HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-01 Minutes, City Commission
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
December 1, 1997
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. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission
Room, Municipal Building, Monday, December 1, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mayor
Stueck, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner
Youngman, City Manager Johnson, City Attorney Luwe and Deputy Clerk of the Commission
Erlandson.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
None of the Commissioners requested that any of the Consent Items be removed for
discussion.
Minutes - November 10, 1997
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the
. minutes of the meeting of November 10, 1997, be approved as submitted. The motion carried
by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Rudberg,
Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stueck; those
voting No, none.
Mayor Stueck deferred action on the minutes of the meetings of November 17 and
November 24, 1997 to a later date.
Request for deletion of Dortion of Condition No. 7 for aDDroval of preliminarv Dlat for
Yellowstone Peaks Manufactured Home Park Subdivision (subdivide 6.15 acres into 35 mobile
home lease SDaces and one site-built house) - Dennis and Joni Balian (P-9650)
This was the time and place set for consideration of a deletion of a portion of Condition
. No. 7 for approval of preliminary plat for Yellowstone Peaks Manufactured Home Park
Subdivision.
Assistant Planning Director Debbie Arkell gave the staff report, reminding the
Commission that on January 3 they granted preliminary plat approval of this subdivision to
create a mobile home park for 35 mobile home leased spaces, and one existing site-built home.
The Assistant Planning Director noted the approval was subject to 21 conditions, and that
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Condition No. 7 required the applicant to make improvements to West Mendenhall Street,
within the subject property, to bring it to full City standard, including sidewalks on both sides,
and also to construct West Mendenhall Street, from the east boundary of the property to the
existing edge of pavement, to a minimum paved County standard. Outlining the pertinent area
. on a wall map, the Assistant Planner located the 40-foot section of road, within a 60-foot
easement owned by an adjoining property owner, between Western Drive and Sunlight Avenue,
which is the area to be paved to create a through access between West Mendenhall Street and
Western Drive. Assistant Planning Director Arkell stated that the subdivider is requesting that
the 40 feet of paving be deleted from Condition NO.7.
The Assistant Planning Director stated that the 60-foot road easement lines up with
the dedicated West Mendenhall Street to the east. She noted that, at the time the subdivision
was reviewed, a second access was needed and this connection appeared to be the most
feasible access due to the existing 60-foot road easement. The Planner said, however, that
when the subdivider began to prepare the section of road that was to be paved, the property
owner expressed his opposition to this work, stating the connection of West Mendenhall Street
. to the pavement on his property would touch what has become a parking lot. She said staff
has also been advised that the easement shown on a Certificate of Survey is not dedicated to
the public.
Assistant Planning Director Arkell stated that, since the preliminary approval of this
subdivision, the Wheeler Mobile Home Park subdivision to the west has been completed, and
that West Mendenhall Street is completed to City standard as far west as Michael Grove
Avenue, thus satisfying the requirement for a secondary access. The Planner noted three
possible options were considered by the Planning Board at the public hearing on November 17,
as outlined in the staff report. She said two members of the public spoke at that meeting to
express concern about traffic safety in the general area, and the need for east/west
. connections through the City to relieve safety problems occurring on West Durston Road and
West Babcock Street. The Planner noted the adjoining property owner, Mr. Bob Heidecker, also
spoke at that hearing in favor of deleting the requirement for the off-site improvements,
contending that an extension of West Mendenhall Street through his property would create
safety hazards for his tenants, and that the 60-foot easement depicted on the Certificate of
Survey is intended for the sole use of his property. Assistant Planning Director Arkell said that,
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based on the information received at the public hearing, the Planning Board recommended on
a vote of 9 to 0 that the second paragraph of Condition NO.7 be deleted and further, that the
City Commission initiate the acquisition and/or condemnation process as soon as possible to
obtain the right-of-way necessary to connect West Mendenhall Street to the east, since it is
. critical for east-west traffic, especially pedestrian traffic.
Responding to the Mayor, City Attorney Paul Luwe said that, if the Commission wishes
to deal with the acquisition or condemnation process, it should direct his office to do so. He
further advised that the Commission will need to know the cost of such procedures.
Mr. Dennis Balian, applicant, said he had a Certificate of Survey prepared, and had seen
the easement on the adjacent property. He said, however, that upon beginning the road work,
he was told by Mr. Heidecker, via a Sheriff's Deputy, that the easement possibly was not valid
and he may be trespassing, whereupon he immediately left the property.
It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the
Commission approve the request for revision of Condition No.7 for approval of preliminary plat
for Yellowstone Peaks Manufactured Home Park Subdivision, applied for by Dennis and Joni
. Balian under Application No. P-9650, and allow the subdivision of 6.15 acres into 35 mobile
home lease spaces and one site-built house, with Condition NO.7 to read as follows:
West Mendenhall Street within the subject property shall be constructed to a
full City standard including curb and gutter, sidewalks and storm drainage
facilities. A street section design will be required to be submitted to and
approved by the City Engineering Department for West Mendenhall Street.
Side-walks shall be installed on both sides of West Mendenhall Street at the
time the street is constructed.
Any private drive approaches to West Mendenhall Street shall be constructed
in accordance with the City's standard approach, i.e., concrete apron, side-
walk section, and drop-curb, with approaches being a minimum of 8 feet from
the subdivision property lines. A note shall be placed on the final plat
indicating that there shall be no direct access to West Babcock Street from
Lot 36.
and direct to staff to initiate the acquisition and/or condemnation process to obtain the right-of-
. way necessary to connect Mendenhall to Western Drive. The motion carried by the following
Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Stiff,
Commissioner Frost,
Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
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Authorize City Manaaer to sian - Annexation Agreement with Xl limited PartnershiD - 160:t
acres located in the NWY4 . Section 2. T2S. R5E. MPM (between West Oak Street extended and
Baxter lane. immediately west of Rose Park)
City Manager Johnson reminded the Commission that this item was previously on the
agenda for November 17, 1997, and was continued until today.
He stated the City
. administration has received this document back as requested.
It was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the
Commission authorize the City Manager to sign the Annexation Agreement with Xl Limited
Partnership, to annex 160:f::: acres located in the Northwest Quarter of Section Two, Township
Two South, Range Five East, Montana Principal Meridian, more commonly located between
West Oak Street extended and Baxter Lane, immediately west of Rose Park.
The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost,
Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Stueck; those
voting No, none.
Commission Resolution No. 3216 - annexina 160 + acres located in the NWY4. Section 2. T2S.
. R5E. MPM (between West Oak Street extended and Baxter lane. immediately west of. Rose
Park)
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Commission Resolution No.
3216, as approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3216
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 TRACT OF LAND CONTIGUOUS TO SAID CITY, TO BE KNOWN AS
THE BAXTER LANE ANNEXATION (AND FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS THE
XL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ANNEXATION REQUEST) AND HEREIN MORE
PARTICULARL Y DESCRIBED.
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that
the Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 3216, annexing 160:t acres located
. between West Oak Street extended and Baxter Lane, immediately west of Rose Park. The
motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost and Mayor
Stueck; those voting No, none.
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Authorize City Manaaer to sian - Annexation Aareement with Gatewav Limited Partners -
148.05 acres located in the SEY-. Section 2. T2S. R5E. MPM. exceDtina the W%. W%. NWY-.
SWY-. and the W%. W%. SW%. SW% (alona the north side of Durston Road. immediatelv
west of Annie Subdivision)
City Manager Johnson reminded the Commission that this item was on the agenda for
November 17, 1997 and was continued until today. He stated that the City administration has
. received this document back as requested.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the
Commission authorize the City Manager to sign the Annexation Agreement with Gateway
Limited Partners, annexing 148.05 acres located in the Southeast Quarter of Section Two,
Township Two South, Range Five East, Montana Principal Meridian, more commonly located
along the north side of Durston Road, immediately west of Annie Subdivision. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Rudberg,
Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stueck; those
voting No, none.
