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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-27 Minutes, City Commission MINUTES OF THE AGENDA MEETING/WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA April 27, 1998 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in agenda meeting and work session in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, on Monday, April 27, 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 regular meetina and Dublic hearings to be held on Mav 4. 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. (4) The City Manager noted that this item is dependent on one of the work session items. (5 ) Commissioner Rudberg asked if staff will send a letter to alarm companies when this ordinance becomes effective. Staff Attorney Tim Cooper stated there are no actual alarm monitoring companies in Bozeman, rather, they are alarm installers. He then indicated that letters can easily be sent to those companies, noting there may be only one letter to send. (6) The City Manager noted that the bids will probably come in higher than originally anticipated because of the asbestos which has been identified, so a budget amendment will be needed. . Director of Public Service Phill Forbes recognized that the costs of the project have increased with the identification of asbestos; however, he suggested that it probably needs to be removed as soon as possible in this public facility. He then noted that since the old cell at the landfill has been closed and the new lined cell is now being used, there is no place for the 04-27-98 - 2 - asbestos materials in the City's landfill. He stated, as result, the old materials will probably be taken to the Logan landfill, further increasing the costs of the project. (10a) City Attorney Luwe stated the ordinance pertaining to parades and public assemblies that was recently adopted gives approval authority to the City Manager, so this item . will be removed from the agenda. ( 1 Oc) Commissioner Rudberg asked if the Montana Department of Transportation is required to approve closure of Main Street for a parade before the City departments review the application. The City Manager stated that the application will be circulated to all the reviewing departments at the same time, although he recognizes that a "no" from the MOOT could stop the event. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Staff Attorney Cooper stated the rules contained in the ordinance could be printed on a separate sheet that is given to those applying for a parade, public assembly or walk. Staff Attorney Cooper distributed to the Commission copies of the information he . received from the Street Department and the Police Department regarding the costs they have incurred for each of the parades this past year. He stated that the ordinance requires the upfront payment of costs and, as a result, the resolution will require revision to include a schedule of costs in Section 2. City Attorney Luwe asked for Commission input on the fees to be included in Section 1, suggesting that the input could be provided to his office by Wednesday. He then reminded the Commissioners that the fees in Section 1 are designed to cover the administrative costs of reviewing the application while the fees in Section 2 are designed to cover the costs of City services provided for the event. Commissioner Rudberg suggested that two different permit fees, based on time and space, be established in Section 1. She then proposed that those fees could be set at $35 for . walks and activities on the sidewalks and $100 for those events using the streets. Mayor Stiff expressed concern about the impacts these fees might have on parades and community events, noting that many of them are barely surviving financially at the present time. 04-27-98 - 3 - Commissioner Youngman noted the issue is whether the City wishes to subsidize or partially subsidize parades or not. She then suggested that the Commission invite public input before making a decision on this resolution. Commissioner Smiley cautioned that it is inappropriate to continue undervaluing the . City's services to the community. She suggested that identifying the actual costs and then making a conscious decision to absorb a portion or all of those costs is better than identifying costs at a lower level. Commissioner Youngman suggested that the costs of barricades, cones and signs be separated from the other costs in the schedule. She noted that those costs are not real costs to the City, while the equipment and manhours are. Responding to Commissioner Frost, Staff Attorney Cooper stated the same distinction can be made between the costs for parades and walks under Section 2 as is being proposed for the permit fee in Section 1. He once again asked the Commissioners to forward any suggestions they may have regarding the fees to his office. City Manager Johnson stated that, to accommodate those who wish to address the . Commission regarding this issue, he will move this agenda item to the evening session, as Item No. 14A. (10d&e) Mayor Stiff expressed concern about affordable housing, especially in light of how fast the proposed affordable housing in Harvest Creek Subdivision has slipped away. He then asked how quickly this issue can be addressed, to ensure that the intention to provide affordable housing is actually met. Senior Planner Dave Skelton stated that, in conjunction with this application for annexation, the applicant has filed an application for a master plan amendment to create a "traditional neighborhood development" land use designation, and an attendant zone code amendment pertaining to affordable housing could help to complete the regulatory provisions necessary to ensure that affordable housing is provided. . City Attorney Luwe suggested that the issue of affordable housing can be addressed in the annexation agreement. He cautioned that if it is not identified in the annexation agreement, then the Commission is bound by the subdivision laws when it considers preliminary plats for development of this property. 