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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-25 Minutes, City Commission -------- --. -.- ~ MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA March 25, 1996 ********************** ******* e The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, March 25, 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. Work Session - (A) Presentation from MSU students re stenciling of storm drains in community; (B) Presentation from Dick Kountz re solid waste collection; (C) Meeting with Cemetery Board; and (D) Review of Dublic comment and Commissioner inDut on East Main sDeed study (A) Presentation from MSU students re stenciling of storm drains in community Project Engineer John Pavsek introduced the subject and Ms. Cara Liberatore, Project . Coordinator for The Montana Watercourse, a pUblic service organization based at Montana State University. He noted that the program she is proposing is a stormwater pollution prevention program, entitled" We All Live Downstream". Ms. Cara Liberatore stated that the stormwater marking program began in Calgary, and was designed to protect fish and fish habitat in the area. The program has expanded to the United States, first to the East Coast, then to the West Coast, and is slowly growing in popularity in the Rocky Mountain area. She noted that her interest in the program began approximately a year ago, largely because of her concern with water issues and water quality. She characterized this program as an awareness program, encouraging the public to recognize the importance of not polluting stormwater run-off. Ms. Liberatore noted that many of the City's storm sewers drain into Bozeman Creek . and then the East Gallatin River; other storm sewers drain directly into the East Gallatin River. She stated that under the stenciling program, the logo which has been developed will be spray painted, in blue, on the sidewalk adjacent to storm sewer inlets. Also, public service announcements and articles will be distributed to the various media sources to promote the program and raise awareness. 03-25-96 __n_ - 2 - Commissioner Youngman suggested that coordinating the stenciling program with "Clean Up Bozeman", which is scheduled for the last Saturday in April, could increase the volunteers for their program as well as ensure safety because motorists are aware of the number of people in volunteer efforts around the community. . Project Engineer Pavsek stated that at intersections where there are storm sewer inlets at each corner, the stencils will be painted on opposite corners so that the public sees them on a regular basis. He estimated that there are 1,000 to 1,500 storm sewer inlets around the community; and the initial efforts will be targeted toward the high visibility areas in the community. The Commissioners indicated support for the proposed program, recognizing the benefits that could result. (8) Presentation from Dick Kountz re solid waste collection Mr. Jerrold Arbini, 11 Hoffman Drive, corporate advisor for Waste Management, Inc., stated that approximately twelve years ago, the firm approached the City about a garbage contract; however, because of controversies at that time, the City chose not to pursue the . idea. He said that a few years ago, the firm approached the City about a joint venture landfill involving the City, the County and Waste Management because of the leaking problems being encountered at both the City's landfill and the County's landfill; and those efforts were also unsuccessful. Mr. Arbini noted that Montana is one of the last, if not the last, state in which the Public Service Commission regulates garbage collection services. He encouraged the City to consider development of garbage hauling contracts with the private companies in the community, cautioning that if the PSC decides to no longer regulate this service, a proliferation of private companies could result. Mr. Arbini characterized the City's fee for garbage collection as essentially volume- based, since the base rate assessment represents 50 percent, or possibly less, of the annual . costs. He stated that for his company to provide a volume-based system, he must first add a $42,000 piece of equipment to each of his trucks that would weigh the garbage as it dumps it at each location. He indicated that his automated garbage collection trucks cost $138,000 when purchased in 1993. He stated that semi-automated trucks are also needed to serve 03-25-96 ..--- ....--.--- .. -- ..- .. _ . .._n_m__ - 3 - customers in Bozeman because the automated trucks require too much width and height to provide alley pick-ups. Mr. Arbini stated that voluntary recycling is not very successful, noting that most customers do not wish to participate in any programs that mean more work for them. He noted , that through construction of a material recovery facility (MRF), recyclables could be separated from the garbage; however, such a facility would cost $1 to $4 million. Mr. Arbini briefly reviewed the monthly costs to City customers, based on the base assessment plus tag fees, as follows: 1 bag per week - $8.88 per month; 2 bags per week - $13.65; 3 bags per week - $18.41. He characterized the three bags per week as being equivalent to their 96-gallon container. He then addressed the commercial accounts, noting that a typical two-yard dumpster holds the equivalent of twelve garbage cans. He expressed concern that the annual assessment for a two-yard dumpster is $435 per year; however, based on an average of 15 % tons of trash dumped from that dumpster per year and a $32-per-ton charge at the landfill, the landfill