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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-30 ccmSPEC/WORK MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING/SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA May 30, 1995 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session, agenda meeting and special meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, May 30, 1995, at 3:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Vincent, 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) DeveloDment of list of sidewalks to be installed in each of next three vears (B) Review Interlocal Aareement and Bv-Iaws for 9-1-1 Communication Center (A) Development of list of sidewalks to be installed in each of next three years The City Manager noted that a copy of the current sidewalk policy was included in . the Commissioners' packets, along with a copy of the 1995 Sidewalk Priority List dated March 8, 1995. Mayor Vincent stated he had requested that a copy of the policy be included in the packets, in anticipation of possible discussion on the policy as well as on the priority list. At the Mayor's request, City Engineer Craig Brawner reviewed the top priorities on the 1995 Sidewalk Priority List, using the revised list dated April 1 0, 1995. He reminded the Commission that the highest priority sidewalks involve full street improvements or other major problems; therefore, staff has suggested that the installation of those sidewalks be delayed. Commissioner Stueck raised questions about Section 3.15 of the policy, suggesting that impacts on landscaping and irrigation systems should be considered in the level of financial commitment by the property owner. . City Engineer Brawner stated that, typically, landscaping and irrigation systems are relatively inexpensive to replace or relocate, unless large trees are involved. He noted that major earthwork will substantially increase the costs of installing a sidewalk; and that is the reason the maximum of 1 Y2 times the standard cost was included in the policy. He further reminded the Commission that sidewalks are placed in the public right-of-way; and, if 05-30-95 - 2 - landscaping and sprinkler systems are impacted, it is because they were placed on public property rather than on an individual's lot. Commissioner Stueck forwarded his position that the community should bear the costs of installing sidewalks rather than asking individual property owners to bear the costs. . Commissioner Youngman noted that many people have installed sidewalks throughout the community; and she feels it would be unfair to change the funding mechanism at this time. She then stated support for the policy, which was revised just a year ago. She noted that sidewalks are essential for the free and safe movement of pedestrians, particularly the young, the elderly and the handicapped. She noted that whenever a sidewalk program is ordered in, the Commission receives complaints from the neighborhood being ordered in; and it receives no input from the remainder of the community. Commissioner Youngman recognized the current workload being encountered by staff, as evidenced by the lag time on several important issues which the Commission has recently referred to staff. She suggested that the Commission should be more cognizant of the big picture and how its decisions impact staff; and that is the reason she was willing to delay the . sidewalk program for a year. She then stated she feels the policy is reasonable and should remain as it is, to provide some stability for the program. Commissioner Stiff stated his support for the policy in its current form. He stated, however, that he does feel it is important to delay ordering in sidewalks to give staff an opportunity to implement the transportation projects under the $5 million general obligation bond issue, to minimize the negative impacts of increasing costs. Commissioner Youngman stated her interest in notifying property owners further in advance about the possible requirement to install sidewalks, as previously suggested by Commissioner Stueck. Commissioner Stueck stated that he, too, voted to postpone the sidewalk program to allow staff an opportunity to address the transportation projects. . Commissioner Frost noted that staff indicated they were comfortable with the proposed sidewalk program for this summer; but the Commission overrode them. He then noted that the Commission has just received a petition containing 220 signatures requesting that sidewalks to Christie Fields be installed. He stated that 219 of those signatures are from young people, who go to Christie Fields for ballgames. He feels that sidewalks are an 05-30-95 ---- --- - 3 - important element in the community's transportation network, that the current sidewalk policy does not need revising, and that sidewalks should be ordered in this summer. He stated a willingness to accept a one-year delay; however, he is very concerned that it will be a suspension of the pOlicy rather than a one-year delay. He noted that a recent visit with his . daughter, who has lost a leg, reminded him of the strong need for sidewalks upon which the disabled can safely maneuver around the community. Mayor Vincent stated he has had reservations about the sidewalk policy since its adoption, although he does agree with its basic premise. He noted that, in reality, because of the lack of owner maintenance during the winter and because the snowplows leave berms at the ends of the sidewalks, they are essentially unusable in the wintertime, particularly for those with disabilities. He further noted the state of disrepair of many of the existing sidewalks and suggested that staff efforts should be concentrated on replacement of those sidewalks first, before more sidewalks are installed. He stated that he has received a letter from Robert S. MacDonald, member of Woodbrook Townhouse Owners' Association, dated May 16, forwarding possible alternatives for installation of sidewalks. He suggested that, through . working with residents, it may be possible to develop a pedestrian circulation which is acceptable to both the City and the neighborhood. City Engineer Craig Brawner reminded the Commission that the sidewalk priority list is designed to serve as a tool for the Commission to determine where sidewalks are to be ordered in each year, in accordance with the sidewalk policy. He stated that, based on that list, it would be relatively easy to determine proposed sidewalk programs for 1996 and 1997, if the Commission so chooses. He noted that, each year, the highest priority sidewalks remaining on the list would be the ones typically ordered in, until there are sidewalks throughout the community. Following a lengthy discussion which revolved around the points listed, a majority of the Commission determined that the sidewalk policy, as it currently exists, is acceptable. A . majority of the Commission also affirmed that the delay in the sidewalk program is intended to be a one-year delay only, with the anticipation that staff will be able to accommodate the additional workload next year. The Commission also asked the City Engineer to identify proposed sidewalk programs for 1996, 1997 and possibly 1998, and draft a letter to be sent to the affected property owners, for review and approval by the Commission prior to mailing. 