HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-22 Minutes, City Commission
..------- ,- ...-.., -.,..---
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING/SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
December 22, 1997
*****************************
. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in
the Commission Room, Municipal Building, Monday, December 22, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. Present
were Mayor Stueck, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Youngman,
City Manager Johnson, Staff Attorney Cooper and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan.
Commissioner Frost was absent.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, during
which the Mayor asked that those in attendance remember Commissioner Frost, whose
daughter, Jennifer, died this past week.
Authorize absence of Commissioner Frost from meeting. in comDliance with
Section
7-3-4322{2L M.C.A.
. It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the
Commissioner authorize the absence of Commissioner Frost from this Commission meeting in
compliance with Section 7-3-4322(2), Montana Code Annotated. The motion carried by the
following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner
Stiff, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
Recoanition of Pattie Berg's receiDt of Excellence Award from Gallatin Vallev Human Resources
Association and her Senior Professional Certification
Assistant City Manager Ron Brey stated that last week, he attended a meeting of the
Gallatin Valley Human Resources Association, at which Personnel Director Pattie Berg was
presented the annual Excellence Award. He stated that, with this award, the association
of
. 150 personnel directors recognizes the quality of her work.
The Assistant City Manager stated that Personnel Director Berg assumed her duties
with the City in early 1993, at which time she was assigned the duty of building a personnel
program from scratch. He noted that she has taken the City's recruitment and promotion
12-22~97
. - -------...- ..
- 2 -
systems from seniority-based programs to merit programs, despite the efforts of many
department heads and others who resisted the change.
The Assistant City Manager stated that, in the past couple of years, the City has also
been faced with changing requirements because of ADA regulations, the Family Medical Leave
. Act and Fair labor Standards Act. He noted that Personnel Director Berg has successfully
guided the City through the development of those programs. He further noted that the City has
not lost any single contested action, despite expert witnesses for the opposition.
Assistant City Manager Brey stated that other agencies in Bozeman and other
communities around the State are now coming to the City to find out how certain programs are
operated. He noted that this can be directly attributed to Personnel Director Berg and
her
efforts. He also stated that the words used by others in the field to describe her include
"mentor" and "confidante".
Assistant City Manager Brey stated that Personnel Director Pattie Berg has recently
attained the status of "Senior Professional Certification". He stressed that this is the highest
level of certification available to personnel directors, and she is the only one in the local
. professional organization to achieve this level. He stated this is due to her own initiative and
study.
City Attorney Paulluwe stated that, as the City's Personnel Director, Pattie Berg has
stood in toe-to-toe battle with the Administrative Services Director, City Attorney and City
Manager to argue for her programs, and she has won most of those battles. He stated that he
has worked with many different personnel directors in various organizations over the years, and
Pattie is "one of the best personnel directors I have had the opportunity to work with". He
recognized her constant striving for professionalism and excellence and applauded her attaining
the highest level of certification possible.
Mayor Stueck stated that, as Mayor, one of his most pleasurable tasks, on behalf of
himself and the Commission, is recognizing the excellence of staff members. He extended his
. wholehearted thanks for her work and commended her for her award and certification.
Agenda Meeting - for reaular meetina and public hearinas to be held on Januarv 5. 1998
Since this is an agenda meeting, only those issues requiring staff action are contained
in the minutes.
12-22-97
-----------
- 3 -
City Manager Johnson briefly reviewed the background information which was included
in the Commissioners' packets.
(3A) The City Manager stated that a presentation by the 9-1-1 Board will be
scheduled, with a request for endorsement of a concept for funding of the 9.1-1 center in the
. future. He noted that support information for this item will be included in the packet.
Mayor Stueck noted that the Clerk of the Commission is reviewing previous
Commission actions to ensure that this Commission has completed all of its processes. He
stated that, if necessary, some business items may be added to the reorganization meeting,
with those items to be addressed prior to the reorganization.
Sianina of Notice of Special Meeting
Each of the Commissioners, in turn, signed the notice of special meeting.
Minutes - December 1 and December 8. 1997
It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the
. minutes of the meetings of December 1 and December 8, 1997, be approved as submitted.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
Stiff, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stueck; those voting No,
none.