costs alone for that dumpster are nearly $500. Mr. Arbini turned his attention to the landfill costs for construction or demolition . material, which are $64 per ton. He noted that the average weight of a compacted ton of garbage is 600 pounds while the average weight of construction material is 800 pounds; however, a cubic yards takes up a cubic yard of space at the landfill, no matter what its weight might be. He recognized the difficulties that whole tires may create in a landfill, particularly since they roll to the surface with any movement of the earth in the landfill around them. He suggested that tires should be cut up before being placed in the landfill to avoid those problems. Mr. Jerry Arbini forwarded his interest in working with the City, in a cooperative effort instead of being a competitor. He noted that most studies show private companies are more efficient and can provide the service at a 30 percent saving in costs. He also recognized the economies in equipment needs under a cooperative effort instead of a competitive basis. . Responding to Mayor Stueck, Mr. Arbini stated that the local Waste Management is no longer affiliated with the national company; rather, it is locally owned and operated. He estimated that 60 to 70 percent of the garbage it collects is from the county. It costs approximately $1.25 per mile to transport garbage over the road; and at the present time, there is a $5.00 difference between the rates at the City's landfill rates and the Logan landfill. 03-25-96 - 4 - Because of those factors, at the present time, garbage collected in Three Forks and Manhattan is taken to the Logan landfill, with the remainder of the garbage being dumped at the City's landfill , Responding to Commissioner Frost, Mr. Arbini stated that his semi-automated trucks . are operated by one person, although a two-man crew could also be used. He then indicated that the can sizes for the automated trucks include 32-gallon, 64-gallon, 96-gallon, 300-gallon and 400-gallon; and the can sizes for the semi-automated trucks include 32-gallon, 64-gallon and 96-gallon, He cautioned that, in this climate, it is imperative that a sturdy, higher-priced container be utilized because the lower priced containers have a tendency to crack or break in the cold weather, Responding to Mayor Stueck, Mr. Arbini stated that Waste Management owns three acres on the northeast side of the community, for which a conditional use permit to allow a transfer station was approved several years ago, Because of capital improvement costs, the company allowed that permit to expire, He stated that they also own land for a landfill adjacent to the Logan landfill; however, they have encountered difficulties in acquiring approval . for a land trade with the State Department of Lands, Responding to Commissioner Stiff, Mr. Arbini stated that Waste Management has sufficient volume to support its own landfill because it would not be open to the public, He noted that a public landfill must be open to the public; and approximately 50 percent of the costs of operating the landfill is spent on serving the public, which hauls approximately 15 percent of the garbage to the landfill, City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that two options are currently being considered: a composting program that would utilize some of the garbage as well as sludge from the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and a cooperative composting program that would involve eight or nine counties, Responding to Mayor Stueck, the City Manager indicated that previous staff review . revealed an automated collection system operated by the City forces could save the City ratepayers a substantial amount of money over the current manual collection system, Director of Public Service Forbes stated that staff is looking forward to developing a solid waste management plan, in accordance with one of the Commission's goals; and he feels that will be a useful document for everyone when it is complete. 03-25-96 -..--.--- - 5 - Street/Sanitation Superintendent Roger Sicz stated that a Class III area has been built at the landfill; and it will be open in May. He noted that clean building materials may be dumped in that area, at a cost of $32.00 per ton rather than the $64.00 per ton currently being charged for construction and demolition materials; however, the builders will be responsible for . ensuring that the Class III material meets the guidelines. The Commission thanked Mr. Arbini for his presentation. (C) Meeting with Cemetery Board Mr. Carroll Henderson, Chair of the Cemetery Board, distributed a packet of information to each of the Commissioners, containing pictures and a narrative. Mr. Henderson reviewed many of the pictures, noting that several of them reflect the vandalism which has occurred over the years. He noted that concern about vandalism of headstones was expressed in 1990; and the problem has become worse over time. He indicated that one of the pillars from the old Story family mansion has been relocated to the cemetery. He characterized this as the only remnant from one of the most historic buildings in Bozeman and, to date, it has escaped vandalism, although vandalism has occurred all around . it. Mr. Henderson stated that, while monies are budgeted for trimming around headstones and while the City owns a trimmer, some of the pictures reflect that trimming is not being done. He also expressed concern that the type of trees being promoted in the cemetery is not appropriate, particularly the fir trees, because their roots displace the headstones. Also, more fir trees are being nurtured in the City's nursery, and will likely be transplanted into the cemetery when they are large enough. He drew attention to one of the pictures which shows a backhoe located where it is visible to a funeral party; and he views that as a lack of sensitivity. Mr. Henderson stated that one of the main problems is dogs in the cemetery. He noted that they are disruptive during religious services and ceremonies at the cemetery; and . they leave a mess on the grounds. Mr. Henderson noted that a four-foot-high fence is located around a portion of the cemetery. He characterized the fence as ineffective because it can be easily jumped. Also, the gates are never closed; and there are holes in the hedge where those wishing to gain access to the cemetery may sneak through. He noted that when the cemetery was established in 03-25-96 .. --.