HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-08 Minutes, City Commission
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING
OF THE
CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN,
MONTANA
April
8, 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, April 8, 1996, at 3:00 p.m.
Present were Mayor
Stueck, Commissioner Rudberg, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner
Youngman, City Manager Wysocki, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission
Sullivan.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Aaenda Meetina - for reaular meetina and Dublic hearings to be held on
Avril 15. 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.
. (5) City Manager Wysocki asked that the Commission provide staff with some
feedback regarding the condition that the water main be looped.
Responding to the Mayor, the City Manager stated he feels that requiring
the applicant
to sign a waiver of right to protest an SID/RID for improvements to the
bridge on Story Mill
Road is sufficient.
Commissioner Frost noted the Commission has just received another memo
from the
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board; and it appears that a trail system
can be negotiated along
the north property line.
Commissioner Frost stated support for the City's policy that all water
mains be
looped, and the condition recommended by staff; Commissioner Youngman stated
concurrence.
. Commissioner Stiff indicated his general support for the policy; however,
he
suggested that in this instance, some provision be made for phasing of
that requirement so that
the applicant could possibly utilize cash flow from sale of lots in Phase
II to help funding the
looping of the water main for Phase III.
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Mayor Stueck stated he agrees that the water main must be looped through Phase
III; however, he also supports the idea of not requiring that the looping be done immediately.
He noted that improvements to Story Mill Road are to be completed in conjunction with Phase
III and, given the substantial changes in the existing profile of that roadway, he feels it would
. be inappropriate to require that the water main be installed in conjunction with Phase II, only
to be dug up and relaid in conjunction with the road improvements.
Director of Public Service Forbes asked that the Commission keep these two
improvements separate. He reminded the Commission of staff's position that the water looping
improvements should be completed in conjunction with all other infrastructure improvements
for Phase II. He asked that if the Commission chooses to deviate from that
policy, it set a
relatively short timeframe for the looping, and not tie it to improvements of Story Mill Road.
He then indicated that the water main could be laid along the toe of the slope for the roadway,
where it would not be impacted by the changes in the road profile, recognizing that this option
could result in the water main not being located within the road right-of-way.
He further
reminded the Commission that the option of cutting through four holes of the golf course, to
. loop the water main back to Phase I, still exists.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the Director of Public Service stated that no
specific timeline has been established for improvements to Story Mill Road.
Mayor Stueck suggested that the applicant be given until the end of 1997 and that,
in the meantime, a meter be added to the main, with the applicant being required to bear the
costs of flushing to alleviate the problems that can be encountered with dead-end lines.
Commissioner Rudberg stated that looping of the water main is essential, although
she feels that it could be delayed to the Summer of 1998 without significant problems.
She
noted, however, that setting a date specific is essential.
Commissioner Frost noted that a bond in the amount of 1 Yz times the estimated cost
. of the improvements not installed is required, to ensu re that monies are ava ilable to cover those
costs if the applicant does not complete them in the time specified.
City Manager Wysocki asked that staff be allowed to meet with Mr. Easton to discuss
what would be a practical amount of time to anticipate looping of the water main.
The
Commission concurred.
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Senior Planner Skelton briefly reviewed the conditions for which revisions
seem to be
needed, including Condition Nos. 14. 16, 26, 27 and 31.
Mr. Rex Easton registered concern about Condition No. 40, noting that it
was added
by the Planning Board after the public hearing was closed, so no response
from the public or
. the applicant was allowed. He noted the condition was added because of concern about Valley
- View Golf Course and Kagy Boulevard, which he feels are substantially different from the
subject application.
(6) Associate
Planner Chris Saunders reviewed the changes which have been
made between the provisional adoption of this ordinance and this version
proposed for final
adoption. in response to Commission concerns.
Responding to Commissioner Rudberg, the City Attorney stated that provision
for the
Development Impact Fee Review Committee has been incorporated into the
definitions on Page
3, rather than on Page 15 as originally listed.
City Attorney Luwe stated that prior to next week's meeting, staff will
check the
document once again and change all references to "Director" to"lmpact Fee
Coordinator".
