HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-27 ccmWORK
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MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION/AGENDA
MEETING
OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
February 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, February 27, 1995, at 3:00 p.m. Present
were
Mayor Vincent, Commissioner
Youngman, Commissioner Stiff,
Commissioner Stueck,
Commissioner Frost, City Manager Wysocki and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Work Session ~ (A) Settinc of coals for Fiscal Year 1995-1996 (B) Staff update - critical lands
study (C) Staff reDort re design alternatives for imDrovements to Highland Boulevard (Kagy
Boulevard to Holly Drive)
Setting of goals for Fiscal Year 1995-1996.
Included in the Commissioners' packets was a listing of the 32 goals submitted by
. the Commissioners. Those which were similar were listed together, for a total of 20 combined
goals. Submitted just prior to the meeting was a memo from Commissioner Frost, dated
February 26, regarding that listing.
City Manager Wysocki asked if the Commission wishes to establish long-range and
short-range categories for the goals. He requested that the Commissioners carefully consider
who will be responsible for the tasks involved, and attempt to avoid overburdening a particular
department or individuals. He reminded the Commissioners that some of the goals set in the
past year or two are still ongoing; and goals set this year will probably be ongoing for the next
two or three years.
The City Manager noted that, with all of the issues pertaining to growth and growth
management, revision of the annexation policy is missing. He suggested that, given legislative
. considerations and the age of the current annexation policy, if the policy is not to be reviewed
and revised in the near future, it may be beneficial to consider rescinding it instead of revising
it.
The City Manager stated he feels that the expansion of hours of operation and funding
for the Library should also be included in the listing of goals for the upcoming fiscal year. He
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reminded the Commissioners that one of the topics for the next work session is a meeting with
the County Commissioners regarding funding for the Library.
Responding to questions from the City Manager regarding the goal for a regional park,
it was determined that the first step should be to meet with the County Commission to
. determine a location where a 1 DO-acre regional park could be located. The next step would
be acquisition of that land, which mayor may not occur in the upcoming fiscal year.
Under the City Manager's direction, the Commissioners reviewed the list of goals,
working primarily from the list prepared by the Clerk of the Commission, dated March 6, and
the list of 18 goals which had been prepared by Commissioner Youngman.
Commissioner Stiff forwarded his concerns about growth management, noting that
one of the major side effects is often an increase in the cost of housing; and that flies in the
face of the Commission's high priority goal to address the affordable housing issue. He noted
that, with Bozeman already having the highest cost housing in Montana, the problems of
affordable housing could be dramatically compounded.
Commissioner Frost stated he does not view growth management as a negative,
. rather, he feels it will allow for orderly growth of the community. He suggested that this would
dovetail well with updating of the master plan and the review of the zone code; and he views
it as a long-term goal. He noted that the City's infrastructure needs for the next twenty to
forty years, particularly since he anticipates that needed water, wastewater and transportation
system improvements could total $100 million over that period of time; and consideration
should be given to how those improvements will be accomplished.
Commissioner Frost stated he likes the idea of identifying short- and long-term goals;
however, he feels they should all be included in one list rather than in two separate lists. He
also recognized that under the 18 goals submitted by Commissioner Youngman, portions of a
goal may be short-term while other portions may be long~term.
Commissioner Youngman asked that the Commissioners determine from which list
. they wish to establish their priorities, indicating that she is willing to work from the long list
rather than the consolidated list if that is the desire of a majority of the Commission. She
asked, however, that the goals be written in a concise manner rather than just listing all of the
goals as they are currently written into one long goal with many parts.
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Commissioner Youngman then suggested that revision of the annexation policy could
be added under her Goal No.2, as a part of long-range land use planning and growth
management. She also stated an interest in adding the expansion of Library hours as a
separate goal. Following discussion, the Commissioners concurred in these revisions.
. Following a lengthy discussion about possible combining of several of the goals, the
Commissioners directed the Clerk of the Commission to prepare a new list of goals, based on
this discussion. They concurred that this list will then be used for establishing a priority order
for goals for the upcoming fiscal year, understanding that a goal may contain both short-term
and long-term elements.
Staff update re critical lands study.
Associate Planner/Urban Designer Dale Beland submitted to the Commission a memo
dated February 27, in which he provided a status report on the critical lands study.