---.---..----.--.--.- - 6 - 1870, it was outside city limits; however, it is now inside the city limits and is surrounded by parks and development. He noted that this increases the chances of vandalism, particularly with the easy access to the cemetery from various points. He also noted that easy access to the cemetery encourages people to park their cars in Lindley Park, walk their dogs through the . cemetery and into Burke Park. Mr. Carroll Henderson noted that the original entrance into the cemetery was an appropriate entrance. However, three or four years ago, the entrance to the cemetery was changed, so that access is now from the discontinued Highland Boulevard; and people often become confused and lost when seeking the entrance. He also noted that the entrance is not befitting the cemetery. He stated that during the time when this change occurred, the Cemetery Board met only one time during the year. He stated that the original entrance has been vandalized; and the cement ball that was on top of the pillars is now lost. Mr. Henderson stated that care of the cemetery must be improved. He stated his opinion that, approximately 90 percent of the time, cemetery workers cannot be found in the cemetery. He stated that the weeds, particularly thistles, are becoming a problem; and use of . a weed and feed product could help to eliminate that problem while improving the grass. Mr. Henderson stated that, with some enhanced landscaping, the appearance of the cemetery could be dramatically improved. He noted that with the planting of crabapple trees, which would bloom around Memorial Day, and possibly the planting of some peony bushes, the overall appearance would be more appealing. Mr. Carroll Henderson further expressed concern that, since 1986, the amount of money going into the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund from lot sales has decreased from 100 percent to 15 percent, or from $150.00 to $22.50 per lot, based on a resolution adopted by the Commission and, because of that, the amount of monies available to maintain the cemetery is decreasing. He further noted that, at the same time, the Cemetery Board was changed from an administrative board to an advisory board. He recognized that the Cemetery Perpetual Care . Fund has a balance of slightly over $400,000; and it is growing by approximately $2,000 per year. He expressed concern that the manner in which the cemetery monies have been used over the past few years is a violation of the public trust; and he encouraged the Commission to re-establish the Cemetery Board as an administrative board in an effort to alleviate some of the problems. 03-25-96 ------------ -. ..- - .---- - ..- .-- ..-.. - -- -- . ---- ------...-----..----. ~ - 7 - City Manager Wysocki responded that the City has not improperly used the monies, as suggested, noting that the 85 percent of Cemetery Perpetual Care monies and the interest from the Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, which is approximately $25,000 to $27,000 annually, are used to fund a portion of the costs of maintaining the cemetery. He stated that the . distribution of Cemetery Perpetual Care monies was changed in 1986 to help fund water lines and a well system to provide irrigation water for the cemetery. Mr. Henderson noted that the budget for the cemetery is approximately $211,000 per year. He stated that he has requested a breakdown of the revenues and expenditures for the cemetery; however, to date, he has not received them. He noted that the Board has not become involved in the budgeting process, either; and he feels they should be included in that process. Mr. Henderson expressed concern about the current City structure, noting it is nearly impossible to accomplish anything at this time. He further noted that Park/Cemetery/Fore stry Superintendent John McNeil must answer to three separate advisory boards; and that makes his job extremely difficult. . Responding to Mayor Stueck, Mr. Henderson stated that the two Board members who are not present agree with his position and comments. He noted that the other two Board members are present at this meeting and may wish to speak for themselves. (Clerk's note: only one other Board member was present.) Commissioner Youngman asked that the Cemetery Board, at its next meeting, make a formal motion to forward the recommendations which have been forwarded during this work session. Commissioner Stiff suggested that the Cemetery Board consider holding a special meeting to address the budget issues, with appropriate staff members present at that meeting. Commissioner Frost suggested that the Cemetery Board may wish to meet more frequently than the current quarterly schedule, particularly in light of the number of issues . which have been raised. He suggested that if the meetings were held in the evening, possibly more people could attend, including interested Commissioners and staff members. Mr. Norm Thurston, Board member, indicated he had nothing to add at this time. Mr. Chuck Molyneaux, former member of the Cemetery Board, stated that he was serving on the board when it was changed from an administrative board to an advisory board. 