. Commissioner Stiff asked about when refunds for impact fees are to be allowed,
expressing concern about the possibility that a developer may incur a substantial
amount of
improvements for which he may not be able to seek credit at some time in
the future.
City Manager Wysocki stated that if new development is proposed in an area
which
is not served by adequate infrastructure and if those infrastructure improvements
are not
contained in the five-year capital improvements plan, then the developer
may be required to
install the improvements at his expense and not be eligible for credits
or a refund.
Associate Planner Saunders stated that the capital improvements program
is a five-
year program that is to be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.
He also noted that the
revenues from the impact fees must be spent within ten years of receipt;
therefore, it is
e possible that monies received may be expended on projects that were not
included in the plan
when the fees were collected.
Commissioner Youngman stated the new language in Section 3.24.050.B.1.a,
on
Page 4, is confusing and she does not adequately portray the Commission's
position regarding
a one-time exemption for up to 20-percent expansion of a non-residential
structure. She noted
that the existing language could be construed to read that a 20-percent
reduction would be
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allowed, rather than no fee being assessed at all.
She then proposed that the language be
amended to more accurately reflect that the first 20 percent, up to 2,000 square feet, is
exempt.
(7)
Responding to Commissioner Frost, City Attorney Luwe stated that, by
. eliminating references to parking lots and sidewalks, hunting rifles will be allowed in vehicles
parked in the parking lots for most City buildings, unless they are located inside fenced
enclosures.
(8)
Mayor Stueck noted that the Commission will receive no information prior
to the neighborhood's presentation at next week's meeting.
(10)
Project Engineer John Pavsek stated that, as a result of recent discussions
with the consulting engineer, the available balance is $11,350, rather than the $9,350
indicated In
the Clerk's memo,
dated April 4, 1996,
which was contained in the
Commissioners' packets. He noted that these monies would cover additive Alternate Nos. 2
and 4, which are the neighborhood's choices.
The Commissioners agreed with the Engineer's proposal, and asked that this
item be
. moved to the Consent Items.
(11 through 15)
City Manager Wysocki suggested that, in light of the lengthy
agenda, the Commission may wish to delay these appointments until its next
regularly
scheduled meeting.
Commissioner Youngman expressed concern about delaying appointments on
boards
which are short members for a period of three weeks. She suggested that if the Commission
is unable to make appointments at next week's meeting, it set a special meeting during one of
the upcoming work sessions to make the appointments.
(17g)
The City Manager stated that, after the packets were prepared, he received
an alternate agreement for this right-of-way, under which the City would waive any payment.
He noted that if the City wishes to be paid $1,000 for the right-of-way, the Montana
. Department of Transportation will pay it from the FAU monies available to the City for this
project.
The Commissioners concurred that they should approve the alternate agreement,
waiving payment, at next week's meeting.
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(23) Responding to Mayor Stueck, Associate Planner Patterson stated that
approval of the requested B-1 zoning for this subject 8 + -acre parcel would not necessarily be
considered spot zoning, since the master plan recognizes a commercial node at the intersection
of Gooch Hill and Huffine Lane. He stated that the Planning Board
considered the staff's
. suggestion that the zoning on the property be split, and felt that would not be appropriate, He
further noted that, instead of approving the proposed rezoning, a majority of the Planning Board
felt that the proposed type of commercial development could be accommodated through a
planned unit development on the property as it is currently zoned, since it is at the intersection
of two arterial roadways. He then noted that the applicants are seeking the rezoning because
they wish to sell the property.
Work Session - (A) Review of desian for East Babcock Street between South Rouse Avenue
and South Wallace Avenue, South Wallace Avenue between East Babcock Street and East Main
Street; and South Rouse Avenue between East Babcock Street and East Main Street;
(B) Discussion ~ source of funding for installation of sidewalks along east side of Highland
Boulevard from Kaav Boulevard to Hollv Drive (in conjunction with street improvements this
summer); (C) General discussion and review of sidewalks contained in priority listing;
(D) Review of preliminarv design for curb bulbs on South Willson Avenue; (E) Discussion -
. possible expansion of Swim Center: review of bids received; and IF) Preparation of Citv
Commission's budaet unit for Fiscal Year 1996-1997
(A) Review of design for East Babcock Street between South Rouse
Avenue and South Wallace Avenue; South Wallace Avenue between East
Babcock Street and East Main Street; and South Rouse Avenue between
East Babcock Street and East Main Street
Engineering Assistant Andy Kerr reviewed the plans for revising East Babcock Street,
South Wallace Avenue and South Rouse Avenue, under the transportation system management
projects contained in the 1993 Bozeman Area Transportation Plan Update.