Ordinance No. 1454 - amending sections in Chacter 2.80 pertainina to the Historic Preservation
Advisorv Board and its membership
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Ordinance No. 1454, as
approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 1454
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONT ANA, PROVIDING THAT THE
BOZEMAN MUNICIPAL CODE
BE
. AMENDED BY REVISING
SECTIONS 2.80.010, 2.80.030, 2.80.040,
2.80.050, 2.80.060, 2.80.070, 2.80.080 AND 2.80.090 OF SAID CODE;
PROVIDING FOR A CHANGE FROM "HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY
COMMISSION" TO "HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD", AND
INCREASING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD TO ALLOW UP TO FIFTEEN
MEMBERS.
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that
the Commission provisionally adopt Ordinance No. 1454, amending sections in Chapter 2.80
12-22-97
---
- 4 -
pertaining to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board and its membership, and direct the Clerk
to bring it back in two weeks for final adoption. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Youngman,
Commissioner Rudberg,
Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
. Commissioner Rudberg asked that a copy of this ordinance be forwarded to the Historic
Preservation Advisory Board following its adoption, so they are aware that the amendments
have been adopted.
Ordinance No. 1457 - setting the salary for City Manaaer. effective January 1. 1998
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Ordinance No. 1457, as
approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 1457
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONT ANA, FIXING THE MONTHLY SALARY AND OFFICIAL BOND OF THE
CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the
. Commission provisionally adopt Ordinance No. 1457, setting the salary for the City Manager,
effective January 1, 1998, and direct the Clerk to bring it back in two weeks for final adoption.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stueck; those voting No,
none.
Ratify City Manaaer's sianature on Aareement to Sell and Purchase w Lots 1-5. 7 feet of Lot
6. and Lots 13-18. Block D. Blacks Addition (20 East Olive Street)
Included in the Commissioners' packets were a copy of the Agreement to Sell and
Purchase and a memo from Planning Director Epple and City Engineer Craig Brawner, dated
December 17, regarding the relocation of the Planning and Engineering departments.
. City Manager Johnson stated that he has signed a buy/sell agreement to purchase the
Bozeman Professional Building to replace the Carnegie Building and is now seeking Commission
ratification. He stated it is his intent to continue the rental agreements with the
existing
tenants on the second floor and in the basement of the building, with the Planning and
Engineering departments to be located on the first floor. He noted that, since the property will
12-22-97
-....
.-.---...
- 5 -
now be tax exempt, under State statutes, the tenants must pay a "beneficial use tax", with
those monies being paid to the State and then returned to the County. He stated the amount
of that tax is based on the value of the property being rented and its square footage, and
cautioned that this tax will be in addition to the rents they currently pay unless the rents are
. decreased accordingly.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, the City Manager stated he has not obtained copies of
the existing contracts and does not know what the current rental rates are. He further stated
that he has not talked to any of the existing renters.
Mayor Stueck noted that the Commission had previously identified the need to sell the
Carnegie Building before too much money is put into maintenance and upgrading of the facility.
He stated that the buyer of the Carnegie Building has requested that an appraisal of the
property not be done. He questioned, however, whether the buyer can obtain financing
without an appraisal. He stated that, with the way the buy/sell for that building is written, the
City will receive the amount set forth in the agreement, but if the appraisal comes in higher,
the City will receive more money.
. City Manager Johnson stated appraisal of the Carnegie Building is an issue which must
be addressed by the Commission since the Mayor signed the buy/sell agreement.
Commissioner Rudberg forwarded her support for requiring an appraisal.
Commissioner Youngman stated her concurrence, particularly since the Carnegie
Building is an historical building.
Commissioner Stiff stated he is comfortable with the price that has been established
and does not feel an appraisal is needed. He noted that his experience with owning an historic
house makes him realize the amount of money needed to maintain it, and he feels the City has
received a fair offer for the Carnegie Building.
Mayor Stueck stated that the appraisal training he has received makes him recognize
the Carnegie Building is a one-of-a-kind building and it would, therefore, be difficult to appraise
. on a comparative basis. He also estimated that, since this is a commercial property, the
appraisal could cost around $8,000.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, City Manager Johnson stated the question
to be answered is whether the Commission is comfortable with the $487,000 sale price that
has been established. He cautioned that if the appraisal is significantly higher or lower than
12-22-97
~ 6 ~
that price, it could cause the purchaser to default on the contract. He then stated that
the
appraisal is usually done for the purchaser.
Commissioner Rudberg stated that, after listening to this new information, she does
not believe an appraisal should be required.