03-25-96 _ __..._.._.___ ..n.._ - 8 - He noted that change was made after the Board reviewed its structure over several prior years and forwarded a unanimous recommendation to the Commission that the change be made. He then stated concurrence with the City Manager's comments about why the change in distribution of the Cemetery Perpetual Care monies was made. He stated that the Board and . City staff recognized the benefit of getting the cemetery off the City's treated domestic water supply; and those efforts have resulted in the use of wells to partially irrigate the cemetery. The Commission thanked Mr. Henderson for his presentation. (0) Review of public comment and Commissioner input on East Main speed study Distributed to the Commissioners were copies of letters and telephone messages received in response to the newspaper advertisement soliciting public comment, from: Mary B. Vant Hull, 416 East Story Street, dated March 13; Greg and Kathy Beardslee, 221 North Church Avenue, dated March 19; Pat Horton, dated March 15; Monte Beck, dated March 19; Harold C. and Dorothy M. Levens, 1115 Holly Drive, dated March 19; and Fred and Katie Cady, 2211 Arrowleaf Hills Drive, dated March 16. . Director of Public Service Forbes reminded the Commission that the 60-day comment period on the East Main Street speed study is about to expire. Commissioner Rudberg asked if the State of Montana Department of Transportation has been contacted about the impending installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of East Main Street and Haggerty Lane. She suggested that the change in traffic control should be taken into consideration as the Transportation Commission sets the speed limits. Commissioner Stiff noted that much concern has been expressed about the intersections of East Main Street with Highland Boulevard and Cypress Avenue. He observed that under the proposed new speed limits, the speed limits at both of those intersections would actually be reduced 5 miles per hour from the current posted speed limits. Responding to Mayor Stueck, the Director of Public Service stated that, while the . existing speed limits on East Main Street may not have been properly established through the Highway Commission, they have been historically observed and enforced as posted. He then indicated that in a recent conversation, Mr. Don Dusek, Traffic Engineer with the Montana Department of Transportation, stated the signalization of the intersection of Highland Boulevard and East Main Street is indeed being taken into consideration as the speed limits are 03-25-96 ----.-----..-.--..--..-.--- - 9 - established. Director of Public Service Forbes characterized the new proposed speed limits as a general lowering of the speed limits in that area, although the speeds along some short stretches of the roadway will be raised. Mr. Tom Stenzel, General Manager of the Western Heritage Inn, 1200 East Main . Street, distributed copies of letters to the Director of Public Service, dated March 25, 1993 and March 1, 1995, and a letter to the Commission dated March 25, 1996, along with pictures of semi-trucks parked at the curb. He expressed concern that the speed limit, combined with the visibility problems posed by the road design and parked trucks, create a hazardous situation for those trying to access the roadway, particularly for those motorists trying to make a left turn onto East Main Street. He stated that the incidence and severity of accidents have increased significantly over the past two or three years; and he feels efforts should be made to alleviate the problems. He suggested that those efforts could include a lowering of the speed limit and prohibiting the parking of vehicles along the street, particularly next to driveways. Mr. Stenzel recognized the proposed 40-mile-per-hour speed limit in that area is a step in the right direction, suggesting that 35 miles per hour would be even better. . Responding to Commissioner Frost, Mr. Stenzel stated it is not uncommon for semi- trucks to be parked at the driveway. He stated that the drivers of those vehicles realize where they are parked, but do not make any effort to park so that greater visibility is provided. Responding to Commissioner Stiff, Mr. Stenzel stated he feels the new stop light at Highland Boulevard will alleviate some of the problems which are currently encountered. Mr. John Schreier, Bozeman resident, stated that, as a member of the motoring public, he concurs with Mr. Stenzel's comments and observations. Commissioner Rudberg expressed concern about increasing the speed all of the way to Wallace Street, noting that people coming into town will not actually lower their speeds until well into the business district. Commissioner Frost noted that on West Main Street, the speed limit does not increase . to 45 miles per hour until past the major commercial area; however, on East Main Street, higher speeds are proposed in similar circumstances. He forwarded his interest in seeing the speed limit maintained at 35 miles per hour to a point just east of Haggerty Lane. Following discussion, the Commissioners concurred their preference would be to have the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit extended to east of Cypress Avenue, with a 35-mile-per-hour 03-25-96 - 10 - speed