04-27-98 . -.---. -----..-...--- - 4 - Commissioner Frost noted that the options being discussed may address affordable housing on this particular parcel; however, there are 600 acres of annexed land for which subdivision or development proposals have not yet been submitted that will not be affected by these suggestions, including the Valley West Annexation and the XL Annexation. He stressed . that, while this specific annexation must be addressed, the bigger picture must also be add ressed. The City Attorney recommended that the Commission conduct the public hearing that will be established under these agenda items and then direct staff to prepare an annexation agreement, if they decide to annex the subject 422 acres. Senior Planner Skelton stated that, between now and the public hearing, staff will draft language for consideration during the public hearing. He then cautioned that staff is still awaiting the legal description for this parcel, so there is a possibility that it may be pulled from the agenda and rescheduled for a future date. (13) Assistant Planning Director Debbie Arkell gave an overview of the proposed amendments to the subdivision regulations, reminding the Commissioners that the need to . address parkland dedication requirements precipitated these amendments. She noted that, while addressing that issue, staff identified typographical errors and oversights in the previously adopted regulations, and they have also been included in these amendments. She also noted that the County Commission has updated its regulations, and those changes should also be included in the City's subdivision regulations so that both bodies have the same adopted regulations. The Assistant Planning Director stated that City Attorney Luwe has also provided a couple of additional changes, which are housekeeping in nature, and they will be forwarded for consideration at next week's public hearing. Break - 4:10 to 4:15 D.m. . Mayor Stiff declared a break from 4: 1 0 p.m. to 4: 15 p.m. to allow the Commissioners and staff an opportunity to relocate for the work session. 04-27-98 -.. - .-- -.---.. ...-------".-..--- - 5 - Roll Call. Pledge of Alleaiance and Moment of Silence The meeting was opened with the roll call, Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. . Work Session - (A) Review of Fire DeDartment Dolicies/Drocedures - Fire Chief Holst: (8) Review of Public Involvement Plan DreDared bv Woodward-Clvde for Sourdouah Creek Droiect - Director of Public Service Forbes: and (C) Review of imDact fee credit Droaram (A) Review of Fire Department policies/procedures - Fire Chief Holst Fire Chief Aaron Holst distributed an outline of the presentation entitled "We Were Lucky", regarding the fire at 140 East Main Street. He stated that, in light of that fire, in the building which houses the Western States Insurance Company, he felt it was important to provide the Commission with an update on the Fire Department's policies and procedures. He noted that this will be accomplished by reviewing this specific fire, the choices made by the firefighters and the results. Deputy Fire Chief Alan Scholes gave a quick overview of the fire, which the firefighters characterize as a major incident. He noted that there is a fine line between success . and failure; when the firefighters are successful, the public doesn't see what they've done; and when they are not successful, the result is "fairly spectacular". He characterized the subject building as a fairly typical downtown building, built just before the turn of the century as a masonry structure. He stated there are eight residences above the business, and the basement is connected to the adjacent buildings. He noted that in the entire block, there are five buildings housing ten or eleven businesses and 24 residences, not counting the upper floors of the US Bank. The Deputy Fire Chief gave a chronology of the fire, noting that at 12: 14 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, the Fire Department received a call reporting smoke somewhere in the building. He stated that the crews from both Station 1 and Station 2 responded, with three firefighters in each crew. Engine 1 arrived on the scene within three minutes, and Engine 2 . arrived one minute later. He noted that Acting Captain Tim Shearman determined an offensive fire attack would be the best approach, given the situation and the fact that six firefighters were present. Captain Dan Archer became the base commander at that point. He stated that seven minutes after arriving, Captain Archer upgraded the incident to a Level 1 mutual aid; however, because of technical problems with the 9-1-1 service, the call for support crews did 04-27-98 -------- --... ----..