HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-06-24 Minutes, City Commission
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MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
June 24, 1996
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. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting
in
the Commission Room, Municipal Building, June 24, 1996, at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mayor
Stueck, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, City Manager
Wysocki, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. Commissioner Youngman
was absent in compliance with Section 7-3-4322(2), M.C.A.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Aaenda Meetina - for reaular meeting and public hearinas to be held on Julv 1 , 1996
Since this is an agenda meeting, only those issues requiring staff action
are contained
in the minutes.
. City Manager Wysocki briefly reviewed the background information which was
included in the Commissioners' packets.
(4) The City
Manager cautioned that the section of State statutes under which
the proposed cul-de-sac on South Third Avenue is to be installed requires a petition signed by
a minimum of 50 percent of the affected property owners. He cautioned that, to date, the City
has not received the required number of signatures; and if additional signatures are not
obtained, then the Commission will be unable to act on this proposed street closure. He asked
that the Commissioners be prepared to give direction to staff at next week's meeting on
whether it wishes to proceed with a street closure or partial closure under a different section
of the statute, which will require conducting another public hearing. He
then indicated that
staff has contacted the Montana Department of Transportation about the proposed revisions
. to the configuration of the intersection; and it is anticipated that a preliminary response will be
available for next week's meeting.
(5 and 6) The City Manager suggested that the Commission may wish to hold
the
decisions on these two sign requests until after the sign code has been revised, which will take
approximately ninety days. He suggested that if the Commission concurs with this idea, they
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may wish to act next week on holding the decisions in abeyance for another ninety days or
until the decision on the sign code has been made, whichever occurs first.
(7) Project Engineer Rick Hixson provided the background information on this
item, noting the applicant has requested that Condition No. 12 for his preliminary plat be
. eliminated. He forwarded staff's suggestion that, rather than eliminating the condition, it might
be preferable to require the developer's participation in installation of the traffic signal at the
intersection of Ferguson Avenue and US Highway 191.
Responding to Commissioner Stiff, the Project Engineer stated that contributions
toward the traffic signal at the intersection of Ferguson Avenue and US Highway 191 include
$44,000 from PC Development, to cover 50 percent of the costs, and commitments for
funding from the City and the County. He reviewed the costs of design for recent and pending
installation of traffic signals, including: West College Street and South
19th Avenue -
$25,000; East Main Street and Highland Boulevard - $15,800; West Mendenhall Street and
North Willson Avenue - $12,600; and Tamarack Street and North 7th Avenue - $20,000.
(8) Senior Planner Skelton reminded the Commission that the applicant has also
. filed an application for annexation; however, that process has not yet been undertaken.
He
cautioned that if the conditional use permit is to be approved without annexation, the
conditions of approval will require significant amendments.
Responding to the City Manager, the Senior Planner stated that under this application,
as advertised, the Commission will be considering both the health club and the serving of
alcoholic beverages. He then indicated that the Bozeman Athletic Club is one of the applicants
for the new beer and wine license.
Mayor Stueck noted that at the Planning Board meeting, there was considerable
discussion about the proposed streets not forming a grid pattern and concern about the creative
routing of Fallon Street.
Senior Planner Skelton cautioned that the Commission must identify any needs for
. east/west roadways through the development for the overall transportation network, asking the
Commissioners to determine if any through streets are needed between West Babcock Street
and US Highway 191. He highlighted several of the issues which have been discussed during
review of this application, including private streets versus public streets. He indicated staff has
noted that reasonable curvilinear streets would be acceptable.
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Responding to Commissioner Stiff, Senior Planner Skelton stated that if development
of the 135~acre parcel is allowed without annexation, then an on-site private sewage system
with lines which meet City standards will be required.
He cautioned that this parcel is quite
large, and will be developed in several phases. He suggested that the Commission may wish
. to require a conceptual master plan for development of the entire parcel prior to final approval
of this application.
(22) Associate
Planner Dean Patterson provided the background information on
this application. He stated that the Design Review Board has recommended
denial of the
application after forwarding concerns that the deviation
process is for restoration or
rehabilitation of older structures to enhance the historic character of the neighborhood, not
structures as new as the Fire Station.
Commissioner Frost suggested that the City consider the variance process rather than
the deviation process.
(231 Associate
Planner Dean Patterson provided background information on this
application, under which a second dwelling unit is to be constructed on the property and
. attached to the existing dwelling unit by a roof extension. He stated that the Design Review
Board has forwarded a recommendation of denial because they were unable to identify enough
design excellence to justify the deviations. He noted the existing
structure is relatively new;
and the ORB questioned whether it meets the requirements for a deviation.
Work Session - (A) Presentation from Bob Lashawav. Facilities Director at MSU. re proiects in
and around campus: (8) Discussion re draft sign code revisions - Assistant Planner Christopher
Williams; (C) Discussion re participation in Headwaters Cooperative Recvcling Proiect
(A) Presentation
from Bob Lashaway, Facilities Services Director at
MSU, re projects in and around campus
Mr. Bob Lashaway,
Facilities Services Director at
Montana State University,
characterized his department as a $13-million annual operation that covers a wide range of
. activities, including design, construction, maintenance and project management. He stated that
there are over 2,000 employees in this department, representing a wide range of knowledge,
skills and abilities. He indicated that approximately half of his budget is from State funds and
half is from designated funds. He noted that the campus contains
2 million square feet of
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academic space and 2 million square feet of residence units, and accommodates
approximately
12,000 people.
