HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-04 Minutes, City Commission
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
May 4, 1998
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. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room,
Municipal Building, Monday, May 4, 1998, at 3:00 p.m.
Present were Mayor Stiff,
Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Youngman, City Manager
Johnson, Assistant City Manager Brey, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission
Sullivan. Commissioner Frost was absent.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
None of the Commissioners requested that any of the Consent Items be removed for
discussion.
Authorize absence of Commissioner Frost from meeting. in comDliance with Section
7-3-4322(2), M.C.A.
. It was moved by Commissioner Smiley, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that the
absence of Commissioner Frost from this meeting be authorized in compliance with Section
7-3-4322(2), M.C.A. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye
being Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stiff;
those voting No, none.
Minutes - March 2. March 30. ADril 6. ADril 13. ADril 20 and April 27. 1998
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg. seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that
the minutes of the meetings of March 2, March 30 and April 13, 1998, be approved as
submitted. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:
those voting Aye being
Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley and Mayor Stiff; those
. voting No, none.
Mayor Stiff deferred action on the minutes of the meetings of April 6, April 20 and April
27 to a later date.
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Ordinance No. 1470 - adding ChaDter 8.05 to the Bozeman MuniciDal Code. establishing
reauirements for oDerational reliability and proDer use of security alarm systems
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Ordinance No. 1470, as approved
by the City Attorney, entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 1470
. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA. PROVIDING THAT THE BOZEMAN MUNICIPAL CODE BE AMENDED
BY ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 8.05, ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR
OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY AND PROPER USE OF SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS.
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Smiley, that
Ordinance No. 1470, establishing requirements for operational reliability and proper use of
security alarm systems, be provisionally adopted and that it be brought back in two weeks for
final adoption. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stiff; those
voting No, none.
Award bid for installation of new roof on the Bogert Pavilion - McLees. Inc.. Belarade. Montana
. M in the bid amount of $74.297.
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from Park Superintendent John
McNeil, dated April 30, 1998, with an attached note from Director of Public Service Phill
Forbes.
City Manager Clark Johnson reminded the Commissioners that when monies were
budgeted for reroofing of the Bogert Pavilion three years ago, the cost was estimated at
$35,000, and $21,000 remains budgeted for this project after beams were replaced. He noted
that, with the identification of asbestos in the existing roofing, the costs of the project have
risen dramatically, which means that a budget amendment will be required. The City Manager
stated the Bogert Pavilion is an important structure that is used by many different groups, and
reroofing it at this time is essential.
. City Manager Johnson noted that Park Superintendent McNeil has recommended that the
alternate be selected with the Hypalon membrane be used over the entire roof. He stated that
this material comes in a choice of colors, and gray and tan are available for the same price as
white. He noted that this material is also quite slick and will make it much more difficult for
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people to climb the roof, which has occurred with the asphalt shingles. He then forwarded his
recommendation that the Commission award the bid as proposed by the Park Superintendent.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, Park Superintendent John McNeil stated that the Hypalon has
a factory warranty of fifteen years, and it will be guaranteed against leaks for ten years. He
. noted that this type of roofing typically lasts much longer than the warranty period.
Responding to Commissioner Smiley, Director of Public Service Phi II Forbes suggested
that the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board be given the option of choosing between the gray
and the tan.
It was moved by Commissioner Smiley, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that the
Commission award the bid for reroofing of the Bogert Pavilion to Mclees, Inc., Belgrade,
Montana, in the bid amount of $74,297, with Hypalon membrane roofing to be installed over
the entire roof. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stiff; those
voting No, none.
. Pledged Securities as of March 31. 1998
In compliance with the provisions of Sections 7-6-201 to 7-6-212, Montana Code
Annotated, Commissioner Youngman and Commissioner Smiley have examined the receipts of
Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities held by the Director of Finance as security for City
funds deposited in Bozeman banks.