He stated that
under these revisions the eastbound one-way on East Babcock Street is to be extended from
South Rouse Avenue to South Wallace Avenue; South Rouse Avenue is to become a
northbound one-way street between East Babcock Street and East Main Street; and South
Wallace Avenue is to become a three-lane roadway with two northbound lanes and one
. southbound lane between East Babcock Street and East Main Street. He
stated that, in
conjunction with these projects, the parking is to be removed on both sides of South Wallace
Avenue, but no other changes in parking are to be made along any of the subject roadways.
He recognized the changes in parking from the projects as contained in the Transportation Plan;
however, he noted that staff reviews of the projects and the current roadways have revealed
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the revised parking proposals are appropriate. He further noted that some
changes in the radii
at intersections have been proposed; however, staff is suggesting that
those changes not be
made immediately, but that the new traffic configurations be monitored
to determine if those
radii changes need to be made at some time in the future.
. Engineering Assistant Kerr stated that, if the Commission approves these
projects as
revised, staff will begin work as soon as possible. He projected that the work will be done in
May, if the weather is warm enough to lay the striping material.
Responding to Commissioner Frost, the Engineering Assistant stated that
no estimates
of additional impacts to the intersection of South Wallace Avenue and East
Main Street have
been developed. He recognized, however, that with the proposed changes
in traffic patterns,
the intersection could possibly reach warrants for installation of a traffic
signal; and it may be
necessary to add that project to the list of improvements to be made.
Commissioner Rudberg noted that she drove the suggested loop several times;
and
she found it was a real problem to get onto East Main Street from South
Wallace Avenue at
certain times.
She expressed concern that if the speed limit on East Main Street is changed
. as the traffic studies suggest, the problems of accessing East Main
Street could be
compounded.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Rudberg, Engineering Assistant
Kerr
stated that the City parking lot at the corner of South Rouse Avenue and
East Babcock Street
does not extend to the alley; therefore, the only access into the parking
lot is from East
Babcock Street.
Commissioner Rudberg suggested that parking along the west side of City
Hall be
eliminated, to provide for easier turning maneuvers for large trucks.
City Manager Wysocki expressed concern about the negative impact that removal
of
on-street parking would have on those people trying to access City Hall,
particularly in light of
the parking shortage that already exists.
. The Commission thanked Engineering Assistant Kerr for his presentation.
(B) Discussion
- source of funding for installation of sidewalks along
east side of Highland Boulevard from Kagy Boulevard to Holly Drive (in
conjunction with street improvements this summer)
City Engineer Craig Brawner noted that sidewalks along the east side of
Highland
Boulevard between Kagy Boulevard and Holly Drive have surfaced as one of
the higher priorities
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on the sidewalk priority list. He stated that sidewalks on the east side
of the street have been
included in the Highland Boulevard improvement project which was recently
bid and awarded;
and construction of the project is to begin in the near future. He noted
that when this project
was discussed a year ago, the question of who would bear the costs of the
sidewalk
. installation was raised but never answered. He asked that the issue be
addressed at this time,
since it is anticipated the sidewalks will be constructed in July or August.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, the City Engineer stated that the Highland
Boulevard
frontage is either the front yard or side yard for all of the properties
involved. He noted that
under the City's sidewalk policy, the property owners would be required
to bear the costs of
installing the sidewalk, since only those properties whose back yards are
adjacent to arterials
are exempt from paying for those sidewalks.
Further responding to Mayor Stueck, City Manager Wysocki stated that last
year, the
bid for installation of sidewalks was $3.00 per square foot under the City's
contract; and under
the bid for Highland Boulevard, the cost is $2.25 per square foot. He suggested
that, on that
basis, it is likely the property owners will not be able to obtain a better
price individually than
. what the contract offers.