limit extending to just east of Haggerty Lane, increasing to 45 miles per hour through the interchange area. Director of Public Service Forbes reminded the Commission that the Transportation Commission will consider the public comment and City Commission input in conjunction with . the technical report which has been prepared. He cautioned that the technical report contains the proposed speeds which the engineering staff has determined are the safest, based on current driving habits and physical considerations. Commissioner Youngman questioned why a 40-mile-per-hour speed zone is proposed along the East Main Street commercial corridor when the speed limits on West Main Street and North 7th Avenue are set at 35 miles per hour through the commercial corridors. She noted that a 45-mile-per-hour zone followed by a 35-mile-per-hour zone helps a motorist recognize the transition between a rural setting and a rapidly approaching urban setting. Commissioner Frost stated his biggest safety concern is the large trucks parked along the street, particularly at driveways. He asked if this could possibly be addressed through enforcement, thus alleviating some of the problems which have been identified. . The Commission asked the Mayor to forward the Commission's position in a letter to the Montana Department of Transportation, prior to the end of the comment period. Aaenda Meetina - for reaular meeting and public hearings to be held on Aoril 1. 1995 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) Mayor Stueck requested that staff be prepared to respond to his request for an engineering staff review of the proposed parking stall at the base of the hill at next week's meeting. . (5) The City Manager distributed copies of a memo from the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Trails Committee, dated March 21, forwarding a recommended condition for a trail through the subject property. He then reminded the Commission that the City has received an extension until April 15, although he anticipates a decision will be made at next week's meeting. 03-25-96 --------------- - ----- -----.-- - 11 - (6) Associate Planner Chris Saunders noted that the grace period for implementation of impact fees is now over; and any new applications for building permits will be subject to the impact fees. He noted that through the end of February, 80 building permits had been issued, which is a record. During the month of March, an additional 158 residential . permit applications have been received; and the staff now has six months in which to review and act on those applications. The Associate Planner stated that on March 18 and 19, Dr. Arthur Nelson provided an administrative training session for staff. He indicated that staff, along with the consultant, have identified several changes to the impact fee ordinance, as a result of the training sessions and development of the administrative procedures manual; and those revisions are summarized in his memo, dated March 25. He briefly highlighted those changes, which are generally housekeeping in nature, except for the sections pertaining to refunds, credits, and the creation of a Development Impact Fees Review Committee. City Attorney Luwe stated that, as a result of review by the consultant, some additional changes may be incorporated into the ordinance prior to next week's meeting. . Planning Director Epple stated that in preparing the administrative procedures manual, questions have arisen about the exemption of an expansion of up to 20 percent of the size of a commercial structure, whether the expansions are cumulative, and whether impact fees are to be applied to all expansions once the threshold has been reached. He suggested that issue should be clarified in the revisions to the ordinance. (7) Commissioner Frost asked that this discussion be delayed until the neighborhood had an opportunity to forward its suggestions. Mayor Stueck stated that this item was placed on the agenda because of concerns raised about the temporary replacement to the temporary barricade resulting from a recent car accident. He indicated that if staff is satisfied the "temporary temporary" barricade is acceptable, he has no problem with removing this item from the agenda as long as the proposal . from the neighborhood is forthcoming within the next few weeks. Following a brief discussion, Mayor Stueck requested that a neighborhood presentation on a proposed permanent replacement to the barricade be placed on the April 15 agenda. 03-25-96 _____._n___.... ...- .- .--,..,-.,.-,..,----.-- .. -.------------.,.- ~ 12 ~ (10) Commissioner Rudberg requested that items "e." and "f.", pertaining to loans from the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund, be removed from the Consent Items for discussion. (171 Planning Director Epple reviewed the four issues of appeal as filed by the applicant. He cautioned that one of the issues pertains to impact fees, which are the subject . of a different appeal process. He characterized the first two items to as appeals to the infrastructure requirements for development. City Attorney Luwe reminded the Commission that an appeal hearing is different from a pUblic hearing, noting the hearing is to be held in accordance with Chapter 18.58 of the zone code. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. ( 11 Letter from Mark T. Story, 325 North 22nd Avenue, dated March 25, providing a progress report on the neighborhood's proposal for traffic calming options. . (2) Letter from Sherrel Siegmund, Headwaters Cooperative Recycling Project, dated March 20, inviting Commissioners to attend their next meeting, which is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 28 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. (31 Minutes from the Downtown Bozeman Improvement District Board meeting held on March 7. (4) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, in the Commission Room. (5) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, in the Commission Room. (61 Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the Courthouse. . (7) Agenda for the Transportation Coordinating Committee meeting to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the Commission Room. (81 Agenda for the Montana Transportation Commission to be held on April 10 and 11 in Helena. 03-25-96 - 13 - (9) Status report on transportation projects for March 1996, as prepared by City Engineer Craig Brawner. (10) The Planning Director distributed copies of a memo of response to the letter from Mr. Terry Lonner, dated March 13, regarding Sundance Springs Subdivision. He . summarized the contents of the memo by noting that under the Subdivision and Platting Act, subdividers may offer lots for sale after preliminary plat approval; and all monies involved in those transactions are deposited in an escrow account until after the final plat has been recorded. He stated that the owner of ERA Landmark Realty is well aware of the fact that at the present time, only lots in Phase I may be marketed; and she intends to somehow note that in future advertisements in the newspaper. (11 ) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Represented the Montana Municipal Insurance Authority at a risk management seminar last week. (2) Announced that Treasurer Joanne Riley's health is failing rapidly. He showed the Commissioners the retirement plaque which is to be presented to her later this week, noting that at the beginning of the meeting, the Commissioners signed a letter transmitting the plaque. . (3) Noted that staff has worked diligently this past week to prepare the proposed revisions to the impact fee ordinance which was presented earlier in this meeting. (4) Announced that bids for expansion of the Swim Center were opened last week; and they came in higher than expected. He stated that if the staff review is completed in time, it will be placed on next week's agenda for action. (12) Commissioner Stiff stated he has been trying to play "catch up" after being gone for over a week. He noted that, in doing so, he learned more from the newspaper than from the packet information. (13) Commissioner Frost submitted the following. (1) Attended the Planning Board meeting last week, at which the Board forwarded a recommendation for approval of the enhancement program as submitted. (2) Stated that, following the Planning Board meeting, . County Commissioner Phil Olson talked to him and Planning Director Epple about possible support for County efforts to protect agricultural land, possibly through development rights and restructuring of the manner in which those lands are taxed. (3) Attended the Wednesday night meeting of the Planning Board, at which Assistant Planner Jody Olson reviewed her progress on the critical lands study. He noted the document is now ready for public input. (4) Reminded 03-25-96 ... ---.---- - 14 - the Commissioners of the informational meeting on the GIS program, which is scheduled for 1 :30 p.m. on Thursday in the Commission Room. (14) Commissioner Rudberg submitted the following. (1) Asked that the Commission approve a proclamation recognizing the Odyssey of the Mind team from Morning . Star School, which is the only team from Bozeman to compete in the world competition to be held in Ames, Iowa, on May 28 through June 1. She congratulated City Attorney Luwe's son, who is one of the team members. (2) Requested that the Commissioners receive minutes for the two meetings of the Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board that were held in February and March. She expressed concern that she has learned more about the projects for which the Commission is being asked to approve loans from the newspaper than from the packet information that has been provided to date. (3) Forwarded a request from the Design Review Board that the zone code amendment pertaining to membership of their board be processed separate from the comprehensive amendments, so it can be implemented in a more timely manner. ( 15) Mayor Stueck submitted the following. (1) Attended the open house at . Mergenthaler's new facility last week. (2) Attended the first meeting of the task force which is pursuing legislative funding alternatives for infrastructure. (3) Announced that the County Commission has adopted a resolution of intent to implement impact fees; and they hope to complete that process in a timely manner. (4) Reminded the Commissioners of the Leap of Faith meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the Museum of the Rockies. (16) Mayor Stueck forwarded a proposal for creation of a "Mayor's Award" plaque, which would be hung in the Commission Room. He noted these awards would be done on an annual basis, recognizing one individual and one organization for outstanding service to the community. Commissioner Stiff expressed concern that these awards can be extremely difficult to make; and he is not sure the Commission should become involved in such a subjective . process. Adjournment - 5:58 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Youngman, that the meeting be 03~25-96 -.-.-- - 15 - 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. . cOtT>1 ~ .7i /;;;I~ DON E. STUECK, Mayor ATTEST: ~./ ~~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission . . 03-25-96 -- ---...------