. Commission Resolution No. 3217 - annexina 148.05 acres located in the SE%. Section 2. T2S.
R5E. MPM. exceDtina the W%. W%. NW%. SW%. and the W%. W%. SW%. SWY- along the
north side of Durston Road. immediatelv west of Annie Subdivision)
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a copy of Commission Resolution No.
3217, as approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3217
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 TRACT OF LAND CONTIGUOUS TO SAID CITY, TO BE KNOWN AS
THE WEST OAK STREET ANNEXATION (AND FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS
THE GATEWAY LIMITED PARTNERS ANNEXATION REQUEST) AND HEREIN
MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED.
It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the
Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 3217, annexing 148.05 acres located in the
. Southeast Quarter of Section Two, Township Two South, Range Five East, Montana Principal
Meridian, more commonly located along the north side of Durston Road, immediately west of
Annie Subdivision. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye
being Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner
Rudberg and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
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Discussion re Dossible budaet amendments
City Manager Clark Johnson stated the Commission placed this item on the agenda for
additional consideration. He noted that, historically, the City Manager has given
consent to
departments to exceed appropriations, and then requested permission
to approve an
. amendment for those appropriations with the mid-year third or fourth quarter budget review.
The City Manager stated that, in June of this year, preliminary budget discussions
examined the need for additional police patrol cars and replacement detective vehicles. He said
that, traditionally, police patrol cars have been handed down for detective use and out of town
travel. The City Manager stated that, after the condition of such cars becomes unacceptable
for emergency response and travel beyond city limits, they are handed down for use by other
departments, and they are, at this point, unreliable and expensive to maintain.
He said that,
when a high mileage car is used for out-of-town travel, breakdown costs can include employee
overtime, towing, repair and, in some cases, a second employee and vehicle for retrieval.
City Manager Johnson stated it is his policy and practice to sell these well-used
vehicles before they become a liability versus an asset to the City. He noted that two Police
. Department vehicles have been sold at public auction since July, the market value of one being
$600. The City Manager forwarded the information that, as of October 31, the Police
Department has expended 45 percent of its repair budget on these hand-me-down cars. He
noted the capital improvements program will remedy this situation, but that it is his belief it will
never catch up without some additional resources. He said staff believes, as they did in June
and July, that the City could support the additional budget authorization by purchasing the
requested detective cars with unanticipated revenues from the beer tax and freed up General
Fund monies.
The City Manager cautioned, however, that this allocation cannot be viewed in a
vacuum. He noted that, in August, a City-owned vehicle was destroyed in an accident and that
. the City received $3,800 in compensation, while a replacement vehicle, one suited for use as
an emergency response vehicle, will cost in excess of $40,000. The City Manager
said that,
because of the sale of a piece of unused fire apparatus, the City could contribute $13,800
towards the purchase, leaving a $20,000 shortfall. He stated that, in light of the $22 million
of capital improvements needed for water and sewer lines, street maintenance, repairs in
carrying capacities, old
equipment replacements, water and
wastewater capacity
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improvements, it is difficult to know where to begin. He emphasized public safety and
emergency response are, however, on top of the list, which is consistent with Commission
priority that the Police and Fire Departments be properly and adequately equipped.
In response to Mayor Stueck, Administrative Services Director Miral Gamradt said there
. are two sources of funding possible, one being the beer tax of about $55,000 which has not
yet been assigned, and the second being around $160,000 in General Fund monies, freed up
as a result of transferring street costs to the Street Maintenance District. Further responding
to the Mayor, the Administrative Services Director stated there are no other proposed budget
adjustments.
Police Chief Mark Tymrak clarified the term "detective" cars, stating they are unmarked
police cars, vehicles designed for emergency response, either by the Police administration or
the Detective Division.
In response to Commissioner Rudberg, the Police Chief said the cars being sought are
to be used for a multitude of purposes, both in and out of town and that they are used
constantly.
. Responding to Mayor Stueck, Police Chief Tymrak stated these proposed cars are about
two-thirds the cost of a regular patrol car. He noted that, in the last budget session, $15,000
was approved for the purchase of one unmarked vehicle, yet to be purchased, and that this is
the amount he expects will be needed for each of these new vehicles. The Police Chief stated
that, with the wear and tear on his 1990 Ford Taurus, its recent auction price was only $625.
In response to Commissioner Youngman, City Manager Johnson said these two cars
are in the CIP for the budget cycle for 1999.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman's concerns that a decision today to buy these
cars may not leave monies for planning needs, City Manager Johnson referred to the $165,000
in street maintenance monies that were freed up since budget decisions were made, and the
. beer tax monies. The City Manager noted he has already authorized unbudgeted money for
more telephones for the Carnegie Building, which will require a budget amendment in January.
He said the administration is now beginning next year's budgeting process, and reminded the
Commissioners that these police cars have already been discussed several times.
Commissioner Rudberg reminded the Commission that this community voted to not
support the police training school here in Bozeman, necessitating its relocation to Helena. She
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stated that, when 45 percent of the Police Department repair budget has been used, the travel
back and forth to Helena places an additional burden on the Police Department. She noted this
has nothing to do with growth, but a lot to do with having to be on the road to Helena and the
wear and tear on police vehicles. The Commissioner forwarded her concern that an officer's
. life can potentially be in jeopardy when transporting an individual in an unreliable vehicle.
Commissioner Stiff noted his dislike for dealing with capital improvements at this time
of year. He said, however, that this is a crisis situation and it is his feeling the Commission
should be flexible enough to deal with it at this time.
Commissioner Frost concurred with Commissioner Stiff's comments, and stated his
understanding of the need for the new vehicles. He said that, in the recent budget process,
he noted several safety issues that need to be addressed. For that reason, he said it is difficult
to make a decision at this time, and that there will be a lot of crises in the coming years as the
City attempts to catch up. Commissioner Frost forwarded his appreciation of the
City
Manager's recommendation, and said he will vote for it.
Mayor Stueck reminded the Commissioners that he was in support of the cars during
. the budget process, however, the Commission had been careful to make sure everyone was
treated fairly. He stated his concern is for officer safety, noting this is a high priority. He said
that, since it is not an on-going item, it would be appropriate to fund the police cars from the
beer tax monies.
City Manager Johnson clarified that the wrecked car belonged to the Fire Department,
not the Police Department, but that every car in the City's fleet is a hand-me-down, with the
exception of the new patrol car.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, Police Chief Tymrak said that, when a patrol vehicle
becomes an unmarked unit, it typically has 75,000 to 85,000 miles on the odometer.
In response to Mayor Stueck, the City Manager said any motion for a budget
. amendment will require a dollar figure.
It was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the
Commission approve a $32,000 budget amendment for two unmarked police cars. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost,
Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Stueck; those
voting No, none.
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Ordinance No. 1451 - amending Sections 3.24.050. 3.24.060. 3.24.070 and 3.24.080 of the
Bozeman Municipal Code bv increasing the percentage at which street and impact fees. fire
imDact fees. water imDact fees and wastewater imDact fees are assessed to 100 Dercent
Included in the Commissioners packets was a copy of Ordinance No. 1451, as
approved by the City Attorney, entitled:
. ORDINANCE NO. 1451
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, PROVIDING THAT THE BOZEMAN
MUNICIPAL CODE BE
AMENDED BY REVISING SECTIONS 3.24.050, 3.24.060, 3.24.070 AND
3.24.080; PROVIDING FOR REVISIONS TO THE PERCENTAGES AT WHICH
STREET IMPACT FEES, FIRE PROTECTION IMPACT FEES, WATER IMPACT
FEES AND WASTEWATER IMPACT FEES ARE ASSESSED.