. Commissioner Youngman stated she would typically support requiring an appraisal to
attain assurance that the price was fair. She stated, however, that since the appraisal would
be quite high and since the price in the buy/sell appears to be fair, she will support not requiring
an appraisal in this instance.
Mayor Stueck stated that, while he agrees in principle with the comments which have
been made, he cannot support not requiring an appraisal.
Commissioner Stiff noted that in the memo from the Planning Director and City
Engineer, they have indicated an interest in having windows installed in the main level within
the next year. He stated, however, he does not feel that the $157,000 anticipated for
renovation of that floor is adequate to accommodate the needed renovations as well as
installation of the windows.
. City Manager Johnson stated that he had requested that the Planning Director and City
Engineer write the memo without any input from him. He noted that there are several offices
in the City where natural light is not available. He recognized that, while natural light might be
preferable, it may be necessary to operate within the new building for a year or more before
windows are installed, and waiting that long may better allow for determining where the
windows should be installed. He further suggested the natural light that is gained through the
doors and windows at the east end of the building could be maximized through the creation of
open areas.
Commissioner Stiff then stated he was quite surprised by the suggestion that the
Planning and Engineering departments should be located close to the Building Inspection and
. Fire departments, thus suggesting a possible relocation of the existing offices in City Hall.
The City Manager stated that the relocation of City Hall is not anticipated at this time.
He encouraged the Commissioners, however, to maintain open minds and recognize that City
Hall may be moved at some time in the future, possibly to a completely different location from
where City facilities currently exist.
12~22~97
. -------
.----- .. . u._n._.___.___.__.._
- 7 -
Commissioner Stiff stated that he feels the City is acquiring the Bozeman Professional
Building for an excellent price. He noted that the current owners purchased in 1993, and many
capital improvements have been made to the property over the years, including the recent
installation of a new roof.
. Mayor Stueck stated that he will abstain from voting. He noted that he supports the
purchase of the new building, but he cannot support not requiring an appraisal of the Carnegie
Building.
It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the
Commission ratify the City Manager's signature on an agreement to purchase Lots 1 through
5, 7 feet of Lot 6 and Lots 13 through 18, Block D, Blacks' Addition. The motion carried by
the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner
Youngman and Commissioner Rudberg; those voting No, none. Mayor Stueck abstained.
Consent Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following Consent Items.
. Modify Condition No.2 for accroval of reauest for vacation of East ASDen
Street west from North Wallace Avenue cer memo from Staff
Attorney Cooper dated December 17. 1997
Amendment No.1 to EmDloyment Aareement with City Manaaer for Fiscal
Year 1997-1998
Authorize Mayor to sign - Findings of Fact and Order - Master Plan
Amendment - change the corridor classification along the east side of
North 19th Avenue. adiacent to Lots 15-23. Block A. MaDle Terrace
Subdivision. and Lots 1. 17 and 19. Homesites Subdivision. from
Class I to Class II
Commission Resolution No. 3221 - amending the 1990 Bozeman Area Master
Plan Uodate bv changing the entrvwav corridor classification from
Class I to Class II alona the east side of North 19th Avenue adiacent
to Dortions of MaDle Terrace Subdivision and Homesites Subdivision
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3221
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
. MONTANA. AMENDING THE 1990 BOZEMAN AREA MASTER PLAN UPDA TE
BY CHANGING THE ENTRYWAY CORRIDOR CLASSIFICATION IN THE NORTH
19TH A VENUE/WEST OAK STREET CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN FROM CLASS
I TO CLASS II ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF NORTH 19TH A VENUE ADJACENT
TO PORTIONS OF MAPLE TERRACE
SUBDIVISION AND HOMESITES
SUBDIVISION.
Authorize City Manager to sign - Water PiDeline and Access Easement and
Aareement - Donald A. Turner - 30-foot-wide easement across Tract
17. Northeast Annexation (for Osterman Mini-warehouse croiect)
12-22-97
~ 8 -
Authorize City Manager to sign - Water Pioeline and Access Easement and
Agreement - Robert A. Turner. Robert A. Haugland and Dorothy Arlene
Haugland - 30-foot-wide easement across Tract 10. Northeast
Annexation (for Osterman Mini-warehouse oroiect)
Authorize City Manaaer to sian - Trail Corridor Easement -IHB Partners. L.L.C..
dba Interior Home and Bath - 8-foot-wide easement across Lot 1.