Commissioner Youngman reported that the inventory of Depository Bonds and Pledged
Securities was found to be in order.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that
the Commission approve the Pledged Securities as of March 31, 1998, listed as follows:
DEPOSITORY BONDS AND SECURITIES
MARCH 31, 1998
. RATE MATURITY
RECEIPT NO. TOTAL AMOUNT
FIRST SECURITY BANK - Bozeman
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
$ 1 00.000.00
TOT AL - First Security Bank - Bozeman
$ 100.000.00
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AMERICAN BANK - Bozeman
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
$ 100.000.00
Sub-total - FDIC
$ 100,000.00
Trusteed with American Bank, N.A.:
. Federal Home Loan Mtg. Corp. 7.00 OS/29/2001
182008801 $ 1,000,000.00
U.S. Treasury Note 7.125 10/15/1998
80768 200,000.00
U.S. Treasury Note 5.125 06/30/1998
163009416 1,000,000.00
Federal Home Loan Bank 5.45 02/25/2000
243001736 800.000.00
Sub.total - Trusteed bonds and securities
$ 3,000.000.00
TOTAL - American Bank - Bozeman
$ 3.100.000.00
This is to certify that we, the Commission of the City of Bozeman, in compliance with the
provisions of Section 7-6-207, M.C.A., have this day certified the receipts of the American
Bank, N.A., for the Depository Bonds held by the Director of Finance as security, for the
deposit for the City of Bozeman funds as of March 31, 1998, by the banks of Bozeman and
approve and accept the same.
ALFRED M. STIFF, Mayor
.
JOE N. FROST, Commissioner JOAN M. RUDBERG, Commissioner
SANDRA L. SMilEY, Commissioner MARCIA B. YOUNGMAN, Commissioner
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
Rudberg, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley and Mayor Stiff; those voting No,
none.
ADDointments to Tree Advisorv Board
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from Clerk of the Commission
. Sullivan, dated April 28, 1998, forwarding the list of applicants for the vacancies on the Tree
Advisory Board.
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Smiley, that the
Commission appoint Kirsten Forrester Emborg to replace Ken Baker, with a term to expire on
December 31, 1998, and appoint Frank F. Munshower to replace Fredrick Maxted, with a term
to expire on December 31, 1999. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those
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voting Aye being Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg and
Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none.
Discussion - FYI Items
e City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information"
items.
( 1 ) Memo from Daria Timmons, dated April 27, announcing that a Cemetery Board
meeting has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, in the Conference Room.
(2) Letter from TCI Cablevision of Montana to City Manager Johnson, dated April 20,
serving notice that their rates will be changing, effective June 1, 1998.
(3) Copy of a letter from Dr. Paula Butterfield, Superintendent of Schools, to Lonny
Walker, President of the City-County Planning Board, dated April 24, responding to the Planning
Board's letter regarding the location of a new bus barn.
(4) Information sheet on teens and tobacco.
(5) Copy of the Headwaters Recycling newsletter, announcing that the Board will meet
. at 9:30 a.m. on May 13, at the Gallatin County Courthouse, and at 10:00 a.m. on June 3, at
the Wheat Montana Bakery.
(6) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m.
on Tuesday, May 5, in the Commission Room.
(7) Agenda for the City-County Planning Board meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, May 5, in the Commission Room.
(8) Agenda for the County Commission meeting, to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday,
May 5, at the Gallatin County Courthouse.
(9) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows.
(1) Announced that
the Planning and Engineering Departments moved to their new building on Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday last week. He noted that, while they are still straightening out their
. offices, they are open for business. He stated that the Engineering Department will be located
on the main level while the Planning Department will be located in the basement and on the
upper level, all on the same end of the building. He indicated that all the telephone numbers
remain the same. He indicated that bids for remodeling of the building will be opened on May
12, and the project seems to have drawn Quite a bit of interest. (2) Stated that he attended
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a meeting today with representatives from MSU, the School District, Chamber of Commerce
and County Commission, sponsored by the Local Government Center. He stated that they are
beginning to identify common issues for the upcoming legislative session.