City Manager Johnson noted this ordinance appears at the request of the majority of
Commissioners, stating that the assessment language reflects 100 percent of the fees in the
consultant's studies. He said that determining the costs associated with community growth
is the subject of current research, and that Bozeman is a test site for one of the most promising
GIS models today. He further noted that, in addition to impact fees, staff is paying
close
attention to annexation agreement requirements and subdivision reviews to minimize the impact
. on taxpayers by ensuring that infrastructure needs in newly developed areas are paid for by
those areas during their development. The City Manager stressed the urgency felt by staff due
to the overused and failing condition of old infrastructure and old, worn equipment. He stated
it is due to staff's extra effort and care over the past several years that they have been able
to make it last one more year.
The City Manager noted staff is committed to finding mechanisms to increase
capacities and services. He noted impact fees free up existing monies to repair and maintain
the existing system, and said that the City will know more about other models and cost
programs in the spring of 1998.
Mayor Stueck reminded the Commissioners that this issue was discussed two weeks
ago, and that it was postponed from this past summer. He noted that, at
that time, the
. Commission chose to not change the amount of impact fees, pending the election. He stated
his view that the public has spoken by electing candidates who favor full impact fees, and that
the subject should now be reconsidered. The Mayor noted that, under this ordinance, the
impact fees raise to 100 percent of the fees recommended by Duncan & Associates in March
1996. He cited his discussions with people in the building community, which showed him they
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expect this raise.
Kevin Click, 514 North Montana Avenue, President of the Southwest Montana
Building Industry Association, said the subject of affordable housing is part of their mission
statement, quoting from it: "We are concerned professionals, working with pride and integrity
. to provide the American dream of housing for all." He noted that any added cost to a home
is, and will be, passed on to a consumer, putting the reality of housing that much further from
the reach of many people. Mr. Click cited the decline in school population in Bozeman versus
the increase of school populations in Belgrade and Manhattan, as reflective of the lack of
affordable housing in Bozeman.
Mr. Click said another issue is planning, with the potential of impact fees pushing
growth into the "donut" area being very high, thus eliminating the City's ability to affect the
planning of this growth. He said focus groups, such as Gallatin Valley Tomorrow, back up the
need to maintain growth within the sphere of Bozeman proper, in order to maintain the beauty
that has attracted us all here. He noted, moreover, the elimination of potential jobs as impact
fees discourage businesses from coming to Bozeman, citing the fact that Costco paid
. approximately $130,000 in impact fees; and if those impact fees were at 100 percent, Costco
would have paid somewhere around $350,000, which would have been enough for them to
question where they wanted to build. Mr. Click concluded by saying his association
will be
looking to the City for proof of these costs, where they come from, and where they go.
David Smith, Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce, referred
to the study on the fiscal impact of different land uses in Gallatin County that was often cited
during the election. He noted that the study made numerous references to the differences
between industrial/commercial, residential and open space land uses, and that the land use ratio
for every dollar collected in property tax was $1.45 spent for residential services, 25 cents for
agriculture and open space, 7 cents for industrial, and 18 cents for commercial.
Mr. Smith
recognized that this probably is not a factual basis for looking at this issue, because the issues
. within the City of Bozeman were not addressed, but feels it is a good ratio, and that it would
be beneficial to look at the residential/commercial taxpayer difference within Bozeman.
Mr.
Smith referred to the MSU BioScience Research Center and the hospital expansion, noting that
the MSU project will pay its impact fees with State dollars, while the hospital impact fees will
come from donations and higher insurance premiums. He stated his belief that the Costeo
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impact fees were probably closer to $200,000, while the business also made substantial off-
site improvements to Valley Center Road and funded a traffic signal for around $250,000,
which is on the City's master plan for transportation improvements; and their annual property
tax payments will be about $80,000. Mr. Smith forwarded his opinion that this is an example
. of growth paying its way. Mr. Smith referred to the upcoming public hearing on raises in water
and sewer rates, and the recent "creatively raised" tree maintenance and street light districts.
He said Bozeman needs a plan, and that, despite what a consultant tells us we need, we must
live within our means. He suggested putting together a citizens' improvement committee,
noting he had forwarded this request to the previous City Manager over a year ago.
The
Executive Director cited the value of citizen influence, and ways that group could have positive,
proactive suggestions for growth.
Ms. Dixie Swenson, Gallatin Development Corporation, echoed Mr. Smith's comments,
noting that most of the businesses with which the Corporation deals are manufacturing or
technology businesses, and they have a number of locational choices, both in other
communities and other states, and inside and outside the City of Bozeman.
She stated that
. cost is always an issue, whether the business is a start up or in expansion, and that these
provide the jobs that everyone tells the Corporation are needed. Ms. Swenson said her main
concern is the inequity between what is inside the City and what is just outside it, and stated
that, as both a taxpayer and a member of the Corporation, she would like to see the increased
job base within the City. She said that, given a choice of significantly reduced costs, people
will locate outside the City and that, while there are some incentives for locating inside the
City, they will not make up the difference in cost. Ms. Swenson concluded
by urging the
Commissioners to review this issue really carefully.
Ms. Cecilia Reiner, President of the Gallatin Association of Realtors, said it is a
professional organization of about 320 local realtors. She noted she is also a member of the
. Montana Association of Realtors, comprising 2600 realtors within Montana, and that she was
recently appointed to a special taxation task force which works with the Legislature on property
tax issues. Ms. Reiner said her organization is very concerned about the issue of impact fees,
stating that many of the realtors present today provided input when impact fees were studied
by Duncan & Associates. She said her organization was opposed to impact fees then and
continues to be opposed today and in the future.
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Ms. Reiner said she is here to speak on behalf of homeowners because realtors are
privy to their abilities, their future desires, their hopes and dreams.
She mentioned many
clients who are offered a job in Bozeman but who cannot find housing and choose not to come.
She spoke of the American dream of owning a house, and how the Commission has the ability
. to demolish that dream for many. Ms. Reiner quoted the figure given by the Gallatin
Development Corporation for the average gross wage in the Gallatin Valley as being $19,800,
stating that such a wage earner can afford a house costing $67,000. In checking her multiple
listing book, Ms. Reiner said she found one home in the Bozeman area that that wage earner
could purchase. She said that, if two wage earners are combined, they can afford a $130,000
home, but that many families have only one wage earner. Ms. Swenson
said a common
scenario is a family which can just afford a $105,000 home, but which then finds only 12
houses to choose from in that range. The realtor noted that any new taxes will mean that this
family cannot afford that home and will be renters, not homeowners.
Ms. Reiner stated local realtors work with many in the building industry who are
sincerely trying to build a good, quality product in an affordable price range, but that any extra
. costs must go to the consumer. She emphasized that raised impact fees will strike a blow to
builders, the real estate community, and everyone in related businesses, but most particularly
the home buyer.
Mr. Jeff Reising, 909 Ward Place, Belgrade, said he is a custom contractor and that
he has noted a lot of the houses being built are not for newcomers, but for children of long-
time residents. He said a raise in impact fees will hurt them a lot, and that the Commission
needs to look at compromises and alternative sources of funding.
Mr. Reising said he hates
to see the City shoot itself in the foot by losing, even for short term gains, the property taxes
of all those people living in the donut area. He said it is his experience that
people will not
choose to build where they have to pay an extra $5,000 in fees when they have an option.
. He encouraged the Commission to look at long term versus short term income for the City.
Mr. Gary Burrell, realtor, said he is committee chairman of the Local Issues Committee
for the Gallatin Association of Realtors, and that he knows a lot about what makes people buy
or not buy housing. He commented it is his opinion the term "affordable housing" is overused,
and that he would rather say we should have housing for our residents. He said he is hearing
from his committee, and the Board of Realtors, that people will not come to, or stay in, this
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area because the homes are not here. Mr. Burrell said there must be a way to have
steady
growth that is acceptable to the business community and a good quality of life.