Mr. Lashaway enumerated the various funding sources, which include the
State's
general fund, general obligation bonds, auxiliary projects, revenue bonds,
state and federal
. grants, and gifts. He indicated that the 1996 projects include the engineer and physical
sciences building, which is scheduled for occupancy in October or November
1996; the Hedges
academic center, which is to be located in the renovated basement and first
floor; fire and life
safety projects, including sprinkler systems at the Peter Koch and Nelson
Story Towers and
Roskie Hall, and a fire alarm and emergency lighting system at Johnson
Hall; a major campus
lighting project; an addition to Marsh Lab, which was occupied in February
1996; a parking lot
between Cleveland and Harrison which will hold 105 automobiles and is scheduled
for
completion in August; and a residence hall with 139 beds and an associated
340-car parking
lot on the west side of Hedges Hall, scheduled for occupancy in August
1997. He noted that
the Phase III of the heating tunnel project is in process and should be
completed by mid-
November 1996; and Phase IV is scheduled for next year.
. Mr. Lashaway stated that, with the main entrance to the campus being switched
to
the intersection of Kagy Boulevard and South 11 th Avenue, an entry sign
and landscaping
project is being planned for the south end of the Fieldhouse parking lot;
and that includes the
planting of grass close to the street and the planting of approximately
50 trees further back
from the street, where they will not be compromised with the future widening
of Kagy
Boulevard.
Mr. Lashaway stated that projects currently under design include renovating
of the
heating plant, including two new boilers; a new agriculture bio-science
building; installation of
fiberoptics to connect the residence halls and family housing to the core
of the campus; and
academic center at the Johnstone Complex; fire and life safety projects;
and maintenance
. projects. He indicated that renovation of the Fieldhouse. at an estimated $10 million. and
renovation of the Reno H. Sales Stadium, at an estimated $4 million, are
also planned.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, Mr. Lashaway stated that a parking garage on
campus
is still under consideration. He recognized that the campus has some green
space, which they
hope to retain; and to accommodate that while meeting the needs on campus
will require the
construction of a multi-level parking garage. He noted that, while there
is land on the west side
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of South 19th Avenue, that land is in different ownerships; and the land
trades undertaken over
the past
twenty years
are currently undergoing close
scrutiny. He indicated that
accommodating the campus needs is to be done on the east side of South
19th Avenue under
the existing master plan for the campus.
. Responding
to Commissioner Rudberg, Mr. Lashaway stated that a review of the bus
schedules and operation must be undertaken, in an effort to determine how it could be more
beneficial.
He noted that funding of the program must also be carefully reviewed.
Responding
to Commissioner Stiff, Mr. Lashaway stated that, with the closure of
South 7th Avenue, Montana State University agreed that it will not oppose
the future
southward extension of South 11 th Avenue. He noted that it appears the
City will be able to
extend that roadway at any time it wishes to do so.
Responding
to questions from Mayor Stueck, Mr. Lashaway stated he recognizes the
importance of providing green space and fields on which softball, soccer
and baseball can be
played. He then indicated that the fields on which the soccer programs
are currently conducted
should be available for at least another five or six years.
. Responding
to Commissioner Rudberg, Mr. Lashaway estimated that, with the new
residence hall, which is the first one to be constructed in thirty years,
the campus will have
approximately 3,500 dwelling units.
He noted that the characteristics of today's students are
different from those of thirty years ago, with many of the students being
older and not wanting
to share a dorm room with anyone.
City
Manager Wysocki recognized how cooperative Mr. Lashaway has been when
working with the City on different projects; Mayor Stueck concurred.
Mr. Lashaway
thanked the City officials for their willingness to work with the
University, noting that the City staff has also been cooperative as the
University has
undertaken its various projects.
. The Commission
thanked Mr. Lashaway for his presentation.
(8)
Discussion re draft sign code revisions ~ Assistant Planner
Christopher
Williams
Assistant
Planner Christopher Williams briefly highlighted the draft sign code, a copy
of which was included in the Commissioners' packets. He noted one change
is to increase the
amount of signage allowed from 28 square feet to 32 square feet, in response
to requests from
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the business community. He stated that the existing sign code
is very complex and difficult
to apply, noting that three separate tables must be used when determining the signage allowed
for a business in the "B-2", Community Business, district. He indicated that, under the revised
sign code, only one table is needed to obtain that information.
. The Assistant Planner stressed that, except for the size of the freestanding sign, staff
has incorporated all of the provisions of the existing code into the draft code. He stressed the
fact that the existing provisions have been met with very little resistance when new signs are
involved. He indicated that the biggest issue seems to be the grandfathering
of previously
permitted non-conforming signs. He noted that staff and the Commission would like to see the
excessively large signs removed; however, that process has become an enforcement nightmare.