(10) Assistant City Manager Brey stated that two weeks ago, he and City Manager
. Johnson attended the Greater Open Spaces City Management Association (GOSCMA) meeting
in Vermillion, South Dakota. He noted that the organization takes advantage of this opportunity
to bring in professional training because of the distance from training centers. He stated that,
after the training which the City Manager has provided for top level management by a
professional who has focused on one area, it was easy to identify those who train hundreds
of people in many different facets. He then noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for
the City Managers from the rural states in this area to discuss a wide range of issues.
(11 ) City Attorney Luwe submitted the following. (1) Stated that the Supreme Court
decision in Dale A. Smith vs. State of Montana, Driver's Improvement Bureau has been handed
down, and it upheld the District Court's decision. He noted that this case pertains to a portable
breath test, and Staff Attorney was the prosecutor in the case. (2) Announced that about
a
. week ago, he received a check for $32,756 from USF&G and a check for $6,896 from Safeco
as their continuing contributions to the costs of the Bozeman Solvent Site. He noted that, to
date, the City has received $884,296 from insurance companies as their contributions to the
costs incurred in conjunction with the Solvent Site.
( 12) Clerk of the Commission Sullivan submitted the following.
(1) Attended the
Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) Conference in Great Falls on
March 19 and 20. (2) Attended the Montana Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers
Association (MMCT&FOA) Institute last week. She noted that Administrative Services Director
Gamradt and Planning Director Epple made presentations at the Institute, and the comments
from attendees were favorable. She stated that, between these two meetings, she gained
valuable information on records management and a records retention program. (3) Announced
. that second round of applications for the position of Deputy Clerk of the Commission closes
today.
( 13) Commissioner Youngman stated that, when returning from Minneapolis last night,
she witnessed a beautiful display of northern lights from the airplane.
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(14) Commissioner Smiley submitted the following. (1)
Stated that she and Mayor Stiff
attended a dinner for the Computer Pioneer Museum on Friday night. She stated that two local
gentlemen were recognized at the dinner. (2) Stated that the County Commissioners would
like to meet with the City Commissioners on a monthly basis, possibly at a breakfast or
. luncheon meeting, to develop better communication about shared projects.
( 15) Commissioner Rudberg submitted the following. (1) Attended the MSU President's
Roundtable meeting last week at the Conference Room of the new Bozeman Daily Chronicle
building. (2) Stated that this morning, she was honored to be asked to participate in
Dr.
Malone's evaluation. (3) Attended the meeting pertaining to the doughnut area at Sacajawea
Middle School last week. (4) Attended the banquet for the Ice Dogs hockey
team last
Wednesday night. She stated that she is always amazed at how big the arms of this
community are, and how they continue to stretch as the demand increases. She noted the
support has been beneficial for these young hockey players; and that support was recognized
during the games in Billings, even when the Ice Dogs were losing.
(16) Mayor Stiff submitted the following.
(1) Attended the awards dinner for the
. Computer Pioneer Museum on Friday evening, noting it was an impressive meal and an equally
impressive awards ceremony. (2) Attended the MSU President's Roundtable meeting
last
week. (3) Attended a meeting of the budget committee for the Health Board and the Water
Quality District last week.
Consent Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following Consent Items.
Commission Resolution No. 3233 - establishing license fees. Dermit fees and
decosit amounts for the animal control enforcement Drogram
COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 3233
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, ESTABLISHING
LICENSE FEES, PERMIT FEES AND DEPOSIT
. AMOUNTS FOR THE CITY OF BOZEMAN ANIMAL CONTROL ENFORCEMENT
PROGRAM.
Acknowledae receiDt of staff reDort for annexation of 419. 579-acre Darcel located
in the NEY-. and SEY-.. Section 8 and Section 17. T2S.
RGE. MPM (bounded
bv Ellis Road. Haaaertv Lane. Bozeman Trail Road. Kagv
Boulevard.
Hiahland Boulevard and New Hvalite View Subdivision) (Deaconess
Farmstead Annexation (A-9a02)
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Commission Resolution No. 3234 ~ intent to annex 419.579-acre parcel located
in the NE% and SE%. Section 8 and Section 17. T2S. RGE. MPM (bounded
by Ellis Road. Haaaerty Lane. Bozeman Trail Road. Kaay Boulevard.