Mr. Burrell
submitted a 30-year amortization schedule he has prepared which shows the cost to the
homeowner for an added $6,000 bill on his mortgage payment will be $41 a month, noting the
. average person cannot write a check for $6,000. He stated this is
a total of $8,735 in
increased interest, in addition to the $6,000, over 30 years. Mr. Burrell stressed that this extra
$41 a month will make many people stay renters, not homeowners, or they will live in low-cost
condominium projects.
Mr. Burrell submitted a letter faxed to his office from Sandy Lee, 509 Kathy Lane,
Belgrade, a member of the Board of Realtors. Mr. Burrell proceeded to read Ms.
Lee's letter
to the Commission, in which Ms. Lee stresses that what happens in Bozeman has an impact
on Belgrade. She stated her concern that a raise in impact fees will create further urban sprawl
and the possibility of more contaminated wells from septic systems. She forwarded her opinion
that the cost of City sewer and water should be paid for by hook-up fees and by the revenues
created by use, while new streets, sidewalks and lights can and should be funded by SIDs.
. Ms. Lee requested a breakdown of what expenses will be covered with this additional revenue,
and stated her willingness to help find a solution.
Mr. Dale Gillespie, realtor, said he is the person who reviewed Mr. Duncan's report and
found it extremely flat, noting the City is still keying the impact fee figures off those in the
report. He stated he has not found a realtor who has been asked his opinion of what may
happen if impact fees are raised. He recognized there is a lot of dislike for growth in the area,
and stated it is not the realtors causing the housing problem, but supply and demand.
He
emphasized his long-standing belief that the city should expand to city limits, nqt out into the
valley.
Shaun Shahan, 127 Virginia Way, realtor, said his main concern is the lack of
affordable housing, echoing the concerns of others who have spoken. He said he works with
. other realtors and builders who are trying their utmost to give the single mother, the retired
couple, the young couple, or the individual the home they can afford. Mr. Shahan stated this
is becoming increasingly difficult, and impact fees will make owning a home an impossibility
for many who are looking for only a 1300-square-foot home. He recognized that this is a huge
problem and encouraged the Commissioners to take a good look at it and to look for solutions.
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Clair Daines, 45 West Kagy Boulevard, a builder/developer, said he is one of the four
or five people who will be most directly affected by a raise in impact fees, since he produces
a substantial number of residential units within the city limits. He said he believes the city is
where development should occur, but he has lived here for over 30 years and has seen hillsides
. turn from hills to subdivisions. Mr. Daines stated he has said for years that, if the City were
practicing smart planning, it would find reasons to get people to build in town rather than out
of it. He spoke of what he characterized as the "carriage trade", people who don't want to live
in town and instead build large homes out in the coulees and big subdivisions, wondering if we
are really impacting the middle, upper middle and wealthy people. Mr. Daines said he feels it
is actually the renters who are barely getting by, those in HRDC type housing, and the young
families with small children who want to walk to school. He further queried why that child who
walks to school has a bigger impact on the roads than "all those big, yellow buses".
Mr.
Daines noted that a study of homes built in the past five or six years in the City and the County
will show that one in four homes, or less, was built within city limits, stating that if impact fees
are raised, there will be fewer and fewer homes built within city limits.
. Mr. Daines commented on the new street taxes, noting he has three elderly people he
has recently built for who cannot drive and don't have cars. He said he feels it unfair that they
should have to pay this tax. Mr. Daines queried why Montana Power Company
can build
generating plants, make a return to their investors, and generally put in all their infrastructure
at their expense and not the taxpayers'.
Commissioner-elect Sandra Smiley stated that when she ran for the City Commission,
she told people she was in favor of raising impact fees unless somebody could come up with
something different. She said she concurred with Mr. Daines'comment that we should
reconsider our rate structure, and with Ms. Lee's desire to know where the impact monies will
go. Ms. Smiley encouraged the Commission to speak more with the County, stressing that
. Bozeman does not exist in a vacuum, and that we all need to work together so that Bozeman
does not raise taxes while the County does not. Ms. Smiley forwarded her desire for
incremental increases in impact fees while looking at alternatives on a regular basis.
Mayor Stueck addressed each of those persons who had spoken, stating that he agreed
with everything they had said, and noting that he had been saying the same thing for over two
years. The Mayor reminded them that the ice rink was built at Four Corners, instead of behind
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the Holiday Inn as planned, and that it was doing well but no taxes were coming back to
Bozeman. He emphasized that, having given the same facts to voters as have been expressed
this evening, the taxpayers have said they are tired of subsidizing growth by their votes. The
Mayor noted that the average taxpayer does not seem to realize the School District receives
. the major portion of any tax dollars. He stressed the fact that he believes 100 percent impact
fees will hurt the building community, the business community, the groundwater aquifer due
to an increase in septic tanks, and encourage the proliferation of urban sprawl, but that, since
the voters in Bozeman support 100 percent impact fees, he will vote that way.
The Mayor
stated that, if impact fees are raised to 100 percent, the Commission can review the subject
at a later date. He noted that, while he questions the legality of impact fees, he has been
assured by the City Attorney that they are defensible.
Commissioner Stiff stated it is his opinion there are a lot of varying opinions about
what recently happened at the polls. He concurred with Ms. Smiley in her statement that the
city and county must work together, noting it is not in the best interests of the County for lots
of developments to be pushed out of the city. Commissioner Stiff referred to paperwork from
. Clair Daines' Westfield Subdivision, Phases 2 and 3, generated three years ago, noting that
these two phases provided 56 units, 19 of which were for people moving into the community
and 37 for those moving across town. He stated it is his opinion that industrial and commercial
development will be hurt if the City continues to hammer away at impact fees.
The
Commissioner said he had spoken with the Planning Director to confirm exactly what is
involved in the tax dollars. He stated David Smith said it best, that for each tax
dollar,
residential development demands $1.28 while industrial development demands 78 cents. He
stated his belief that higher impact fees will force development out of the community and that
the City should probably pay a bonus for development within the City. The Commissioner
forwarded his opinion that everyone is for affordable housing and that many have personally
written sizeable checks to help out, and he is not for increasing the impact fees on a house to
. $7,000 a unit and then assessing the taxpayers to subsidize the affordable housing. He likened
it to "making money in reverse". He cautioned the Commissioners to think through the subject
very carefully, stating he thinks there is no place better to live, and the best part of his vacation
is seeing the Bridgers once again.
Commissioner Youngman stated she feels impact fees are ultimately necessary and
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most of her arguments have been given today. She said she feels it is more important to do
this right, and that the Commission should wait for a recommendation from staff on phasing
and timing of impact fee increases. The Commissioner said she feels it is premature and
precipitous to suddenly implement 100 percent impact fees without professional guidance.
. Commissioner Youngman asserted that during her campaign, she supported full impact fees,
but that she always qualified it by indicating they should be carefully and gradually phased in
through a well-thought-out plan so that businesses and developers can work them into their
business planning in an orderly way. The Commissioner suggested that perhaps the way a
subdivision is designed could be changed to have smaller lots and smaller homes which would
cost the same with the higher impact fees but perhaps reduce the infrastructure costs. She
stated her belief that there are lots of things that can be done. Commissioner Youngman said
that, if the Commission wishes to do a phased part of the impact fees today, she will support
that, but that she prefers to have a staff recommendation first.
Commissioner Youngman distributed a memorandum listing input on impact fees from
businesses and individuals in the community. She forwarded her belief that it is vital to have
. a list of improvements to be funded by impact fees, in priority order, with cost estimates for
both now and at the time they will happen; and when the improvements will be needed relative
to growth, with more than one time frame included. Commissioner Youngman stated her
support for a citizen annual review committee to assess this list, or a public process before the
Commission, noting that it makes a big difference to public acceptance.
