Racene Freide, Director of the Convention and Visitors' Bureau, presented to the
Commission the marketing plan for the upcoming year. She stated that this plan has been
. developed by a group of people representing many different segments of the community, and
the plan is designed to promote Bozeman as a destination for tourists. She noted that
increased tourism during the summer will be sought, and efforts will be made to attract more
tourists during the fall, winter and spring.
Ms. Freide stated that the bureau will continue to market Bozeman as a convention and
meeting place, attracting groups from other areas and other states to hold their meetings in our
facilities and to stay and visit our outstanding attractions. She noted that the Bozeman area
will also be promoted for feature films, advertisements and photo shoots.
Ms. Freide stated that the bed tax is expected to generate $65,000 this year, and that
will be essentially matched by local monies. She noted that 63 percent of the monies will be
spent locally, mainly for administrative costs, supplies, printing and travel; 22 percent will be
. spent elsewhere in Montana; and 15 percent will be spent outside Montana.
Ms. Freide stated that the 4-percent bed tax generated $552,000 in Bozeman in 1996,
and the direct economic impact was just under $74 million. She noted that one of the Bureau's
goals was to promote growth and the double the collection of bed taxes and, over the past ten
years, the revenues have doubled so that goal has been met.
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Mr. David Smith stated that the 1997 figures reveal that Bozeman's bed tax collections
will be up 2 percent, while many of the other communities in Yellowstone Country will realize
a 4 percent increase and Big Sky will realize a 50 percent increase. He recognized that it is
important to once again protect this source of revenue in the upcoming legislative session. He
. noted that one anticipated bill in the next legislative session would earmark $300,000 to
$400,000 a year for assisting cities in underwriting bids. He stated this bill is in response to
Billings' need to subsidize the ABC National Bowling Tournament in 2002 in the amount of
$1.2 million. He suggested that this would be an appropriate use of the monies, since they are
being used to keep Montana communities competitive in promoting tourism.
Mr. Smith stated, however, that there will be continued attempts to raid the monies,
including an effort to put the bed tax monies into the general fund instead of an appropriated
fund. He noted that the Chamber will attempt to avert those efforts.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Rudberg, Mr. Smith stated he feels it is
important to be proactive and to approach the Legislature with a unified front. He suggested
that if the Chamber of Commerce and League of Cities were to cooperatively seek a 1 or 2-
. percent local option bed tax, it could be successful. He noted that those monies could be
earmarked for infrastructure needs. He also stated he feels that local communities should be
allowed to control their own destinies.
Further responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Mr. Smith confirmed that some motels
are slow in paying their bed tax collections to the State, and this can impact the quarterly
payments which the Chamber receives from the State. He stated that at this time, there is no
mechanism for ensuring that the payments are received in a timely manner.
The Commission thanked Mr. Smith and Ms. Freide for their presentation.
(B) Presentation re out-at-state travel (Rocky Mountain Chapter at APWA) -
Street Superintendent Sicz and City Engineer Brawner
Street Superintendent Roger Sicz stated that he and City Engineer Craig Brawner
. recently attended the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Public Works Association
meeting in Gillette, Wyoming. He noted the Rocky Mountain Chapter is comprised of Montana,
Wyoming and Idaho, and the annual spring conference rotates between the three states.
The Street Superintendent briefly highlighted some of the sessions pertaining to hiring
practices; selecting the right employee, not just the one with the most points; ADA; recycling;
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and stormwater regulations. He then stated that, as a board member, it is important for him
to continue traveling out of state to attend the board meetings and conferences, and asked for
support from management to allow him to continue that travel.
Street/Sanitation Superintendent Sicz concluded his presentation by presenting to the
. Commission the plaque from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the APW A for the 1997-1998
Outstanding Landfill of the Year. He stated that, as manager of the landfill, he was proud to
receive the plaque at the conference on behalf of the City. He noted that the award was made
based on Bozeman's new "Sub-title 0" landfill cell, its paved roads, its paved compost area,
its drop boxes for cars, and the two video cameras which have been installed for monitoring
the site.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Street/Sanitation Superintendent Sicz stated that
his crews collect over 35 tons of glass and 35 to 36 tons of cardboard weekly. He then
characterized the recycling program in Bozeman as a big success.
City Engineer Craig Brawner stated that he belongs to the local chapters of the American
Public Works Association, the American Waterworks Association and the Montana Association
. of Water Environment Federation, all of which provide valuable information. He also noted that
these organizations are very active in forwarding input on legislation, particularly at the federal
level, and he feels this is extremely important for the rural states.