Highland Boulevard and New Hyalite View Subdivision): set Dublic hearing
for June 1. 1998
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3234
. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, DECLARING IT TO BE THE INTENTION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
THE INHABITANTS THEREOF AND THE INHABITANTS OF TRACT OF LAND
CONTIGUOUS TO SAID CITY OF BOZEMAN, AND HEREIN MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED. TO EXTEND THE BOUNDARIES OF SAID CITY OF BOZEMAN SO AS
TO INCLUDE SAID CONTIGUOUS TRACT WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS
THEREOF.
Acknowledae receiot of apolication for annexation - Richard Maus ~ 1.616 acres
described as Lot 21. Gordon Mandeville State School Section Subdivision
(located 350 feet north of Griffin Drive along the east side of Meadow
Lane): refer to staff
Ratify City Attorney's sianature on Subordination Aareements for loans from
CDBG Revolving Loan Fund on Lots 11. 12 and 13. Block A. Beall's Second
Addition
Ratify City Manaaer's aODointments to Police Commission
Authorize Mayor to sian ~ Memorandum of Understandina for Comoosting
Feasibility and Imolementation Proiect
. Ratify City Manager's signature ~ Construction Agreement between Montana
Deoartment of Transoortation and City for North 19th Avenue Rest Areal
Visitors Center Proiect
Authorize Mayor to sign ~ Community Develooment Block Grant Contract
#MT~CDBG-97-HR-11 ~ between Montana Deoartment of Commerce and
the City (Bozeman Interfaith Housing II)
Authorize City Manaaer to sign - Aareement between Bozeman Interfaith Housina
II and the City re use of CBBG monies for construction of affordable rental
units
Authorize City Manager to sian ~ Professional Services Aareement with Gaston
Enaineering & Surveyina for the Northwest Water Line (SID No. 665)
Claims
It was moved by Commissioner Smiley, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, 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 Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner
Youngman and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none.
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Recess - 3:30 D.m.
Mayor Stiff declared a recess at 3:30 p.m., to reconvene at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose
of conducting the scheduled public hearings.
. Reconvene - 7:00 D.m.
Mayor Stiff reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of conducting the
scheduled public hearings.
Continued Dublic hearina - amendments to Bozeman Area Subdivision Reaulations to clarify
various sections. amend Darkland reauirements for subdivisions within city limits. amend flood
hazard evaluation Drocedures. add Gallatin County road imDact fee regulations and amend
Gallatin County fire Drotection impact fee regulation (P-9812)
This was the time and place set for the continued public hearing on amendments to the
Bozeman Area Subdivision Regulations, as proposed by the Bozeman City Commission under
Application No. P-9812, to clarify various sections, amend the parkland requirements for
subdivisions within city limits, amend the flood hazard evaluation procedures, add the Gallatin
. County road impact fee regulations and amend the Gallatin County fire protection impact fee
regulations.
Mayor Stiff reopened the continued public hearing.
Assistant Planning Director Debbie Arkell presented the staff report. She noted that the
City-County Planning Board conducted its pUblic hearing on these proposed amendments at its
April 21 meeting.
Following the public hearing, the
Planning Board forwarded a
recommendation for approval of the amendments, subject to minor modifications. She noted
that the recommendations forwarded at this time also reflect a couple of modifications
recommended by the City Attorney.
The Assistant Planning Director reviewed each of the proposed amendments, many of
which can be characterized as housekeeping and correcting typographical errors contained in
. the original document. She stated that the definition for "ordinary high water mark" is being
added, as it is referenced in the floodplain section of the regulations.