The Assistant Planner stated the Mayor has suggested that roof-mounted
signs, on
pitched roofs where the sign is mounted on the facia or below the peak of the roof, might be
acceptable. He cautioned that a conversation with one of the planners
with a design
background revealed the sign must be architecturally integrated into the roof, and not just
"tacked" onto the facia, to be attractive.
. Assistant Planner Williams distributed to the Commission a list of the
illegal, non-
conforming signs, noting that the list contains approximately 152 signs. He cautioned that the
list was prepared in March 1996; therefore, the information is somewhat dated. He stressed
the importance of remembering that these signs are the ones for which permits have never
been obtained; and it is possible that by simply obtaining a sign permit, some of them may then
be in compliance.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, Assistant Planner Williams stated that the
large signs
at Van's IGA, the Cat's Paw, and U-Haul were all permitted.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Assistant Planner stated that staff
also has
a list of non.conforming signs which were permitted, but that list is also dated.
. Responding to the City Manager, the Commissioners indicated that the proposed sign
code revisions are well prepared.
Responding to questions from Mayor Stueck, Assistant Planner Williams cautioned
against creating different signage standards for different types of businesses.
He indicated
that, if directed to do so, he will check with other communities to determine how they address
specific issues.
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Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Assistant Planner stated that, for the most
part, businesses were very cooperative when he was working on sign code enforcement. He
noted that, with the various projects he has been assigned recently, however, he has been
unable to maintain his enforcement efforts.
. The Commissioners requested that a new consent item be added to next week's
agenda, to direct staff to proceed with forwarding the revised sign code through the zone code
amendment process. Following discussion, they also asked that the
definition of accessory
dwelling units and revisions to the composition of the Design Review Board be added since the
revisions have already been drafted and submitted to the Commission for initial review.
(C) Discussion re participation in Headwaters Cooperative Recycling Project
City Manager Wysocki distributed copies of the draft interlocal agreement and by-laws
for the Headwaters Cooperative Recycling Project and a memo, dated June 24, in which he
summarized the provisions of those documents. He stated that the proposed project includes
several counties and many of the cities, towns and solid waste districts within those counties.
He noted that, based on the proposed agreement and by-laws, the City of Bozeman would be
. required to purchase containers for recyclables, at an initial estimated cost of $11,850, plus
an annual contribution of $27,192 to sustain the program. He stated that the bins would be
designed to accommodate four categories of recyclables; and they would be placed strategically
around the community. Under this agreement, a private firm would
be selected, under the
bidding process, to collect and sell the recyclables.
The City Manager stated that, under this program, the City would be responsible for
maintaining the bins and posting instructions for use of the bins.
He noted that by April 1 of
each year, those entities in the program must declare whether they intend to remain in the
program for the upcoming fiscal year.
City Manager Wysocki stated that Neighborhood Coordinator/Grants person James
Goehrung will be attending the upcoming meeting of the Headwaters Cooperative Recycling
. Project, which is scheduled for Wednesday. He indicated that, if the Commission wishes, staff
will forward a request to Ms. Sherrel Siegmund, who is coordinating the project, that she
attend an upcoming Commission work session to provide additional information. He noted that
the program is scheduled to begin on January 1, 1997; however, it may be delayed to July 1,
1997, if necessary.
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Responding to Mayor Stueck, the City Manager stated that this program is designed
to make it more convenient for people to recycle. He
noted that many people just want a
convenient disposal area rather than the monies they could collect from recycling.
Responding to
Commissioner Stiff, the
City Manager stated
that County
. Commissioner Phil Olson has been involved in this project from the start; and he has indicated
that the County intends to participate.
Following a brief discussion, the Commissioners indicated an interest in having Ms.
Siegmund make a presentation as soon as possible.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your
Information" items.
( 11 Copy of a letter from Super 8 Motel to the Planning Office, dated June
18,
regarding the landscaping plan for their project.
(21 Announcement of the meeting of the Headwaters Cooperative Recycling
. Project, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 1996, at the Courthouse Annex
in Boulder.
(31 A letter of support for the beer and wine license application for the Cate
Internationale, stamped as a "late submittal".
(41 Copy of the notice of the workshop for planning boards, sponsored by
MACo, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at the Park County Courthouse.
The City Manager asked all interested Commissioners to sign a copy of the notice,
so an accurate count can be forwarded.
(51 Memo
from the Cemetery
Board, dated June 14,
forwarding their
recommended revisions in cemetery fees, along with a copy of Commission Resolution No.
2861, establishing the current cemetery fees.
. The City Manager asked the Commissioners to review the proposed fees, in
anticipation of a resolution on a future agenda to implement the fees.
(61 Memo from the Montana League of Cities and Towns, dated June 19,
regarding the class action court case under which 20 percent of property tax revenues received
in May are to be held in escrow.
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(7) Announcement
of a public meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
July 16, at the Holiday Inn, regarding the Bozeman Solvent Site, and sponsored by the Montana
Department of Environmental Quality.
(8) Agenda
for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00
. a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, in the Commission Room, and a revised agenda for the same
meeting.
(9) Agenda
for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m .on
Tuesday, June 25, in the Commission Room.
(10)
Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on
Tuesday, June 25, at the Courthouse.