Responding to Commissioner Frost, the City Engineer stated that under the
City's
sidewalk policy, property owners are responsible for no more than 1 % times
the normal costs
of installation, with the City bearing any costs in excess of that amount.
He recognized that,
with the need for retaining walls and other extraordinary costs in conjunction
with this project,
there is the potential that the City will bear some of the costs.
Further responding to Commissioner Frost, City Engineer Brawner stated
that under
State law, the City must provide a minimum 30-day notice to property owners
where sidewalks
are ordered in, and give them an opportunity to install the sidewalks themselves.
He noted that
in the past few years, the Commission has allowed an entire construction
season for private
. installation of sidewalks, but in light of the contract for road improvements, that is not possible
in this instance.
Responding to Commissioner Stiff, City Engineer Brawner stated that a 12-foot-wide
asphalt pathway is to be constructed on the west side of the street from
East Main Street to
Kagy Boulevard through the use of Community Transportation Enhancement
Program (CTEPI
monies, if the City's application for that project is successful.
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Each of the Commissioners responded to the question of whether they wish
to
schedule a public hearing on their intent to order in the sidewalks along the east side of
Highland Boulevard between Kagy Boulevard and Holly Drive, with the adjacent property
owners to bear the costs. Commissioner Rudberg stated she
does not support requiring the
. residents to pay for the sidewalks; Commissioner Stiff stated he feels the property owners
should be required to pay; Commissioner Frost stated that, based on a fairness issue, he feels
the property owners should bear the costs; Commissioner Youngman stated her concurrence
with Commissioner Frost's comments; and Mayor Stueck stated he feels the residents should
bear the basic costs of sidewalk installation, with the City bearing the extraordinary costs
involved.
City Attorney Luwe stated that, based on the Commissioners' comments, staff
will
prepare a resolution of intent to order in sidewalks, which also sets the public hearing date, and
bring it back for Commission action at next week's meeting.
(C) General
discussion and review of sidewalks contained in priority
listing
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from City Engineer Craig
. Brawner, dated April 3, 1996, forwarding a copy of the draft 1996 Sidewalk Priority List.
City Engineer Craig Brawner briefly highlighted the draft priority list,
noting it is
essentially the same as last year's list. He provided
a brief history on last year's proposed
program, noting that it was scaled back to include South Black Avenue, between Lincoln Street
and South Rouse Avenue; Carol Place; South Tracy Avenue between Mason Street and Kagy
Boulevard; Hoffman Street between South Tracy Avenue and South Rouse Avenue; and Accola
Street between South Tracy Avenue and South Rouse Avenue. He noted that, due to concerns
about the impact that even this scaled back program would have on staff, that program was
delayed.
Commissioner Frost stated concurrence with the priority list.
He noted that his
. preference would be to include South Rouse Avenue in the 1996 sidewalk program; however,
he recognizes that the program must remain a manageable size. He showed the Commissioners
photographs taken at the corner of South Black Avenue and Mason Street, where a pedestrian
walking in the street was nearly hit be a car sliding around the corner because no sidewalks
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were available. He expressed concern about the liability which the City may incur because it
has not provided a safe place for pedestrians by failing to require the installation of sidewalks.
Commissioner Youngman expressed an interest in revising the sidewalk policy to
include language under which the neighborhood could develop an alternative sidewalk scheme
. for an area that would allow for safe pedestrian movement that doesn't necessarily include
. sidewalks on both sides of the street.
City Engineer Craig Brawner stated that language allowing that type of alternative was
included in a previous draft of the sidewalk policy, although it is not included in the current
sidewalk policy. He indicated that if the Commission is interested in considering
this type of
provision, he will forward a proposal for consideration.
Commissioner Frost noted that one of the ladies in his neighborhood must now take
her three small children across the street so they can ride their bicycles and tricycles on the
sidewalks in front of three houses. He forwarded his position
that children should be able to
safely ride their bicycles and tricycles in front of their own homes. H
e also characterized
sidewalks as "streets for a different kind of vehicle", noting that they serve everyone in the
. community and not just the adjacent residences.
