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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-23 Minutes, City Commission MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING/SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA February 23, 1998 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session, agenda meeting and special meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, February 23, 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. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Signing of Notice of Soecial Meetina Each of the Commissioners, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting. . Consideration of reauests for suooort for aoolications for tax credits in coniunction with orovidina affordable housing units Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from Caren Couch, Housing Director for the Human Resource Development Council, forwarding a synopsis on each of the three applications received for the tax credit program. Those applications were submitted by Gerrard Corporation, for a 48-unit development; from Thomas Development Company for Castlebar Apartments, a 36-unit development; and from Farmhouse Partners for Comstock II, a 34-unit development. Distributed just prior to the Commission meeting were draft letters of support for the applications. Ms. Caren Couch stated that her memo forwards her evaluation of each of the three applications. She then indicated a willingness to respond to questions about a specific project or the tax credit program. . Responding to questions from Mayor Stiff, Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehrung stated the deadline for applications for the tax credit program is February 27. He noted that the Human Resource Development Council has worked closely with each of the applicants to ensure that the income levels are at a level that will benefit the community and to negotiate a longer term of affordability than is required under the program. He noted that 02-23-98 -----.--...-.. -.--.-.-- ----.--.-..--.... - 2 w the State puts emphasis on local community support, and bonus points can be gained through partnering with a local non-profit organization. Responding to questions from Commissioner Frost, Ms. Couch stated that ADA accessibility to the laundry facilities will need to be provided in conjunction with two of the . three projects. She then stated that storage facilities are provided in each of the three projects. She also noted that many nice amenities are proposed in each of the projects. City Manager Johnson noted that requests for affordable housing projects are received on a rather regular basis. He then asked if the Commission wants to see each of those projects in this type of format, or if they wish to take a different approach. He also questioned who is responsible for monitoring projects to ensure that the affordable housing units are being provided at the levels contained in the application. Ms. Caren Couch responded that the tax credit program is totally different from the bond issue program in which the City was previously involved. She stated that under the tax credit program, the City's role is to endorse the concept of the project. She noted that under each of these three applications, the developer has chosen to contract with HRDC for . assistance in preparing the application as well as for property management. She noted that under this arrangement, the HRDC will make sure of compliance with all regulations, and the Montana Board of Housing will also monitor the project to ensure compliance. She stated, as a result, the City will assume no liability. She characterized the industrial development revenue bond issue as being significantly different since the City sponsors those bonds. She then stated she is not prepared to address that mechanism at this time, but feels it should be addressed in a different forum. Responding to the City Manager, the Commissioners indicated a desire to continue reviewing and acting on each of the applications received, along with the evaluation prepared by the Human Resource Development Council. Responding to Mayor Stiff, Ms. Couch estimated that 77 affordable housing units . have been provided within the Bozeman city limits in the past few years, with 48 units being provided in Belgrade and 56 units in West Yellowstone. She recognized that, while these units have contributed toward addressing the housing needs in these communities, providing additional units is still important. 02-23-98 --- .. ------- ----.-- ---.- ---...-- ~ 3 - It was moved by Commissioner Smiley, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that the Commission authorize the Mayor to sign the letters of support for the three applications for tax credits in conjunction with providing affordable housing units. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Smiley, Commissioner . Rudberg, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. Agenda Meeting - for regular meetina and public hearinas to be held on March 2. 