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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-24 Minutes, City Commission MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA February 24, 1997 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, February 24, 1997, at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Stueck, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Acting City Manager Brey, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Agenda Meeting - for regular meetina and public hearinas to be held on March 3. 1997 Since this is an agenda meeting, only those issues requiring staff action are contained in the minutes. . Acting City Manager Brey briefly reviewed the background information which was included in the Commissioners' packets. (4) Assistant Planner Jody Olsen reminded the Commission that the public hearing on this application was held on June 17, and the decision was delayed until after the State had made its decision on the new additional beer and wine license. She then reviewed the recommended conditions for approval, after which she responded to several questions from the Commission. She indicated that, since the required parking lot improvements have been made, that condition could be eliminated. She then recognized that Condition No.4 should be slightly revised to more accurately reflect its intent. Responding to Mayor Stueck, the Assistant Planner stated that the applicant will probably forward a request for modification of Condition No.1, on the basis that it is not . necessary. (5) Assistant Planner Chris Saunders reminded the Commission that the request to serve beer and wine in conjunction with the new athletic club was separated from the athletic club, which was previously approved. He forwarded the applicant's request that this conditional use permit be approved, as he intends to purchase a beer and wine license when 02-24~97 _._____.________..___.___n_ ___.__ ___u_.____.__. __n .____._._._ __.___ - 2 ~ one becomes available. He cautioned that no conditions for approval of this application have been established, suggesting that one condition might be that the beer and wine license must be acquired within one year. He recognized that tabling the decision could be an alternative, although he is concerned that it could become lost if that is done. . (7) Assistant Planner Chris Saunders provided background information on this application, after which he responded to several questions regarding this request. He reminded the Commission that under the impact fee regulations, impact fees are applicable to those building permits and extensions of permits not obtained prior to the deadline. (15) Associate Planner Dean Patterson provided a brief overview of this project, after which he responded to several questions. He indicated that removal of the carport, which encroaches into the alley, would address the recommendations from the Development Review Committee and the concerns raised by the Design Review Board. He then stated that the carport was constructed, and some of the other improvements were completed, without obtaining the proper building permits. (16) Assistant Planner Jody Olsen reviewed this project, noting that this . application pertains to a deck and fence which were constructed without the appropriate reviews or permits. (17&18) Project Planner Christopher Williams provided an overview, forwarding a recommendation for denial. City Attorney Luwe stated that a resolution of intent to amend the master plan will be added to the afternoon agenda, so this application may be considered in the evening session. Work Session - (A) Discussion - list of topics for upcoming work sessions (B) Update on status of goals for Fiscal Year 1996-1997 (C) Update re legislative issues (D) Continued discussion - selection process for Citv Manager (A) Discussion - list of topics for upcoming work sessions. . Acting City Manager Brey reviewed the list of topics for upcoming work sessions, noting this is the list developed at the August 12, 1996, Commission meeting with some topics added as a result of discussions at recent Commission meetings. The Commission reviewed these topics, identifying those which have already been addressed, those which should be placed on an agenda in the near future, and those which 02-24-97 - - --- -- -- - --------- -- ----- -. .-..- . ... ._-".... - 3 - should be delayed. They also identified a few subjects which should be added to the list, as a result of previous discussions. (B) Update on status of goals for Fiscal Year 1996-1997 Acting City Manager Brey stated that, included in the Commissioners' packets, was . a memo dated February 20, in which he provided a brief update on some of the top priority goals, along with a memo from Director of Public Service Forbes, dated February 19, providing his review of the top priority goals pertaining to his department (which is four of the five top priority goals), and a listing of the goals. The Acting City Manager reminded the Commission that in late September, former City Manager Wysocki provided an update on the goals, and this information covers activities for the past five months. He then provided an additional update, particularly on the goal pertaining to police and fire issues. He stated that the Police Department has recently received a $1,500 grant for portable radar guns for the two motorcycle patrolmen. Also, a $31,000 grant has been received from the Department of Justice for seven laptop computers for use in police cars. These computers are in addition to the nine laptop computers for which a grant . was previously approved, the bid for which was awarded at last week's meeting. He stressed that, with these computers, time spent in the station will be dramatically reduced, thus allowing officers an opportunity to stay in the field. The Commission thanked the Acting City Manager for the update. (0) Continued discussion - selection process for City Manager Acting City Manager Brey stated that, included in the Commissioners' packets, was a memo from Clerk of the Commission Sullivan, dated February 20, forwarding the latest revisions to the selection process, resulting from previous Commission discussions. He reminded the Commission that finalizing the selection process and the evaluation form are scheduled on next week's agenda, and encouraged the Commissioners to be prepared to do so at that time. He noted that over 100 applications are anticipated, and encouraged the . Commissioners to keep this in mind as they establish the process. Commissioner Stiff stated that, after reviewing the timeline contained in the selection process, he would like to see it condensed so that the new City Manager is working at the beginning of the new fiscal year. He suggested that this could be accomplished by shortening the timeframes at the beginning of the process. 02-24-97 -............ -- - -- -- .