Commissioner Youngman stated that, from the first discussion of impact fees, she has
been pushing for some kind of funding to cover affordable housing. The Commissioner noted
her respect for Commissioner Stiff's opinions but she said that, right now, taxpayers subsidize
every house that is built in the valley. She said it is her opinion that, if there is a taxpayer
subsidy for housing, the public would far rather target it to where it is crucially needed. She
stated that the affordable housing that has been built has been built through the involvement,
. almost entirely, of special non-profit organizations who have come before the Commission to
request that impact fees be forgiven. Commission Youngman stated there are parts of the
affordable housing policy which can be amended to make building more cost effective, noting
that, if these changes are made at the same time as impact fees are considered, the process
can be made to work better and be more affordable.
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Commissioner Youngman voiced her strong support for working with the County and
the developer/building community. She stated her support for research into doing impact fees
in zones, and a surcharge for those areas of town where infrastructure is most expensive. The
Commissioner forwarded her support for research into those areas that can best handle growth
. and considering whether due process can encourage growth in those areas, thus lessening the
cost to the community. She suggested the consideration of capping the amount of gambling
revenue that goes into the general fund so that the City's dependency on this revenue source
does not continue to increase. She stated this could be a possible source of money for
covering impact fees, to be used for affordable housing or something else. The Commissioner
also suggested beginning really early in 1998 to work on alternatives that will go to the
Legislature, to the County, to other municipalities, and to other growing communities.
Mayor Stueck clarified for the public that the City Commission does not have the
authority to waive impact fees when requested to do so; in reality, he said the City is being
asked to pay those fees. He further stated, in response to Ms. Smiley, that the County already
charges 100 percent of allowable impact fees.
. Commissioner Stiff stated that, in his conversation with the County this morning, the
person he spoke to said there are a lot in inappropriate comments coming from the County.
He said their feeling is that the present situation does not show good stewardship, nor is it a
proper use of land, and that the County and City will both be a lot better off if we can
coordinate activities.
Commissioner Frost said he fully supports impact fees but that a little time is needed
for staff recommendation. He referred to a graph, submitted by staff, that showed what can
be done with impact fees assessed as they are now, which is very little. The Commissioner
said the amount is not enough to cover the costs of what needs to be done to the basic
infrastructure, let alone any new infrastructure. He stated his concurrence with Commissioner
Youngman, that there are several things that can be done, and that an important start is with
. a better community design.
The Commissioner said he has thought carefully through this subject for eight years,
and all his research has shown that growth does not pay for itself. He forwarded his opinion
that, even if impact fees were instituted at 100 percent, taxpayers would still continue
subsidizing growth because not all of the City departments are funded by impact fees.
He
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asked what affordable housing is, noting that not many people will live in an 11,000 square
foot house. Commissioner Frost said it took him fourteen years to get into Bozeman, during
which time he paid a lot of gas money, along with putting many more miles on his car than
now. He said that adding $41 to his mortgage per month saved him $240 a month in gas,
. which he thought was a good deal, but that even then he moved into only a 1,200-square-foot
home. Commissioner Frost stated the City will get no help from the Legislature and that we
will have to do this ourselves, as a community.
The Commissioner said he will support only a small raise in impact fees right away,
upon receipt of input from staff and citizens. He stated he has found no other option in all his
research, but cited a town in Oregon where the city and county work well together because
a state law and joint agreement spell out the parameters of each side.
He said it is his
understanding that the vast majority of new homes are still being built inside the city and
wondered, if that should change, what the city is willing to pay to keep them in town.
He
forwarded his wish for a raise in impact fees, as soon as possible, with a priority list of needed
capital improvements, along with costs and what can be done with the impact fee money. He
. advocated looking at alternatives, such as smaller lots. The Commissioner
stated Bozeman
needs to continue growing, but in a way that will keep it a community rather than a Los
Angeles.
Commissioner Rudberg stated that she tends to agree with Mayor Stueck, particularly
since a candidate who backed 100 percent impact fees was elected, reflecting that this is what
the community wants. She noted her opinion that the voters are making a mistake with impact
fees, but they should be allowed what they voted for. The Commissioner said she does not
know why a staff recommendation is needed when a lot of money was spent on a consultant's
advice, and our impact fees are based on his work. Commissioner Rudberg forwarded
her
opinion that many people have worked together on the subject of impact fees, but there has
to be a resolution of the problem. She stated that those living on the older side of town are
. paying only 30 percent of their fair share, while those on the other side of town pay 80 to 100
percent of their share.
Commissioner Youngman stated that, if the Commission would like to entertain a
phased impact fee increase now, rather than waiting until January, she is willing to do so.
Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stueck agreed they are willing to vote only for 100
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percent impact fees. Mayor Stueck stated that, if phasing is to be considered, the Commission
should act after Commissioner-elect Smiley is seated. He further noted he has one additional
proposed change in the ordinance for consideration. He said that, at the present time, any
individual business expanding up to 20 percent will not trigger impact fees, and he would like
. to see that percentage raised to 30 percent.
Commissioner Youngman concurred that this is a good idea, stating it is the most cost
effective type of business growth, and should be brought up at a later date for discussion. The
Commissioner stated that she feels staff input is valuable at different stages of any process,
to recommend whether priorities are still on target and to suggest the proper order for
implementation, even after a consultant has given his findings.
Commissioner Rudberg noted that the consultant's report showed a basis for phased
increases, and that these increases would go to 100 percent.
Commissioner Frost stated his understanding that the consultant's job was to give the
Commission the information it needed on the real cost of growth, and a number on which they
could base impact fees on. He further stated that the consultant did not state when these fees
. should be increased or decreased; this is the Commission's job, based on input from staff.
In response to Commissioner Stiff, Associate Planner Saunders said the City is required
to re-evaluate the status of impact fees every three years, following which the Commissioner
said he does not believe it is a wise use of time and money to have staff do something that
would be done as scheduled anyway.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg that impact fees be abolished altogether. The
motion died for lack of a second.
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg that Ordinance No. 1451, raising impact fees
to 100 percent, be provisionally adopted and brought back in two weeks for final adoption.
Mayor Stueck yielded the gavel to Mayor pro tempore Stiff and seconded the motion. The
motion failed by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
.
Rudberg and Commissioner Stueck; those voting No being Commissioner Frost, Commissioner
Youngman and Mayor pro tempore Stiff.
Mayor pro tempore Stiff returned the gavel to Mayor Stueck.
Commissioner Frost requested that staff bring back a prioritized list of capital
improvement projects, and where they are needed, together with the cost of each project.
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Associate Planner Chris Saunders said that an annual capital improvements program
is prepared as part of the budget cycle, both for impact fees and all other future City needs.
He said the next one should be ready for a preview on December 22. The Planner stated the
three year evaluation time period is a maximum time frame, and is for review of all the
. foundation information for impact fee assessments, so that fees charged are as close to the
actual cost of service as possible.
In response to City Manager Johnson, Associate Planner Saunders said the capital
improvements part of the review will be available for the Commission to work on in early
January.
Planning Director Andy Epple noted that, through the Department of Environmental
Quality and the Federal Department of Energy, there may be an opportunity for the Planning
Board to obtain some software to do a more updated version of fiscal impact analysis for new
annexations and subdivisions. He noted they have not yet been approved for that software,
but that if it comes through and a pilot study is undertaken, they will prefer to have interested
members of the development and environmental communities involved.
.
Renewal of Beer. Wine and Liauor Licenses for Calendar Year 1998
This was the time set for renewal of the Beer, Wine and Liquor Licenses for the
Calendar Year 1998. A total of 47 applications have been received, along with the required
fees.
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a list of the establishments which have
made application and paid the required fee, as follows:
APPLICATIONS FOR BEER, WINE AND LlaUOR LICENSES
CALENDAR YEAR 1998
APPLICANT BEER
WINE LIQUOR TOTAL
Albertson's Food Center #237
200 South 23rd $ 200
$ 200 $
$ 400
. American Legion
225 East Main Street
500
500
Anaconda Molly Brown Corp.
