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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-12 ccmWORK MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA June 12, 1995 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, June 12, 1995, at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Vincent (arrived at 3:22 p.m.), Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Stueck, Commissioner Frost, 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) Review of Dreliminarv designs for imDrovements to Griffin Drive between North 7th Avenue and North Rouse Avenue (B) Review of DroDosed administrative policv re temDorarv buildings in parkin a lots beina used as drive-uD ShODS (A) Review of preliminary designs for improvements to Griffin Drive between North 7th Avenue and North Rouse Avenue . City Engineer Craig Brawner made a brief introduction, after which Mr. Scott Bell, Morrison-Maierle/CSSA, reviewed the project as identified in the Bozeman Urban Transportation Plan 1993 Update. He stated that the plan identifies the need to widen each shoulder by 4 feet, to provide two 12-foot driving lanes and two 4-foot bicycle/pedestrian lanes, increasing the width of the roadway from 24 feet to 32 feet. He stated that the topographic survey of the area and the location of the utilities along the Griffin Drive right-of-way suggest that it may be beneficial to add 8 feet along the south side of the roadway, reshaping the crown of the road. He noted that the costs would be approximately the same as adding 4 feet to each side of the road; however, it would bring the centerline of the road closer to the centerline of the right-of-way; and it would alleviate the potential need to relocate utilities. Mr. Bell stated that the engineers hope to have the design completed and the work ready . to bid out for late fall construction, provided competitive bids are received. He further noted that the timing will depend on coordination with improvements to the railroad crossing and possibly the intersection of Griffin Drive and North Rouse Avenue. Mr. Bell forwarded his intent to proceed with design of the improvements under Alternative B, which adds 8 feet to the south side of the roadway. He stated that whether the 06-12-95 . ---- - ... ..--.- ----------.----.-.----.-.--.--.- - -.- ..--..---...--.- - 2 - project begins 20 feet or 200 feet east of the intersection with North 7th Avenue will depend upon whether that recently-improved section of the roadway can be incorporated into this project or whether it will require milling and overlay. Responding to the City Manager, Mr. Bell stated that the proposed addition of 8 feet to . the south side of the roadway will allow for a better alignment with the curb and gutter installed at the North 7th Avenue intersection than adding 4 feet to each side of the roadway, although either configuration can be accommodated. The Commissioners concurred with the consulting engineer's preferred alternative. (8) Review of proposed administrative policy re temporary buildings in parking lots being used as drive-up shops Planning Director Epple reviewed the items to be included in his administrative policy for permitting of portable buildings for carry-out food and beverage services in the community. He stated that the policy is based on a combination of the City's revocable permit policy for allowing signs and vendors' carts in the downtown area and the City of Billings' policy for allowing and regulating temporary buildings in parking lots. He noted that, if the Commission . concurs with the proposed provisions of the policy, he will finalize and implement the policy, which will allow for temporary buildings from which drive-up food and beverage services are dispensed, not greater than 80 square feet in size, to locate in paved parking lots, with renewal of a permit on an annual basis. He indicated the provisions, as outlined, ensure that public safety, health and permitting issues, are appropriately addressed. Mayor Vincent arrived at 3:22 p.m. The Planning Director stated that this policy provides for temporary structures with less stringent requirements than those incurred for permanent structures; however, it contains enough requirements that some type of longer-term assurances are needed. He suggested that the annual permit will allow for review of the operation, to ensure its continued credibility and appearance while providing a period that is long enough for an individual to recover start-up . costs. He noted that if a business in a temporary building is creating a negative impact on the community, the annual permit can be allowed to lapse at its expiration rather than renewed. The Commissioners discussed the proposed policy, forwarding suggested revisions and additions to the provisions submitted by the Planning Director. Some of the Commissioners expressed concern about the negative impact that allowing 06-12-95 - 3 - these temporary uses, with minimal requirements, might have on permanent businesses which have been required to meet all zone code and building code requirements. The Planning Director responded that staff shares that concern; however, he has received no adverse comments from the business community to date. He then noted that . under this policy, only one portable building is allowed per parking lot; and permission must be obtained from the property owner. That combination should help to minimize the proliferation of this type of business in the community. The Commissioners concurred with the proposed provisions of the administrative policy, as revised. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1 ) Letter from the Library Board of Trustees, dated June 7, asking the Commission to authorize entering into an agreement with the County for next fiscal year rather than . imposing a fee for County residents. Commissioner Youngman asked that this issue be placed on the agenda for Commission action. (2) Copy of a form letter which the Clerk of the Commission previously sent to individuals who had written letters to the Commission. Commissioner Youngman stated she feels the letter is appropriate and that its use should be re-implemented; the other Commissioners concurred. Responding to Commissioner Stiff, the Clerk indicated that the letter was discontinued largely due to turn-over in personnel and an extended period of time when letters requiring responses were very minimal. (3) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. . on Tuesday, June 13, in the Commission Room. (4) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, in the Commission Room. (5) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, at the Courthouse. 