-.. - 4 - The Acting City Manager noted that, with only one or two exceptions, the tasks are to be completed by the Commissioners, and staff has attempted to provide adequate time for those tasks to be accomplished. He recognized that, if the Commissioners wish, they can shorten the times allotted. He noted that some time has been provided between scheduling . and conducting the interviews, in an effort to take advantage of airfares. He noted that, if the Commission wishes, that time could be shortened, recognizing that the airfare costs mayor may not increase as a result. Mayor Stueck noted that the amount of notice that the successful applicant must provide in a current position will impact the start date here. Commissioner Rudberg stated she still does not feel it is necessary for staff to conduct the initial screening of the applications to determine if the applicants meet minimum qualifications. She suggested, instead, that since the Commissioners must carefully review each of the applications, they can easily complete that portion of the evaluation form themselves. Commissioner Frost stated that, after working with students 40 hours a week, he has . only his evenings and weekends to devote to the selection process; and one of the weekend days is already devoted to preparing for Commission meetings. He then noted that if staff conducts the initial screening for minimum qualifications, it could assist the Commissioners in completing that step in the process. Mayor Stueck encouraged the Commissioners to forward any input they may have on the selection process and the evaluation form to the Clerk of the Commission by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, for inclusion in a supplemental packet on Friday evening. (C) Update re legislative issues Acting City Manager Brey distributed copies of a status report on certain legislative bills, as compiled by Commissioner Youngman; a status report on bills of interest, as compiled by Deputy Clerk of the Commission Erlandson, dated February 24; and copies of HB369, . HB388 and HB466. Responding to Commissioner Youngman, the Clerk of the Commission indicated she will have the Deputy Clerk check on the status of HB466 in the morning, to determine if it was voted on today and, if so, how Bozeman's delegation voted. 02-24-97 .------- -- --- -----..---- - 5 - The Acting City Manager asked for Commission direction on 58164, which would allow mobile homes to be placed on permanent foundations in any zoning district. He reminded the Commission that, at the present time, mobile homes are not allowed in the R-1, R-2 and R-3a zoning districts. . Mayor Stueck expressed concern that, under this bill, Bozeman would be penalized for doing what other communities around the state should have been doing. Following discussion, the Commission indicated opposition to the bill, but encouraged staff to aim that opposition toward the loss of local governing power. The Acting City Manager concluded his update by distributing copies of HB585, which is the "Today and Tomorrow" program proposed by Governor Racicot, which would use coal severance tax monies to fund certain activities, including preservation of Virginia City and Nevada City. Commissioner Youngman stated that she has a copy of H8354, which would provide for beer and wine licenses for restaurants, for any interested Commissioners. Acting City Manager Brey distributed copies of a memo from the Gallatin County . Commissioners to the Gallatin Council of Government members, inviting them to attend a luncheon meeting with local legislators at noon on Thursday, February 27. Commissioner Frost asked that the Commissioners be provided with a listing of how the local legislators voted on certain bills, so that they can be prepared to talk to those legislators who have not kept their campaign promises. Acting City Manager Brey suggested that Deputy Clerk of the Commission Erlandson can contact the legislative information office and obtain that information, then prepare such a list prior to the Thursday lunch. Commissioner Youngman stated that a listing of the bills in which the City is interested, with the bill numbers and a listing of the Commission's position, could assist local legislators in taking action as the bills are transmitted from one chamber to the other. She . suggested that this information could be easily developed through a compilation of information already available in either County or City offices. City Attorney Luwe stated that 58308, on which he testified in opposition, has been amended so that it is now acceptable. He gave a brief overview on HB 167, which has been tabled, and HB240, which has "so many amendments and exemptions we don't know what 02-24-97 - 6 ~ it will be". He indicated that he is closely monitoring HB345, which requires drug testing for private industry, noting he would prefer that it include public sector employees as well. He then indicated that he is also monitoring HB306, which is a "takings bill", particularly since the estimated financial impact of a similar bill in Washington a few years ago was set at $11 billion. . He cautioned that this type of bill could have a dramatic financial impact on cities and counties as well as the State. He stated that the bill has passed the House and has been transmitted to the Senate. He indicated that HB393, which is another bill about which the City was concerned, has been tabled in committee. The City Attorney concluded by reviewing the provisions of HB553 and HB572, which he is closely monitoring because of the impacts they could have. The Commission thanked staff for its update on legislative issues. Discussion - FYI Items Acting City Manager Brey presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. . (1 ) Agenda forthe Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, in the City Commission Room. (2) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, in the City Commission Room. (3) Notice that no County Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 25. (4) The Acting City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Stated that a joint meeting with the County Commission, regarding West Babcock Street, has been set for March 10. (2) Stated that "plan in hand" reviews were conducted last week for West Oak Street between North 7th Avenue and North Rouse Avenue and for South Third Avenue between Kagy Boulevard and Wagon Wheel South. . (5) Commissioner Rudberg stated that Tim Conner is preparing for a final meeting of the focus groups for the "Gallatin Valley Tomorrow" project, and plans to have one big final session during the first part of May at MSU. (6) City Attorney Luwe stated that he attended the MMIA Board retreat in Helena last Thursday and Friday. 02-24-97 - -..-.--.--.---- -.... ---. .- - 7 - (7) Mayor Stueck stated that he attended the Interagency Breakfast last Wednesday. He noted that the County Commissioners also feel that they are being hamstrung and losing local control as a result of actions taken by the Legislature to date. (8) City Attorney Luwe suggested that the Commission consider a policy for . recognizing the efforts of Bozeman's students. He noted that last year's Odyssey of the Mind team from Morning Star School enjoyed appearing before the Commission and receiving copies of the proclamation. He stated that this year's Speech and Debate Team from Bozeman Senior High will be going to Nationals, and suggested that recognizing that team in some manner would be appropriate and probably appreciated. Commissioner Rudberg suggested this issue be placed on an upcoming work session for discussion. Adiournment - 5: 1 0 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 e 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. ( ?~ ?,~~ - DON E. STUECK, Mayor ATTEST: ~J~~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission . 02-24~97 .....-.--..-