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. (6) The Commission reviewed the memo prepared by Staff Attorney Tim Cooper, in which he forwarded proposed changes to the animal control ordinance. Commissioner Rudberg raised several questions about some of the proposed . amendments to the ordinance. She asked who will be responsible for determining whether a dog is under voice control. She also expressed concern that the lack of a leash law could result in more nuisance animals, thus requiring the public to assume more responsibility for filing complaints with the Police Department. She further noted that some of the proposed changes appear to be more properly addressed in the agreement with the Humane Society rather than under this ordinance. She then asked if the agreement is to be reviewed in conjunction with the proposed amendments to the ordinance. Staff Attorney Cooper stated that the agreement with the Humane Society is a one~ year agreement which corresponds with the fiscal year. He then indicated that revising the agreement is not anticipated in conjunction with the consideration of this ordinance, although he recognizes that revision may be necessary in the next few months. . Commissioner Rudberg expressed concern about the proposed amendment to allow dogs to run free in parks, except where prohibited by resolution, stating she does not want to have a picnic lunch interrupted by a dog. Mayor Stiff noted that the 1997 annual police report shows that 51 percent of the 1799 complaints about animals involved animals at large and nuisance animals. He expressed 02-23-98 - 4 ~ concern that the proposed amendments, under which the leash requirements are limited, will only increase the burden on the Police Department. He also expressed concern that "voice control" means different things to different people, and that could lead to difficulties in enforcement. . Commissioner Youngman stated that in certain areas within a park, including picnic areas and playground areas, dogs would not be allowed off leash under the proposed amendments. She then indicated that her proposals for change are based on the input received during the previous public hearing. Mayor Stiff indicated an interest in receiving input from Animal Control Officer Lien on the proposed changes; Staff Attorney Cooper cautioned that she is on emergency medical leave and, therefore, is not available. Commissioner Frost characterized the proposed amendments as allowing responsible pet owners to be responsible. He noted that those who are irresponsible pet owners will continue to be, whether the ordinance changes are made or not. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Staff Attorney Cooper characterized the . existing animal control ordinance as being more absolute than the proposed ordinance, recognizing that if the new provisions are adopted, judgment in enforcement will be required. Commissioner Smiley stated she consistently sees dogs not on leashes but under voice command. She also noted that Recreation Superintendent Sue Harkin has indicated a desire to see dogs allowed to run free in some of the parks. She then forwarded her desire to see bags provided in those parks where dogs are allowed to run, so that the pet owners can more easily pick up after their animals. Commissioner Youngman suggested that the definition of "nuisance" be strengthened to include animals who jump up on people or who chase pedestrians or bicyclists, characterizing all of those as unacceptable behaviors. Staff Attorney Cooper reminded the Commission that under the existing nuisance . ordinance, the minimum fine for a nuisance animal is $100 and the maximum fine is $500 or banishment from city limits. Commissioner Youngman suggested that this proposed ordinance be considered in the evening session, to provide more opportunity for public comment. 02~23~98 -------.....----.. -..,. -...--..------.-.. - 5 - Commissioner Frost noted that one of the goals of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board is to do a park inventory and get pUblic input on how the parks should be used. He suggested that input should be sought at that time on whether dogs should be allowed to run free in each park. He then noted that the provisions of Section 12.26.030.J. need to be . retained and applied to those parks where dogs are not allowed to run free. Commissioner Rudberg expressed concern that under the proposed revisions, the length of the leash is not defined. Commissioner Frost noted that a dog "at heel" is typically no more than three feet from the handler. He suggested that an animal on a leash should be a similar distance from the handler. Following discussion, the Commissioners concurred that the length of the leash should be added back into the ordinance. The Commissioners also concurred that this item should be moved to the evening session, to allow the public a better opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions. (7) City Engineer Brawner reviewed the information contained in the packet. . He stated that the priority schedule has been slightly revised from the schedule submitted two years ago due to street improvement projects which have been undertaken. He noted that two different options for a sidewalk program for the upcoming construction season have been identified, based on the ranking and rating sheet developed in compliance with the sidewalk policy adopted in 1994. The City Engineer characterized the sidewalk program as "one of the larger problematic programs" to administer, noting it is difficult for both the community and the City. He reminded the Commission that in 1996, staff mailed out 270 + courtesy notices to property owners in the areas identified for possible sidewalk construction programs over the next three years. The City Engineer noted that the sidewalk list contains over $4 million in . improvements, and the two options for the 1998 sidewalk program total approximately $280,000 and $191,000. He stated that staff has also identified subdivisions in which sidewalks were required at the time a lot was developed or within three years of plat approval, and those three-year time limits have expired. He noted that the sidewalks not yet installed should be ordered in under this program, to meet that requirement. 02-23-98 _________._n___ .---.---...