HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-27 ccmWORK
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MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA
MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
March 27, 1995
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. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in work session and agenda meeting in
the Commission Room, Municipal Building, March 27, 1995, at 3:00 p.m. Present
were
Commissioner 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 this meeting in comDliance with Section 7-3-4322(2L
M.C.A.
Commissioner Stueck announced that Mayor Vincent is not present at this meeting
due to illness.
. 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), M.C.A. 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) Discussion - sidewalk Droaram for 1995 (B) Discussion - street standards
(A) Discussion - sidewalk program
for 1995
Previously distributed to the Commission was a memo from City Engineer Craig
Brawner, dated March 8, forwarding the 1995 Sidewalk Priority List, based on the ranking and
rating sheets which have been adopted as a part of the City's sidewalk policy.
. City Engineer Brawner distributed a memo dated March 27, in which he provided
supplemental information to that previously distributed. He noted that this
memo contains
some slight revisions to the original priority list, to more accurately reflect the character of the
area. He then noted that ratings and rankings are based on safety, need, practicality of
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construction and fairness. He proposed that in the event of a tied total score, the scores for
safety, practicality of construction and fairness be used as the tie breakers.
The City Engineer noted that three of the top priorities are South Third Avenue from
Kagy to Wagon Wheel Road, North 17th Avenue from Durston to the city limits, and Lincoln
. Road from South 11 th Avenue to South 19th Avenue. He suggested that these sidewalks not
be installed, however, until full street improvements, including curb and gutter, have been
completed. He cited portions of Durston Road, particularly between North 11th Avenue and
North 15th Avenue, as an example of why a sidewalk should not be installed along those
roadways at this time. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing that sidewalks are
not a part of the improvements to South Third Avenue that are to be installed under the general
obligation bond issue monies.
City Engineer Brawner forwarded his recommendations for the 1995 sidewalk
program, as follows:
South Black Avenue (Lincoln to Rouse)
$ 65,000.
South Tracy Avenue (Kagy to Mason)
25,000.
West Koch Street (15th to 19th)
9,600.
. Mason Street (Willson to Rouse)
50,000.
South Rouse Avenue (Black to Garfield)
90,000.
Accola Street (Black to Rouse)
18,000.
Hoffman Street (Tracy to Rouse)
40.000.
TOTAL
$ 297 .000.
City Engineer Brawner noted that the first five projects listed are within the top ten
priorities on the rating sheet, while the last two are further down the list. He noted, however,
that they are connector streets; and consideration should be given to the grid system and ability
to move around a specific area as sidewalks are ordered in.
The City Engineer cautioned that a $300,000 sidewalk program is a very healthy
program; and this workload is to be added to the workload created by the $5 million general
obligation bond for transportation projects.
Responding to questions from the Mayor Pro Tempore, the City Engineer noted that
. the City's sidewalk policy specifies that where sidewalks are located along the back lot lines
of lots and sidewalks have been installed along the front lot line, the City will bear the costs
of the sidewalk installation along the back lot line. He cautioned the Commission that this is
the case along the west side of South Third Avenue; therefore, monies must be included in the
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City's budget to cover those costs. He further cautioned that the cost of this installation will
be significant, given the physical constraints that must first be overcome.
Commissioner Frost noted that he and Mayor Vincent had requested information on
the sidewalk repair program in addition to information about the sidewalk installation program.
. City Engineer Brawner responded that staff is unable to review the sidewalks to
determine which should be included in the 1995 sidewalk repair program until after the snow
is melted. He stated that after that assessment has been completed, staff will forward the
information to the Commission.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Engineering Technician Andy Kerr stated
that sidewalks along South Tracy Avenue and South Black Avenue surfaced as a high priority
because 10 points are added for sidewalks near recreational facilities, i.e., Christie Fields.
Responding to Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck, City Engineer Brawner stated that
sidewalks are planned along the east side of Highland Boulevard between Kagy Boulevard and
Holly Drive, as a part of the improvement project that is to be undertaken this summer. He
reminded the Commission that before the contract is awarded, a decision must be made on
. whether those sidewalks are to be installed as a part of the improvement project or whether
they are to be ordered in and paid for by adjacent property owners.
City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission of the three cul-de-sac streets in
Figgins Addition which have not yet been included in a sidewalk program due to the lack of
right-of-way. He asked that the Commission make a decision on whether sidewalks will be
required along those streets in the near future, so that staff can determine if any budgetary
impacts will be encountered this year.
Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck asked that discussion on acquisition of right-of-way and
installation of sidewalks along Cutting, Morrow and Spring Creek Drive in Figgins Addition be
placed on an upcoming agenda.
Director of Public Service Phill Forbes emphasized the fact that a $300,000 sidewalk
. installation program would be the largest undertaken in recent years. He cautioned that
combining this with $5 million in transportation projects will create a tremendous workload for
City staff.
The Commissioners discussed the possibility of not creating a sidewalk program for
this year, and promptly dismissed that as an option. They then discussed the possibility of
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decreasing the size of the program, and generally concurred that the sidewalk along West Koch
Street between South 15th Avenue and South 19th Avenue could be delayed until that portion
of the sidewalk between South 19th Avenue and South 23rd Avenue is installed. They asked
that the Engineering staff review the remainder of the proposed program to determine if any
. of those sidewalks could be deferred to next year, further reducing the size of this year's
program to a more manageable level, and bring back a revised recommendation as soon as
possible.
Ms. Sandy Osborne, 2865 Spring Meadows Drive, urged the Commissioners to
include a sidewalk along Graf Street from South Third Avenue to Colter Avenue in either the
1995 or 1996 sidewalk program. She noted that this section of roadway is often used by
people accessing the Sourdough Trail and the Graf Parks. More growth is anti,cipated in this
area; and with the opening of the new middle school in 1996, more pedestrian travel will occur
along that roadway.
(B) Discussion - street standards
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a memo from Director of Public Service
. Phill Forbes, dated March 23, forwarding the City's current street standards. Attached to the
memo were diagrams of emergency responses and where the vehicles are positioned, showing
the width of streets necessary to meet safety needs.
Director of Public Service Forbes stated that the current street standards have been
developed over a number of years, and adequately meet the needs for maintenance and safety.
He indicated that Fire Marshal Chuck Winn, Street Superintendent Roger Sicz and City Engineer
Craig Brawner are present and can respond to questions pertaining to needs in their specific
areas. He stated that City staff members are comfortable with the street standards as they
exist, particularly since they provide for safe circulation of motorized, non-motorized and
pedestrian traffic. He cautioned that impacts on underground utilities and access to those
utilities must be carefully considered as potential changes in street widths are contemplated.
. He suggested the possibility of creating a new category entitled "sub-collector" streets if the
standards for local streets are modified.
Director of Public Service Forbes asked for Commission input on whether the street
standards are to be amended and, if so, in what manner. He also asked that issues to be taken
into consideration during the amendment process be enumerated.
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Commissioner Frost stated that South 6th Avenue is only 28 feet wide, face-of-curb
to face-of-curb, instead of the 36 feet depicted as the current street standard, with parking on
both sides of the street; and there is adequate room for vehicles to maneuver. He recognized
that in an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicles may have to back up and turn around to
. leave the scene; however, he noted that has created no problems in the past. He emphasized
the fact that he is a firm believer in collectors and arterials; and he believes it is imperative to
retain those standards. He feels, however, that narrower street standards can be adopted for
local streets which will create more of a neighborhood feel and possibly reduce the tendency
to use such streets to move around the community. He suggested that not all streets should
be designed to vehicle scale; rather, some neighborhood streets should be built to encourage
different types of transportation.
Commissioner Stiff noted that North 17th Avenue, south of Durston Road, is built to
current standards. He stated that in the summer, it may seem wide; but it the winter, when
snow is piled up on both sides of the street, it is none too wide. He cautioned that it is
important to remember this is Bozeman, where a substantial amount of snow can accumulate
. during the winter, not Billings or Washington State.
Commissioner Youngman expressed concern that with the wider street standard,
neighborhood flavor is lost. She cited Valley Unit Subdivision as an example, noting that in 20
to 30 years, when the street trees have grown larger, the area may appear to be more of a
neighborhood than it does today. She emphasized the importance of retaining the standards
for collector and arterial streets; however, she suggested that neighborhood streets could be
narrower, with on-street parking either eliminated or limited to one side of the street. She also
suggested that the width of cul-de-sac streets should be carefully reviewed, particularly in light
of the limited use which they typically receive.