Commissioner Youngman stated that, while sidewalks do
not serve just the
neighborhood, she feels it would be possible for the entire neighborhood to develop a sidewalk
grid that would serve everyone's needs while not being on both sides of every street.
Commissioner Stiff expressed his interest in reviewing the policy, and incorporating
Commissioner Youngman's proposal into the revisions.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, the City Engineer stated he can create a list of all City
properties which do not currently have sidewalks along them.
Responding to concerns registered by Commissioner Frost, City Attorney Luwe stated
that if a pedestrian is injured in an area where there are no sidewalks, the City could potentially
. be sued; and it could possibly incur some liability should the court find the City breached a duty
and if the lack of sidewalks was determined to be a contributing factor.
Commissioner Frost noted that, immediately across the street from his house, a
daycare facility was recently approved; and the City required that sidewalks be installed
because of safety concerns. He questioned how the Commission can impose
such a
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requirement on this facility, based on safety concerns, and not impose the same requirement
on the remainder of the community.
City Manager Wysocki noted that the Legislature has allowed the Commission
to
unilaterally order in sidewalks, which suggests they recognized the importance of leaving that
. determination to the local governing body. He then encouraged the Commission to consider
those areas where sidewalks have been installed along a majority of the properties but not all
of the properties, citing the original Valley Unit Subdivision as an example.
City Attorney Luwe registered concerns about the standard condition added
to
preliminary plat approvals which requires that sidewalks be installed within three years of filing
of the final plat. He noted that this condition is unenforceable after final plat filing unless there
is a financial guarantee in place. He noted, however, that no financial guarantee was required
in conjunction with filing of the final plat, so the only way to get those sidewalks installed at
this time is to order them in under a sidewalk program.
Responding to City Engineer Brawner, City Attorney Luwe stated that if
the City has
a sidewalk policy and is actively pursuing the ordering in of sidewalks in accordance with the
. priority list, the City would be showing evidence of satisfying its obligation and could probably
alleviate some of its liability in the event of an injury where there are not yet sidewalks, should
the court find that the City had a duty to provide sidewalks.
Responding to City Manager Wysocki, Commissioner Frost and Commissioner
Youngman expressed an interest in proceeding with a 1996 Sidewalk Program that includes
the sidewalks which were considered for last year's program; Commissioner Rudberg,
Commissioner Stiff and Mayor Stueck indicated they do not wish to do so.
Mayor Stueck stated he feels it is important to first review the sidewalk
policy, and
possibly amend it to include the provision introduced by Commissioner Youngman.
He
suggested that once the process is completed, he would be willing to reconsider a program for
this year.
. Commissioner Frost asked that review of the sidewalk pOlicy include looking at the
provisions for mitigating impacts on existing landscaping. He noted that people should not be
extending their yards by landscaping the public right-of-way, and should be discouraged from
doing so. He noted, however, that it is also important to save the mature
vegetation that
exists within the sidewalk alignment whenever possible.
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City Engineer
Brawner indicated that
he will research the
issue raised by
Commissioner Youngman and forward a response to the Commission as soon as possible.
(D) Review of preliminary design for curb bulbs on South Willson
Avenue
Project Engineer John Pavsek stated that under this transportation project, curb bulbs
. are to be installed at the intersections of South Willson Avenue with West Dickerson Street,
West College Street and West Garfield Street during the 1996 street improvements project
season. He showed the Commission a drawing of the preliminary design for the curb bulb at
West College Street, noting that the other curb bulbs will be of similar design.
He indicated
that the curb bulbs are designed to extend six feet into the intersection from all corners of the
intersection. Since South Willson Avenue is 44 feet wide, front-of-curb
to front-of-curb, the
bulbs will create a 32-foot-wide corridor through which cars will pass. The Project Engineer
noted that West College Street is 40 feet wide; and with the curb bulbs, a 28-foot-wide
opening will be provided through which vehicles will pass.
He indicated that both of these
openings are wide enough to accommodate two lanes of traffic; and on South Willson Avenue,
there would still be sufficient room for a bicycle lane.