The Assistant Planning Director noted that the review procedure for major subdivisions
currently contains the requirement that the pre-application be reviewed within fifteen days of
submittal. Staff has proposed that no time period for review be established, rather, that those
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applications simply be processed in the order in which they are received. She stated that with
the timeline established for this process, subdivisions suddenly take precedence over zoning
applications, and staff feels it would be more appropriate to process applications in the order
in which they are received. She stated that the City-County Planning Board was uncomfortable
. with no time limit and established a thirty-day period for review under Section 16.1 0.050.F.;
and staff is comfortable with that recommendation. She noted that the Board took a similar
action on the proposed amendment pertaining to final plat applications, and established a forty-
five day review period in Section 16.1 0.070.E. The Board also established a thirty-day review
period in Section 16.12.020, and the staff is also comfortable with those recommendations.
Assistant Planning Director Arkell stated that under Section 16.14.030, staff is
recommending that large subdivisions be broken into blocks, which will make identification of
lots much easier. She then noted that under the amendment to Section 16.14.070, storm
sewer infrastructure is to be extended to the boundary line of the tract to be subdivided. She
stated that this requirement is currently included in the conditions for approval, and this
amendment is consistent with the requirement that water and sewer lines be extended to the
. boundary line, which are the subjects of the next two amendments.
The Assistant Planning Director stated that under the proposed amendments to Section
16.14.090, the statutory language for parkland dedication is included; and this amendment
helps to ensure that the appropriate amount of parkland dedication is required for all types of
development. She then indicated that the amendments to Sections 16.14.130, 16.16.010 and
16.16.070 and to Chapters 16.20, 16.22, 16.26, 16.30 and 16.38 and the addition of
Chapter 16.39 all pertain to changes in the County's portion of the subdivision regulations.
No one was present to speak in support of or in opposition to the proposed amendments
to the subdivision regulations.
Since there were no Commissioner objections, Mayor Stiff closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that
. the Commission approve the amendments to the Bozeman Area Subdivision Regulations, as
proposed by the Bozeman City Commission under Application No. P-9812, to clarify various
sections, amend the parkland requirements for subdivisions within city limits, amend the flood
hazard evaluation procedures, add the Gallatin County road impact fee regulations and amend
the Gallatin County fire protection impact fee regulations, as amended by the City-County
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Planning Board as revised by staff. The motion carried by the following Aye
and No vote:
those voting Aye being Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner
Smiley and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none.
. Public hearing - Zone MaD Amendment - Frank and Lois Armknecht - establish initial zoning of
"R-3" on .51-acre tract known as Lot 1. Block 2. Pleasant Vallev Subdivision (5 Vallev Drive)
(Z-9817)
This was the time and place set for the public hearing on the Zone Map Amendment, as
requested by Frank and Lois Armknecht under Application No. Z-9817, to establish an initial
zoning designation of "R-3", ResidentialnMedium-density, on the .51-acre tract known as Lot
1, Block 2, Pleasant Valley Subdivision. The property is more commonly known as 5 Valley
Drive.
Mayor Stiff opened the public hearing.
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Smiley, that the
public hearing be continued to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, to allow the Planning Board an
opportunity to conduct its public hearing on this zone map amendment and forward its
. recommendation for Commission consideration. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye
being Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley,
Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none.
Commission Resolution No. 3235 - establishina oermit fees and a schedule of service costs for
Darades and Dublic assemblies and adoptina a Dermit aDclication form
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Commission Resolution No. 3235,
as approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3235
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONT ANA, ESTABLISHING PERMIT FEES AND A SCHEDULE OF SERVICE COSTS
FOR PARADES AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, AND ADOPTING A PERMIT FORM.
. City Attorney Luwe reminded the Commissioners that they adopted Ordinance No. 1458
on March 2, 1998, establishing regulations for the conduct of parades and public assemblies,
and one of the sections of that ordinance established that fees would be set by resolution and
that those fees would include a non-refundable administrative fee as well as fees to cover the
cost of City services as identified in a schedule. He noted this resolution
does that by
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establishing a non-refundable permit fee of $35 for assemblies, fun runs, walks and other
activities which do not require the closure of streets and $100 for parades and other activities
which require the closure of streets and the attendant City services. He stated that the figures
contained in the second section were developed by Staff Attorney Cooper, with input from the
. Police Department and the Street Department. He noted that the third section contains the
permit application.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, the City Attorney stated that if not all of the services
identified and paid for under Section 2 are used, the applicant would be eligible for a refund.