Commissioner Youngman suggested that during review of the street standards,
consideration should be given to the affordability issue. She noted that, while narrower streets
. may reduce the cost of construction, consideration must also be given to ensuring adequate
parking in a high-density residential area. She cautioned that adequate width for safety and
maneuvering of emergency vehicles, which also involves turning radii, must be addressed as
well. She suggested that narrower street standards could also be beneficial in environmentally
sensitive areas, particularly since the amount of impervious surfaces created in those areas
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could be significantly reduced. She suggested that a standard for semi-rural type streets might
also be beneficial at the edges of the city limits, providing a transition between city-standard
street and county-standard roads.
Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck stated concurrence that collector and arterial street
. standards must be protected. He stated an interest in narrower street standards for local
streets, possibly with limited parking. He cited several examples where narrower streets seem
to function adequately, even in some of the higher density areas.
Street Superintendent Sicz stated that in the past few years, he has attempted to add
four feet to those roadways without curb, gutter and sidewalk, to provide a safe area for
bicycles and pedestrians. He stated this has increased those roads to 32 feet in width, and
cited Lincoln Street from South 11 th to South 19th Avenue, Kagy Boulevard from South 11 th
to South 19th Avenue and West Babcock Street from South 11 th to South 19th Avenue as
examples. He noted that several people have expressed their appreciation for the increased
road width. He then encouraged the Commission to carefully consider maintenance needs,
such as snow plowing, when determining the street standards for local streets.
. Responding to questions from the Commission, Director of Public Service Forbes
stated the minimum acceptable lane width is 10 feet, noting that emergency responders need
a minimum of 20 feet of clear, unobstructed maneuvering room. He then forwarded that as
the absolute minimum street width, with no parking allowed.
City Manager Wysocki reminded the Commission that under a planned unit
development, at the present time, they may allow narrower streets based on trade-ofts within
the development. He suggested that this mechanism may provide the flexibility
which the
Commission is seeking, without adjusting the street standards.
Director of Public Service Forbes reminded the Commission that what may be an
outlying area now may become inner-city in the next few years. He
stated that under the
existing street standards, the roadways constructed in the outlying areas would be able to
. accommodate the inner-city traffic load in future years.
Commissioner Frost stated he has no problem with narrower streets
within
neighborhoods. He suggested, however, that a collector/arterial grid should be identified, with
either a collector or arterial street located very close, to encourage traffic to use that grid
system to move around the community. He noted that under this type of
system,
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neighborhoods could be more easily identified and protected. He then reiterated his support
for protecting the collector and arterial street standards as they exist.
City Engineer Brawner recognized that the existing collector and arterial grid in the
community is not adequate, which results in people using neighborhood streets to move around
. the community. He stated that if a grid of collectors and arterials is identified, with no point
being more than three blocks from one of those streets, an effective transportation system
could be created. He then encouraged the Commission to consider the whole picture when
addressing the local street standards.
Commissioner Youngman suggested that, in addition to street width, alternate curb
and gutter designs and possibly narrower sidewalks should be considered.
The City Engineer stated that, while roll over concrete curbs are an option, residents
typically do not like them. He then cautioned that under ADA requirements, either a 5-foot-
wide sidewalks is to be installed, or a 4-foot-wide sidewalk with a 5-foot-wide section at mid-
block to allow passing of two wheelchairs.
Commissioner Youngman asked if it would be cost effective to require larger parking
. lots in conjunction with narrower streets, or if the costs might be the same or higher. She then
cautioned that it is important to ensure adequate provisions for movement of bicycles around
the community as well as pedestrian circulation.
City Manager Wysocki suggested that this item be scheduled for discussion again in
the near future. He cautioned that many developments are currently in the planning process;
and any revisions in the street standards should be made in the near future so they can be
incorporated into those plans.
The Commissioners asked for a list of functional and dysfunctional streets for their
viewing prior to the next discussion on local street standards.
Agenda Meeting - for regular meeting and Dublic hearings to be held on Ami! 3. 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.
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Associate Planner Windemaker highlighted the issues surrounding the preliminary plat.
She reminded the Commissioners that they had previously reviewed this project under an
appeal of conditions for approval of the major site plan. Subsequently, the City Attorney made
the determination (on an unrelated but similar application) that a condominium development is
. subject to subdivision review; therefore, this project has been subjected to that review as well.
She indicated that revisions to the conditions attached to the major site plan include the
addition of four standard boilerplate conditions and deletion of conditions which have already
been met. She stated that the applicant has not contested any of the recommended
conditions.
Commissioner Frost forwarded two concerns: (1) no boulevard trees are shown on
the plans, along North 25th Avenue, West Beall Street and Durston Road, and (2) the
handicapped curb cuts at the intersection of North 25th Avenue and Durston Road are not the
proper style.
