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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-10 ccmWORK MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA April 10, 1995 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in the Commission Room, Municipal Building, April 10, 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) Selection of tODics for upcomina work sessions: (B) Community Housing Fund/Policy DevelODment - Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehruna: (C) Expansion of Swim Center (A) Selection of topics for upcoming work sessions City Manager Wysocki asked that the Commissioners select topics for work sessions . for at least April 24 and May 8 from the listing which was included in the packets. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed on the following: April 24 Review of affordable housing policy Review of zone code density requirements for higher density residential zones Discussion in preparation for town meeting on growth issues May 8 Meeting with County Commission The Commissioners discussed the idea of setting the second Monday of every other month to meet with the County Commission. Commissioner Youngman suggested that a list of the next five meetings, based on that schedule, be developed so that the City . Commissioners and the County Commissioners can be prepared for those meetings. The Commissioners also concurred that a list of topics from the County Commission would be beneficial. They asked that Clerk of the Commission Sullivan contact the County Commissioners and invite them to attend the May 8 meeting. They further asked that she 04-10-95 u. _..__ - 2 - forward a copy of the list of topics developed by the City Commission and ask for a listing of topics which they would like to discuss. The Commission determined that each entity should be given the opportunity to select one topic for discussion. The City Commission asked that the County Commission provide an . update on their impact fee study, and possibly an update on the creation of a water quality district. (8) Community Housing Fund/Policy Development - Neighborhood Coordinator/ Grantsperson James Goehrung Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson James Goehrung noted that a brief memo, dated April 6, was included in the Commissioners' packets, outlining the topics to be discussed during this work session. He noted that implementation of the housing policy, which was adopted in December, is moving slowly because many of the revisions to standards must be processed through the offices of the Planning Director and the Director of Public Service; and both of those offices are extremely busy with their priority workloads and seasonal demands. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that no modifications to the development standards, . in conjunction with affordable housing, result in substandard construction. He noted that it is apparent the modifications to standards will not create affordable housing; rather, some form of financial assistance for those projects where a guarantee of continued affordability is provided should be considered. The Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson turned his attention to the Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan Fund, distributing a financial report, dated March 23, 1995, which shows the existing balance of $157,000. He reminded the Commission that the monies in this fund date back to the 1980's and result from CDBG housing rehabilitation grants and subsequent loans. He cautioned that granting of the monies in this fund, rather than loaning of the monies, will result in depletion of this funding source. He further cautioned that some of the existing balance has been committed. He noted that the Commission has . committed $18,500 to the HRDC affordable housing project, but not yet identified the source of those monies; and HRDC will be seeking an additional $7,000 to cover a shortfall. Responding to Commissioner Stueck, the Neighborhood Coordinator/Grantsperson stated that the CDBG Loan Review Committee is concerned about granting of monies and is seeking guidance from the Commission on the expenditure of those funds. He noted that the 04-10-95 ---- -. - . - . -. '--.,,- - .--. ..-.----.-- - 3 - Committee receives an average of one or two applications for rehabilitation of homes annually, even though an aggressive advertising campaign is undertaken on a regular basis. He noted that with the restrictions attached to this source of funding, it is typically viewed as a last alternative, for those who cannot obtain more conventional funding. . Mayor Vincent stated he has concerns about taking any type of action that would compromise the fund at this time. He noted that with the legislative actions which seem to be taking place in both Helena and Washington, D.C., at this time, the potential for decreased funding for programs which encourage affordable housing is very real. He cautioned that these budget cuts could impact agencies like the Human Resource Development Council, which has been actively addressing the issue of affordable homes for quite some time. Commissioner Youngman raised the possibility of combining the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund and the Community Housing Fund. She suggested that a percentage of the monies could be earmarked for grants, with the remainder of the monies being designated for loans. City Manager Wysocki suggested another option would be to designate the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund for loans only, while a portion or all of the Community Housing Fund could . be designated for grants to provide affordable housing. Commissioner Youngman noted that both HRDC and Interfaith have encountered financial problems in providing affordable housing units. She suggested that the City should be prepared to assist through a program of grants and loans, for those projects where long-term affordability is assured. Commissioner Frost stated his interest in retaining a balance in the Revolving Loan Fund, so that the one or two applications a year can continue to be funded. He also recognized the importance of assisting the projects which are currently in process for the construction of affordable housing units. Commissioner Stueck stated his interest in helping affordable housing projects; however, he stated that he does not want to jeopardize the fund in the process. He forwarded . his position that it is the City's duty to help get the affordable housing program off the ground in Bozeman. Commissioner Stiff stated he feels the two funds should continue to be separated, particularly in light of their original funding sources and purposes. 