He suggested that, through the combined efforts of the applicant and City staff, it should be
possible to estimate the amount of services needed for an event, thus reducing the need for
refunds.
At Mayor Stiff's request, City Attorney Luwe briefly reviewed the costs of parades for
the past year, as identified by the Street Department crews, which range from $400 to $700,
and reminded the Commission that the average cost for police officers is $220.
Responding to Mayor Stiff, City Manager Johnson stated he feels that the cost of City
. services can be estimated with accuracy. He then noted that, through the use of volunteers,
organizers of parades could keep their costs down.
Mr. Bert Hopeman, representing the Downtown Bozeman Association and the Downtown
Improvement District Board, noted that representatives from several different organizations are
present at this meeting. He expressed concern that this proposed resolution will actually create
a "user tax" on what can be considered a community event. He cautioned that this could result
in a loss of the standard parades and, thus, a loss of community.
Mr. Hopeman compared this proposal to some of his first lessons as a retail business
owner. He cautioned that creating stringent rules to address a very small percentage of abuse,
and losing good customer service for the majority of the customers in the process, is not a wise
business practice.
. Mr. Hopeman stated that parades are extremely important to any community, creating
a great community spirit, creating an excitement and producing a level of energy not typically
felt. He stressed that Bozeman is, fortunately, a vibrant community, and its community events
help to retain the vitality. He recognized that no activity financially supported by government
has the participation or support of 100 percent of those bearing the costs. He characterized
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this proposal as penalizing the good guys because of one event in the past five years, which
was a single issue parade that resulted in extraordinary costs to the City. He suggested that
an alternative would be to establish a maximum amount which the City will contribute toward
a parade, such as $1,000, with any costs above that amount being borne by the organizers of
. the parade. He stated that this approach would minimize the impacts on the typical parades
and would ensure that the City does not incur extraordinary costs.
Mr. Bert Hopeman noted that at the present time, the Taste of Bozeman and the
Christmas Stroll, which are two major events that close Main Street for an extended period of
time, pay the extraordinary police costs incurred. He
concluded by encouraging the
Commissioners to not impose the proposed parade fees or/ in the alternative, to implement a
nominal fee.
Mr. Rob Pertzborn, Chairman of the Sweet Pea Parade, raised several questions about
this resolution and how it might impact the Sweet Pea parade, particularly since the Sweet Pea
children's race is run immediately before the parade.
Mr. Pertzborn expressed concern that, based on the figures which have been provided
. by the Street Department and the Police Department, the cost of the parade permit would be
almost $1,300/ which is over his budget of $1,200 for the entire parade. He estimated that
last year's parade drew 10,000 participants and attendees, and he does not feel it is
appropriate for the City to impose such high fees that this type of activity.
Ms. Samantha Dabney, Bozeman High School Student Council, stated that the High
School Homecoming Parade is organized by the Student Council; and they do not have the
monies to pay the proposed fees. She noted that, while the Homecoming parade is small, it
is positive for the community. She concluded by encouraging the Commission to vote against
the proposed resolution.
Ms. Heidi Sherrick, Assistant Director of Alumni at Montana State University, stated that
the MSU Homecoming parade brings MSU and the community together and creates an energy
. and excitement before the football game. She stated it is a traditional part of the Bobcat
festivities and brings the alumni and visitors to the downtown area, where they can visit the
downtown businesses. She expressed concern that establishing a parade permit fee, especially
at the rates proposed, will have a negative impact on the parade and damage the relationship
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between MSU and the community. She concluded by asking the Commissioners to not approve
the proposed parade fees.
City Attorney Luwe stated that those one-time events which are costly to the City are
typically related to First Amendment issues. He then cautioned that to establish a maximum
. amount of City contribution toward parades and public assemblies could be construed as having
a discriminatory impact on those First Amendment issues and, as a result, be subject to legal
action.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Mr. Hopeman stated the Christmas Stroll paid
$949 to the City for security at last year's Stroll. He then recognized the Stroll is a major event
that closes Main Street for an entire evening and costs the City a significant amount of money,
and they feel it is important to contribute toward those costs. He voiced his concern about the
potential of eliminating parades with these fees, noting that parades bring a community
together and build community spirit and cohesiveness.