--. - .. ..---.. .-.-... --- ... -----..... --- .- - 6 - not go out. He noted, however, that since it was Saturday afternoon, several off-duty firefighters were downtown and gave their support. The Deputy Fire Chief stated that firefighters broke out the window to gain access to the building, and a three-man crew proceeded through the building to the back, where the . stairs access the basement. He noted that smoke was in the stairwell, indicating the fire was in the basement. He stated that when the firefighters entered the basement, flames were licking across the ceiling toward the stairwell and the fire was rapidly reaching flashover and ignition. He stated the fire was in the break room area and spread into the computer room. He stated that smoke went up through the chases, which are unobstructed from the basement to the second floor, and smoke spread into the adjacent business. Deputy Fire Chief Scholes stated that, because of the single access to the basement and the extent of the fire when the firefighters arrived, this was a significantly dangerous fire; and the firefighters did an excellent job of containing and extinguishing it. He then distributed pictures of the fire for the Commissioners to review. He stated that, because of the quick response and the fact that six firefighters were on duty, and because of the new equipment . recently purchased, the firefighters were successful. He noted that on Sundays and Mondays, there are only five firefighters on duty, and the results could have been different on one of those days. Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Chuck Winn stated that the firefighters try to learn from incidents like this. He indicated that incident command is a key component, noting that position is typically filled by a Deputy Chief or the Staff Captain. He noted that when one of the Deputy Chiefs in that position, the firefighters can devote their energies to fighting the fire. The Fire Marshal stated that water supply is a critical issue. He noted that the fire hydrants in the downtown area are some of the "more interesting hydrants in town", noting that in this instance, the firefighters were able to turn the hydrant on but could not turn it off. He suggested that if the Fire Department, the Water Superintendent and the Director of Public . Service work together on a more aggressive hydrant testing program, such problems could possibly be alleviated in the future. He recognized that the testing of hydrants can create turbulence in the water distribution system, which creates a different set of problems for the Water Department. He then stated that he and Director of Public Service Forbes have been working on a policy for temporary connections for sprinkler systems through the domestic 04-27-98 . .-...----- - 7 - water supply since the cost of a separate line for permanent connection is an additional $22,000 to $25,000. He recognized that approach is not the preferred but, if a sprinkler system had been in place in the building at 140 East Main Street, it would not have sustained $200,000 in damages. . Fire Marshal Winn stated that one of the positions in the Building Inspection Division has been converted to a Life/Safety Specialist position, and it is anticipated that position will be filled in the near future. He stated that with this position filled, some of the concerns about existing buildings can be identified before they become problems. The Fire Marshal stated that the firefighters have identified the need to work on pre- fire planning with the downtown community. He noted that under this program, the firefighters will tour each building and draw the floor plan, so they know how to address an emergency situation. He stated that this will increase the effectiveness of the firefighting operations and can improve the safety of firefighters because they are familiar with the structure. Responding to Commissioner Frost, Fire Marshal Winn stated that 90 to 95 percent of the time, one or two sprinkler heads will put a fire out with an average of 18 gallons of . water per minute. He stated that a typical domestic water line will supply the water needed in that type of situation, but it will not supply the entire system. He noted that the potential of addressing the need for dedicated water lines for fire sprinkler systems through the tax increment financing district was very exciting, but everyone is aware of what happened to that district as a result of the last legislative session. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Fire Marshal Winn stated that the Montana Department of Transportation has requirements for cutting Main Street that do not apply to City streets. He then stated that the businesses must get their water supply from Main Street, except for a few businesses that can get water from an adjacent side street. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Director of Public Service Forbes stated the water crews do not get to test as many hydrants as they would like on an annual basis, but . they test as many as possible. Responding to Mayor Stiff, the Fire Marshal stated that emergency calls have risen from 200 calls in 1984 to over 1300 calls in 1997, so the firefighters do not have the time to conduct annual inspections on businesses like they did in the past. He stated that at the present time, the department is concentrating its inspection efforts on bars, schools, and 04-27-98 ~ 8 ~ fraternities and sororities, and then attempt to inspect churches, but even those inspections have been very minimal in the past few years. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Fire Marshal stated that fire walls are an existing code requirement for basements. He noted that the lack of fire walls in the downtown . areas creates a dangerous situation that needs to be addressed. He then stated that the combining of the Fire Department and Building Inspection Division is one of the most exciting partnerships that has occurred recently. He noted that, with the combining of their files, identifying buildings with code deficiencies will be easier. He also stated that with the hiring of a Life Safety Inspector, it may be possible to begin inspecting commercial buildings in the community. He then indicated that the new computer aided dispatch center will have the capability of providing the floor plan for a fire call if the data has been gathered, loaded into the computer and updated; however, he cautioned that will require a substantial amount of staff time. Responding to Commissioner Frost, the Fire Marshal stated that there are five people on staff 66 percent of the time, and that is not adequate to fight a fire without backup. . Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Fire Marshal Winn stated that pre~fire planning should be conducted by the fire crews, so they are familiar with the buildings and can determine how to best fight a fire in the structure. He stated that this pre~fire planning requires a significant amount of training on fire behaviors and firefighting operations, and that background is typically found only in firefighters. The Commissioners thanked Fire Chief Holst, Deputy Fire Chief Scholes and Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Winn for their presentation. Break - 4:58 to 5:03 D.m. Mayor Stiff declared a break from 4:58 p.m. to 5:03 p.m., in accordance with Commission policy. . 04-27~98 -----------.--- .- - 9 - Work Session (continued) - (A) Review of Fire Deoartment oolicies/orocedures - Fire Chief Holst: (B) Review of Public Involvement Plan ore oared by Woodward-Clvde for Sourdouah Creek croiect - Director of Public Service Forbes: and (C) Review of imoact fee credit oroaram (B) Review of Public Involvement Plan prepared by Woodward-Clyde for Sourdough Creek project - Director of Public Service Forbes Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of the draft Sourdough Creek . Public Involvement Plan, dated January 1998. Director of Public Service Phill Forbes stated that the scope of the contract for the engineering component for this project is fairly narrow, noting that it looks at the feasibility of building a dam in the Sourdough Canyon. He noted that the public involvement is designed to identify and evaluate alternatives for water resources. He stated that the contract with Woodward-Clyde is for a project to be completed in approximately twelve months. He noted that public input is an important part of the process, and the document generated as a result of this project is to be used as the foundation for environmental review of any project in the future. He stated that once the document is completed, it is anticipated that it will be regularly updated and amended as necessary. . The Director of Public Service stated that the document is divided into four major sections, the introduction and community background, public input, public involvement plan, and broad spectrum task force. He noted that two newsletters have been proposed, and an open house is currently scheduled for May 18, with a second broad spectrum task force meeting to be held on May 19. Director of Public Service Forbes stated the purpose of this work session is to solicit comments and suggestions from the Commission prior to any public distribution of the plan. He stated that he and staff members have been through the document and identified some small housekeeping items that should be addressed. Responding to Mayor Stiff, the Director of Public Service stated that information generated prior to the time the consultant was selected was forwarded to the consultant as . background information for this project, and was designed to give a sense of community feeling. He characterized this as part of the public involvement process. Commissioner Youngman stated she has identified some little things in the plan that need to be corrected, noting that the history reflects some confusion about which groups 04-27-98 ___.n_.___._ __n.___. ____.....__ ----- -. .. -. -- _. .