- --- - 6 - Responding to questions from Commissioner Rudberg, City Manager Johnson stated it will be easy to identify those properties in the newer subdivisions where sidewalks have not been installed because of the small amount of snow currently on the ground. Further responding to Commissioner Rudberg, staff reviewed the process of . establishing a sidewalk construction program. The City Attorney stressed that no public hearing is required under State statutes; however, the Commission has chosen to require a public hearing under its sidewalk policy. (8) Mr. Chris Boyd, Assistant Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, gave a brief history of the Main Street to the Mountains trail corridor system. He noted that a majority of the trail construction to date has been on the south side of town; and the Gallatin Valley Land Trust is now actively pursuing trail segments on the north side of the community. He stated that they have been working with Montana Rail Link since 1992 in an effort to gain authority to establish a trail along the 4,000-foot-long Story Mill spur line, which is no longer used for railroad purposes. Mr. Boyd stated that the Gallatin Valley Land Trust has obtained the funding to build . a trail along this railroad right-of-way, through grants from REI and the State of Montana. He stated that if the permission to construct this trail is not obtained in the near future, the State monies will need to be used for another trail project. He noted the railroad has indicated that the train tracks and ties are not to be removed; rather, the trail is to be established along the edge of the right-of-way. He also noted that the railroad bridge across Rocky Creek is unsafe for pedestrians and, rather than allowing that bridge to be improved, they are requiring that a new bridge be constructed. He then indicated his intent to contact the Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board and encourage them to include this trail in their bicycle route. Mr. Boyd recognized that some liability issues arise when considering the use or acquisition of old railroad property. He reminded the Commission, however, that the City has acquired the use of several pieces of railroad property, including the Gallagator Trail, a trail . easement along Bridger Drive and the old Buronepe property. Staff Attorney Tim Cooper stated that he has received a copy of the lease, and copies of that lease, along with a cover memo, will be included in next week's packets. He noted that the initial attempt was to obtain an easement for the trail, but Montana Rail Link felt a lease was needed. He stated that he has worked with representatives from Montana Rail Link on 02-23-98 ~ 7 - developing a lease that is acceptable to the City, and the lease agreement he now has appears to be the best possible compromise for the City. He noted that this agreement is to be used as the basis for agreements with other municipalities around the State, so its development has taken longer than it might have if it pertained to Bozeman only. . The Staff Attorney recognized that, by signing the lease, the City is exposed to risk. He noted that, while the City might acknowledge that it is responsible for something, it does not want to assume risk for everybody else. He noted that the lease payment is $1.00 per term, and the initial term is ten years with an option for two five-year renewals. He cautioned that if something under the ground is exposed because of its use as a trail, the City could incur some exposure. (10) (I&m) City Manager Johnson stated that the annexation agreement and resolution are not yet complete, but staff has listed it on the agenda in hopes of expediting the annexation of the Armknecht parcel. (h) The City Manager noted that the draft letter was placed on the Commissioners' desks just prior to this meeting. . Assistant City Manager Ron Brey responded to questions from Commissioner Youngman regarding wording contained in the letter. He then noted that since the City-County Planning Board has been involved in meetings with other planning jurisdictions in the County, they will understand the term "seamless planning boundary". He then recognized that while a "seamless boundary" is desirable in the comprehensive plan, it is absolutely necessary in the transportation plan. (14) Assistant Planning Director Arkell provided a brief overview of the zone map amendment, as requested by the Commission. She then indicated that the Planning Board has forwarded a recommendation for approval. Break - 4:35 to 4:40 D.m. . Mayor Stiff declared a break from 4:35 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., in accordance with Commission policy. 02-23-98 _____...__n__ ..._._..__ - 8 - Work Session - (A) Clarification of GIS modeling arant - Associate Planner Olsen; (B) City Commission budaet unit for Fiscal Year 1998-1999; (C) Discussion re Drocess for setting of aoals for Fiscal Year 1998-1999 (A) Clarification of GIS modeling grant - Associate Planner Olsen Planning Director Andy Epple noted that in her memo of February 2,1998, Associate . Planner Jody Olsen gave the Planning Board an update on the status of the GIS modeling grant for which his office has applied, and a copy of that memo was forwarded to the Commission. He noted that this program was discussed at length at the November 18, 1997, Planning Board meeting and briefly at the December 2 meeting. The Planning Director characterized this as an opportunity to enhance the long-range planning efforts currently being undertaken. He noted that the staff's preliminary draft of the grant application was submitted to State personnel and those individuals, who are involved in the grant program, added a significant amount of information to it, so that it meets the requirements for the State funding sources. He stated that additional information includes the reference to environmental issues and air quality issues. The Planning Director reminded the Commissioners that during one of the December . meetings, they were briefly apprised of this application, and no new information is available at this time. Planning Director Epple acknowledged that staff may have overstepped its