. The Project Engineer stated that, because of the storm drain system on South Willson
Avenue, valley gutters are to be provided through the curb bulbs on that roadway.
Those
gutters are to be covered by a plate which is built of appropriate material, possibly non-skid
metal or fiberglass. He indicated that handicapped ramps are incorporated into the design of
the curb bulbs. He further noted that since the curb bulbs stick out six feet into the roadway,
they are not as deep as a parked vehicle and will, therefore, not create potential problems for
bicyclists.
Commissioner Frost stated his support for the preliminary design, noting it is gradual
enough to not create problems for snowplows. He then noted that curb bulbs have existed on
North 19th Avenue at the north side of West Beall Street since that roadway was built; and no
. complaints have been registered by the snowplow operators on that street.
Mayor Stueck stated he likes the more gradual radius of the curb bulbs, concurring
that the snowplow can more easily follow the line of the curb.
Mr. Keith Swenson, 603 South Willson Avenue, expressed concern about the width
of South Willson Avenue that will remain open, noting his interest in seeing it reduced to 28
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feet as well. He noted that if a 32-foot opening is left, there may be
adequate space for a
driver to pass on the right side of a vehicle waiting to make a left turn; and that could create
an unsafe situation for someone on the curb bulb. He also noted that
with a reduced space
through which to maneuver, traffic speeds should slow. He encouraged
the Commission to
. increase the safety of pedestrians be increasing the distance which the curb buibs on South
Willson Avenue extend from the curbs.
City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that one of the Community
Transportation Enhancement Projects upon which hearings will be conducted at next week's
meeting is for a bicycle lane along the east side of South Willson Avenue. He noted that under
AASHTO standards, the minimum width of a bicycle lane is 5 feet; and that will leave 27 feet
for vehicles to maneuver through the curb bulbs as proposed. He further noted that if a bicycle
lane is added to the roadway, then the centerline will be offset.
City Engineer Brawner noted that standing on a curb bulb with traffic passing close
can be an extremely uncomfortable feeling. He encouraged the Commissioners to take that into
consideration when considering the further necking down of vehicular movement through those
. intersections.
A majority of the Commissioners stated support for the preliminary design as
forwarded by staff.
(E) Discussion - possible expansion of Swim Center; review of bids
received
Included in the Commissioners' packets were copies of the bid tabulation form; a
memo from Assistant City Manager Brey, dated April 4; a letter from Cliff Chisholm, architect
for the project, dated April 4; and a memo from Recreation Superintendent Sue Harkin, dated
April 4. Also, distributed just prior to the meeting, was a memo from the Recreation and Parks
Advisory Board, dated April 5, 1996.
Assistant City Manager Ron Brey provided a brief history of the project, noting that
. his memo pertains to only the most recent activities. He noted that in October 1993, the City
initially approached the School Board about the possible expansion of the Swim Center. In
March 1994, he became involved in the process and appeared before the School Board; and
at that meeting, the Board granted conceptual approval, with the understanding that the
parking situation must be resolved in conjunction with the expansion. He noted that, following
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that approval, more detailed architectural work began; and the initial cost estimate was
$238,500. On that basis, $250,000 was budgeted to cover the costs of the expansion.
As
the architectural work progressed and additional items were identified, the estimated cost rose
to$385,OOO in February of this year. He reviewed some of
those additional items, which
. include addressing code deficiencies and more extensive parking lot improvements than were
originally anticipated. He noted that, because of these issues, the scope of the work has been
expanded and, therefore, the architectural services have increased accordingly.
Commissioner Stiff noted that, in light of the information which was included in this
week's packet, the Commission should have asked more questions when the cost estimates
rose to $385,000.
City Manager Wysocki noted that the City has expended approximately$22,OOO in
architectural fees on this project to date. He noted that a significant
amount of staff time has
also been expended in reaching this point; and the bids received are approximately $21,000
higher than estimated. He stated that the City entered into a fifty~year
agreement with the
School district in 1974; therefore, there is sufficient time to recover the costs of the investment
. if the City chooses to proceed with this project.