Responding to Commissioner Stiff, the Assistant Planner stated the applicant is not
asking for any increased density or deviations; and no discussions regarding affordable units
. or trade-offs has occurred during the various reviews for this project.
Associate Planner/Urban Designer Dale Beland reviewed the preliminary plat for the
Nelson property, noting this is one of three applications which the Commission will consider
at next week's meeting. He identified four outstanding issues: (1)
identifying the point to
which Fowler Avenue must be paved, in light of the Department of Transportation's pending
project on US 191; (2) requiring that the applicant either obtain written permission for
relocation of the water course or execute a hold harmless agreement, releasing the City of any
liability resulting from that relocation; (3) addressing the fact that two proposed curb cuts do
not have adequate separation, with one of those curb cuts lying too close to the intersection;
and (4) addressing the issue of final grading of individual lots.
Commissioner Frost asked whether the type of street lights to be installed within this
. development has been specified; Associate Planner Beland responded that no specific type of
street light has been requested.
Commissioner Stiff asked if there is any way to ensure continued affordability of the
homes within this development.
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Associate Planner Beland responded that, since the subject property is being
developed through a planned unit development, the Commission could possibly negotiate the
right of first refusal on homes placed on the market, to ensure that the units are resold at an
affordable price. He cautioned that this would require a commitment by the City to become
. involved in the real estate market for an extended period of time.
Responding to the City Manager, the Associate Planner indicated that no density
bonus has been requested or granted in conjunction with this proposed development.
City Manager Wysocki cautioned that, without any request for a density bonus, the
City may not have the option of addressing the issue of affordable housing.
Commissioner Youngman noted that the proposal seems to be essentially the same
as the concept plan. She also noted that research laboratories have not been added back into
the list of uses to be allowed, and asked if that was a conscious decision by the developer.
Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck noted that at the Planning Board's review of this proposal,
it became very evident that this project has moved easily through the processes because of the
open dialogue that has been maintained between Planning staff and the applicant.
. Responding to City Attorney Luwe, Assistant Planner Windemaker indicated the last
date for acting on the Willowbrook preliminary plat is April 25; and Assistant Planning Director
Arkell indicated that an extension has already been granted on the Nelson preliminary plat.
Assistant Planning Director Arkell reviewed the request for revision to the conditions
for approval of the Valley Commons Business Park Planned Unit Development pertaining to
street lighting along Fallon Street. She stated the applicant wishes to install the same type of
lighting along Fallon Street as will be installed along Valley Commons Drive. She noted that
a secondary issue to be addressed is whether this development is to be a part of the special
improvement lighting district in Valley Unit Subdivision, since it lies within the boundaries of
that district.
The Commissioners concurred that the lighting installed along Fallon Street must be
. adequate to light the street and the sidewalk at a level that ensures safety, while not creating
glare on adjacent properties.
City Manager Wysocki suggested that Montana Power Company be asked to
determine whether the proposed fixtures would provide adequate lighting to meet the City's
requirements, based on the size of lamps proposed. He also asked that the question of
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responsibility for knock-downs and replacements be addressed, since the lights are to be
installed in the public right-of-way.
The City Manager indicated that discussion on expansion of the Swim Center will be
deferred, in light of some issues which have not yet been resolved.
. Commissioner Youngman stated she has received questions about the swimming pool
eroding. She then forwarded questions about whether the pool should be repaired first or in
conjunction with the proposed expansion project, for consideration under this agenda item.
Commissioner Frost asked about the proposed amendment to the engineering services
agreement for improvements to Highland Boulevard, expressing concern that the amendment
does not reflect the fact that the roadway is to be moved six feet to the west.
At the City Manager's request, Assistant PlannerWindemaker reviewed the requested
deviations in conjunction with construction of a new industrial building at 621 Avocado. She
emphasized that this lot is separate from the lotto the south, which is the site of a
neighborhood controversy.
The Commissioners expressed concern that no information on this agenda item was
. included in their packets. The Assistant Planner explained that it has not yet been acted on by
the Design Review Board; therefore, no copies of the information are available for distribution.
The Commissioners then asked that they receive the information as quickly as possible after
the DRB meeting.