Tract 5. Gardner-Simmental Plaza Subdivision for pedestrian/bicvcle
. trailway circulation
Authorize City Manager to sign - Annexation Agreement with 360 Ranch
Corooration. et al. - annex 411:!:: acres located alona the south side
of Durston Road. west of Ferauson Avenue and north of US Highway
191 (A-9703)
Commission Resolution No. 3222 - annexing 411:!:: acres located along the
south side of Durston Road. west of Ferguson Avenue and north of
US Highway 191
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3222
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, EXTENDING THE BOUNDARIES OF SAID CITY OF BOZEMAN SO
AS TO INCLUDE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF
BOZEMAN TRACTS OF LAND CONTIGUOUS TO SAID CITY, TO BE KNOWN
AS THE VALLEY WEST ANNEXATION AND HEREIN MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED.
Aoorove exemotion from subdivision review - Glenwood Meadows. L.L.C. - to
. create a secured oarcel for loan for develooment of Tract M. located
in the S%. Section 11. T2S. R5E. MPM (Wheeler Mobile Home Park);
authorize Director of Public Service to sign
Authorize City Manaaer to sian - Acceotance of Declaration of Dedication and
Assicmment of easements from Marvin R. Cowdrey (for transfer of
"Cowdrey Sewer Lines" to the City)
Acceotance of Warranty Deed for Parcel Nos. 4 and 5 for Oak Street right-of-
way between North 7th Avenue and North Rouse Avenue - George
Westlake and Kay Martinen
Acceotance of Utility Easement across Parcel 5 for Oak Street right-of-way
between North 7th Avenue and North Rouse Avenue - Gene E. Cook.
Donald A. Turner and Fred Bell
Claims
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, 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 Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner
Stiff and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
12-22-97
-.. -.---..---.-
- 9 -
Ordinance No. 1453 ~ zone code amendment - amend Section 18.43.030 and add Section
18.54.110. Drovidina for the creation of a Dlanned unit develoDment for the North 19th
Avenue/West Oak Street entrvwav corridors
Previously included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Ordinance No. 1453,
as approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
. ORDINANCE
NO. 1453
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONT ANA, PROVIDING THAT THE BOZEMAN MUNICIPAL CODE, AS
AMENDED BY ORDINANCE
NOS. 1424, 1434,
AND 1439, WHICH
ORDINANCES ARE NOT
CURRENTLY CODIFIED IN
THE BOZEMAN
MUNICIPAL CODE, BE AMENDED BY REVISING SECTION
18.43.030;
PROVIDING FOR REVISIONS TO THE ENTRYWA Y CORRIDOR OVERLAY
DISTRICT; AND BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO BE NUMBERED SECTION
18.54.110; PROVIDING FOR
THE CREATION OF A
PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NORTH 19TH A VENUE/WEST OAK STREET
ENTRYWAY CORRIDORS.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the
Commission provisionally adopt Ordinance No. 1453, amending Chapter 18 of the Bozeman
Municipal Code, providing for the creation of a planned unit development for the North 19th
Avenue/West Oak Street entryway corridors, and direct the Clerk to bring it back in two weeks
. for final adoption. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye
being Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stueck;
those voting No, none.
Work Session - (A) Presentation of CIP Working Document
(A) Presentation of CIP Working Document
Distributed just prior to the meeting was a copy of the Capital Improvement Program
Working Document for Fiscal Years 1999 through 2003.
City Manager Johnson stated that this presentation is being made with new
technology, since a computer is being used to show how easily this document can be altered
through the use of integrated electronic spreadsheets.
. The City Manager stated that, with this five-year program, staff is proposing that the
City become proactive rather than reactive in meeting capital needs.
He noted that the
information in this document is to be integrated into the City's annual operating document.
City Manager Johnson stated that a significant amount of data is contained in this
document. He noted, however, that while staff can provide different scenarios and
12-22-97
----
- 10 -
information, the Commission must make some policy decisions and identify any changes they
wish to see in this document. He encouraged the Commissioners to recognize that the
information provided in the document is simply information and is not to be construed as staff
recommendations.
. Administrative Services Director Gamradt stated that the City has had capital
improvement programs in the past. He noted that this program is different because funding
sources have been identified for the capital equipment and projects to be funded in each fiscal
year. He also forwarded administration's intent to follow the document, once the Commission
has made the adjustments it feels are necessary and adopted the plan.
