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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-11 ccmWORK MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA September 11, 1995 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, September 11, 1995, at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost, City Manager Wysocki, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. Mayor Vincent was absent. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Authorize absence of Mavor Vincent from meetinq in comcliance with Section 7-3-4322(2), M.C.A. It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the Commission authorize the absence of Mayor Vincent from this meeting in compliance with . Section 7-3-4322(2), Montana Code Annotated. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Frost and Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck; those voting No, none. Work Session - (A) ProDosed schedule for ordering in sidewalks tor next three years (B) Discussion - location tor meetinq re imDact fee study on SeDtember 27; anticicated format tor study (C) Discussion - Drocosed letter to DRB and guest editorial re zone code chanaes (A) Proposed schedule for ordering in sidewalks for next three years City Engineer Craig Brawner reviewed the information included in the Commissioners' packets. He noted that, attached to his memo of July 27, was a proposed letter to be sent to property owners who could potentially be required to install sidewalks within the next three years, the projected three-year sidewalk program for 1996, 1997 and 1998, a map showing . the sidewalks to be installed during each of those three years, and a color-coded listing of the 1995 Sidewalk Priority List, showing the top 34 priorities resulting from completion of the rating and ranking sheets. Responding to Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck, the City Engineer stated that the Commission must determine how the installation of sidewalks along streets where major 09-11-95 ---------- __n_ _ _.._ .. .--- - 2 - improvements are necessary, such as South Third Avenue, is to be funded. He noted that several options are available, including requiring the adjacent property owners to bear the costs of the sidewalk, and using transportation bond monies if that is the source of funding for the remainder of the project. He cautioned that the City's sidewalk policy provides that properties . with double frontages, such as those properties along the west side of South Third Avenue. are not required to participate in the costs of installing the sidewalk along what is considered the rear lot line. He noted that one of the first areas where funding for sidewalks must be addressed is along Highland Boulevard, where most of the properties along the east side of the roadway are corner lots. Responding to the Mayor Pro Tempore, City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that staff had been directed to bring back a proposed three-year sidewalk program and a proposed letter to be sent to potentially affected property owners. He further reminded the Commission that staff had indicated this item would be submitted for their consideration after the budget process had been completed. City Engineer Brawner suggested that the Commission may wish to undertake the . process of creating a 1996 sidewalk program during the winter, so that property owners can have an opportunity to hire a contractor to complete the work next summer. The City Manager asked if the Commission still feels it is important to send initial notices to property owners who might be required to install sidewalks over the next three years. Commissioner Youngman suggested some revisions to the proposed letter of notice, stating she feels it is important to send such a letter. She proposed that in the first paragraph, the first sentence be expanded to more fully explain the Commission's position that sidewalks are needed to ensure the safe movement of all pedestrian traffic, particularly the children, the elderly, and those with limited mobility. She also suggested that expansion of how the priority list has been developed could be beneficial. She stated that, with this early notification, . property owners could be more financially prepared to bear the costs of ordered sidewalks, which is one of her primary reasons for supporting the proposed process. Commissioner Frost stated his concurrence with Commissioner Youngman's comments. He then indicated his interest in holding the public hearing on the proposed 1996 sidewalk program in the early winter, possibly November or December, so that those involved 09-11-95 ---.. ..-....- --.----- _no .._ _.___.___.. ._n. ___..... ___ - 3 - will have more opportunity to seek a contractor to complete the work when the weather permits. Commissioner Stiff forwarded his interest in delaying action on this item. He noted that the idea of early notification is a good one. However, he is still concerned about the . pressure being placed on the City's engineering staff, stating he does not believe that those pressures will be any less next summer. Commissioner Frost stated that, while he supports the continued ordering in of sidewalks and early notification, he does not believe that staff should be directed to send out the letters if it appears that the Commission will not order that those sidewalks be installed. Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck stated he feels it would be appropriate to send out the early notification letter. He then noted that, with the upcoming election, the composition of the Commission will be changing; and that could have some impact on the Commission's decision on future sidewalk programs. Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck asked that this item be placed on an upcoming agenda for further discussion and action. . (B) Discussion -location for meeting re impact fee study on September 27; anticipated format of study Planning Director Andy Epple stated that the public presentation of the impact fee studies for Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman is scheduled for September 27. He noted that at that time, representatives from Duncan and Associates will make a rather comprehensive presentation of the studies, reviewing the methodologies used in determining the proposed impact fees; and that presentation will be followed by a question-and-answe r period. The Planning Director stated that staff has completed review of the preliminary draft documents; and those documents have been sent back to the consultant for needed revisions prior to preparation of the final drafts. He stated that those final drafts are to be in Bozeman . at least a week before the public meeting; and they will be distributed to the Commission as soon as possible. The Planning Director reminded the Commission that the City's portion of the study includes impact fees for streets, water, wastewater and fire; and the County's portion of the 09-11-95 ---..----- --- - ---------------.---------..---.- --- --- - 4 - study includes impact fees for rural fire and county roads. He noted that those studies are packaged in two separate documents. Planning Director Epple stated that the meeting on September 27 is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Courthouse. Following a brief . discussion, the Commission concurred with that scheduling. Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck suggested that if the Commissioners receive the studies a week before the meeting, it would be beneficial if they could submit questions in writing prior to the meeting, to allow the consultants an opportunity to address them. Responding to Commissioner Stiff, the Planning Director estimated the City's impact fee studies to be 60 pages, and the County's studies to be 20 pages in length. (C) Discussion - proposed letter to DRB and guest editorial re zone code changes Commissioner Youngman suggested that the Commission direct the Clerk of the Commission to prepare a letter responding to the August 29 letter from the Design Review Board regarding the recently-adopted zone code amendments. She noted that in that letter, the DRB could be thanked for their concerns and invited to participate in future discussions . about possible amendments to the zO'1P code and the processes. Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck suggested that the Design Review Board members also be invited to meet with the Commissioners in a work session in the near future to discuss the zone code amendments as well as their concerns. Planning Director Epple noted that, as a result of several recent work sessions, the members of the DRB seem to understand the reasons for the recent zone code amendments. He then suggested that it may be very beneficial for the Commission to hold a work session with the Design Review Board after the new amendments have been in effect for a few months. He noted that if the work session is held within the next few weeks, it will simply be a review of this history of the amendments; however, in two or three months, some beneficial feedback could result. He also noted that at that time, some possible refinements to the code . and the processes could be identified. Responding to Commissioner Youngman, the Planning Director stated that the previous non-professional DRB members had discussed the possibility of designating one of the members as the primary member and the other as the alternate. He noted that under this scenario, the DRB would be generally assured that a non-professional member would be present 09-11-95 - 5 - at each meeting. He then proposed that after the amendments become effective, the Commission will be asked to ratify the composition of the Design Review Board, probably through a consent item. Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck asked that a draft of the letter to the DRB be included in . the packets for next week's meeting. Commissioner Youngman distributed copies of a draft guest editorial, for Commission input. Commissioner Stiff requested an opportunity to review the letter in detail, suggesting that it could then be discussed at next week's meeting. Following a brief discussion, the Commissioners concurred, asking that it be listed as an agenda item. (D) Introduction of new Associate Planner/Urban Designer Planning Director Epple introduced Dean Patterson, new Associate Planner/Urban Designer, noting he is now in his second week with the City. He received an undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Washington, followed by a master's in urban and . regional planning from the University of Washington. Aaenda Meetina - for regular meetina to be held on SeDtember 18. 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) The City Manager indicated that this item will be moved to the Consent Items, with the Commission being asked to acknowledge receipt of the request and refer it to staff for review and a recommendation. (7a) Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck reminded the Commission that the ceremonial . signing of this joint proclamation has been set for 12: 15 p.m. on Monday, September 25, at the Bozeman Senior High School. He then noted that the campaign has a second slogan: "Tobacco/It's To Die For". (12) Senior Planner Dave Skelton highlighted the background for this application, which involves relocating and renovating an existing barn on a lot, and converting it to a two- 09-11-95 ..------ - 6 - car garage with a storage loft above. He noted that at some time in the future, the applicant plans to seek conversion of the upstairs area from a storage loft to a studi%ffice area; however, that is not part of this application. Responding to Commissioner Stiff, the Planner stated that the existing foundation of . the barn, which was constructed in the late 1890' s, is deteriorating; and under this application, that foundation is to be stabilized. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1 ) Notice of Special Meeting for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, at which time the Commission will provisionally adopt the resolution assessing the 1993 and 1994 Sidewalk Programs. City Attorney Luwe noted that the Commission must also schedule another special meeting to conduct the public hearing and finally adopt the assessment resolution, since it must . be adopted prior to the first Monday in October. He then suggested that the Commission set the meeting for either Tuesday, September 26, or Thursday, September 28. The Commissioners set the public hearing for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26. (2) Copy of a memo from City Engineer Craig Brawner to City Manager Wysocki regarding the letter from Chris Furtak regarding sidewalks in Figgins Addition. The City Manager noted that a copy of this memo will be forwarded to Mrs. Furtak. (3) Request for permission to conduct the 10K CROP Walk for the Hungry on Sunday, October 15, beginning at 1 :00 p.m. (4) Copy of a memo from Jim Nugent, Chairman of the MMIA Board of Directors, dated August 28, forwarding the results of the Workers' Compensation Program claim audit. The City Manager noted that this audit has resulted in the highest score ever given . for this type of audit. He stated that a score of 600 is normal; a score of 800 is excellent; and the score in this audit was 874. (5) Copy of an article entitled Fundamentals of Implementing a Water Conservation Program, as published in the September 1995 edition of Opt/ow, an American Water Works Association publication. 09-11-95 - 7 - (6) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, in the Commission Room. (7) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, in the Commission Room. . (8) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, at the Courthouse. (9) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Participated in MetNet communications on business retention for the State, as conducted by the Montana Ambassadors. He noted that three issues identified during that discussion included (a) the need to better train the work force, particularly in the area of assembly; (b) the need for improvements to infrastructure, even in communities which are not experiencing growth; and (c) affordable housing. (2) Attended the Governor's address about taxes in the Year 2000 on Thursday evening as well as the Burton K. Wheeler lecture on Friday. (3) Stated that two windows in the front vestibule at City Hall were broken over the weekend. He noted that those windows will be replaced in about two weeks, at an approximate cost of $500. (4) Distributed . a memo from Police Chief Larry Conner, announcing that he has received verbal notification that the City is successful in its grant application for approximately $33,000 to fund a half-time receptionist, a half-time evidence technician, and nine laptop computers. (5) Noted that tree trimming continues along South Willson Avenue. (6) Stated that improvements to West College Street between South Willson Avenue and South 8th Avenue are scheduled for completion by the end of September. (7) Announced that improvements to the West College Street/South 19th Avenue intersection, including signalization, are scheduled to begin this week. (10) Commission er Youngman distributed copies of a letter she received from Edwin Taylor, a student from MSU who is interested in serving as an intern for the Commission. She suggested that this individual could be used to gather information on various issues for the Commission, particularly about items such as growth issues and water efficiency. . The Commissioners concurred that it would be beneficial to accept this proposed internship. They further concurred that Commissioner Youngman should serve as the supervisor for the intern. (11 ) Commissioner Youngman asked about the possibility of waiving fees for 09-11-95 -.--.--- ------...- - 8 - proposed zone code amendments which might result from a Commission invitation for public input. City Attorney Luwe cautioned that care must be taken not to discriminate on waiving of fees for specific types of amendments. He suggested that a more preferable option might . be for the Commission to accept proposals for amendments, and then direct staff to prepare amendments for t~ose which they deem appropriate. He noted that under that process, no fee would be charged for the processing of the amendments. Commissioner Frost noted that an invitation for proposals for zone code amendments could result in a substantial number of proposals that range from one side of the spectrum to the other. He cautioned that potential zone code amendments must benefit the community as a whole, not just one certain developer or development. Commissioner Stiff suggested that a form be developed to ensure that the public input received is in a standard format. He then indicated that many people in the community may have ideas about specific items, such as affordable housing issues; however, he feels that the invitation for inpl,.lt should be broad and not limited to anyone portion of the zone code. . ( 12) Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck stated that he attended the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting last Thursday night. He noted that the BMX track group is proposing that a portable building be erected at Westlake Park, so they can store their tables, chairs and equipment on the site rather than using a trailer to move it for every event. ( 13) Commissioner Stiff noted that the Commissioners have received a letter from the Montana Department of Transportation regarding upcoming transportation improvements through use of STIP monies. He then asked if staff has received this information as well; the City Manager responded that Director of Public Service Forbes has a copy of the letter and will be reviewing the information with his staff. (14) Commissioner Youngman stated she has received a letter from Mr. John Rompel, which she will have copied for all of the Commissioners. . Adjournment - 4:29 D.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being 09-11-95 ------ ._.._ .. - u_. .__....._.. n._____ - 9 - Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Youngman and Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck; those voting No, none. (?~ / ~IJ~ DON E. STUECK . ATTEST: Mayor Pro Tempore ()~J ~~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission . . 09-11-95 ---