Mayor Stueck noted that when the issue of increased costs was raised in February,
the Commission decided to proceed with the bidding process, understanding that all of the bids
could be rejected if they came in over estimate. He noted that when he agreed to proceeding
on that basis, he was anticipating the bids may come in at $330,000 to $350,000 rather than
over $400,000. He then stated that, since the square footage of the project has not changed,
he is very uncomfortable with the increase in costs from $250,000 to $400,000.
Commissioner Youngman asked if there are items in the project that can be cut back
or eliminated to reduce the costs.
Mayor Stueck noted that the size of the addition could possibly be reduced. He then
observed that the expansion of the locker room, which was identified as one of the critical
. items in the original proposal, is only 7 feet by 18 feet, or 126 square feet; and that is a very
small portion of the overall expansion. He noted that also
included in the expansion are four
offices, a large meeting room, a reception desk and an enlarged lobby area. He suggested that
by reducing the size of the expansion, the costs could be reduced.
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Recreation Superintendent Sue Harkin noted that if a five-year or ten-year INTERCAP
loan is used to fund this project, the annual repayment will be $50,000 to $80,000.
She
indicated that, through increases in the rates for the various recreation programs and swimming
fees, projected increases in revenues are$40,OOO to $55,000. She suggested that after two
. years, the increases in revenues should be approximately $ 70,000, which will essentially cover
the costs of retiring the debt.
City Manager Wysocki stated that the term of the INTERCAP loan may not exceed
five years and, based on a $400,000 loan for five years at 6 percent, annual payments will
be approximately $97,000. He recognized that is significantly higher than the
$57,000
budgeted; however, he noted that the increased revenues from recreational fees will cover the
difference.
Commissioner Rudberg expressed concern about spending $160,000 of the City's
money to improve a parking lot located on School District property. She then stated she is not
willing to support any improvements which are not absolutely necessary, such as the sprinkler
system and possibly upgraded equipment to make the pool efficient and clean. She suggested
. one option to address the space problems is to relocate the Recreation Department offices,
possibly to the building at Beall Park. She suggested that the arts
center could be relocated
to the Emerson Cultural Center, resulting in a more viable facility for the arts; and that would
leave the existing City building vacant for the new proposed use.
City Manager Wysocki emphasized the fact that the size of the addition and the use
of that space have not changed throughout the process. He then expressed concern about the
additional personnel and office equipment costs that would be incurred if the Recreation
Department were relocated.
The City Manager noted that when he came to Bozeman, the Recreation Department
offices were located in the Willson School; and the office was moved because the School
District needed the space. He noted that at that time, the School District indicated
a
. willingness to assist in finding office space.
Recreation Superintendent Harkin stated that the School Board did express concern
that the expanded space could result in additional personnel; but they were satisfied after
receiving assurances that would not occur. She then indicated
that, except for her and
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Recreation Program Manager Mary Boling, all other employees in the building
are strictly pool
employees.
Commissioner Frost noted that the recreation programs, Swim Center and
Bogert Pool
have been extremely popular and successful over the years.
He further noted that the
. recreation fees have been increased to cover some of the costs, although not as much as he
had hoped. He suggested that waiting to do this project will not save money
and, in fact,
could cost more in the future. He also noted that redesigning the project
could actually result
in equal or higher costs for a smaller addition.
He concluded by stating he feels the
Commission should move forward with the bids received.
Commissioner Youngman stated she was uncomfortable with moving forward
when
the projected costs were $380,000; however, the rest of the Commission
seemed willing to
proceed with the bidding. She stated that at this time, she feels scaling
the project back and
redesigning it would not be effective.
She noted that, on that basis, even though she is
uncomfortable with the project, she feels it would be best to move forward
with it. She also
indicated that she does not want to spend money for the parking lot.
. Mayor Stueck stated that he will be attending the School Board meeting
this evening;
and he will approach the Board about possibly participating in the costs
of improving the
parking lot.
Responding to Mayor Stueck, Assistant City Manager Brey stated that when
he
appeared before the School Board in March 1994, the proposal was to construct
the parking
lot in phases; however, the Board would not accept that phasing. He noted,
instead, that all
parking lot improvements must be made in conjunction with the expansion.