He
reminded the Commission that the study was authorized in October; and since that time, the
process has moved forward, taking some interesting twists and turns along the way. He stated
that digitizing of the data is nearly complete; and that information will be applied over a large
. photo mosaic base. The map, which will cover 87 square miles of land inside city limits and
the jurisdictional area, will be divided into quadrants for ease of handling.
The Associate Planner stated that several overlays will be available for use over the
base map; and those overlays will contain various types of pertinent information, including
floodplains, critical habitat, wetlands, hydric soils, and high groundwater tables. He stated that
this map is not designed to establish the criticality of lands, rather, it is to be used as a red flag
to indicate that additional study and analysis may be required on a specific parcel because
certain conditions exist in the general area.
Associate Planner Beland stated that the Planning Board has suggested that this study
be rolled into the master plan update, since that seems to be the most appropriate place to
address environmental factors. He stated that this change in direction will
require additional
.
time to development. He suggested, however, in the meantime, the mapped information
available through the study could be used in environmental screening when considering
proposed developments on what might be deemed as critical lands.
The Associate Planner stated there is now user-friendly, commercial software
available for data management. He noted that through use of this software, on new hardware,
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different sources of data can be combined and overlayed, i.e., zoning designations, building
permits issued, traffic accidents in a specific location. He characterized this as a whole new
arena of data management that would be extremely beneficial.
Responding to Commissioner Youngman, Associate Planner Beland stated that
. identified streams, stream/ditches and ditches will be contained on one of the overlays.
Responding to additional questions from the Commission, the Associate Planner
estimated that the costs of the study, including acquisition of the hardware and software
needed for data management, will be around $25,000. He noted that this is well
under the
$35,000 budgeted in this fiscal year, and suggested that the remaining monies could be used
for on-going work.
Associate Planner Beland stated he hopes to have the basic work on this study
completed by the end of March; and that will be followed by a period of validation, which he
anticipates will take thirty days. He stated that once the initial report is done, then a decision
must be made on development of an environmental policy and incorporation of that policy into
the master plan update.
. Staff report re design alternatives for improvements to Highland Boulevard (Kagy
Boulevard to Holly Drive).
Included in the packets was a memo from Director of Public Service Phill Forbes,
dated February 23, forwarding two alternatives from improvements to Highland Boulevard and
the estimated costs of each alternative.
Director of Public Service Forbes asked that the Commission listen to the presentation
of the two identified alternatives for improvements to Highland Boulevard, in anticipation of
selecting one of the alternatives at an upcoming meeting. He then stated that
staff is
recommending Alternative No.2.
Mr. Dave Crawford, Thomas, Dean and Hoskins, presented drawings of the two
alternatives. He reminded the Commission that the portion of Highland Boulevard lying
. between Kagy Boulevard and Holly Drive is approximately one-half mile long.
He noted that
the existing "roller coaster" road is located in the east half of the right~of~way, and that the
right-of-way is adequate to accommodate a four-lane roadway.
Mr. Crawford stated that under Alternative No.1, the existing curb along the east side
of the road would be used for approximately the first 1,000 feet north of Kagy Boulevard. The
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new roadway would be in the same location as the existing roadway, with a five-foot-wide
median to be constructed in the future along the centerline and sidewalks to be installed one
foot off the property line. This alternative involves significant cuts and fills; and retaining walls
will be required along portions of the roadway because of the dramatic difference between the
. new street grade and the adjacent lots. Also, construction under this alternative will require
encroachment into several of the abutting yards, particularly where the retaining walls are
needed. The estimated cost of this alternative is $855,000.
Mr. Crawford stated that under Alternative No.2, the entire roadway is to be moved
slightly to the west, away from the properties along the east side.
The sidewalks are to be
constructed six feet off the property lines; and no center median is proposed. U
nder this
alternative, the need for retaining walls is dramatically reduced; and no encroachment will be
required onto adjacent lots. The estimated cost of this alternative is $821,000.
Mr. Dave Crawford stated that, in either instance, the installation of the western two
lanes, when this is converted to a four-lane facility, will be a mirror image of the installation
which is to be undertaken now.
. Mr. Crawford cautioned that several trees and hedges encroach into the alignment
of the sidewalk. He noted that, while some of the trees and shrubs can possibly be relocated,
others may need to be removed, particularly where safety is a factor.