(11 )
The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Attended the
Interagency Breakfast on Wednesday morning. (2) Met with Ken
LeClair regarding the
conditions for Phase IV of his Willowbrook project at the southeast corner of North 25th
Avenue and Durston Road. He reminded the Commission that conditions of approval include
designing the extension of West Beall Street and extension of North 25th Avenue to Durston
. Road. (3) Attended the committee meeting for the Gallatin Valley Tomorrow
project, noting
that approximately a dozen people were present. (4) Swore in three
new police officers this
past week. (5) Noted that staff has reached "crunch time" on preparing
the budget
recommendations for next fiscal year. (6) Announced the Licensing Clerk Julia Vanfossan will
retire on Friday, after working for the City for the past eighteen years.
(12)
Commissioner Frost stated that he attended the Historic Preservation
Advisory Commission meeting last week. He noted that the tour of the Ellen Theatre, which
typically attracts 20 to 25 people, was attended by 250 to 300 people this year.
He noted
there is significant community concern about the future of the old structure. He indicated that
the board was appreciative of the newspaper article about the Ellen Theatre, which was printed
. just before the tour; and they have forwarded their thanks to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
(13) Commissioner Rudberg submitted the following. (1) Attended the
Development Review Committee and City-County Planning Board meetings last week.
(2) Attended the meeting on traffic calming which was held at the University last week.
(3) Attended a meeting on welfare reform this morning.
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(14)
Commissioner Stiff submitted the following. (1) Attended the government
and tax structure committee meeting for the Gallatin Valley Tomorrow project,
noting it was
attended by approximately a dozen people.
(2) Forwarded his interest in conducting an
orientation meeting for the City's appointees to the City-County Planning
Board, possibly after
. the new appointments have been made. (3) Stated that he received a copy of the Rotary Club
newsletter from Boulder, Colorado, just prior to the Commission meeting.
He noted that one
of the articles is entitled "Boulder--Model City Gone Awry", indicating
he will make copies of
that article for each of the Commissioners.
(15)
Mayor Stueck submitted the following. (1) Attended the Interagency
Breakfast on Wednesday morning. (2) Stated that he, Commissioner Stiff
and Planning Director
Epple met with property owners along South 19th Avenue regarding a long-range
plan for
development of the South 19th Avenue corridor.
He noted that the discussion was well
received.
Recess - 5: 1 0 D.m.
. Mayor
Stueck declared a recess at 5:10 p.m., to reconvene at 7:00 p.m. for the
purpose of meeting with various boards and commissions.
Reconvene - 7:00 D.m.
Mayor
Stueck reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of meeting with
various boards and commissions.
Work Session (continued) - (D) Tree Advisory Board: (E) Recreation and
Parks Advisory Board;
(f) Parkina Commission: (G) Band Board: (H) Beautification Advisory Board:
(I) Historic
Preservation Advisory Commission: (J) Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board:
(K) Community
Affordable Housina Advisory Board
(D)
Tree Advisory Board
. Members
present included Ken Baker and Steve Gullickson. Ken Baker serves as the
Chair and Steve Gullickson serves as the Vice-Chair, and their board meetings
are held at 7:00
p.m. the second Wednesday of every month in the Conference Room at City
Hall.
Ken Baker
gave the Commissioners copies of the minutes which he has, noting that
not all of the meetings are included.
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Mr. Baker noted that the Commissioners have received several letters from
the board
recently, forwarding requests for funding for the upcoming fiscal year. He briefly highlighted
those requests, noting that they total slightly over $11,000. He
noted that these requests
generally identify their goals and visions for the upcoming fiscal year, which include distribution
. of information pamphlets on tree selection and tree planting, the planting of two trees in front
of City Hall, and a cost sharing program for planting of boulevard trees. He recognized that
funding will determine which of those goals are most actively pursued during the upcoming
year. He indicated that the pamphlets will be available at the various greenhouses around the
community, and will hopefully raise public awareness of the types of trees to be planted in
specific areas and to encourage the planting of a diversity of species.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, Mr. Gullickson stated that they do not attend
any of
the meetings of the other advisory boards. He noted, however, that Park/Cemetery/Forestry
Superintendent John McNeil attends all of their meetings; and he serves as the conduit by
reporting on the meetings of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, the Cemetery Board and
the Beautification Advisory Board, which are the other boards that most closely overlap in their
. activities. He assured the Commission that the activities are closely
coordinated whenever
necessary.
Ken Baker noted that, to date, the membership of the board has remained
intact,
because everyone who became involved initially has been committed to the projects that have
been started and want to see them completed. He noted that projects
currently underway
include development and implementation of a master plan, the cost sharing program, and
raising the awareness of appropriate types of trees for a specific location.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Mr. Baker stated the board has reviewed
the
tree inventory recently completed by Natural Path and found it to be an excellent document.
He noted that, with the computerized program that accompanies the document, the City's
. forestry crew can easily update its records and maintain the trees. He then indicated that he
has lived in other communities and Bozeman has one of the better urban forests in the State.
He noted that the City has recognized the importance of this asset and has recognized that
monies must be allocated to managing that asset.