The Administrative Services Director gave a presentation on how to read the document,
noting that the first page contains a financial summary of the entire document for the five-year
program as well as the "not scheduled" capital items. He briefly highlighted
the information
on the summary, which reflects $26 million in capital items for the five-year period and $105
million in capital items not yet scheduled. He stressed that many of the large-ticket
items in
the "not scheduled" column include street improvements listed in the Bozeman Urban
. Transportation Plan 1993 Update, construction of a dam in Sourdough Creek and replacement
of the Water Treatment Plant.
Administrative Services Director Gamradt stated that the remainder of the schedules
in the "Financial Summary" section contains summaries for each of the funds, including a listing
of the projects and their estimated costs. He stressed that the costs in the "not
scheduled"
column are in today's dollars, while the numbers contained in the scheduled columns are based
on today's dollars with an inflationary factor added. He demonstrated how a change in which
a project is scheduled impacts the cost of that project on that line, as well as in the column
totals and the overall summary. He stressed that, with the technology available, staff can
readily entertain any revisions suggested by the Commission.
. The Administrative Services Director noted that identifying funding to support the
capital improvement program is an important component to ensuring its success. He stated
that this involves identifying monies currently available, the revenues to be generated during
the fiscal year, the monies to be expended, and the balance to be carried forward to the next
fiscal year. He reminded the Commission that in past years, capital items have competed with
salaries, operations and other expenditures and, when it came to balancing the budget, it was
1 2-22~97
- 11 -
always easier to cut equipment or a project than to cut a staff person. As a result, the City's
fleet, equipment and infrastructure have deteriorated significantly.
Administrative Services Director Gamradt stated that he and City Manager Johnson
took a careful look at the fund balances at June 30, 1997, and identified what they felt would
. be an acceptable amount to allocate toward capital improvements. He stressed that, while this
is a figure with which they feel comfortable, it is one that may be adjusted by the Commission
as it determines appropriate. He cautioned, however, that it is important to take into
consideration the engineer staff members and police officers on soft monies, who must be
absorbed into the budget over the next few years. He further cautioned that the general fund
revenues are essentially frozen under the 1-105 cap, so monies allocated to the capital
improvements portion of the budget will decrease the monies available to fund the salaries and
operations portions of the budget. He also noted that funding street department
activities
completely through gas tax monies and street maintenance district assessments has freed up
approximately $160,000 in general fund monies previously used to fund a portion of those
operations.
. Responding to questions from Mayor Stueck, the Administrative Services Director
stated that the administration felt that, given the additional revenues from beer tax and gas tax,
this appeared to be a good time to implement a comprehensive capital improvements program.
He cautioned that it is imperative for the Commission to identify a percentage of revenues to
devote to the program to ensure its continued success. He recognized that
the revenues
generated may not exactly match the needs, noting that the percentage can be adjusted slightly
from year to year to generate sufficient, but not excessive, monies.
The Administrative Services Director stated that research of capital improvements
programs in other communities revealed that as much as 50 percent of the budget was devoted
to capital items, while some communities set aside less than 5 percent of the budget for capital
items. He then stated that, rather than attempting to identify a particular source of funding,
. it is more appropriate to identify a percentage of the revenues to be devoted to capital items
to ensure a more static revenue base.
Mayor Stueck noted that, under State law, a percentage of school funding is placed
in building reserves, and the local school district may then set aside additional monies for
12-22-97
- 12 -
building maintenance. He noted that the City of Bozeman has spent almost
no money on
maintaining its buildings and should develop a mechanism for doing so.
Administrative Services Director Gamradt turned his attention to the general fund
portion of the capital improvements program. He stressed that, while rates may be raised in
. the water, wastewater and solid waste programs to generate additional revenues, that option
is not available in the general fund. He stated that under this proposed document, 2.9 percent
of the revenues are to be set aside for the capital improvement program initially, with that
percentage increasing by Y:z percent per year for three years to 4.4 percent and remaining at
that percentage for the next two years. He estimated that each
of the adjustments will
generate an additional $40,000 annually, thus leading to a level of funding that should be
adequate to meet capital needs while minimizing negative impacts on salaries and operations.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, the Administrative Services Director cautioned against
earmarking a specific funding source, such as interest income, to fund the capital improvement
program. He noted that all revenue sources are currently committed to the general fund
operations, and reiterated that using a percentage of all revenues for the fund will result in a
. more predictable and constant revenue stream.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, the Administrative Services Director assured
the Commission that staff will review this document on an annual basis and provide more
updated and accurate figures. He stated that, within the next few years, the base information
in the document should be refined, with subsequent changes being the addition of new items
and "fine tuning" of the older items.