Work Session (continued) - (C) Discussion - listing of tODics for work sessions with County
Commission
(C) Discussion - listing of topics for work session with County Commission
The following list of topics was developed by the City Commission:
Growth --
-- in coordination with other communities
-- planning for joint town meeting
. -- impact fees
-- possible revisions to City's annexation policy
-- review of critical lands study after its completion, before
generating policy
d parkland dedications, particularly in the jurisdictional area, and
plans for a regional park; open space
-- management of water and water resources
-- roads, with appropriate staff people
Identify problem areas between two governmental entities
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Sharing of services and technologies; ensuring compatibility --
u GIS mapping
-- CAD
Sharing of facilities (like the Law and Justice Center)
Garbage, sewage and landfill
. Library, Part II
Interlocal agreements in jurisdictional area, particularly entryways, to ensure
growth is addressed by both bodies in the same manner
Transportation --
-- West Babcock Street
-- Durston Road
-- north and south extensions of existing City streets
The Commissioners suggested that this list be combined with the list developed by
the County Commissioners to ensure that future joint meetings are beneficial for both governing
bod ies.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your
. Information" items.
(1 ) Copy of a letter from Carla Neasel, 702 East Peach Street, dated March 21,
to Code Enforcement Officer Roy Beall regarding expansion of the Customized Services
business at 719 North Ida Avenue.
(2) Copy of a note from Susan Billion, dated March 21, expressing appreciation
for Detective Bob Secor's willingness to work with children and their parents.
(3) Copy of the final listing of goals, as approved by the Commission at last
week's meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck asked that the first goal be amended to read" ... and begin
implcmcntJtion of master plan, annexation policy revisions, and zone code changes..." The
Commissioners indicated support for this proposed change.
. Commissioner Youngman requested that the listing be amended to delete the numbers
which had been previously assigned to the goals during the restructuring of goals from the
original individual listings to the final goals and to identify the three categories as high-,
medium- and low-priority goals. The Commissioners indicated support for this revision.
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The City Manager suggested that the Commission establish a structure for the town
meeting before the meeting is held, so that the information they get is beneficial. He noted
that, unlike the topics of the past two town meetings, the Commission has no definite solutions
for this issue.
. (4) Listing of the work session topics which the Commissioners had identified
in January.
(5) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00
a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, in the Commission Room.
(6) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 28, in the Commission Room.
(7) Agenda for the County. Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 28, at the Courthouse.
(8) Copy of a letter from Sandy Osborne and Tim Carlson, 2865 Spring
Meadows Drive, to Andy Kerr, dated March 17, encouraging the installation of sidewalks along
Graf Street between South Third Avenue and Colter Avenue prior to opening of the new middle
. school.
Recess - 5:40 D.m.
Mayor Pro Tempore Stueck declared a recess at 5:40 p.m., to reconvene at 7:30
p.m., for the purpose of conducting the scheduled work session.
Reconvene - 7:00 D.m.
Mayor"Pro Tempore Stueck reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of
conducting the scheduled work session.
Work Session (continued) - (D) Presentation re urban renewal - Geoff Badenoch
. (D) Presentation re urban renewal - Geoff Badenoch
Present at this work session were:
City
Mayor Pro Tempore Don Stueck
Commissioner Joe Frost
Commissioner AI Stiff
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Commissioner Marcia Youngman
City Manager Jim Wysocki
Assistant City Manager Ron Brey
Intern Joe Chrisman
City Attorney Paul Luwe
Clerk of the Commission Robin Sullivan
. Committee members
Larry Bowman
Tom Clark
Jim Drummond
Bert Hopeman
Bruce McCallum
Craig McVicker
Mike Money
Mark Mudie
Chris Pope
Steve Schnee
Laurie Shadoan
Richard Shanahan
Keith Swenson
Jim Webster
Michael Wong
Assistant City Manager Brey stated that 21 people have indicated an interest in
participating in development of an urban renewal plan. Since representatives from the County
. and the School District were unable to attend this evening's meeting, he and Mr. Badenoch met
with them this afternoon.
The Assistant City Manager provided a 'brief history of this issue, noting that in 1991,
interest was expressed in creation of a tax increment financing district. He stated that the
Commission has adopted a resolution declaring that blighted conditions exist in the core
downtown area; and that is the first step in the process of developing a tax increment financing
district and attendant urban renewal plan. He indicated that he and Intern Joe Chrisman will
serve as the staff for the committee. He forwarded his proposed timetable for drafting of the
urban renewal plan, stating that writing of the plan should be completed by July. He noted
that, in anticipation of the aggressive schedule he has prepared, he has created notebooks for
each of the committee members which contain a number of documents, including State
. statutes pertaining to urban renewal programs.