Responding to questions from the Commission, Mr. Baker stated that the
Tree
Advisory Board would like to promote the planting of an average of 100 trees per year, possibly
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through the cost sharing program. He suggested that
these trees could be strategically
scattered throughout the community rather than being concentrated in a single area; and the
planting of replacement trees would be encouraged.
The Commission
thanked the board members for their presentation.
. (E)
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Members present included Terry Baldus, Mary Vant Hull, Joanne Jennings, Laurita
Vellinga and Gene Brooks. Terry Baldus serves as Chair, and their meetings are held the first
Thursday of the month at the Lindley Park Center. An informal discussion time begins at 7:00
p.m., with the formal meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Chair
Terry Baldus noted that the Commissioners receive the minutes of their
meetings on a regular basis. She distributed copies of their long-range goals and the six-year
plan for implementation of the parks master plan, along with a copy of the brochure entitled
Wildflowers of Burke Park. She also handed out pictures of the Commissioners taken during
Clean Up Bozeman, thanking everyone who participated in that event.
Ms. Baldus
reviewed the long-range goals, which include: securing and developing
.a 100-acre regional
park; improving
relations and cooperation with
various entities;
investigating options for building and maintaining new facilities; continuing support of the
acquisition and improvements to trail corridors; expanding the POST plan; continuing to foster
better communication and cooperation among organized recreation groups; and staying involved
in the budgeting process. She stated that efforts to open communication and cooperation with
Montana State University have garnered minimal results; however, with the recent appointment
of Bruce Parker to the Board, those efforts may generate better results.
She stated that the
softball program has gained 12 teams this year, for a total of 107 teams; and the program is
now one of the largest in Montana. She noted that, because
a majority of those players are
County residents, the board is seeking greater cooperation from the County.
. Ms. Baldus stated that Park Superintendent John McNeil has voiced his frustrations
about the additional demands being placed on his staff and equipment, particularly since his
staffing levels need to be increased and his equipment updated to meet those additional
demands. She noted that the board has encouraged him to be more
proactive in asking for
new equipment and more manpower during the budgeting process, and she asked that the
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Commission consider those requests more favorably. She suggested that this could allow for
addressing issues in a more preventative manner rather than through crisis management.
Chair Baldus reviewed the six-year plan, highlighting the items to be addressed this
year. She noted that those include: securing additional parkland for various parks; completing
. Babcock Park and the Valley Unit Park; and beginning development of Rose Park and Westlake
Park. She recognized that, given the short growing season in Bozeman, it is important to
recognize that establishing a new park is a two-year process. She also stressed the importance
of updating the existing parks and addressing their needs in a proactive manner rather than in
a reactive manner.
Chair Baldus stated that members of the board have begun to address various groups
in Bozeman, in an effort to generate volunteer support for some of the parks and programs.
She suggested that if the City supports and coordinates the beginning of a new project, it may
be possible to then turn that project over to a local group, continuing to work with that group
to the extent necessary to ensure the success of that project. She noted
that the board is
working with the community events which seem to have outgrown the available facilities, in
. an effort to find larger facilities that can better accommodate them.
She indicated that the
board will be reviewing the fee structure for use of City parks and, some time in the late fall
or winter, they plan to forward recommendations to the Commission for revision of the fees.
Ms. Laurita Vellinga encouraged the Commissioners to carefully consider a trail
corridor in the northwest part of the community, particularly as West Oak Street is extended
and development begins to occur along North 19th Avenue. She cautioned
that it is often
difficult to obtain parkland and trail corridors through commercial developments; however, she
stressed that those corridors are important to the overall success and integrity of the trail
system. She indicated that the City-County Planning Office has been receptive to the board's
requests; and she is currently working toward developing the same type of relationship with
. the County Planning Office. She also noted that she is trying to encourage the County to
acquire parkland rather than accepting cash-in-lieu payments for subdivisions.
The Commission thanked the board members for their presentation.
(F) Parking Commission
Mr. Tim Fitzgerald, Chairman, was present. He indicated that the Parking Commission
meets at 7:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month, in the Conference Room at City
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Hall. He stated that minutes of the meetings are filed with City staff following each meeting,
and he noted that other arrangements can be made if the Commission so desires.
Mr. Fitzgerald noted that the Parking Commission has been working closely
with staff
over the past few months on the acquisition of handheld ticket writers.
He stated that once
. those ticket writers are in place, the Parking Commission will probably propose a graduated fine
schedule. He noted that at the present time, the Parking Commission's authority is limited to
the four off-street parking lots; and they may seek expansion of their authority to include the
on-street parking in the downtown area and possibly even the residential parking districts.
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that the Parking Commission has reviewed proposals
for new
development in the downtown area where a cash-in-lieu payment for parking spaces is
proposed, to ensure there is adequate parking to accommodate their needs, since they have
final authority on that type of request. He noted that the Parking Commission has acquired two
small parcels on South Bozeman Avenue, and they intend to convert those sites into parking
lots in the next few years. He indicated that the Parking Commission has also been exploring
the possibility of obtaining oversight of some of the private parking lots in the downtown area,
. particularly since many of those parking lots are not currently being used to their fullest extent.