City Manager Johnson noted that, with the new technology, any changes which the
Commission wishes to entertain can be quickly reflected in the spreadsheets, and that should
assist in their decision-making process.
Mayor Stueck stated it is important to take into consideration how much more
expensive an item might be in ten years than it is today.
. City Manager Johnson stated that staff has forwarded a document with which they feel
comfortable. He noted that, in one fund, the monies set aside for the capital improvement
program will result in a $15,000 balance in the fund, but he feels that is adequate in this
specific instance. He suggested that, rather than maintaining large balances in
the various
12-22-97
- 13 -
funds, it may be more appropriate to expend some of those monies and get some of these
capital projects accomplished.
Mayor Stueck forwarded his
support for working with other communities
in
approaching the State of Montana about earmarking some of the coal severance tax monies
. to assist local governments in replacing aging infrastructure. He
noted that deferring
maintenance of infrastructure in Montana is common, and addressing the problems that causes
will be essential within the next few years.
Administrative Services Director Miral Gamradt requested Commissioner feedback on
the document, recognizing that their goals for upcoming fiscal years will help to determine the
priorities in this document.
Commissioner Rudberg stated she feels that, while the Commission makes the final
decisions, the Commissioners should be carefully listening to the staff members as they identify
priorities. She noted that the staff members can more easily identify the needs and priorities
than the Commissioners can, and establishing the priorities in a political manner rather than in
a practical manner could be detrimental to the City's operations.
. Responding to questions from Commissioner Stiff, the Administrative Services Director
stated that the impact fee programs have been included in this document.
He then stressed
that, while percentages for the programs have been included, it is important to recognize that
those percentages do not represent staff recommendations or reflect any Commission actions.
He stressed, rather, that they provide a reference point from which the Commission may work.
City Manager Johnson reminded the Commissioners that, for a developer to be eligible
for credit for off-site improvements under the impact fee program, the project completed must
be on the list in the impact fee capital improvement program. In light of this, he suggested that
the lists in those programs should be comprehensive. He noted that, through
annual review
of those programs, impending or needed projects should be readily identified.
Further responding to Commissioner Stiff, the Administrative Services Director stated
. that, because of the anticipated decline in growth, the projected revenues from impact fees is
declining. He stated, however, that since the value of a mill is based on property values, no
decline is anticipated in that source of funding. He noted, in fact, that a 2-percent increase has
been projected in each of the next five years.
12-22~97
- 14 -
Commissioner Youngman stated she feels the information contained in the water
facilities plan update and the wastewater facilities plan update will have an impact on the
projects and priorities in those areas.
The Commissioners thanked City Manager Johnson and Administrative Services
. Director Gamradt for their work on this document.
City Manager Johnson stated that a work session has been scheduled for January 12,
1998, to begin an in-depth review of this document. He noted that the items identified
for
funding in Fiscal Year 1998-1999 as a result of that review will then be included in the
budgeting process.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following "For Your
Information" items.
(1 ) Letter from Chris Boyd, Assistant Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust,
dated December 17, concerning trailhead signs.
. (2) Agenda for the Gallatin County Commission meeting, to be held at 1 :30 p.m.
on Tuesday, December 23, in the Courthouse Community Room.
(3) Notice from the Development Review Committee that there will be no meeting
on Tuesday, December 23, due to a lack of scheduled projects.
(4) Mayor Stueck stated that the owner of the 360 Ranch properties in the Valley
West Annexation is interested in taking the necessary steps to transfer the 42 acres for
Bronken Park to the City prior to the end of the calendar year.
City Attorney Luwe responded that the property owner must contact his tax
accountant to find out what documentation is needed to accomplish that transfer for tax
purposes.
. Adjournment - 5:00 n.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote:
those voting Aye being
12-22~97
- 15 .
Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Stueck; those
voting No, none.
c00?1 L ~"77fJ'~
"
DON E. STUECK, Mayor
. ATTEST:
~ Jxb~
R N l. SULLJV AN _
Clerk of the 'Commission
.
.
12-22~97
--- ----------- ----- - -- ------