Commissioner Youngman asked about the application form, and suggested that it include
a line where the applicant can identify the level of City support he or she feels is needed for
. the parade.
City Attorney Luwe cautioned that the application form is for all activities which are
subject to the ordinance regulating parades and public assemblies. He indicated that a line
could be added to allow the applicant to provide any additional information, or the applicant has
the option of attaching whatever information he or she may feel is important. He then noted
that not many of the events subject to the provisions of the ordinance involve the closing of
streets.
Commissioner Youngman suggested that, if the fees in Section 2 remain in the
resolution, a delayed implementation date also be included, to allow parade organizers an
opportunity to incorporate those additional costs in their planning for future parades.
City Attorney Luwe stated the preferable way to accomplish that would be to leave the
. line items in the resolution and insert "no charge" in place of the figures listed. He noted that
the resolution would then meet the provisions of the ordinance and provide the framework for
the future addition of fees.
Mayor Stiff characterized the Taste of Bozeman and the Christmas Stroll as being in a
category of their own, noting that some people arrange their schedules to be in Bozeman for
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those events. He also noted that those events do make contributions to the City for the
services they receive. He stated that leaves the parades and the runs, which already use many
volunteers. He then suggested that the administrative fee should be adequate.
City Attorney Luwe reminded the Commissioners that, at the Commission's direction,
. the ordinance was drafted to provide that actual costs would be recovered. He then reiterated
that if the Commission does not wish to recover the costs, then under Section 2, the words
"no charge" should be inserted, and the resolution will still remain in compliance with the
ordinance. He then stressed that the issue of cost recovery is a policy decision, and the
alternative is to have the taxpayers of the community continue to support the costs of the
parades.
Commissioner Rudberg stated she has a problem with charging a rental fee over and over
again for something that has been paid for, like the barricades and cones, unless some of those
items have been destroyed and need to be replaced.
Commissioner Youngman stated her support for deleting the charges in Section 2 and
establishing a reasonable permit fee which covers the basic costs of processing the application.
. She characterized parades as among the most important community building events, and noted
that part of the City government's duties should be building a sense of community. On that
basis, she suggested that the City should consciously absorb the costs associated with
supporting parades.
Commissioner Smiley stated she had requested that staff provide the Commission with
the actual costs of the parades so that the community knows what the City has been
contributing to those events. She then indicated that she feels the costs in Section 2 should
be eliminated now that they have been identified.
Commissioner Rudberg recognized that the typical annual parades do not cost an
excessive amount to support, however, she expressed concern that the infrequent parades can
result in significant costs to the City. Because of those concerns, she indicating that she has
. some problems with eliminating the costs in Section 2.
Mayor Stiff recognized the importance of parades and community events like the Taste
of Bozeman and the Christmas Stroll. He also noted that times are changing, and that is often
reflected in how the City allocates its resources. He stated, however, that he does not believe
high school students should be asked to take time away from their academic duties and their
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athletic and music activities to raise funds to pay for parade fees. On that basis, he stated his
support for deleting the fees in Section 2 of the resolution.
Responding to Commissioner Smiley, City Attorney Luwe recommended that the
Commission not establish a limit on the costs which the City would cover in Section 2, with
. the excess costs being the responsibility of the parade organizers. He cautioned that, while it
appears on the surface that such a fee structure would be acceptable, some legal problems
could arise if it were contested.
It was moved by Commissioner Smiley, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that the
Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 3235, as revised by striking out the costs listed
for each item in Section 2 and replacing them with "no charge". The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner
Youngman and Mayor Stiff; those voting No being Commissioner Rudberg.
Adjournment - 8:22 C.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
. moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Smiley, that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being
Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stiff; those
voting No, none.
~~~
ALF M. STIFF, ayor
ATTEST:
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~Z~~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN.
Clerk of the Commission
.
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