____n - 10 - sponsored which meetings. She also noted that the name of the local PBS television station was incorrectly listed. Commissioner Frost noted that, according to the survey responses listed in this document, 48 percent of the people had little or no knowledge of the water situation in e Bozeman. He expressed concern about this statistic, noting that means the City has quite an educational effort ahead of it. Commissioner Rudberg stated she feels the plan is well done and contains no surprises. Commissioner Youngman suggested scheduling a meeting with the Commission during the consultants' visit to Bozeman, rather than scheduling a trip later just to meet with the Commission. Director of Public Service Forbes stated that additional trips are being planned, including a field trip to the Sourdough Canyon in mid-July. The Director of Public Service stated he plans to forward any suggested changes to the consultant on Wednesday and asked that Commissioners provide their input to him prior . to that time. The Commissioners thanked the Director of Public Service for his presentation. (C) Review of impact fee credit program Associate Planner/Impact Fee Coordinator Chris Saunders stressed that the City's infrastructure needs cannot be addressed solely with impact fees. He noted that bonds, private financing, grants, paybacks and the City's general fund provide some alternatives for addressing the infrastructure needs; and repairs and maintenance must be funded through a mechanism other than impact fees. The Impact Fee Coordinator noted that, included in the packets, was a memo from him, dated April 22, outlining the issues to be covered in this discussion and forwarding handouts to illustrate some of the points. He noted that the items to be reviewed include the . existing codes, how a project qualifies for credits, proposed changes, and how credits are requested and calculated. The Impact Fee Coordinator noted that Chapter 3.24 of the Bozeman Municipal Code lays out the impact fee program, and Section 3.24.100 pertains to credits. He gave a brief overview of the subsections in that section, which pertain to what qualifies for credits, the 04-27-98 . _._.._._._.u..____ - 11 ~ mechanism for requesting those credits, how the work is valued, how credits are used, and alternatives for use of impact fee credits. He characterized the credit program as an equity issue, stating that if a developer installs infrastructure that benefits both his project and the larger community, that individual should be compensated for the portion which benefits the . larger community. He stated that some projects do not qualify for credits under any circumstances, if the improvements relate only to the project. He noted that in some instances, the excess sizing is incidental to the project and is, therefore, not subject to impact fees. He gave an example of that situation, noting that if calculations reveal an 8 Y2-inch sewer line is needed to serve a development, in reality a 10-inch sewer line must be installed because that is a standard size; and the excess capacity is not eligible for credits. He stated, however, that if the facilities plan calls for a 14-inch line and that is what the developer is required to install, the oversizing may be eligible for credits. He noted that, at the present time, paybacks and oversizing agreements are two mechanisms used for funding of those oversized iines. The Impact Fee Coordinator stated that, to be eligible for credits, a project must be listed on the Impact Fee Capital Improvement Program short list and identified as one of the . projects which the City proposes to fund through impact fees. He noted the timing for those projects is at the Commission's discretion, and that gives the Commission the ability to approve a developer's request for use of impact fee credits for a project that may be at the bottom of the list. He stated that staff has proposed the impact fee funds be kept in a positive balance over a five-year period, recognizing that there may be times when the balance becomes negative for a short period of time. Impact Fee Coordinator Saunders stated that under the proposed changes to this portion of the code, the manner in which impact fee credits is calculated will be changed. He noted that at the present time, credits are calculated on a unit basis. He reminded the Commission that during consideration of the StoneRidge Planned Unit Development and Harvest Creek Subdivision, part of the discussion revolved around credits on a dollar-for-dollar basis. . He noted that the dollar-for-dollar basis is much simpler than the manner in which credits are currently calculated, and the staff is generally supportive of the change. He stated the second proposed change pertains to when a request for credits must be made. He noted that the current language allows for a request for credits at quite some time in the future. He forwarded staff's suggestion that a request for credits must be made at the time of annexation or 04~27-98 ---....-...- .. ..... __..._._ un - 12 - installation of improvements, so that the balance of the impact fee funds can be more accurately projected and the Impact Fee Capital Improvement Programs more accurately identified. The Impact Fee Coordinator briefly reviewed some of the other proposed revisions to . the impact fee program, including clarifications on how projects are approved and how the balance of the impact fee program is maintained. He noted that under another proposed amendment, updates of the original fee studies would be incorporated into the program without requiring an amendment to the ordinance. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Impact Fee Coordinator stated that under the impact fee program, the Commission must review the entire program after three years. Further responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Impact Fee Coordinator stated that under the current code, a developer may ask for a credit up to the issuance of the first building permit, and that could be four years after a subdivision has been approved. He stated that this proposed change does not disadvantage the development community, but it does protect the City. . In response to Commissioner Rudberg, the Impact Fee Coordinator stated that impact fee monies must be spent within ten years of their receipt; and those monies are spent on a first-in, first-out basis. Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Impact Fee Coordinator Saunders stated that the proposed changes in calculating credits will eliminate the percentage issues which accompany the lower percentages at which impact fees are currently assessed. Responding to Mayor Stiff, the Impact Fee Coordinator stated that staff shares his concerns about the potential of the credit program bankrupting the impact fee funds. He stated, however, that moving toward a five-year balanced system helps to avoid that potential, noting that the Commission may amend the impact fee capital improvement program if it appears that there are more projects on the list than can be funded through impact fees. He . then indicated that the projected revenues for each impact fee fund will be estimated based on the percentages at which the fees are being assessed, so any changes in the percentages can be easily factored into the overall program. Assistant City Manager Brey stated that if the Commission is comfortable with the proposed changes, staff will prepare an ordinance for Commission consideration. 04-27-98 - 13 - The Commissioners indicated they are comfortable with the proposed changes and thanked Impact Fee Coordinator Saunders for the handouts and the presentation. Discussion - FYI Items . City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. ( 1 ) Letter from Alice Oblander, dated April 1 0, regarding the traffic situation on Durston Road. The City Manager asked if the Commission wants someone to respond to this letter. Director of Public Service Forbes reminded the Commission that this is not a new topic. He stated that the safety of pedestrians crossing Durston Road at the Rest Home and Legion Villa was included in the engineering contract with HKM for improvements to Durston Road. He noted that, unfortunately, that process has lengthened out more than originally anticipated, but staff has every intention of addressing the situation appropriately. He then stated that, as a personal observation, he has yet to see anyone actually crossing the street . at this location. Responding to Commissioner Frost, the Director of Public Service stated that this is the time of year when traffic counters are placed around the community, and he does not know if one has been installed on Durston Road. He then noted that the model in the Transportation Plan suggests that, with the extension of West Oak Street between North 7th Avenue and North 19th Avenue, traffic on Durston Road would decrease; however, he stated that he and City Engineer Brawner feel the full effects of that road extension will not be known until the eastward extension of West Oak Street from North 7th Avenue to North Rouse Avenue is completed. Commissioner Rudberg noted that one gentleman from the Legion Villa drives his wheelchair across the street and generally rides on the sidewalk on the south side of the street, e although there are times he drives his wheelchair down the westbound lane of the road. The Director of Public Service reminded the Commissioners that the warrants in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices may not be met for providing any traffic control beyond the existing striping and signage; and that is a situation that may not be deemed acceptable by those who live in these two facilities. 04-27-98 - 14 - (2) Copy of a letter from Frank and Joanne Elliott to the City-County Planning Board, dated April 21, regarding the bus barn, as forwarded by Commissioner Smiley. (3) Copy of a letter from the City-County Planning Board to the School Board of Trustees, dated April 23, regarding the Patterson Road bus barn proposal. . (4) Letter from Jim Caird requesting that a Cemetery Board meeting be scheduled for May 7. Mayor Stiff expressed concern that it appears the role of the Board needs to be clarified. (5) Copy of a letter from Ralph A. Olsen, 1602 West Kagy Boulevard, to the County Commissioners, dated April 20, regarding traffic on Kagy Boulevard. (6) Agenda for the Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board meeting scheduled for noon today in the Conference Room. (7) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, in the Commission Room. (8) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on . Tuesday, April 28, in the Commission Room. (9) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the Gallatin County Courthose. (10) City Manager Johnson submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Stated that, on behalf of the City, he accepted a certificate of appreciation from the Breakfast Optimists for the City's contribution to the Bozeman Ponds project. (2) Stated he has received a letter from TCI Cablevision of Montana indicating their intent to change the rates for basic service. The Commissioners requested copies of the letter. (11 ) Assistant City Manager Brey stated that he and City Manager Johnson attended the Greater Open Spaces City Management Association (GOSCMA) meeting last week. . ( 12) City Attorney Luwe stated that two weeks ago, he had a meeting with a member of a group proposing to place an initiative regarding impact fees on the ballot. He indicated that he will prepare his response to the petition and submit it to the County Clerk and Recorder. 