04-10-95 --.- - 4 - Commissioner Youngman suggested that the membership of the CDBG Loan Review Committee be expanded if the committee is to be asked to provide recommendations on use of the Community Housing Fund as well as the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund. She suggested that expansion should include one additional low-income person. . City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that the Loan Review Committee is seeking direction from the Commission on whether monies from the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund are to be loaned or if grants are to be entertained. He suggested that if grants are to be considered, specific criteria should be established. Mr. Jeff Rupp, Executive Director of HRDC, stated that the housing task force always considered that assistance from the City would be in the form of a no-interest or low-interest loan rather than as a grant. He further noted that he had not anticipated any of the monies from the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund which were used to assist the HRDC housing project were in the form of a grant; rather, he was under the impression that the monies given by the City were from the General Fund. Mr. Rupp stated that the Community Housing Fund should also be set up so that only . the interest is spent, with the principal not being touched. He noted, however, that the fund as it currently exists does not have adequate monies to make this a viable option. Mr. Rupp stated that once this initial project is complete, it is his intent to proceed with another project without seeking additional funding from the City. He stated that the land trust concept is becoming a recognized alternative in the financing community; and he feels that HRDC can fund the next project itself. He then stated that HRDC is one of four entities selected on a nation-wide basis to be recognized as a community development corporation, which expands the focus of his organization. Mayor Vincent requested that possible expansion of the CDBG Loan Review Committee be placed on next week's agenda for discussion. . (C) Expansion of Swim Center Recreation Superintendent Sue Harkin briefly reviewed her memo of March 21, which was included in the Commissioners' packets. She stated that under this proposed expansion, a 28-foot by 85-foot addition is to be constructed on the south end of the existing Swim Center. That addition will house a 6-foot-wide expansion of the women's locker room, an enlarged lobby area, four offices and a meeting room. She noted that the existing 12-foot by 04-10-95 _____u__ _ ...__... ____.. ,,_ - - .. --... -...- n_ -------- - 5 - 20-foot office space is located in an area which was originally built as rest rooms; and four people work out of that office. Two of the new offices are to be 9 feet by 12 feet and the other two offices are to be 10 feet by 13 feet. The offices will provide privacy and should result in a higher level of performance because disruptions will be minimized. . Responding to Commissioner Stueck, the Recreation Superintendent stated that the concerns expressed by the School Board and members of the School District have been resolved; and the Board has officially stated its support for the proposed expansion. She noted that three Board members did not support it based on the fact that they wanted to see the Interlocal Agreement between the City and the School District, dated 1974, rewritten. She noted that Business Manager Steve Johnson has forwarded a memo to Superintendent of Schools Paula Butterfield indicating that he feels the Agreement is adequate and that both parties are meeting its terms. Further responding to Commissioner Stueck, the Recreation Superintendent stated that the Bozeman elementary schools are not using the Swim Center; however, all of the rural schools are. She indicated that the Bozeman School District is currently considering reinstating . the swimming program for third graders. At Commissioner Frost's request, Recreation Superintendent Harkin reviewed the proposed parking lot plan, noting that the parking lot will lie along the west side of the Swim Center. She stated that two handicapped parking spaces are to be provided, which meets the ADA requirements. City Manager Wysocki stated that the bonds for the Swim Center were paid off in January 1994; and the annual payments were approximately $45,000. He noted that the monies which were borrowed for the previous remodel of this facility were paid off earlier this fiscal year. He cautioned that, under a five-year loan through INTERCAP, the City's annual payment would range from $60,000 to $68,000, depending on the interest rate. The City Manager noted that the meeting room would be available for public meetings . as well as for department use. He reminded the Commission that the Community Room at the Library is in use on a nearly constant basis; and this additional public meeting room would address an existing demand. City Manager Wysocki stated that, while he supports this proposed project, he is concerned about the timing of this request. He cautioned the Commission that four or five 04-10-95 - 6 - projects of similar magnitude will be forwarded during the budgeting process for next fiscal year, which is just beginning. He raised concern about considering projects on a piecemeal basis, rather than weighing the projects and determining the highest priorities. He recognized that if the addition is to be constructed this summer, it is important to begin the bidding . process now. He suggested, however, that if the expansion is included in next year's budget, all of the preliminary steps could be completed in a more leisurely manner and the contractor prepared to begin work as soon as school is out. He further reminded the Commission that the legislative session is scheduled to close later this week; and he feels that the results of that session should be known before any major expenditures are approved. Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Recreation Superintendent Harkin stated that, given time constraints, she feels it is necessary for the Commission to act on her request on Monday, to complete the bidding process and allow the contractor enough time to complete the expansion while school is out for the summer. Commissioner Stueck stated that if the addition were framed in and the on-site improvements installed before the school year begins, the interior work could be completed . after school starts without negatively impacting the students. Following discussion, the Commissioners requested that this item be placed on the May 1 agenda for action, recognizing that by that time the results of the legislative session should be known. Aaenda Meetina - for reaular meeting and Dublic hearinas to be held on April 17. 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, concentrating on the following agenda items. (12) Planning Director Epple began the agenda meeting by providing background . information on all of the items pertaining to his department, beginning with the public hearings to be held in the evening. He reviewed the proposed master plan amendment to correct inconsistencies between the land use designation contained in the master plan and the zoning designation. He noted that the subject 320-acre parcel is located between Ferguson Avenue, Cottonwood Road, Durston Road and US Highway 191. The current sewer service area 04-10-95 _____m_....u..._ - -.- ---- ... - - 7 - boundary divides the subject property essentially in half; and the future sewer service area boundary lies along the western edge of the site. He noted that the Director of Public Service has indicated that it is preferable to draw sewer service boundaries along ridges rather than along waterways, which is where the current boundary lies; and he feels there is adequate . wastewater plant capacity to accommodate development of this property. He cautioned, however, that care must be taken to ensure that the boundary is drawn in somewhere else to accommodate this bulge. He noted that the 1983 master plan had designated the southern portion of the site for technology research and the northern portion for residential development. Through an oversight, the technology research designation was omitted in the 1990 master plan, (14) The Planning Director noted that public hearings on deviations for two projects will be held, as a result of the recent District Court decision which requires that all deviations within neighborhood conservation overlay districts go through the same process as a variance. He briefly highlighted those projects, indicating that no problems have been identified for either project. He noted that under the proposal to convert the residence at 504 . West Main Street to offices, deviations include backing into South 5th Avenue as well as the alley. Commissioner Frost suggested that a hammerhead be installed between the trees in the back yard instead of allowing vehicles to back into the street. ( 13) The Planning Director stated that the zone map amendment requested by Golf Course Partners changes the zoning on approximately 7 acres from M-1 to R-1 and R-3, allowing for single-family and multi-family development. He noted that when the initial zone map changes were made for the Bridger Creek Subdivision, the applicant chose not to change the M-1 zoned areas, to provide more flexibility for development; however, he has subsequently found that this change would be in the best interests of the development. (16) City Manager Wysocki asked that the Commission make some decisions . regarding sidewalks along the three cul-de-sac streets--namely Morrow, Cutting and Spring Creek--in Figgins Addition following its public hearing on the proposed 1995 sidewalk program. He asked that the Commissioners vote on whether or not to direct staff to pursue acquisition of easements or additional right-of-way; and determine the location of the sidewalk if it is to be installed. 04-10-95 ----.-. .--------- - 8 - Commissioner Frost suggested the option of relocating the curb, thus narrowing the streets and providing a place for a 4- or 5-foot-wide sidewalk within the public right-of-way. (4 & 5) These agenda items were discussed at length during the work session held earlier. The City Manager encouraged the Commission to give favorable consideration to the . request for funding, noting that the issues of loan versus grant and the source of that funding must be determined. (6) The City Manager suggested that this item be deferred until the April 24 work session. He noted that since no formal action is required, it could be appropriately handled as a work session item. (9h) City Attorney Luwe stated that the fees adopted under this resolution will be $180 for a single-family residence and $300 for all other deviations in the neighborhood conservation overlay district. He noted that this increase in fees is to cover the costs of publication and posting. He suggested that if the Commission wishes, it may establish lower fees, recognizing that the City will then bear a portion of the costs of processing those applications. . (Added agenda item) Commissioner Youngman asked that the letter from the Library Board of Trustees regarding implementation of fees for County residents be placed on next week's agenda for discussion. She also noted that the Board has drafted a letter to the County Commission which outlines the steps identified during the recent work session, and asked that the discussion include a review of that letter. Discussion - FYI Items City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information" items. (1 ) Letter from the County Commission inviting