Mr. Tim Fitzgerald stated that the Parking Commission continues to discuss
the
possibility of constructing a multi-level parking garage. He noted that the special improvement
district which created the four off-street parking lots will be paid off in the next few years, and
it may then be possible to finance the next step in providing parking.
Responding to the Mayor, Mr. Fitzgerald recognized the combination of funding
sources that were used to construct the parking structure in Missoula.
He noted that the
revenues generated from the parking meters were used to assist in the funding of that project.
The Commission thanked Mr. Fitzgerald for his presentation.
(G) Band
Board
. City Manager Wysocki provided a brief overview of the Band Board's function, since
no members were present. He stated that the composition of the
board has remained
essentially the same for many years, and the board works well together with the program
running smoothly. He noted that the Municipal Band plays nine concerts
each summer and
participates in two parades. He indicated that the board has no set schedule for meetings, no
specific location and no minutes.
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The City Manager reminded the Commission that the bandshell was renovated
approximately five years ago; and a plaque recognizing Mr. Henry Gardiner
for his efforts and
contributions was attached. He indicated that the plaque has been damaged;
and a new, more
permanent plaque will be ordered and attached to the bandshell this summer.
. (H) Beautification
Advisory Board
Members present included Claudia Foster, Chad Groth, Dora Anderson and Dick
Shanahan, and staff person Derek Strahn.
Ms. Claudia Foster, Chair, stated that the board meets at 11 :00 a.m. on
the third
Wednesday of each month at the Carnegie Building.
She cautioned that this schedule is
somewhat flexible and, if members are unable to attend on the third Wednesday,
it is moved
to the second Wednesday of the month.
Chair Foster stated that, while the board is an advisory board, it is not
always certain
who it is advising. She noted, rather, that they more often come up with
ideas and then carry
those ideas out, subject to Commission approval and funding.
She cited the recent planter
project in the North 7th Avenue medians as an example.
. Mayor Stueck noted it is important for the Commissioners to receive copies
of the
minutes from board meetings so that they are aware of any concerns or activities
being
undertaken.
Chair Foster noted that, after the "soup can episode" for the Sculpture
Park on North
7th Avenue, everyone who had been on the Beautification Advisory Board
either resigned or
allowed their terms to expire. She noted that, over the past couple of
years, a new board has
been appointed; and they are beginning to become organized and are ready
to move forward.
She indicated that they have reviewed the minutes of the board since its
creation in 1989 in
an attempt to find previously-discussed ideas that could be implemented
at this time. She
suggested that, by working with other clubs and organizations in the community
I they may be
. able to solicit and encourage volunteer assistance in implementing programs which will result
in beautification of the community.
Ms. Claudia Foster noted that last year, the board solicited public comments
about
what type of beautification projects they would like to see and received
a number of valuable
responses. She noted that many of the responses included flowers, entryway
beautification
and median beautification.
She stated that the board has coordinated the installation of
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planters on the medians of North 7th Avenue, and an application for ISTEA monies to fund
beautification of the entryways and entryway signs has been submitted to the Montana
Department of Transportation.
Derek Strahn, staff person, stated that, since the placement of Sacajawea
in the
. Sculpture Park, the board has gained energy. He noted that, if the application for ISTEA funds
is approved, the board could gain even more energy. He cautioned that some of the
requirements for ISTEA monies may be difficult to meet; however, he feels it can be done.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, Mr. Strahn stated that the board has recently
obtained
a list of service organizations in the community; and they will be seeking assistance from those
agencies.
Chair Foster stated that the Men's Garden Club helped plant the flowers
in the
Sculpture Park this year, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program has assisted with the
planters along Main Street.
Derek Strahn cautioned that the City has a limited amount of space at the
Sculpture
Park on which additional sculptures might be located.
He noted, instead, that most of the
. green space behind the sculpture belongs to Darigold and is maintained as green space as a
part of its conditions for approval of locating on the subject site.
The Commission thanked the board for its report and Chair Claudia Foster
for her
efforts in the beautification of the medians on North 7th Avenue.
(I) Historic
Preservation Advisory Commission
Dick Shanahan was the only member present.
Others present included former
member Ed McCrone and Historic Preservation Officer Derek Strahn.
The Historic Preservation Officer stated that Alice Fryslie has been serving
as Chair,
but her term will expire on June 30 and she has chosen not to reapply.
He indicated that a
new Chair will be appointed at their next meeting. He stated that the board meets at 7:00 p.m.
. on the third Tuesday of each month in the basement of the Carnegie Building. He indicated
that minutes from the meetings are available for review in his office, and he will begin providing
copies of the minutes to the Commission for all future meetings.
Officer
Strahn stated that the
Historic Preservation Office and
the Historic
Preservation Advisory Commission serve together in some areas and separate in others.
He
noted that when the commission was first created in the 1980's, it essentially served as both
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the Design Review Board and the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
He indicated
that, because one part of its function was educational in nature and the other part was
regulatory, it was determined that two separate boards should be established.
The Officer
stated he hopes to have all of the historic district signs posted this
. summer. He has commitments for locations for some of the signs, on the lots of private
residences; and he will continue to work on obtaining satisfactory locations for the other signs.