04-27-98 ---..----. - ------.-------- -- - 15 - ( 13) Clerk of the Commission Sullivan stated that the Montana Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers Association (MMCT&FOA) Institute is being held in Billings this week, and she is scheduled to attend the last three days of it. She then indicated a willingness to drive back and forth and work in the office on Wednesday and Friday, if necessary. . Following a brief discussion, the Commissioners confirmed her attendance at the three-day seminar. (14) Commissioner Rudberg asked if the Pedestrian/Traffic Safety Committee, which is in the process of reorganizing, is seeking a temporary Commissioner Liaison since Street Superintendent Roger Sicz has indicated he no longer wishes to serve. Director of Public Service Phill Forbes stated that County Commissioner Bill Murdock has offered to help get the Committee started again. (15) Commissioner Frost submitted the following. (1) Attended the High School concert on Saturday night, and was impressed with their excellent performance. (2) Noted there was an article in last week's US News regarding who pays for growth. ( 16) Commissioner Youngman submitted the following. (1) Attended a number . of meetings last week, including the Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the banquet for international students. (2) Stated there is a group connected by electronic mail working on a mechanism for providing electronic information to the community. She characterized this as an exciting step in technology, with many valuable resource people in the community assisting in the project. She stated that in Bozeman, 25 percent of the people have their homes connected to the Internet, which is substantially higher than the national average. (3) Attended the RSVP dinner last night. (4) Participated in Clean Up Bozeman on Saturday and attended the barbecue which followed. ( 17) Mayor Stiff submitted the following. (1) Stated he was contacted by a firm from California who wants to interview the Mayors of the six largest cities in Montana. (2) Attended the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) dinner last night. (3) Met the . President of the Rose Bowl Parade and his wife during their visit to Bozeman. (18) Commissioner Smiley submitted the following. (1) Attended the activities at the Museum of the Rockies for the high school band. (2) Attended the Healthy Communities meeting at the Hospital. She noted the group wants to see what they can do to help create a mental health system in Gallatin County. (3) Stated she would like to know how many of the 04-27-98 -- --- - -- - 16 - 1,300 calls received by the Fire Department last year were emergency medical service (EMS) calls. She suggested that, depending on how many calls there were, it may be appropriate to consider establishing an EMT unit in the Fire Department. ( 19) Commissioner Smiley stated that she attended the Planning Board meeting . last week. She noted that she talked to them about using the microphones, since many of the members don't speak directly into them and, therefore, cannot be heard by other members or the public. She stated that the Planning Board members asked about the possibility of installing speakers behind the bench to improve the sound in the room. She stated that she also talked to the Board about the recent request for which it took staff six hours to prepare a response and suggested that the Board may wish to adopt a policy on handling this type of request in the future, to take some of the pressure off staff. (20) Commissioner Rudberg submitted the following. (1) Announced that a community meeting on planning and zoning jurisdiction in the donut area will be held on Thursday night. (2) Stated that the wife of the President of the Rose Bowl Parade was very surprised to see the high school band at the airport. (3) Stated that, based on the problems . with the crossing at North 19th Avenue and West Beall Street, students from the elementary schools are participating in a bumper sticker contest, and 1,000 of the successful stickers will be distributed in the community. (4) Stated that the information on budget management recently distributed to the Commissioners was excellent. She noted that this new process helps put the Commission back into making policy and allows staff to maintain responsibility for the day-to-day operations. Adiournment - 6:05 D.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 . Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. 04-27-98 - 17 . ~#~~; .~ ALFR M. S IFF, Mayor ATTEST: . GJk ./~~ ROBIN l. SULLIVAN '. Clerk of the Commission . . 04-27-98