bounds in its enthusiasm during preparation of the application. He noted that the Valley West Annexation had just been completed when the application was prepared, and staff was well aware of the significant amount of pUblic discussion revolving around determining the costs associated with developing areas like that. He recognizes, however, that the application possibly reflects an overstatement of the Commission's support for this program. The Planning Director stated that the Planning Office has had a GIS program for approximately 1 Y:z years, but it has been used primarily for mapping projects. He stated that receiving this grant would give the staff an opportunity to use the GIS for analytical purposes, . not just for mapping, and thus could become a very useful tool for the staff. He then noted that Associate Planner Olsen is the staff person who has been working with the GIS, and she has been taking higher education courses in GIS to enhance her knowledge and capabilities. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Planning Director stated that the mid- December draft of the application is the same as the grant application submitted to the State. 02-23-98 ..--.- ....-.-.. .--..--.-. - 9 - He indicated that the grant is to be funded either through the Department of Energy or the Department of Environmental Sciences through monies from the Environmental Protection Agency. Planning Director Epple stated that SmartPlaces is the program that was developed . in conjunction with the Stapleton Airport redevelopment project in Denver. Associate Planner Jody Olsen gave some background on the project. She noted that the Planning Office was approached by a graduate student from MSU, looking for a project through which he could gain experience and knowledge. She noted that at approximately the same time, the office was approached by people from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality about a pilot study involving funding, with the project to be created by the Planning Office. She stated that the GIS project was the big issue at the time and was, therefore, the project selected. Planning Director Epple stated that under this project. the City will receive the software and technical assistance in using it. The software will also be customized to his department's needs and, in turn, the Planning Office is to develop a model that is applicable . throughout the northern Rockies region. Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Planning Director stated that in the grant application, it was important to identify a cross-section of interests and organizations in the community that will be providing input during the project. He recognized that listing specific groups may not have been as appropriate as simply stating that the Planning Board would use its current public participation process to assist in the process. The Commission thanked the Planning Director and Associate Planner for their presentation. (B) City Commission budget unit for Fiscal Year 1998-1999 Clerk of the Commission Sullivan briefly reviewed the draft budget for the City Commission budget unit which she had prepared as a basis from which to begin discussion. . She stated that the amount proposed for salaries includes a $20 per month increase for Commissioners, in anticipation of the possibility of the Commission adopting an ordinance. She reminded the Commissioners that their last increase was effective July 1, 1996. S he noted that the remainder of the budget is essentially based on historical data. 02-23-98 -.-....----- - - 10 - Commissioner Frost stated that, in light of discussions during last year's budgeting process, he had anticipated that the City's contribution to the band concerts would decline. He also asked if the City has received a request for funding from GalaVan, or if the figure is based on last year's contribution; the Clerk responded that it is based on last year's . contribution. Commissioner Youngman suggested that monies be added into travel and schools for one of the Commissioners to attend the National League of Cities Congress of Cities this year. Mayor Stiff stated he is concerned about the amount proposed for travel, particularly the estimated $2,200 for the Clerk's attendance at the International Institute of Municipal Clerks annual conference. He then stated it was his impression that when this item was deleted from last year's budget, it would be an on-going deletion. Commissioner Rudberg forwarded her concurrence with the Mayor's concerns, questioning what benefit the City gains. Clerk of the Commission Sullivan stated that when former Mayor Stueck approached her about eliminating the IIMC conference from this year's budget, it was with the commitment . that it would be funded in the upcoming year. She recognized that this agreement does not commit the current Commission to funding the request. She then stated that the benefits to the City cannot be easily measured; however, she stressed that attendance at this type of conference does provide her with the tools to do her job better. Commissioner Rudberg asked about updating of the City code, noting that the historical data reveals it has not been updated every year. Clerk of the Commission Sullivan responded that she tries to get the code updated every year, although that is not always accomplished. She then stated that the ordinances for the next update have been recently forwarded to the codifiers, and she anticipates an update during the next fiscal year as well. Responding to questions from Assistant City Manager Ron Brey, the Clerk stated that . she has the software to put the code in electronic format, and she will seek quotes on the cost of getting the code on disc so it can be put on the intranet and possibly the internet in the future. Commissioner Rudberg asked the Clerk of the Commission to obtain a copy of GalaVan's 990 prior to making a decision on the possibility of contributing to that program. 