703 West Babcock Street
500
500
Baxter Hotel Corp.
dba The Baxter, Rocky
Mountain Pasta Co.,
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The Bacchus Pub and
The Robin Lounge
105 West Main Street
500 500
Bozeman Apple, Inc.
dba Applebee's
1108 North 7th Avenue
500 500
. R & N Corporation
at The Bozeman
321 East Main Street 500
500
Buttrey Food and Drug Company
2825 West Main Street 200 200
400
The Cannery Lounge
43 West Main Street
500 500
Casa Sanchez Restaurant
719 South 9th Avenue 200 200
400
Cats Paw, Inc.
721 North 7th Avenue
500 500
Community Food Co-op
908 West Main Street 200 200
400
Costco Wholesale
2502 Catron Street 200 200
400
. 5MB, Inc.
dba Crossroads/Wine Merchant
27 East Main Street 200
200
B.p.a.Elks 463
106 East Babcock Street
500 500
The Filling Station, Inc.
2005 North Rouse Avenue 200 200
400
Montana Pizza, Inc.
d ba Godfather's Pizza
200 South 23rd Avenue 200
200
GranTree Conoco
1325 North 7th Avenue 200 200
400
GranTree Lounge
1325 North 7th Avenue
500 500
Grape Expectations Wines & Deli
. 27 South Willson Avenue 200 200
400
Haufbrau, Inc.
22 South 8th Avenue
500 500
JW's Hide-A-Way Lounge, Inc.
1631 West Main Street
500 500
Jackpot Casino
1801 West Main Street 200 200
400
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Jackpot Casino East
915 East Main Street 200 200
400
John Bozeman's Bistro
242 East Main Street 200 200
400
Kagy Korner, I nc.
1809 South Tracy Avenue 200 200
400
. KO's Club
1332 East Main Street 500
500
Kwik-Way, Inc.
dba Kwik Way #32
401 East Peach Street 200 200
400
Lewis & Clark
824 West Main Street 200 200
400
Little John's Bar, Inc.
515 West Aspen Street
500 500
Gallatin Lounge Corp.
dba Lucky Lil's Casino
2401 West Main Street
500 500
232 E. Main, Inc.
dba The Pub at
MacKenzie River Pizza
232 East Main Street 200 200
400
.
Me and Jan's Mini Mart
919 West College Street 200 200
400
Me and Jan's II
621 West Main Street 200 200
400
Mini Mart, Inc.
dba Mini Mart #728
71 7 West College Street 200 200
400
Mini Mart, Inc.
dba Mini Mart #729
1910 West Main Street 200 200
400
American Drug Stores, Inc.
d ba Osco
1525 West Main Street 200 200
400
ROI Enterprises, Inc.
dba Pizza Hut
. 2300 West Main Street 200 200
400
Safeway, Inc. #289
901 West Main Street 200 200
400
The Bay, Inc.
dba Santa Fe Reds
1235 North 7th Avenue
500 500
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Scoop Bar
712 West Main Street
500 500
Spectator's Sports Bar and Grill
19 Tai Lane
500 500
The Store, Inc.
1 210 East Main Street 200
200 400
. Town & Country Foods
219 North 19th Avenue 200 200
400
Valley View Golf Club
302 East Kagy Boulevard
500 500
Van's IGA
912 North 7th Avenue 200
200 400
VFW Post No. 903
2005 North Rouse Avenue
500 500
Williams Pump & Pak, Inc.
2020 North 7th Avenue 200
200 400
Total ~ 47 Applications $ 5 .400
$ 5 .400 $ 9.500 $20.300
The City Manager recommended that the Commission approve the applications as
submitted.
. It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that
the Commission approve the renewal of Beer, Wine and Liquor Licenses for Calendar Year 1998
for the various establishments as listed above. The motion carried by the following Aye and
No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg,
Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following "For Your
Information" items.
( 1 ) Notice of cancellation of the Headwaters Cooperative Recycling Project's
December meeting, and notification that the next meeting will be held on January 14. 1998
. in Bozeman.
(2) Agenda for the Gallatin County Commission meeting, to be held at 1 :30 p.m.
on Tuesday, December 2 in the Courthouse Community Room.
(3) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting, to be held at 10:00
a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, in the Commission Room.
12~01 ~97
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. 24-
(4) Agenda for the City-County Planning Board meeting, to be held at 7:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, December 2, in the Commission Room.
(5) City Manager Clark Johnson submitted his report as follows. (1) Referred to
Item 14g. on the Consent Agenda, stating that the Montana Municipal Insurance Authority is
. doing a study to provide property insurance for several cities as a group, with an eye to saving
money. The City Manager noted that Bozeman's portion of this study is $2,000. (2) Noted the
cancellation of the Wednesday meeting with MSU about their "green building", but stated that,
due to a lot of public interest, MSU will visit with the Commission about it at their next work
session. (3) Said he, Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor Stueck, will be in Helena at a meeting
with the Montana Transportation Commission concerning the relocation of the rest area, in
conjunction with the new Chamber of Commerce building at the corner of Baxter Lane and
North 19th Avenue. The City Manager said the plan calls for the City to return federal dollars
to the state in exchange for state dollars contributed for the construction of the building, noting
the City is sending back three times as much money as they will get. He stated word came
today that the Department of Transportation staff intends to not endorse the project, noting
. that staff's conclusion is that the location of the rest area, three quarters of a mile from the
interstate, is not conducive to use as a rest area. He forwarded his disappointment with this
decision, and noted the strong public support that the group plans to present to the Highway
Commission next Wednesday in the hope they will disagree with staff. City Manager Johnson
noted other possible locations, but also stated the Chamber had had a good deal on the price
of land at the corner of Baxter Lane and North 19th Avenue. (4) Noted the Commissioners are
invited to a Christmas party at the Comfort Inn on Wednesday night.
(6) The City Manager asked for procedural direction on an applicant's right to ask the
Commission for a ruling on the denial of a loan administered through the Gallatin Development
Corporation.
. Mayor Stueck answered, and Commissioner Frost concurred, that he was not aware
of it ever happening, but he did not see why it could not happen.
Commissioner Youngman said she believes it reasonable that the Commission could
make such a decision, as a place of last resort.
Following discussion of confidentiality concerns, the City Manager noted that, if it is
acceptable to the Commission to make a final decision on the matter, administration can
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determine the procedural steps.
(7) City Attorney Paul Luwe said he has been busy writing a legal brief for the
League of Cities and Towns, and has received an extension from the Montana Supreme Court
until December 17th. He noted the brief concerns constitutional issues that will affect all cities
. and towns, including Bozeman, specifically, on whether the Commission's decisions on
executive or administrative or quasi-judicial issues are subject to the referendum process. He
stated this is of interest to different communities in the state, should they decide to sell bonds,
and that he will be glad to visit with anyone needing more information.
(8) Commissioner Frost pointed out that today is World AIDs Day.
(9) Commissioner Youngman distributed the Library's Annual Report, on behalf of
the Library Director, noting the Director will be on the Commission agenda in the future to talk
about it.
(10) Commissioner Rudberg stated her concern about the article in the Chronicle
concerning the City Manager's evaluation, noting her opinion that the headline was totally
inappropriate, and that separating the Manager's evaluation from whatever concerns there are
. on the Commission table is important. She said that, as Commissioner, she will never again
support any employee's evaluation being done in public, and that the privilege was abused.
The Commissioner noted she had gone through all the minutes from the past two
years, and offered the fOllowing statistics: there were 502 Commission votes; of those votes,
411 were decided 5-0; 49 were decided 4-1; 24 votes were lost by the liberals, while the
conservatives lost 14, and 4 were
mixed between conservatives and liberals. The
Commissioner said this leaves a total of ten votes lost by the liberals, which is probably one
vote every two months. She stated her concern that the issue of Commission disagreement
has been greatly exaggerated.