(C) Presentation of recommendations from Community Affordable Housing
Advisory Board
Assistant Finance Director Peg Biekert stated that she, Berit Manion, Lisa Hardiman and
Tom Simkins are present as members of the Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board,
and Caren Roberty is present as the Board's staff member. She noted that, forwarded in the
Commissioners' packets, were a letter, dated May 5, forwarding the Board's recommendations
and a letter from Homelands Development Company, dated May 1, forwarding suggestions for
reducing the cost of homes.
. The Assistant Finance Director forwarded the Board's request that the City hire a
consultant, with the contract to be in phases. She stated that under Phase I, the consultant
would meet with housing industry professionals, hold educational meetings, and forward a list
of suggested reforms to the City; under Phase II, the consultant would work with the Board to
finalize the suggested reforms, and work with staff to gain their support for the reforms; and
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under Phase III, the consultant would prepare the necessary changes to the master plan and
the zone code, and develop educational materials for marketing of those reforms. She noted
the Board firmly believes that an outside consultant, with expertise in several areas, is needed
to move the affordable housing program forward successfully. She then stressed that
the
. Board does not want to see pockets of low-income housing in the community; rather, they
want to see affordable units interspersed throughout the community so that they blend in with
the rest of the area.
Ms. Caren Couch Roberty stressed the importance of bringing the entire community
along in the process, and ensuring that the consultant is not working in a vacuum. She noted
that this is important not only at the beginning of the process, but throughout the process, so
that any regulatory reforms implemented are accepted by everyone involved.
Ms. Roberty reminded the Commission that under the affordable housing policy, the
Board is to forward its recommendations for priorities for the upcoming fiscal year to the
Commission for review and approval. She stated that the three priorities identified for the
upcoming year are contained on the third page of their letter and include (1) using the
. Community Affordable Housing Fund monies for "bricks and mortar" and funding the consultant
and HRDC's administrative costs from other sources, (2) using the Fund for rental projects with
rents affordable to persons below 30 percent of the area median, and (3) targeting monies
toward lot ownership for lower-income mobile home owners.
Mayor Stiff noted that the affordable projects which have been constructed recently
have been interspersed throughout the community, with units being located on Durston Road,
West Babcock Street, Haggerty Lane and North 24th Avenue.
Ms. Roberty recognized that the affordable projects have been located in various parts
of the community. She noted, however, that each of those projects has contained many
affordable units, and under the Board's recommendations, one or two affordable homes would
be interspersed in a typical development instead of a larger building devoted to affordable units.
. Commissioner Rudberg stated the proposed type of development would be derived
through "inclusionary" zoning, which the task force did not support several years ago.
Ms. ROberty responded that inclusionary zoning would be the extreme circumstance
under which this type of development would occur, and suggested that many other alternatives
are available for accomplishing the same results. She suggested that, through savings
of
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$3,000 to $4,000 per dwelling unit, some more affordable units can be provided. She noted
that some of those savings could be derived through smaller lot sizes and smaller homes.
Commissioner Rudberg stated that she served on the task force. She noted that, after
the task force completed its report, the City Commission set aside $100,000 in taxpayer
. monies in each of two fiscal years to help address the affordable housing issues.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Rudberg, Ms. Roberty stated that the
balance in the two housing funds is approximately $70,000. She then indicated that
the
priorities established by the Commission will help guide the Board as it reviews applications for
use of those monies.
Responding to Commissioner Smiley, Ms. Roberty stated the consultant should be well
versed in a variety of disciplines, noting he or she should be someone who is knowledgeable
about zoning issues, and is "part architect, part engineer and part attorney". She characterized
the consultant as the driving force, ensuring that all steps taken are completed.
Responding to Commissioner Frost, Ms. Roberty recognized that it appears the first
phase for the consultant, as proposed by the Board, is the same as what was undertaken a few
. years ago. She stated, however, that the Board feels it is extremely important that the
community buy into the process, and suggested that this step could be much more abbreviated
than the previous process. She noted that many new people have moved into Bozeman over
the past three or four years, and they may have brought in new ideas that would enhance the
process.
Commissioner Rudberg stated that experience has revealed an optional policy for
providing affordable units is not generating the type of units desired; and legislative action is
needed to ensure that those units are provided. She then asked if the issue is low-income
housing, affordable housing or both.