05-30-95 .-..- - 4 - The Commissioners further concurred that they are not prepared to take action on the 1995 Sidewalk Priority List or any other matters pertaining to the sidewalk program at next week's meeting. . Agenda Meetina - for regular meeting to be held on June 5. 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. (10&11) Assistant Planning Director Arkell announced that she has received a letter from Don Hannah in which he withdrew his application and stated his intent to submit a new application for consideration. She noted that the new application will probably be considered by the Commission in August or September. ( 12) This agenda item involves a zone map amendment from R-4 to B-2 on lots located along the north side of the 900 block of West Babcock Street. Associate Planner . Morris stated this application is in compliance with the master plan; and staff and the Planning Board are recommending approval. Commissioner Youngman asked if the rezoning will negatively impact possible future renovation or upgrading of those houses which currently exist. The Associate Planner recognized that the rezoning could cause banks to not approve financing for upgrading of the existing houses, since they would then be located in a commercial zoning district. ( 13) The deviations involved in this agenda item are for site improvements rather than for a structure. Senior Planner Skelton covered the issues which need to be carefully considered and addressed in review of this application. Some of the primary issues involve installation of sidewalk; a transportation system management project under which East Babcock . Street is to be a one-way street to South Wallace Avenue, with the block of Wallace between East Babcock Street and East Main Street being revised to included two northbound lanes and one southbound lane; replacement of disintegrating curbs; and alignment of curb cuts that will allow for safe maneuvering of large trucks on the lot. The Planner reviewed the proposed site plan, highlighting the recommendations from the Planning staff, Development Review 05-30-95 -...-.... - 5 - Committee and Design Review Board, and asking the Commission to carefully consider the conflicts between those recommendations. Responding to questions from the Commission, the Senior Planner stated that he will get additional information on the TSM and its proposed timeline from the Director of Public . Service and the City Engineer prior to next week's meeting. Work Session (continued) - (A) Development of list of sidewalks to be installed in each of next three vears (B) Review Interlocal Aareement and By-laws for 9-1-1 Communication Center (B) Review Interlocal Agreement and By-laws for 9-1-1 Communications Center City Manager Wysocki noted that, included in the Commissioners' packets were copies of the draft Interlocal Agreement and By-laws for the joint 9-1-1 communications center/dispatch services/records center. He then distributed a proposed organizational structure for the center, briefly reviewing it. The City Manager stated that, to date, the term of the agreement has not been established; however, he proposed that a ten-year period be considered. He noted that this will allow for long-term planning and, if a two- or three-year notice period is required for breaking . the agreement, it will allow time for potential personality conflicts to be resolved. The City Manager briefly reviewed the by-laws, noting that under State statute, at least 51 percent of the board membership must be involved in law enforcement. He reminded the Commission that all of these documents are still in draft form, and that revisions will be made prior to their submittal for action. Responding to Commissioner Youngman, the City Manager stated that two main issues remain unresolved as of this date, pertaining to the fiscal agent and the financial structure of the joint services. He noted that if 1-105 did not exist, it would be possible to seek a mill levy to be levied on all residents within Gallatin County. He noted, however, that since 1-105 does exist and since the County is at its maximum levy under those provisions, an . alternative funding mechanism must be pursued. He reminded the Commission that monies specifically earmarked for this program are generated through fees collected by US West Communications; however, those monies will cover only a portion of the expenses. The City Manager indicated that this will be submitted to the Commission for action when the remaining issues have been resolved. 05-30-95 .--.-- - ----..-.....- - 6 - Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1 ) Announcement of a meeting to be held with the County Commissioners from . 