Officer
Strahn stated that, through monies received from the National Trust, sixteen
people from around the State met at the Carnegie Building to assess its structural integrity and
develop a maintenance plan and address handicapped accessibility issues. He noted that the
group included historic preservation officers and local architects, and the information generated
was varied and extremely beneficial. He indicated that the final report is nearing completion,
and will include a broad range of solutions and ideas. He noted that,
with monies remaining
from the grant, an individual will be retained to develop cost estimates for each of those
solutions.
Officer
Strahn stated that the board has been involved with the nomination of the
. Story Mill/Northern Pacific district, including the gathering of photographs and research.
He
noted that his office prepared the nomination application, which was funded through a grant.
He stated that this district lies outside all conservation districts, therefore, no design review will
be done for any projects within the district.
Responding
to Commissioner Stiff, Historic Preservation Officer Strahn stated that
during this year's Historic Preservation Week, a substantial amount of community interest was
expressed in the Ellen Theatre and was reflected in approximately 250 people attending the
tour. He noted that the property owners have undertaken some restoration
work on the
exterior of the building; however, its future is still in question.
He noted that the Carmike
Theatres have a lease on the building for the next few years, but it is not too early to begin
. making plans to ensure the preservation of the building in the event that the lease is not
renewed.
Commissioner
Stiff indicated he has a long-standing relationship with the owners of
the Ellen Theatre and the Rialto Theatre, and noted he would be willing to assist the staff in
encouraging them to preserve and protect those structures.
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Commissioner Frost noted that both the Downtown Bozeman Association and
the
Downtown Improvement District Board recognize the importance of retaining the theatres in
the downtown because they are an integral part of the night life.
Mr. Dick Shanahan noted that the board is comprised of active members who
are
. committed to historic preservation. He forwarded his appreciation for Historic Preservation
Officer Strahn's efforts and his strong commitment to preservation.
Mayor Stueck encouraged the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission to
continue
with the presentation of awards for preservation projects, and acknowledging people's efforts.
The Commission thanked the board and the Historic Preservation Officer
for their
presentation.
(J) Bozeman
Area Bicycle Advisory Board
Members present included John Preston, Dan Himsworth and Russell Johnson.
The
board members indicated they have no specific meeting schedule or a chair.
A t the
Commission's request, they selected Russell Johnson as Chair, and indicated that their regular
meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Rocky
. Mountain Roasting Company.
Chair Johnson stated that the board sponsored the Bike to Work Week activities
recently. He noted that, since that time, the board has focused on developing
an alternative
system of bile routes around the community, as an alternative to the bike lane proposal which
was recently disapproved by the Commission. He stressed
that these bike routes will be
designed without negative impact to the existing on-street parking; and less traveled streets
will be used to create the network. He indicated that, after
the street network has been
identified, the board will probably approach the Commission about installing as many stop signs
on the cross streets as possible, to minimize conflicts that might be encountered with traffic
crossing at the intersections. He also indicated that an
appropriate type of traffic calming
. device may also be requested, which wili serve to slow the vehicle traffic and make for safer
bicycle riding and maximize the neighborhood feel of those streets.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Dan Himsworth stated that the board
is
working with the trail map that the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and the Gallatin Valley
Land Trust are using. He recognized that this should result
in an integrated plan for safe
bicycling throughout the community.
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Chair Johnson indicated that the board will hold informational meetings
in various
locations along the proposed bicycle routes, to discuss this plan with
the neighbors and obtain
their support before approaching the Commission.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Rudberg, Dan Himsworth stated
the
. board anticipates the City would install any traffic calming devices identified to ensure the
safety of the proposed bike route. He noted that the board is concerned
about the speed with
which traffic moves along some of the residential streets; and he feels
that this proposal could
result in a better situation for everyone concerned, without removing on-street
parking. He
then noted that one of the most basic traffic calming devices is speed
bumps; however, he
recognized they may not be appropriate for items like street maintenance.
Dan Himsworth suggested that, by identifying quiet streets as the bike
routes, the
board may be able to attract more people to bicycling through the community.
He recognized
that an intensive educational program will be needed to make the program
a success. He also
noted that educational efforts are needed to ensure that bicycle riders
recognize what is
appropriate behavior. He also indicated that the use of helmets is a real
issue to be addressed.
. John Preston noted that during Bike to Work Week, he promoted a "Bike to
Irving
Week", and the class with the most children who rode bikes to school while
wearing helmets
had a pizza party at the end of the week.
He noted that the program was also continued
through the end of the school year.
Commissioner Rudberg suggested that licensing of bicycles, with an increased
fee
schedule, could generate revenues for the bicycle program, and those funds
could possibly be
used for educational materials or helmets.
The Commission thanked the board members for their presentation.
(K) Community
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Members present included Peg Biekert, Joan Davies, Tom Borstad and Tom
Simkins.
Also present were staff members Caren Couch and Jeff Rupp from the Human
Resource
. Development Council. Peg Biekert is the Chair. The board does not hold regularly scheduled
meetings, but meets as necessary in the Conference Room either at City
Hall or at the Human
Resource Development Council.