Ms. Roberty responded that it is both. She stated it is very difficult to consider providing
home ownership for very low income families, so rental units are needed in that category. She
. recognized that affordable housing units are needed for those in the 65 percent of median
range, which is approximately $80,000 for the purchase of a home. She then indicated that
those who have recently sought tax credits are proposing to construct multi-family rental units
for low to moderate income persons.
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Commissioner Rudberg stated that she read with interest the letter from Homelands
Development. She forwarded her position that there are things which can be done to promote
the construction of affordable units; however, she feels that some of the suggestions in that
letter are inappropriate. She then suggested that the Commission seek input from the various
. department heads about the proposals, particularly since they could create problems in how the
City crews conduct their business. She recognized that some alternatives may be practical in
some parts of the country but not in Montana.
Commissioner Rudberg then stated that she "hates to buy consultants". She suggested
that, rather than take that approach, a task force comprised of people with expertise in various
fields in Bozeman be developed to address this issue. She noted that the Southwest Montana
Building Industry received a grant last year to look at this issue, and she feels the information
derived from that review could be beneficial.
Ms. Roberty stated that the Board has suggested a consultant be hired because that
individual could come into the community without an agenda and look at the situation
objectively. She further noted that people are reluctant to change, and it may take an unbiased
. person to encourage that change. She stressed that people in the community would be heavily
involved in the overall process.
At Commissioner Youngman's request, Ms. Julia Wertz, Montana People's Action,
distributed to the Commissioners copies of a report entitled The State of Montana's Housing,
as prepared by the Montana Housing Partnership.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, Ms. Roberty stated that 32 affordable units are now being
provided at the Arcadia Gardens development, and the Human Resources Development Council
will monitor the status of that project at whatever level the City directs.
The Commissioners thanked the Board for their recommendations and their presentation.
(D) Completion of City Commission budget unit for Fiscal Year 1998-99
City Manager Johnson stated that some outstanding issues remain on the City
. Commission's budget unit for the upcoming fiscal year and asked for some clear direction, so
he can proceed with completion of his recommendations. He noted that the new budget format
includes listings of performance measures and accomplishments in Fiscal Year 1998. He noted
that the Clerk of the Commission has identified some performance measures for her office, and
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suggested that the Commissioners may wish to identify some of their accomplishments in
Fiscal Year 1998 for inclusion in the budget document.
Mayor Stiff asked if there are sufficient monies under "Travel and Schools" to cover the
costs of the Clerk and Commissioners to attend the Montana League of Cities and Towns
. Convention, the Clerk to attend her in-state conferences and Commissioner Smiley to attend
the National League of Cities Congress of Cities. Following discussion, it was determined the
amount in "Travel and Schools" should remain as proposed.
Commissioner Youngman asked if monies should be added in this budget unit, or
possibly in another budget unit, to cover the costs of a consultant as proposed by the
Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
City Manager Johnson stated that, based on the response to the request for proposals
a couple of years ago, $10,000 would probably cover the costs of the consultant. He then
suggested that if the Commission chooses not to budget monies at this time, those costs could
be covered through a budget amendment during the year.
Commissioner Youngman stated she feels the issue of affordable housing has been
. sitting long enough and needs to be addressed.
Commissioner Smiley noted that the City currently has a part-time planner who has
experience working not only in Montana, but in Spain and Florida as well, and it may be
beneficial to use his expertise in this area.
Mayor Stiff stated he feels it is inappropriate to consider budgeting monies for affordable
housing at this time, especially since the Commissioners have just received the report and not
had an opportunity to discuss it. He forwarded his preference for incorporating it into the
budget at some time in the future if it is deemed appropriate.
Commissioner Smiley suggested that one hour of the next work session be set aside for
discussion of the affordable housing report.
Following discussion, City Manager Johnson indicated that at the next work session,
. staff members could provide responses on the pros and cons of each of the suggestions in the
recommendations from the Board and from Homelands Development. He then stated that if
the Commission wishes to make the affordable housing policy apriority, it must either select
an outside consultant or identify it as a top priority for City staff, recognizing that other projects
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will be delayed. The Commissioners concurred that this item should be placed on the May 26
work session.
City Manager Johnson stated he plans to present the preliminary budget to the
Commission at next Monday's meeting. He suggested that the same process be used in
. reviewing this document as was used last year, noting that the process may take slightly longer
because of the changed format and additional information in the budget document. He noted
that, since he would like to see the budget adopted by the end of June, the Commissioners will
be facing a number of special work sessions in June to complete the process.