Responding to Commissioner Stueck,
Mr. Crawford stated that
under either
alternative, the dips and hills will be minimized but not eliminated.
City Manager Wysocki suggested that the sidewalk could possibly meander to save
some of the existing vegetation. He proposed that, rather than curving the sidewalk
toward
the roadway, it may be beneficial to obtain an easement on the adjacent property and curve
the sidewalk further from the roadway. He cautioned that meanderings of the sidewalk must
be in accordance with the existing sidewalk policy.
Responding to the City Manager, Mr. Crawford stated there are cross slopes along
. the west side of the roadway where cuts and retaining walls will be necessary.
The Commissioners, in comments about the two alternatives, generally indicated an
interest in pursuing Alternative No.2 rather than Alternative No.1.
Director of Public Services Forbes stated another issue to be addressed by the
Commission is whether the installation of sidewalk along the east side of the street is to be a
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part of the overall project or part of the overall sidewalk program under which adjacent property
owners are required to install the sidewalk. He requested that this issue be addressed within
the next few weeks, in preparation for construction of these improvements during the
upcoming construction season.
.
Aaenda Meetina - for reaular meeting to be held on March 6. 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.
Assistant Planning Director Arkell gave a brief overview of her memo dated February
22, regarding the Courtyard Cottages Subdivision.
Commissioner Frost suggested that the last statement on the bottom of Page 2 should
read"... between the eastern curb and gutter and the strcam/ditch ~i~~I~~~." The Assistant
Planning Director stated that is an acceptable change.
. Senior Planner Skelton briefly reviewed the issues which have been addressed
regarding the pedestrian circulation system for the Walker Planned Unit Development.
He
stated that real progress has been made in meetings with the applicant; and only two issues
remain outstanding. He stated that Mr. Rob Buckvich, Montana Department of Transportation,
has recommended that the trail system be kept close to the overpass rather than along
Springhill Lane, and has indicated that a striped crosswalk across the interchange road will not
be required until pedestrian traffic numbers warrant. He then stated that a 50-foot-wide strip
of right-of-way parallels the north side of US Highway 10; and the Montana Department of
Transportation cannot grant an trail easement under the overpass because that property is in
Burlington Northern ownership. He noted that outstanding issues regarding that issue will
hopefully be resolved by the end of this week. He briefly touched on the idea of a trail system
. around the common open space, noting that a review of the plans and minutes for the original
planned unit development reflect that a looped trail system within that area was not discussed.
Assistant Planning Director Arkell highlighted the master plan for the Westfield South
Subdivision, reminding the Commission that the preliminary plat under consideration is for
Phase I only. She cautioned that, while the master plan can be reviewed and commented upon,
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the Commission decision must be based on the plat for Phase I only. She further
cautioned
that the public hearing has been held before the Planning Board and that no additional public
comment may be received.
Assistant City Manager Brey briefly reviewed his memo of February 27, in which he
. proposed a process for development of the urban renewal plan under which volunteer
assistance will be utilized rather than a committee. He estimated it will take 90 to 120 days
to develop the plan under his proposed process.
Senior Planner Skelton provided a brief overview of the conditional use permit being
sought by Town Pump, which would allow the construction of two casino structure at 2401
West Main Street. He indicated that the casino is to be called Lucky Lil's; and the conditional
use permit application is accompanied by a request for three variances. He highlighted some
of the unique factors to be considered, particularly in light of the fact that one of the variances
is to allow encroachment into the 35-foot streambank setback. He also cautioned that
on-
street parking is not allowed in the Festival Square planned unit development; therefore, care
must be taken to ensure that adequate on~site parking is provided.
. Commissioner Stueck stated there is a strong possibility his firm will be bidding on
the construction of these buildings and asked if he will be allowed to participate in this agenda
item, or if he will be required to abstain from discussing or voting on this agenda item. He
requested that the City Attorney provide a response prior to the Commission meeting.
Discussion - FYI Items
City Manager Wysocki presented to the Commission the following "For Your
Information" items.
(1 ) The City Manager stated that a discussion with the County Commission
regarding funding for the library is scheduled for the March 13 work session, along with
completion ofthe goal setting process. On March 27, work sessions on the urban renewal plan
. and street standards/development standards are planned.
(2) Letter from Charles Caughlin, President of the Gallatin Human Rights Task
Force, dated February 19, regarding their "no-hate" campaign.