City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that they must make a decision
on
this issue at the April 15 meeting.
He noted that it will be difficult to complete the project
before school starts, since the materials must still be ordered.
(F) Preparation
of City Commission's budget unit for Fiscal Year
. 1996.1997
Clerk of the Commission Sullivan briefly highlighted the proposed budget
unit for the
upcoming fiscal year, identifying issues which had been raised during a
telephone conversation
with Commissioner Rudberg.
She indicated that the proposed amount for "other" should be
reduced by $5,000, since the tax increment financing program is to be funded
through a
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-
different mechanism in the future. She also stated that the $800 budgeted
for two chairs
under "capital" should be moved to "operating supplies" since the cost per chair is under $500.
She further noted that Commissioner Rudberg has questioned whether monies for the election
on the ballot issue forwarded by the Study Commission should be funded through the
. Commission's budget unit or if it would be more appropriately funded through the Study
Commission's budget unit.
Commissioner Stiff asked if the Commissioners wish to consider an increase in their
salaries, suggesting it may be better to consider a 2-percent increase annually instead of trying
to play catch-up every five or six years. Following discussion,
the Commissioners agreed it
would be appropriate to implement a $10-per-month increase in their salaries, effective July
1,1996.
Commissioner Rudberg listed several concerns which she has regarding the proposed
budget, including overtime in the Clerk's office and $2,000 to fund using a retired employee
to assist in the office after a Deputy Clerk has been hired. She
also questioned the
appropriateness of budgeting for a $1,000 transfer to the Beautification Advisory Board's
. budget unit.
The Commissioners recognized that all of these issues may be addressed during
review of the City Manager's recommendations later this year.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your
Information" items.
(1 ) Memo from Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehrung, dated
April 2, asking if the Commission wishes to appoint him as Hearings Officer for the community
needs assessment for the CDBG and HOME programs.
(2) Memo dated April 4, forwarding an invitation from Stephan Custer to attend
. a speech to be given by a Commissioner from Boulder, Colorado, at noon today, as well as an
invitation to set individual meetings with her.
(3) Letter from Kay Levitt, 2570 Fairway Drive, encouraging the Commission
to approve expansion of the Swim Center.
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(4) Letter from former Commissioner Mary Vant Hull, inviting the Commissioners
to attend a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, regarding legalized gambling.
(5) Memo from City Engineer Craig Brawner to City Manager Wysocki, dated
April 3, regarding the requested vacation of a small portion of the West Babcock Street right-
. of-way adjacent to JB's Restaurant.
(6) Copy of a letter from Todd and Jeanne Wilkinson, 415 South Third Avenue,
to Director of Public Service Phill Forbes, dated April 1, regarding live trapping of skunks and
the dilapidated garage in which they live.
(7) Letter from Gary Vodehnal and Carola Murat, 614 South 7th Avenue, stating
support for the proposed ban on weapons in public buildings.
(8) Invitation to attend the grand opening of the new Montana Travel facilities
on April 23, 24 and 25.
(9) Agenda for the City-County Planning Board meeting which was held at 7:00
p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, in the Commission Room.
(10) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00
. a.m. on Tuesday, April 9,in the Commission Room.
(11 ) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m.
on
Tuesday, April 9, in the Commission Room.
(12) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m.on
Tuesday, April 9, at the Courthouse.
(13) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows: (1) Noted that
staff is closely monitoring Bozeman Creek, in light of the warm weather. (2) Announced that
the American Public Works Association's regional meeting, which includes Idaho, Wyoming and
Montana, is being held in Bozeman later this week, for the first time in over twenty years.
(3) Gave presentations to SCORE and the Chamber of Commerce last week regarding
transportation projects, the library mill levy and impact fees. (4) Reminded the Commissioners
. that the Interagency Breakfast is to be held at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at Fat Boys
B-B-O.
Adjournment - 6:10 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
04-08-96
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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.
.
cl t/3~
DON E. STUECK, Mayor
ATTEST:
(2tJ xLlI~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
.
.
04-08-96