06-12-95 _....uo_ - 4 - (6) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Staff is working on the bUdget. (2) Visited with each of the three candidates for Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce. (3) Spoke to the Kiwanis Club about transportation projects. (4) Stated that staff is looking at the possibility of combining two or three road . projects in an effort to obtain competitive bids. (5) Attended the Parking Commission meeting last week. (6) Announced that summer recreation programs are beginning, including the opening of Bogert Pool on Monday; and band concerts on Tuesday evenings. (7) Stated the urban renewal committee is nearing completion of the urban renewal plan. (8) Stated that adequate acreage has been obtained for distributing sludge. (9) Reminded the Commissioners that a presentation on composting is to be made at 1 :30 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at the Courthouse. (10) Announced that the installation of handicapped accessible playground equipment at Bogert Park is near completion. (11) Noted the Judge's bench has been removed and the Commission Room rearranged. (12) Reminded the Commissioners that this is "Western Wear Week". (7) Commissioner Frost submitted the following. (1 ) Attended the Parking . Commission meeting last week. (2) Attended the urban renewal committee meeting last week. He noted that all revenue figures under consideration are strictly guesses, since there is no firm basis upon which to generate accurate estimates. (3) Stated that he has received 22 letters from students at Emily Dickinson School asking that sidewalks be installed, and indicated a willingness to run copies of the letters for any interested Commissioners. (8) Commissioner Youngman submitted the following. (1) Asked about the July 3 meeting; the City Manager responded that several items have been scheduled for that date. (2) Read an excerpt from the Gallatin County Heritage book, citing a December 1, 1881, column by John Bogert, Bozeman's first Mayor. (9) City Attorney Luwe provided at update on Reliable Transaction Processing and the City's evaluation of recovering its $173,000 economic development loan. . (10) Mayor Vincent submitted the following. (1) Noted the outstanding summer recreational opportunities available to the community's youth. (2) Expressed his sorrow at the passing of one of Bozeman's "institutions", Mr. Ray Brence. He noted that Mr. Brence was 77 and still worked daily at the service station which he had operated in a compassionate and caring manner for 43 years. 06-12-95 - 5 - Aaenda Meeting - for regular meetina to be held on June 19. 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 announced that this item will be placed on the Consent Agenda unless there are objections; no objections were expressed. . (5) The City Manager stated that City Attorney Luwe has forwarded some proposed changes to the information included in the packets; and those comments will be included in the final draft. Commissioner Frost suggested that No.1 0 be revised to state that the water meters will be installed per City requirements or specifications. He also suggested that No. 11 be revised to move the phrase "prior to connecting to sanitary sewer" to the end of the sentence. He further asked that No. 12 be reworded, possibly by eliminating the phrase "by that development" . . Commissioner Frost then expressed his concern about requiring a waiver of right to protest annexation, particularly in light of attempts during the recent legislative session to pass a bill which would prohibit local governments from requiring or acting on such waivers. He noted that the City could provide sewer service and suddenly have no ability to force annexation through an executed waiver. City Attorney Luwe reminded the Commission that several executed waivers of right to protest annexation are on file at the present time. He suggested that if it appears such legislation may pass, the Commission may wish to force annexations, which it has not done for several years. (6) City Attorney Luwe stated that at next week's meeting, the Commission is being asked whether it wishes to reconsider its November 21 denial of variances for 707 West Main . Street. He suggested that, if the Commission acts affirmatively, it should set a public hearing date, allowing time for appropriate notice. He cautioned that if any revisions are to be considered, it should be viewed as a new application and be required to go through the entire process. 06-12-95 .. ----. ..--...- .. -----..--....- . _n.. - 6 - (ge) Parking Enforcement Officer Bill McManis responded to several questions about abuse of visitor permits within the parking district. He and Assistant City Manager Brey also addressed the need to specify the location of the permit, in light of a recent City Court Judge's decision. . (161 Commissioner Stueck asked if the upgrading of office equipment, i.e., a copy machine and a fax machine, qualifies for this tax reduction program; and expressed concern about its inclusion. City Attorney Luwe responded that the Commission does have discretion in approval of this type of application, and may disallow those items it feels are inappropriate. Adiournment - 5:25 c.m. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Stueck, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Stueck, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Stiff and . Mayor Vincent; those voting No, none. .........- ATTEST: (it oI~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission . 06-12-95 -.---.----..-.---.-.-..--