Mr. Geoff Badenoch, Missoula Redevelopment Agency, noted that development of
an urban renewal plan was attempted in 1981; however, that effort was not successful. He
emphasized that the most important item in the success of an urban renewal program is the
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development of public/private partnerships. He recognized that this partnership is not a natural
one and requires substantial work to develop.
Mr. Badenoch stated that observation of the downtown activities reveals that, while
solid economic activity is occurring, there are a lack of parking, traffic and circulation problems,
. and snow piled up in the middle of Main Street. He noted that once these and any other
problems in the downtown are identified, the rest of the plan will come together. He cautioned
against trying to define the solutions first because that results in missing a very basic step in
the process. He encouraged the committee to focus on the questions "What is the problem?"
and "What is the opportunity we want to take advantage 017", noting that will set the proper
tone for the plan. He noted that one of the most exciting elements of his job is community
building, especially in the heart of the community. He recognized that this takes a lot of time
and a lot of energy.
Mr. Badenoch stated it is important to ensure that during writing of the plan,
emphasis is placed on the development of public/private partnerships and that the right
questions are asked without jumping ahead to the answers. He noted that the plan must be
. flexible enough to accommodate what might occur in ten years.
Mr. Geoff Badenoch noted that careful consideration must also be given to the
structural organization of the urban renewal program, noting that State law provides that either
the City Commission may serve as the governing body for urban renewal activities or it may
appoint a three- to seven-member board to do so. He stated that in Missoula, to remove the
urban renewal program from the political arena, the City Council appointed a five-member board
of commissioners to oversee the program; and that has worked very well. He cautioned that
care must be taken to ensure that the board is not a rogue board, which will destroy the
credibility of the program. Rather, a stable board which is comprised of recognized people,
who are accountable to the City Commission, is essential. He stated that all of the financial
activities of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency are handled through the City of Missoula.
. Mr. Badenoch responded to questions from several of the Commission and committee
members. He indicated that monies from their program have been spent on various City,
County and School District buildings within the district. He stated that the original district,
which was created 15 years ago, covers a 500-acre area and currently generates just over $1
million in revenues annually. Debt service on a $3 million bond issue for the high-rise parking
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complex takes approximately $300,000 of those monies. Three and a half years ago a second
district, contiguous to the first, was created; and that district includes 380 acres.
Assistant City Manager Brey stated that the proposed district in Bozeman contains
approximately 130 acres. Mr. Badenoch estimated that Bozeman's district might generate
. $300,000 a year, provided that the private sector is willing to invest in improvements.
Mr. Badenoch stated that the urban renewal plan can be in one of several forms,
ranging from drawings to a narrative. He cautioned, however, that whatever form the plan
takes, it must respond to the essential questions and retain the needed flexibility to allow the
program to grow and accommodate activities not even contemplated today. He also noted that
it must provide a plan of action that is reasonable and makes sense.
Mr. Badenoch stated that if 5B417 is passed by the current Legislature, it will
decrease the business equipment tax from 9 percent to 6 percent over the next few years; and
that will result in an estimated loss of $50,000 annually in the Missoula program. He has
determined that this loss will not dramatically impact the program; however, he emphasized the
importance of carefully monitoring each legislative session to ensure that the program can
. remain intact.
Mr. Badenoch stated that when the program was first initiated in Missoula, people on
the Planning staff were responsible for the its activities. He stated that after the first year, the
workload warranted the hiring of full-time staff members; and the staff has grown as the
program has grown. He suggested that use of an existing City staff member is appropriate until
the program gets large enough to support its own personnel; however, he suggested that the
board be appointed early in the process to provide direction.
Mr. Geoff Badenoch stated that tax increment financing bonds often carry a slightly
higher interest rate than municipal bonds because the full faith and credit of the City is not
pledged. He noted that the interest rate can be lowered somewhat through obtaining a rating
or through purchasing insurance.
. Mayor Pro Tempore thanked Mr. Badenoch for his presentation, noting it has provided
a good basis from which to begin development of a local urban renewal plan.
Adjournment - 9:00 D.m.
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was
03-27-95
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- 16 -
moved by Commissioner Youngman, seconded by Commissioner Stiff, that the meeting be
adjourned. 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.
. (!)~ [A~
DON E. STUECK
Mayor Pro Tempore
ATTEST:
GJ~J~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
.
.
03-27-95