1 :30 p.m .to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, to discuss growth issues. The meeting is to be held in the Dean's Conference Room in Wilson Hall on the MSU campus. (2) Memo from Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehrung to City Manager Wysocki, dated May 22, regarding the "Join Together" ad campaign. (3) Copy of a letter to the Mayor from the Gallatin County Criminal Justice System regarding creation of a Criminal Justice Coordinating Group and a local law enforcement program. The group is to include a representative from City government, which will probably be a staff person. Commissioner Youngman asked that a suggestion be forwarded to Gallatin County that an advertisement be placed in the newspaper for citizens interested in serving, rather than relying on those within the group to identify possible citizen participants. . (4) Copy of a letter from Senior Planner Dave Skelton to Paul Ellis, dba Speedy Lube, dated May 24, regarding modification of the site plan for the subject site. (5) Request for permission to conduct the Sweet Pea parade on Saturday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, with an attendant letter of support from the Police Department. (6) Letter from Linda Semones and Gary Gullickson, 404 South Church Avenue, to Director of Public Service Forbes requesting a speed limit on that roadway. (7) Copy of a letter from Engineering Aide Kerr to Glen Edsall, dated May 23, responding to his letter about the sidewalk along Creekside Park. (8) Invitation to attend a luncheon meeting at MSU at noon on Wednesday, May 31. . (9) Copy of First Bank's 1994 Community Responsibility Report for Montana. (10) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting which was held at 10:00 a.m. today. (11 ) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, in the Commission Room. 05-30-95 .--...... ----- ---- .~ - 7 - ( 12) Agenda for the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, at the Lindley Center. (13) Agenda for the County Commission meeting which was held at 1 :30 p.m. today at the Courthouse. . (14) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Stated that staff is considering closure of the Carnegie Building on Wednesdays again due to the workload. (2) Noted that Duncan and Associates has been approached about including water and sewer impact fees in the study. Due to the fact that Mr. Duncan was out of the office last week, no response has been received to date. (3) Noted that staff is carefully monitoring the level of Bozeman Creek. (4) Announced that the City has received approval from the Montana Department of Highways for the Highland Boulevard enhancement project. (5) Announced that Assistant City Manager Ron Brey attended the Yellowstone Manager's meeting, at which items of discussion included landfill composting, possible environmental concerns, impact fees and affordable housing. (6) Noted that development of the urban renewal plan is moving forward; and it is anticipated the plan will be ready for Commission review in about a month. (7) Stated . that Director of Public Service Forbes is looking at the possibility of replacing the very old line which carries water from the headwaters of Sourdough Creek to the water treatment plant. He noted that the line is very old; and approximately 500 feet of pipe is located under the road which would be utilized by logging trucks if the proposed timber sale actually occurs. (8) Announced that the proposal for remedy of the environmental problems at Kountz Mobile Home Park as submitted to the State today. (9) Stated that staff is working on the budget for next fiscal year and hopes to have it to the Commission by the end of next month. (14) City Attorney Luwe announced that the City has received a check for $16,536 from USF&G insurance, as its share of the costs incurred through March 8. He also noted that an environmental engineer hired on the City's behalf has a good working relationship with the State; and he has convinced the State to perform remediation with a SVE system . instead of removing the old sewer line. The City Attorney noted that this should result in a savings of $100,000 to $200,000 to the ratepayers. (15) Clerk of the Commission Sullivan submitted to the Commission a written report on her attendance at the International Institute of Municipal Clerks annual conference last week in Louisville. 05-30-95 - 8 - Sign in a of Notice of Soecial Meetina - 5:30 o.m. Each of the Commissioners, in turn, signed the Notice of Special Meeting. Public hearina - aoolication for CDBG oubUc facilities monies to fund exoansion at Senior Center for adult day care facility and wellness clinic . This was the time and place set for the public hearing on the submittal of the application for Community Development Block Grant public facilities monies to fund expansion at the Senior Center for adult day care facility and wellness clinic. Mayor Vincent opened the public hearing. Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehrung stated the deadline for applications for CDBG public facilities monies is Monday, June 5. He stated that the application under consideration at this time has been completed; and a copy of the outline was included in the Commissioners' packets. He noted that the purpose of this public hearing is to accept public input on the proposed application prior to its submittal to the Department of Commerce. The Neighborhood Coordinator stated that in March, the City of Bozeman and Gallatin . County conducted a joint hearing to update the needs assessment for public facilities and housing in Bozeman and Gallatin County. Three projects were identified at that time: (1) a replacement group home for Reach, Inc.; (2) an adult day care facility and wellness clinic; and (3) a centralized social services building for the community. He stated that the County is once again sponsoring the application for a replacement group home for Reach, Inc., which was unsuccessful in last year's round of applications. Neighborhood Coordinator/Grants person Goehrung stated that the proposed project has two main components: an adult day care facility and a wellness clinic. He noted that the City's last public facilities grant was for the installation of infrastructure for the Human Resource Development Council's land trust project. Closing of that grant was started last . week, which should place the City in a good position for this application. Ms. Barbara Richards stated she has prepared the grant application under consideration at this time. She noted that conversations with representatives from the Senior Center reveal that they place emphasis on the importance of an adult day care facility. She cautioned that it was very difficult to develop statistics for that portion of the application; 05-30-95 - 9 - therefore, the emphasis in this application has been placed on the wellness clinic. She stated that a survey of 575 senior citizens revealed that approximately 69 percent of those who indicated an intent to use the wellness clinic, if this application is successful, are low- and moderate-income individuals. She characterized the wellness clinic as a drop-in facility . operated by a licensed nurse practitioner and designed to provide check-ups and preventive measures which may avoid expensive medical procedures. Ms. Richards noted that this project would benefit more than the 51-percent low- and moderate-income level required for CDBG monies; however, she cautioned that a much higher percentage of benefit is typically needed for a successful grant application. She further noted that Bozeman does not have any threats to health or safety, such as boil orders or sewer leaks, which seem to take precedence for public facility grants. She then noted that several projects of this nature have been approved in the past six years. She suggested that if the application is not successful this year, it may be beneficial to submit the same application next year, since projects are often funded in their second or third application cycle. Ms. Judy Morrill, Director of the Senior Center, stated that through her work at the . Senior Center, it has become evident that there is a need for an adult day care facility in the community. She noted that, because of the high costs of a nursing home, it is becoming more and more common for families to attempt to take care of their elderly family members in their homes as long as possible. At the present time, that may result in one of the family members having to quit work because adult day care is not available. She suggested that, if an affordable adult day care facility were available, those individuals could continue to work and maintain the quality of life to which they are accustomed. Ms. Morrill stated that having an adult day care facility at the Senior Center would be advantageous. She noted that often the Senior Center is a place which they have enjoyed for several years; and it provides a positive environment to those individuals. Ms. Morrill noted that the wellness clinic is designed to offer preventive health care . services to the seniors, particularly targeting the low- and moderate-income seniors who are unable to obtain those services at the present time. She noted that this program would be patterned after the successful program in Brighton, Colorado, of which Senior Center Advisory Board member Alice Running was formerly a part. 05-30-95 --.----,. . - 10- Mr. Harvey Larson, member of the Senior Center Advisory Board, stated his support for the application. He noted that the need for an adult day care center has been established, even though statistics may not be readily available. He stated that, in addition to expansion of the downstairs to accommodate the proposed adult day care center, the upstairs would be . expanded to include a larger dining area, expanded meeting area, and space for other activities associated with the Center. He noted that this is essential, since the current facility cannot adequately accommodate all of its 1780 members if they were all in attendance at a function. Mr. Larson recognized that submittal of this application implies a local match of approximately 20 percent for the project. He stated that the Senior Center is willing to raise those monies, as it has for past projects involving the Center. Mr. Joseph Mangiantini, part-owner of Bear Creek Respite Care Center, stated that their facility is an adult day care center. He noted that, while he is not opposed to the proposed application, he does have some questions and concerns which he feels should be addressed. He asked about the definition of low-income individuals and what steps will be taken to ensure that services are provided to that target group. He recognized the need for a . low-income adult day care facility; and expressed concern about the competition that might be created to his facility if steps are not taken to ensure that this proposed facility is not closely monitored. Ms. Marian Steffes, part-owner of Bear Creek Respite Care Center, stated she is also concerned about what steps will be taken to ensure that the adult day care center at the Senior Center is targeted for low- and moderate-income residents. She recognized that those on Medicaid would automatically qualify for the Senior Center's program; however, she noted that others would qualify as well. She then noted that at the present time, they are attempting to expand their adult day care facility; and she feels that allowing this adult day care facility to be open to everyone would create an unfair competition for the same market. Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehrung stated that the low- and . moderate-income guidelines and definitions, as established by the State, would be used in determining whether individuals qualify for those designations. He noted that those guidelines are based on area median income; and at the present time, a two-member family with a maximum annual income of $23,050 would qualify. 05-30-95 - 11 - Ms. Judy Morrill stated that the Senior Center currently works with individuals who qualify for food stamps and other assistance programs. She noted that those individuals are required to complete appropriate paperwork; and similar paperwork could be utilized in determining whether an individual would qualify as low- or moderate-income. She also noted . that a certain number of patients could be Medicaid patients under that program. No one was present to speak in opposition to the proposed application. Since there were no Commissioner objections, Mayor Vincent closed the public hearing. City Manager Wysocki stated that, included in the Commissioners' packets, was a copy of Commission Resolution No. 3063, as approved by the City Attorney, entitled: COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 3063 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT MONIES. The City Manager recommended that, if the Commission wishes to authorize submittal of the grant application as submitted, it adopt this resolution. . It was moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the Commission adopt Commission Resolution No. 3063, authorizing submittal of the application as presented. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Stueck, Commissioner Frost and Mayor Vincent; those voting No, none. Adjournment - 5:50 D.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. 05-30-95 - ----.---...-.-- -.--- ~.,,~'.'-.'._""""""" ---- -.>--:i:....-----:- -----". - 12 - ATTEST: .(f~ j~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission . . 05-30-95