Chair Biekert noted that, included in the Commissioners' packets, was a
memo dated
June 13, in which the board forwarded its recommendations for the priority
list for housing
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needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Also, attached to that memo, was a copy of the minutes
from the board's May 16 meeting.
Chair Biekert
reviewed the new affordable
units which are currently under
construction or have been approved, as follows: Human Resource Development Council multi-
. family units - 24; Comstock Apartments - 24; Interfaith Housing - 9; Reach, Inc. - 8 rooms;
Interfaith Housing II - 20; and Arcadia Gardens - 32. She noted that this totals 143 affordable
rental units in two years, through use of $391,500 in City's funding of grants or loans.
Chair Biekert noted that when this board and its predecessor boards were first
formed, the emphasis was on single-family and small rental units.
That focus has now
changed, as evidenced by the units which have been supported over the past two years; and
the priority list forwarded by the board reflects that change in focus.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, Caren Couch stated that under the affordable
housing policy, the Commission is to annually set the priority for use of the Community
Housing Fund and the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund. She noted that the board had been working
from the original priorities prepared by the housing task force, but has recently recognized that
. the community's priorities and the housing market have changed.
She asked that the
Commission review and either approve or revise these new priorities so the board has a base
from which to operate.
Mayor Stueck noted the cooperative mobile home park is an interesting concept,
although it would necessitate a large outlay of cash up front.
He recognized that, with the
pride of ownership, the park would probably remain more well maintained and attractive than
rental parks.
Caren Couch noted that finding a location for older mobile homes is often difficult,
stressing the fact that some older mobile homes are still in good condition. She cautioned that
the private entity involved in the cooperative mobile home park must have the ability to
. generate matching funds; and at the present time, the Montana People's Action is unable to
do so. She then stated that her offers to assist the group have not been accepted and, until
they seek her assistance, her office cannot provide any.
Mayor Stueck suggested that a cooperative mobile home park should be initially
developed in a basically undeveloped area, so that the community grows to and around it. He
also recognized that the development of such a park will take an extended period of time to
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accomplish. He
also stressed the importance of having a small core group that is willing to
follow the project through the process and then ensure that it remains
as designed.
Commissioner Stiff noted that with the dorm containing 140 beds being constructed
on campus and the 160-unit apartment complex being constructed at the intersection
of
. Durston Road and North 22nd Avenue, in addition to the affordable housing units enumerated
above, he feels the principle of supply and demand may begin to open the
rental market. He
recognized that not all of the new units constructed will be affordable
units; however, he noted
that they will allow trickle down to occur.
He suggested that, with the additional units
available, it is possible the rental rates will drop.
Commissioner Stiff cautioned that, given the financial demands being placed
on the
City for the upcoming fiscal year, there is a strong potential the Commission
will be able to
budget $100,000 from the general fund for the Community Housing Fund.
He stressed his
continued support for providing affordable housing in the community; however,
he suggested
that during the upcoming year, it may be necessary to rely on the balances
in the funds and
the housing market to provide affordable rental units.
. Mr. Tom Borstad stated that he has prepared comparisons of rental units
available for
the six months from December 1995 through June 1996.
He forwarded some of those
statistics, noting that there are now 26 percent more apartments available
than in December;
and the average per-bedroom rental rate has dropped 8 % percent during
that period, to
approximately $300.
He noted that there are approximately 20 percent more homes and
condominiums for rent, at a 4-percent decrease in rental rate.
He stated that the greatest
rental unit availability was in April.
Commissioner Stiff noted there are many apartments in older homes which
people
have paid for, and those apartments can often be rented for a lower rate
than apartments in
new structures.
. Mr. Tom Simkins noted there are more units being constructed at the present time
than at any other time he can recall.
He suggested that, with time, these units may address
some of the shortage in affordable units that currently exists.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Frost, Caren Couch stated there
are
approximately 500 households in the three-county area awaiting Section
8 housing units. She
expressed concern that, with the new federal legislation, a voucher for
Section 8 housing must
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remain inactive for ninety days before it can be reassigned; and that serves to slow the process
of reissuance and addressing the needs for affordable housing units.
Mr. Jeff Rupp expressed concern that some of the units constructed in the 1970's
and early 1980's were constructed under the provisions of subsidized housing. He noted that
. under those provisions, the subsidized rental rates were mandated for fifteen or twenty years,
depending on which HUD program was selected. After that time, there are no requirements
that affordable rates remain. He indicated that at the present time, the
Human Resource
Development Council is attempting to obtain answers on a proposal from the owners of
Darlinton Manor for sale of those units. He expressed concern about
the potential negative
impact that the ending of this program may have on rents, noting that the current rates at the
Darlinton Manor range from $150 to $220.
City Manager Wysocki noted that Darlinton Manor is the first of several affordable
housing units that could be negatively impacted, with others being the Legion Villa, Heritage
Apartments and Greenwood Plaza.
Mayor Stueck stated that the termination of the subsidized housing emphasizes the
. need for the Commission to be focused on the community's housing needs.
The Commission thanked the board members for their presentation.
Adjournment - 10:07 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor
Stueck adjourned the meeting.
OAL~
DON E.
STUECK, Mayor
ATTEST:
.e~;/~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
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