City Commissioners and Library . Board of Trustee members to attend a meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at the Courthouse. The City Manager asked that all City Commissioners plan to attend the meeting if possible. Commissioner Frost and Commissioner Stueck indicated they will try to attend; however, they may be unable to get away from work. 04-10-95 - 9 - (2) Flyer on a workshop entitled Workshop on Transportation Demand Management Techniques and Practice, to be held in Great Falls on May 9 and 10. The City Manager indicated that staff members will be attending and asked that any Commissioners interested in attending contact the Clerk of the Commission as soon as possible . so arrangements can be made. (3) Letter from the Chamber of Commerce, dated March 29, supporting appointment of some of the members on the task force for the urban renewal plan. (4) Letter from Stuart Jennings, 613 West Harrison Street, dated March 20, 1995, stating support for the local nordic ski program. (5) Letter from Michael W. Delaney, Bozeman Athletic Club, 111 E ast Mendenhall Street, dated April 6, regarding a request for installation of two handicapped parking spaces and four 20-minute parking spaces adjacent to his business. The City Manager cautioned that enforcement of a 20-minute parking space would be extremely difficult, particularly in light of the areas within which enforcement is needed. Commissioner Stiff questioned the need for two handicapped parking spaces in front . of one business. He noted that a few years ago, two handicapped parking spaces were designated in front of City Hall; and one of those spaces has been removed because it did not appear to be warranted. (6) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, at the Courthouse. (7) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, in the Commission Room. (8) Copy of the memo forwarded to the House Taxation Committee in opposition to SB421, which limits property taxes to 1994 levels. (9) Copy of a post card from Joyce Lee, 2101 Fairway Drive, dated April 7, expressing concern that more police officers have not been hired. . (10) Letter from Anne Banks, member of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, dated April 10, urging the Commission to retain a trail corridor between East Story Street and East Main Street, for future extension of the Gallagator Trail. (11 ) The City Manager distributed copies of an article entitled Population, Income and Tax Trends in Montana's Trade Center Counties, as published in the Spring 1995 edition 04-10-95 - 10 - of Montana Business Quarterly. He noted that this article includes information on Bozeman and Gallatin County. ( 12) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Noted that potholes are surfacing with the spring weather, even in those areas recently repair with hot . mix. (2) Attended a Search Committee meeting for the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President last week, and will be attending a couple more meetings this week. (3) Noted that it appears the Montana Law Enforcement Academy will be moving to Helena within the next two years. (4) Stated that SB473, pertaining to subdivisions, passed without amendments. (5) Announced that staff is seeking verification from an audit firm that they would be willing to conduct the audit on the City's financial statements for this fiscal year. He noted that if that verification is received, this item will be placed on an upcoming agenda for action. (6) Announced that the City and County are working on development of an interlocal agreement for the combined dispatch center. (7) Stated that HB297, which provides for distribution of excess gas tax monies back to local governments, is either stalled in committee or is dead. (8) Noted that SB421, which is more restrictive than 1-105, is moving through the . system. (9) Stated that HB188, which reauthorizes the local option motor vehicle fee, appears to be moving through the system. (10) Indicated that HB599, the Treasure State Endowment Program, is stalled in committee. (11) Stated that HB604, pertaining to boards and commissions, is stalled in committee. (12) Announced that initial budget requests are due in the Administrative Services Director's office this week. ( 13) Commissioner Stueck submitted the following. (1) Announced that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will submit its goals for the upcoming year to the Commission within the next few weeks. Also, the Board will forward its recommendations regarding more parks, equipment and manpower. (2) Stated he received a packet of information regarding possible funding alternatives for the Bozeman Solvent Site; and he has passed that information along to Administrative Services Director Miral Gamardt. (3) Stated . that a well has been drilled at the West Babcock Park. He noted that the well is 65 feet deep and produces 140 gallons per minute. (14) Commissioner Frost stated that he was in Boulder and Denver last week. He noted that the State of Colorado is changing out the lights along the highways, with shielded lights that make a real difference in the appearance of the area. He also noted that 04-10-95 --- - 11 - in Boulder, he viewed a traffic circle and how well it works. He measured and drew the traffic circle and will submit that information to Director of Public Service Forbes for his review. He also noted that in Larimer County, they have begun buying development rights on farmland to protect the rural areas. He concluded by noting that the area has many of the same problems . as Bozeman is facing, just on a larger scale. ( 15) Commissioner Youngman announced that the ad hoc committee to review cable television franchising will meet this evening. ( 16) Commissioner Stiff submitted the following. (1) Attended the Audit Committee meeting last week. (2) Noted that the Senior Center is proceeding with its application for CDBG monies for an adult care facility. Adjournment - 6:20 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. J ATTEST: (?~ J J!~ ROBIN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission . 04-10-95 ------