(11 ) Commissioner Stiff stated that he, City Manager Johnson and Commissioner-
elect Sandra Smiley had been meeting to determine what would be in Ms. Smiley's
best
. interests when she is seated on the Commission in January. He said that Ms. Smiley's service
on the City-County Planning Board will stand her in good stead in her decision to be liaison on
the City-County Health Board.
( 12) Commissioner-elect Smiley stated she will be part of a tour of City facilities on
January 9, and that she will also be individually visiting with the different department heads.
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She stated her appreciation for the talks she has had with the City Manager and Commissioner
Stiff.
( 13) Commissioner Stiff referred to the City
Manager's salary package, noting that
a majority of the Commissioners feel his salary should be amended according to the agreement.
. He forwarded his concern that the current salary package is $1 7,400 below that of the
previous City Manager's. The Commissioner stated his opinion that the figures mentioned were
substantially too small and the job pay should be more in line with other City Manager salaries
in the state. He said he concurred with Commissioner Rudberg in her statement about a public
employee evaluation, noting he does not feel this process works.
Commissioner Stiff
forwarded his suggestion that, if all Commissioners are agreed, the City Attorney modify
Section 6 of the employment agreement, which concerns the public evaluation.
Commissioner Frost stated his opinion that the section should be reworded to give the
City Manager a choice in the matter.
Mayor Stueck
apologized to the Commission,
noting he had requested the
Commissioners forward their suggestions for the agreement to the Clerk of the Commission,
. but that he had forgotten how the City Manager's employment agreement was structured, and
believed the original contract ended in June, not December. He noted a verbal agreement that
the incoming City Manager would be paid at the salary the Acting City Manager was getting,
with a possible raise following a satisfactory six-month evaluation. The Mayor apologized for
not getting this written into the agreement. He noted conversations
with City staff that
showed a general feeling the City Manager is grossly underpaid.
He suggested that, in
rewording Section 6 of the Employment Agreement, the City Manager's contract be increased
proportionately for the next six months, after which the new Commission can do their
evaluation and either extend that contract or terminate it. He noted his hope for a salary range
of $64,000 to $65,000 for the next six months, with further consideration at the end of June.
Commissioner Stiff stated he is in agreement with this, if it is a unanimous Commission
. vote.
Responding to Commissioner Frost, the City Attorney said an agreement can always
be modified if both parties are in agreement, noting the only thing that cannot be done is to
lower the salary.
Commissioner Rudberg stated she has a problem with not redoing the contract if a
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- 27 -
verbal agreement had been made, noting it is a matter of integrity.
Commissioner Youngman noted she has not heard of the verbal agreement before, and
she would appreciate a little time to think about it.
Mayor Stueck agreed it could be decided on in two weeks' time and that, if the
. decision is not unanimous, it will be deferred until June.
Consent Items
City Manager Johnson presented to the Commission the following Consent Items.
Authorize City Manaaer to sign - Change Order No.2 for Highland Boulevard
Bike & Pedestrian Path - JTL GrouD. Inc. - add $2.069.70 and 2
calendar days
Authorize City Manaaer to sian - Annexation Aareement with Scenic
Developers. Inc. - 21.644 acres located in the SE%. Section 14. T2S.
R5E. MPM (northwest corner of intersection of South 19th Avenue
and Kaay Boulevard extended)
Commission Resolution No. 3218 - annexina 21.644 acres located in the SE%.
Section 14. T2S. R5E. MPM (northwest corner of intersection of
South 19th Avenue and Kagv Boulevard extended)
. COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3218
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 TRACT OF LAND CONTIGUOUS TO SAID CITY, TO BE KNOWN AS
THE KAGY CROSSROADS ANNEXATION (AND FORMERLY REFERRED TO AS
THE SCENIC DEVELOPERS ANNEXATION REQUEST) AND HEREIN MORE
PARTICULARL V DESCRIBED.
Authorize City Manager to sign - Public Street and Utilities Easement - RalDh
K. Aaker and Steven R. Aaker - 45-foot by 1.016.37-foot easement
along northern boundary of DrODerty (for Kaay Boulevard west of
South 19th Avenue)
Ratify City Manaaer's signature - Agreement for Advancina Funds -
Montana Municipal Insurance Authoritv - contribution to determining
the feasibility of develoDing a DrODerty Droaram
ADDoint Kathy Gallagher to the City-County Board of Health (as ioint
City/County aDDointee) with term to eXDire on January 3. 2000
. Proclamation - "3D Prevention Month" - December 1997
Buildina InSDection Division reDort for October 1997
Claims
It was moved by Commissioner Rudberg, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the
Commission approve the Consent Items as listed, and authorize and direct the appropriate
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persons to complete the necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No
vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost,
Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
. Recess - 5.50 D.m.
Mayor Stueck declared a recess at 5:50 p.m., to reconvene at 7:00 p.m., for the
purpose of conducting the scheduled public hearings.
Reconvene - 7:00 D.m.
Mayor Stueck reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of conducting the
scheduled public hearings.
Public hearing - COA with deviations from Sections 18.50.160 and 18.50.060.C.. to allow
renovation of existing garage. construction of a rear addition and installation of a full basement
which encroach into reauired corner side yard setback on cortions of Lots 1-6. Block 18.
Caeital Addition - Megan & Craig Kemet. 402 West Cleveland Street (Z-97166)
. This was the time and place set for the public hearing on a Certificate of
Appropriateness with deviations from Sections 18.50.160 and 18.50.060.C., requested by
Megan & Craig Kempt under Application No. Z-97166, to allow the renovation of an existing
garage, construction of a rear addition, and installation of a full basement which encroach into
the required corner side yard setback on portions of Lots 1 through 6, Block 18, Capital
Addition. The subject site is commonly known as 402 West Cleveland Street.
Mayor Stueck opened the public hearing.
Derek Strahn, Historic Preservation Officer, gave the staff report, noting that the
proposed modifications are appropriate and acceptable within the context of this Bon Ton
Historic District neighborhood. The Planner noted two deviations for the project, the first being
from Section 18.50.160 "Nonconforming Uses and Structures", for the expansion of a
. nonconforming garage structure, while the second is from Section 18.50.060.C. "Yard and
Height Encroachments, Limitations, and Exceptions", to allow a portion of the new addition to
encroach into the required corner side yard setback. He stated there were no neighborhood
concerns, while one neighbor wrote in support of the project, and that staff recommends
approval.
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The Historic Preservation Office stated that the Design Review Board, at its November
12 meeting, found the deviations justified in that the proposal is in keeping with the spirit of
the Conservation Overlay District, and vote 6 to 0 to approve this application, with deviations
per staff recommended conditions outlined in the DRB staff report.
. No one was present to speak for or against the application.
With no Commissioner objections, Mayor Stueck closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Commissioner Stiff, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the
Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with deviations from Sections
18.50.160 and 18.50.060.C., requested by Megan & Craig Kempt under Application No. Z-
97166, to allow the renovation of an existing garage, construction of a rear addition and
installation of a full basement which encroach into the required corner side yard setback on
portions of Lots 1 through 6, Block 18, Capital Addition, subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall obtain a building permit within one year of
Certificate of Appropriateness approval or this approval shall become
null and void.
2. This project shall be constructed as approved and conditioned in the
. Certificate of Appropriateness application. Any modifications to the
submitted and approved drawings shall invalidate the project's
approval unless the applicant submits the proposed modifications for
review and approval by the Planning Office prior to undertaking said
modifications, as required by Section 18.62.040 of the Bozeman
Municipal Code.
The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner
Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Rudberg and Mayor
Stueck; those voting No, none.