02-23-98 - 11 - She expressed concern about making a $15,000 contribution to that program from City taxpayer monies, particularly when the City already contributes almost $30,000 to operation of the senior center on an annual basis and City taxpayers contribute $31,566 to senior services through their County taxes. . Commissioner Rudberg then stated she feels the $3,000 budgeted for board requests is excessive, particularly when the actual expenditures have been under $400 in each of the past three years. Mayor Stiff asked if the Commissioners wish to consider an increase in their salaries for the upcoming fiscal year. Following discussion, the Commissioners concurred that their salaries should not be increased. The Commission requested that this item be placed on the March 9 work session for further discussion. In the meantime, the Clerk is to obtain the 990 from GalaVan, provide additional information to the Commission regarding the IIMC conference and the NLC Congress of Cities. Commissioner Youngman is to assist the Band Board in an attempt to obtain alternative financing for a portion of the City's contribution toward their summer concerts. . (C) Discussion re process for setting of goals for Fiscal Year 1998-1999 City Manager Clark Johnson stated that, as the Commission begins its annual goal setting process, he feels it is important to provide an update on staff's thinking. He noted that staff has been meeting to improve its leadership skills and build a team whose purpose is to enhance the quality of life in Bozeman by providing excellence in government services. He noted that, in conjunction with the change in management, staff is working toward better decisions for both the customer and the organization. The City Manager noted that in the past, the Commission has set the goals and they have then been interpreted by the City Manager, who has assigned the work. He noted that through the budget process, decisions have been made about the specific tools made available to the work force, which can be characterized as managing inputs. . City Manager Johnson forwarded his interest in concentrating on excellence in products and services by improving how the work gets done instead of what is done. He noted that under this proposal, the City Manager's job is to help people do the best job possible and to eliminate barriers whenever possible. 02-23-98 . n_.'.___.._n._ ,.____ n. .._no __.._. - 12 - The City Manager noted that in recent weeks, staff has been studying and learning about organizational vision, mission, values, goals, objectives and tasks. During those meetings, the staff has defined its vision as "Bozeman, Montana: the most liveable place" and its mission as "to enhance the quality of life through excellence in public service". He noted . that seven overarching goals have been identified. He stressed that these have not been listed in any type of priority order and there is no intent to do so. He characterized these overarching goals as static, with little to no change anticipated from one year to the next, from one administrator to the next or from one Commission to the next. He noted that at this time, staff is seeking overall direction from the Commission, with that input serving as a guide in identifying the activities that will support the overarching goals during the upcoming fiscal year. Clerk of the Commission Sullivan asked how the Commission wishes to proceed with its goal setting process for the upcoming fiscal year. She then reminded the Commission of the process which has been followed in the past and asked if they wish to follow that same process this year or revise it in light of the management changes. Commissioner Youngman noted that in the past, the Commissioners have received . staff input on its goals for the upcoming fiscal year prior to them developing their own goals. She then stated that, personally, she would like to be supportive of staff's efforts. City Manager Johnson noted that staff is currently working on budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year. He stated that, with the change in emphasis from inputs to outcomes, the process is much more difficult that it has been in past years. He noted, as a result, the staff will be unable to develop the information being requested for a few weeks. Assistant City Manager Brey noted that identifying outcomes will be much easier in some of the City departments than in others. He then noted that as staff works through the new process, it is easy to identify the interconnectiveness of the departments, and that new sense can then be applied through the budgetary process. He then cautioned that this is a significant change that will not occur overnight, but will be a slow and difficult process. . Mayor Stiff characterized the overarching goals as the things that Commissioners "buy into" when they run for office and things for which the City is legally responsible. He stated, however, that he feels the Commission needs input from staff before proceeding with its goal setting. 