Mayor Stiff questioned the need for the $10,000 for a computer system for a pilot
records storage/retrieval system and whether the Clerk of the Commission has adequate time
to set up such a system.
The City Manager stated that computer management of records is becoming an
important issue. He recognized that setting up the system will take time, but the benefits of
the system will be realized in the future.
Following discussion, a majority of the Commissioners indicated support for this item.
. Responding to Mayor Stiff, Commissioner Youngman suggested that if any donations
are received for the band this year, the City's contribution could be adjusted accordingly. She
proposed that the budgeted amount not be changed at this time.
Commissioner Smiley proposed that monies be added to the budget to change the shape
of the Commission desk and provide a better area for the Commissioners and staff to work
during the agenda meetings.
As a result of brief discussion, the Commissioners chose not to add monies to the
budget for this item.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission
the following "For Your
. Information" items.
( 1 ) Memo from Neighborhood Coordinator/GrantspersonJames Goehrung, dated May
5, forwarding a summary report of the fourth monitoring of the Arcadia Gardens project.
Commissioner Rudberg thanked staff for this information, and suggested that the City
wait no longer than six months to conduct its next monitoring of this project.
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(2) Copy of the notice regarding work to be completed
on South 19th Avenue
between West Babcock Street and 500 feet south of Kagy Boulevard, beginning Monday, May
11.
Commissioner Rudberg forwarded her thanks to staff for this notice.
. (3) Copy of the Tree Advisory Board minutes from their
meeting held on April 8,
1998.
(4) Copy of information from the Montana Water Quality
District mini-conference held
on March 25.
(5) Memo from the Montana League of Cities and Towns,
dated May 5, encouraging
cities to participate in the opportunity to draw local boundaries for the Year 2000 census areas.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Assistant City Manager Brey characterized this
as an invitation for local governments to become involved in the census process. He noted that
the Planning Director has been identified as the contact person in all of the local governments
where a local contact has been named.
(6) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting
to be held at 10:00 a.m.
. on Tuesday, May 12, in the Commission Room.
(7) Notice that there will be no Design Review Board
meeting on May 12 due to the
lack of agenda items.
(8) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held
at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday,
May 12, at the Courthouse.
(9) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as
follows. (1) Stated that he is
undertaking negotiations with the police and fire, in an interest-based bargaining process. (2)
Stated that staff is completing its work on the budget this week. (3) Noted that he
received
a request this past week that the second entrance to the Professional Building be opened and
a concern that it is difficult to find City staff in that building without a good map posted.
(4) Attended a luncheon sponsored by the Local Government Center at which representatives
. from the School District, the City, the County, Montana State University and the Chamber of
Commerce began discussing common issues for the upcoming legislative session. (5) Met with
a visiting Mayor from Brazil who was very interesting but with whom communication was
difficult.
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(10) Assistant City Manager Brey made some brief comments about the affordable
housing regulatory reform issues. He cautioned that from a regulatory standpoint, it is difficult
to view them in a broad brush approach, and that is the manner in which regulations must be
applied. He suggested, rather, that many of the issues identified in the letter from Homelands
. Development might be more appropriately considered on a site specific basis. He also noted
that the various elements must be considered individually as well as in tandem with other
items, noting that some elements may work best alone or may not work at all with another
element. He then reminded the Commission that the standards listed in the code are what have
been identified as the minimum standards for a development, and these concessions will result
in a lesser standard in certain instances.
(11 ) City Attorney Luwe suggested that the Commissioners consider imposing
affordable housing requirements at the time of annexation, noting that is the one step in the
process where the City has less statutory restrictions with which to comply. He stated that
several members of staff met last week to discuss the issue, and staff will meet a couple more
times before forwarding suggestions for Commission consideration.
. ( 12) Clerk of the Commission Sullivan stated that the second round of applications for
the position of Deputy Clerk of the Commission has closed and, to date, only one application
has been received.
( 13) Commissioner Frost stated that he was out of town last week. He noted that he
stayed at Ritzville, Washington, one night, and that small community had a pUblic television
channel.
(14) Commissioner Youngman submitted the following. (1) Stated her
support for
considering affordable housing issues in conjunction with annexation. (2) Stated that
last
week, she spoke to a couple high school senior government classes.
( 15) Mayor Stiff stated that he attended the Cemetery Board meeting last week, noting
it was well reported in the newspaper.
.
Adjournment - 5:55 D.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
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Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley
and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none.
~~/~
ALF M. STIFF, Mayor~
. ATTEST:
t?~ J~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of theCornmission
.
.
05-11-98