Public hearing - CUP with variances from Sections 18.20.050. to allow structure to encroach
6 feet into 20-foot rear yard setback. 18.50.120.K.. to allow two Darking SDaces to encroach
into 25-foot front yard setback and 18.50.035.D.2.a.. to allow aarbage enclosure in 25-foot
front yard setback on Lots 2 and 3. Block 1. West Babcock Subdivision - HRDC (for 52 North
24th Avenue) (Z-9744)
This was the time and place set for the public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit with
. variances from Sections 18.20.050, requested by Human Resources Development Council
under Application No. Z-9744, to allow a structure to encroach 6 feet into the 20-foot rear yard
setback; 18.50.120.K., to allow two parking spaces to encroach into the 25-foot front yard
setback; and 18.50.035.D.2.a., to allow a garbage enclosure in a 25-foot front yard setback
on Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, West Babcock Subdivision. The subject site is known as 52 North
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24th Avenue.
Mayor Stueck opened the public hearing.
Assistant Planner Jody Olsen gave the staff report, stating that this application is to
allow the construction of a new structure of about 3,000 square feet, for use as a Head Start
. school facility. The Planner said the subject site is zoned R-3, "Residential--Medium-density",
which allows pre-schools as a conditional use. The Planner noted that the site is approximately
15,223 square feet in size, however, the applicant has worked out an arrangement with the
Parks Advisory Board to allow some of the required site improvements to be installed on
adjacent public parkland.
Assistant Planner Olsen outlined the three variances requested. She then noted that
the Design Review Board has reviewed this proposal against the CUP criteria and found that,
with conditions and code requirements, the proposal will satisfy all the criteria, with the
exception of one. The Planner stated this is the criterium which requires that the site for the
proposed use is adequate in size and topography to accommodate said use. She stated that,
while the site is large, the deeded lot is small, and that the site improvements must still comply
. with the setback improvements for the deeded lots, hence the need for the variances. Planner
Olsen stated that, following its public hearing, the Planning Board voted 8 to 1 to recommend
conditional approval of this project.
In response to City Attorney Luwe, the Assistant Planner said the site improvements
in the park consist of landscaping and an outdoor play area with fence. She stated these are
required, but that HRDC will provide additional landscaping and a trail, and they will also
maintain the park.
Further in response to the Attorney, the Planner said the fenced play area is not for the
exclusive use of the school except during school hours, which are half days, Tuesday through
Friday. She further stated the applicants have considered possibly providing some snow
storage and landscaping in lieu of parking, noting that the State will allow this only if the
. Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, as well as the Parks and Recreation Departments, agree
to it.
Jeff Rupp, Executive Director of HRDC, gave a brief history of the project, noting that
they envisioned a two-story structure which, after discussion with neighbors, was lessened to
one story to better blend with the neighborhood. He said this is where the footprint became
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bigger, triggering the need for variances. Mr. Rupp said HRDC is very comfortable with
where
the project is at, at this point, and thanked staff for their work and assistance.
In response to the City Attorney, Mr. Rupp said the issue of using of the playground
and park is being formalized through a use agreement between HRDC and the City of Bozeman
. Recreation Department, after review by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board.
No one was present to speak either for or against this application.
Commissioner Rudberg said she is glad to see Head Start finally has a home. She did
say, however, she is concerned that perhaps someday HRDC will decide the only use for this
property is for a child care center, noting there is a big difference between a non-profit
group
and a for-profit use that might like to totally take over the park area. She asked how
this might
be addressed in the event of a sale.
In response, Mr. Rupp said HRDC has no plans to sell the property, but would have no
objection to some restrictive language in the agreement in case of such an event.
City Attorney Luwe said he had not been consulted about the proposed use of the park,
and he does have some concerns about whether the City can do what is being proposed. He
. stated that, under the law, parks can only be used so long as that use is consistent with the
type of purpose for which the park is utilized. He said he would like to take some time
to look
at statute in order to render an opinion. The City Attorney said that, if the answer is
yes, a use
agreement or revocable permit needs to be in place, which states HRDC may use the parkland.
The City Manager stated Assistant City Manager Brey has requested a recess to make
the determination.
Mayor Stueck announced a break at 7:15 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at
7:25 p.m.
City Attorney said much depends on the motion, and that he can suggest additional
language to modify Condition No.3, relating to the encroachment permit, which will give
him
time to ascertain the status of the property, and the best mechanism to arrive at a project
. completion. He said that, if this cannot be done in accordance with statute, for some reason,
it can be brought back for consideration. The
Attorney suggested changing the term
"encroachment permit" in the conditions to "revocable license or other document acceptable
to the City". Again, he suggested the addition of an 'e.', being a hold harmless agreement,
and
any additional terms deemed applicable by the City, and an 'f.', which says that, in the
event
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an agreement cannot be entered into, this matter will come back to the City Commission
for
consideration. He advised that one of two
things will happen: if the applicant cannot live with
the terms, it will come back to the Commission for final consideration of those terms;
or if
there is a problem with the use being inconsistent with the park purposes, and the City
cannot
. enter into the agreement, again it will come back before the Commission.
Mayor Stueck stated his concern that a hold harmless agreement relates only to CitYN
owned property, but that HRDC will be using a part of such property.
In response to the City Attorney, the Mayor said HRDC will maintain playground
equipment on City-owned property. The City Attorney stated this will become a City liability
for property maintenance.
Since there were no Commissioner objections, Mayor Stueck closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Frost stated he will abstain from the vote in order to avoid any
perception of a conflict of interest.
Mayor Stueck said it is common knowledge how badly such a facility is needed in the
community. He reminded the Commissioners that a zoning variance requires four affirmative
. votes for approval.
It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Rudberg, that
the Commission approve the Conditional Use Permit with variances from Sections 18.20.050,
requested by HRDC for 52 North 24th Avenue under Application No. 2-9744. to allow a
structure to encroach 6 feet into a 20-foot rear yard setback; 18.50.120.K., to allow two
parking spaces to encroach into a 25-foot front yard setback; and 18.50.035.0.2.a., to
allow
a garbage enclosure in a 25-foot front yard setback on Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, West Babcock
Subdivision, subject to the following conditions:
1. That the final site plan shall be submitted
to the City Parks and
Recreation
Departments for review and approval prior to final site plan
approval.
This includes approval for utilization of the public park for
snow
removal and storage and for the provision of landscaping-in-lieu
of
parking.
. 2. The final site plan shall show 350 square feet of landscaping
for
landscaping-inNlieu
of parking. This landscaping shall be provided in
the
public right-of-way or yards directly facing the public right-of-way.
This
landscaping could be provided in the adjacent public park if the
Parks
Department approves it The landscaping-in-lieu shall be
reviewed
and approved by AOR staff prior to final site pan plan.
3. The applicant shall obtain a revocable
license, or other document
acceptable
to the City, from the City of Bozeman to allow the
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provision of site improvements in the adjacent public park.
This
revocable license, or other document acceptable to the City, shall be
issued prior to final site plan approval. The revocable license, or other
document acceptable to the City, shall contain language addressing
the following:
a. Adequate trail/sidewalk accessibility to the
public
parkland shall be installed prior to use of the
public
. parkland for this proposal.
b. Any fencing proposed
in the public park shall be
aesthetically pleasing.
c. The improvements in the public park shall be
arranged
in a manner that will ensure accessibility by
City
maintenance vehicles.
d. The portion of the public park that is improved
and
used by the HRDC Head Start Center shall be
maintained by HRDC.
e. A hold harmless agreement and any additional
terms
deemed applicable by the City.
f. In the event that such agreement cannot be entered
in,
this matter will come
back to the City
Commission.
4. A fixture count shall be provided to ensure that the existing water
. service stub is of sufficient size to supply domestic water to the
building.
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 Frost abstained.
Adjournment - 7:35 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 Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff and
. Mayor Stueck; those voting No, none.
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( ~z~~
.
DON E. STUECK, Mayor
. ATTEST:
r5i~ R.f:r~.
GILLIAN Z. ERLANDSON
Deputy Clerk of the Commission
.
.
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