02-23-98 - 13 - Commissioner Frost concurred that the Commission needs communication from staff prior to setting goals for the upcoming fiscal year, noting "we're all in the boat together". He then stated his support for the overarching goals identified by staff, stating that he feels the listings unveiled in the City Manager's presentation should remain on the wall. He then asked . how he, as an elected official, can support staff in meeting these goals. Commissioner Youngman noted that the Commission has not provided for public input during its goal setting process, and she feels the public's priorities are important. She suggested that while that component probably cannot be factored into this year's process due to timing, it should be considered in another year. She noted that the survey conducted by the Local Government Study Commission a few years ago provided some illuminating and helpful information at that time. Responding to Mayor Stiff, City Manager Johnson stated he anticipates input from staff within the next three weeks. He then indicated that if the Commission wishes to receive staff input prior to proceeding with the goal setting process, it should not create problems for the budgeting process. . Assistant City Manager Brey noted that, while the sheets on the wall represent the final documents developed by twenty to thirty of the City's management staff, they do not portray the process for reaching those statements. Commissioner Smiley stated her support for the process as forwarded by the City Manager, noting that it helps everybody in the City go the same direction. She also indicated her appreciation for converting to a "bottom up" organization. The Commission thanked the City Manager for his presentation, and requested that staff input on the goals for the upcoming fiscal year be provided as soon as it is available. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following "For Your . Information" items. (1 ) Telephone message from Betty Stroock, dated February 18, forwarding her frustration about the amount of garbage being dropped along Story Mill Road. (2) Letter from Paul Shreve, 213 North 8th Avenue, in support of the ordinance banning the throwing of candy at parades. 02-23-98 .n.. __. __ ,..__ - 14 - (3) Memo from Associate Planner Chris Saunders, dated February 19, forwarding information on how various percentages of impact fees would impact various types of development. Commissioner Rudberg noted that if this memo is in response to her request, it does . not provide the type of information she has requested. She then indicated that she will contact staff and attempt to provide enough guidance to generate the information she needs prior to making a decision on impact fees. (4) Minutes from the Parking Commission meeting held on January 8, 1998. (5 ) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, in the Commission Room. (6) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, in the Commission Room. (7) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, at the Courthouse. (8) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Attended the . Parking Commission meeting on Thursday morning. (2) Announced that the 9-1-1 Administrative Board is in the process of selecting an interim director to replace Mike Brown. He noted that the Board recognizes the importance of ensuring that this program moves forward with leadership, and selecting a new director will take some time. (3) Attended the Watershed Council meeting last week. He stated that he gave the Council $500 toward the printing of water education maps prepared by Dave Wessell because they are exceptionally well done and provide good information. He noted that, while they have been prepared for school children, they provide important information to everyone about the City's water system. He then noted that the interest in the Council seems to be waning at this time, and they are not undertaking any new projects. (9) Assistant City Manager Ron Brey submitted the following. (1) Announced . that a public hearing on proposed increases in parking fines is being scheduled for March 16. (2) Noted that the parking Commission is also trying to determine whether its operations should be conducted as a part of the City's general fund or as a special revenue fund, particularly since the City does not have parking meters or revenue lots to use as revenue sources. 02-23-98 - 15 - (10) The Assistant City Manager stated that the parking attendants have been monitoring the residential parking district around the University in an effort to identify any patterns in problems and enforcement issues. He noted that, as a result, staff is working on a proposal for a two-tiered parking district, with the area close to the University being one tier . and the area further away being a second tier. He indicated that the proposal should be ready in April or May for consideration. Commissioner Youngman stated that a member of the School Board has approached her with a concern about the safety issues that vehicles parked near the intersection of South Willson Avenue and West Garfield Street are creating because of the lack of visibility. She noted that they are parking close to the intersection, and suggested that signs and striping be used to restrict parking close to the intersection. The Assistant City Manager stated that the proposed increase in fines could also help to address that issue, since parking too close to an intersection is already a violation of the code. (11 ) Commissioner Smiley submitted the following. (1) Attended the Parking . Commission meeting last week. She noted that they plan to sell the two houses located on South Bozeman Avenue, with the requirement that they be moved. (2) Attended the City- County Planning Board meeting last week. ( 12) Commissioner Rudberg submitted the following. (1) Stated her support for the change in the grant program for the victim/witness program, particularly since it lowers the City's contribution to only $60 more than last year. She noted that the board is still planning to seek legislation to require that the perpetrator pay a surcharge to fund the program. (2) Noted that the Police Department's annual report is well done and provides some very useful information. Adjournment - 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 Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Smiley and Mayor Stiff; those voting No, none. 02-23-98 - 16 - ~0 -t#JY ALF M. STIFF, Mayor ATTEST: . .~ ~j/~ R IN L. SULlIVAN- Clerk of the Commission . . 02-23-98