(3) Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting to be held at 10:00
a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, in the Commission Room.
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(4) Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting to be held at 3:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, February 28, in the Commission Room.
(5) Agenda for the County Commission meeting to be held at 1 :30 p.m. on
Tuesday, February 28, at the Courthouse.
. (6) Copy of a letter to be sent to Senator Hargrove, dated February 27,
regarding a public/private effort to retain the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Bozeman.
Commissioner Stiff stated that the County has agreed to lease land for a new MLEA
facility for $1; and a local private developer is pursuing the possibility of obtaining private
activity bonds through the City. He noted that the figures for this project are not yet known,
and asked that the letter be revised to eliminate reference to specific dollar amounts until the
costs can be more accurately estimated.
(7) Copy of a letter from the Montana Department of Commerce to Mayor
Vincent, dated February 23, regarding the West Babcock affordable housing project.
(8) The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows. (1) Announced
that both City crews and the Montana Department of Transportation began sweeping streets
. in the downtown area. (2) Announced that air quality results for this past year were better
than they have been in past years. He suggested that this could be due to the heavy snowfall
this year, which has helped to clean the air. (31 Announced that the MSU
President's
Roundtable discussion is to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Holiday Inn. (4) Stated
that the management plan for the Bozeman Ponds should be ready for City review and
execution within the next month. (5) Stated that several staff members
and Commissioner
Stiff met with the financial advisor for the $5 million general obligation bond issue last week.
(6) Attended the Chamber of Commerce Relations Committee meeting last week, at which
potential legislative impacts on MSU were discussed. (7) Attended a meeting
with the
Bozeman Creek group last week regarding water development. (8) Stated that a review of the
tree trimming schedule, in response to Commissioner Frost's question at last week's meeting,
. revealed that the trees on South Willson Avenue are scheduled for trimming this spring.
(9) Stated that responses to legislative issues are taking a considerable amount of time.
(10) Encouraged the Commissioners to remember the goals which are still in process, and the
staff members involved in accomplishing those goals, when setting goals for the upcoming
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fiscal year. (11) Noted that the Commissioners have received copies of the
latest legislative
bulletin published by the Montana League of Cities and Towns.
(9) Commissioner Youngman
announced that the ad hoc cable television
franchising committee will meet tonight.
. (10) Commissioner Youngman
stated that she continues to receive inquiries from
members of the public who are interested in supporting the City's position on legislative issues
whenever possible. She asked what type of communication system can
be established to
assist those people in their efforts. She suggested that, rather than
trying to obtain public
support on all of the bills in which the City is interested, it may be beneficial to select eight or
ten in which the public comment could make a difference.
The City Manager asked that the Commissioners review the list to see if there are
any
bills in which they are particularly interested. He then indicated
that, based on information
available through the newspaper and the computer network, staff could notify Commissioners
when activity is occurring on a specific bill; and the Commissioners could then activate their
public network.
. (11 ) Commissioner Stiff
stated that conversations with Representative Joe
Barnett reveal that it would be best not to seek an amendment to HB297, regarding allocation
of excess State fuel taxes, to allow those monies to be used for retirement of a general
obligation bond issue.
( 12) Commissioner Stueck
submitted the following. (1) Announced that he will
be out of town on Wednesday and Thursday. (2) Stated he
will attend the Gallatin
Development Corporation annual luncheon meeting tomorrow. (3) Indicated he will attend the
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting on Thursday night. (4) Stated he will be unable
to attend the MSU President's Roundtable meeting on Wednesday.
( 13) Commissioner Frost
stated he spent most of the weekend at the Main Mall,
manning a booth at the annual home and garden show. He noted
that trends and recent
.
activities in the real estate markets in Bozeman, in Montana and in surrounding states is very
interesting.
(14) Mayor Vincent submitted
the following. (1) Asked Commissioners to
consider the possibility of having a town meeting which focus on growth issues in the near
future. (2) Noted that one of the legislative bills which may negatively impact the City
is the
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bill to reduce business taxes, depending upon how those revenues may be replaced.
(3) Reviewed a letter he received from City Engineer Craig Brawner regarding the snow removal
policy and program. He asked that the Commission consider adding monies to that budget unit
in the upcoming budgeting session, in an effort to gain better compliance with the ordinance.
. Adjournment - 6:04 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:
.~~xL#~
R IN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
.
02-27-95