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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-05-19 ccmTOWN .. -. - .. --..---- .~-- --..-. -..--- MINUTES OF THE TOWN MEETING HELD BY CITY COMMISSION BOZEMAN, MONTANA May 19, 1994 ***************************** . The Commission of the City of Bozeman conducted a town meeting in the Choral Room at the Bozeman Senior High School, May 19, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Vincent, Commissioner Youngman, Commissioner Stiff, Commissioner Stueck and Commissioner Frost. Staff members present included City Manager Wysocki, Administrative Services Director Gamradt, Director of Public Service Forbes, City-County Planning Director Epple, City Attorney Luwe and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. Mayor Vincent opened the town meeting, welcoming the public and explaining the format for the meeting. He noted that, while this is a town meeting, it is designed to be exclusively focused on transportation issues and on whether the public might be willin~ to consider a general obligation bond issue to fund some of the identified transportation projects. . He directed the attention of the audience, which numbered approximately 80 through the evening, to the handouts which are available on the table by the door. Administrative Services Director Miral Gamradt provided a brief review of the process for obtaining approval for a general obligation bond issue. He reviewed the graphs which show the sources of funding for street budgets for Fiscal Year 1994, the allocation of street funds for Fiscal Year 1994, the amount a proposed general obligation bond issue would increase taxes on residential properties with market values of $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 and $125,000, and the percentages of property tax levies for the schools, City, County, State and this proposed bond issue. He noted that the impacts from the new voted mill levy for the school district have been denoted in these last two graphs, even though that amount has not yet impacted the property tax levies. . The Administrative Services Director stated that if a 30- to 40-percent voter turnout is encountered, a 60-percent vote is necessary for approval of a general obligation bond issue; and if the turnout is over 40-percent, a simply majority approves the bond issue. He noted that if a bond issue is approved, those who benefit from the improvements will also be paying for them. If the City were to fund those improvements from monies currently available, essentially 05-19-94 Town . - .......-. - - 2 - those who are here today would be paying the costs of the improvements, while those living here tomorrow would receive the benefit. He further noted that under the current budget structure for the streets, only $113,000 of the $1.1 million annual budget is available for major street improvement projects, like construction of a road. . The Administrative Services Director stated that the City of Bozeman has a $7.3 million ceiling on general obligation debt; therefore, the largest bond issue that would be considered for transportation improvements would be $5 million. Planning Director Andy Epple noted that the transportation plan was updated in 1993; and that update was the result of a two-year process in which many scoping meetings, informational meetings and public hearings were held. That plan is designed as a 20-year document, providing a master plan for transportation projects through the year 2010. It includes 19 major projects, at a cost of $39 million, and 74 minor projects, at a cost of $4 million. The plan addresses problems that existed in 1991 and 1992, and does not necessarily reflect problems relating to future growth. The Planning Director then highlighted projects in process, which include the . extension of North 19th Avenue and the North 19th Avenue interchange, extension of West Oak Street from North 19th Avenue to North 7th Avenue, improvements to West Main in conjunction with the Main to Four Corners project, and Valley Center Drive. Enhancement fund monies are being used for improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities; and those monies are available in the amount of $1 million over a six-year period. Director of Public Services Forbes reviewed the listing of major projects which have already been committed, the list of enhancement projects in process, the projects which are to be funded through the use of Valley Unit receivables, and the projects proposed to be funded through a $3, $4 or $5 million general obligation bond issue. He noted that, in addition to these projects, the City is seeking funding for safety improvements to intersections not on the major street grid; and a majority of those intersections are located in the heart of the city. . Each Commissioner, in turn, forwarded their introductory comments. All of the Commissioners indicated they are here to receive comments from the public, with no preconceived ideas about a general obligation bond issue. They also recognized the traffic problems which currently exist in this community. 05-19-94 Town ..... - 3 - Mr. Marty Hamilton, 309 South 6th Avenue, stated his taxes increased 40 percent this past year; and that concerns him. He stated that he does not object to this proposal on principle; but he wants to be assured that the monies will be used to improve the quality of life in Bozeman. He stated he does not want to simply enhance people's ability to drive through . Bozeman. He is also interested in better traffic safety, and promoting safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities. He is favorably impressed with the list of projects, except for the extension of 7th from Main to Babcock. He characterized that as resulting in increased speed and volume of traffic in the center of town. Ms. Phyllis Jenkins, 619 West Babcock Street, stated her home would be lost if 7th Avenue were extended to Babcock. She stated that she has lived there since 1965, spending a considerable amount of money to remodel and landscape her home; and she is not interested in selling it for a street extension. She also stated she cannot afford any more taxes. She noted that people already travel down Babcock Street at a high rate of speed. Responding to questions from Ms. Jenkins, Director of Public Services Forbes stated that the general obligation bond issue question will be placed on the ballot this fall at the . earliest. Dr. Brian Rogers, 2910 Colter, stated it would be easier for the Commission to sell the general obligation bond issue to the public if it had impact fees in place. He characterized Bozeman as the only place in "the civilized cosmos" that does not have impact fees. He stated that the developers should be paying impact fees on their subdivisions, and mitigating additional problems. Planning Director Epple noted that staff is currently working on a proposal for transportation impact fees; and that proposal should be ready for review by the various bodies later this summer. He suggested that those fees could easily be in place before a vote is taken on a general obligation bond issue. Mr. Bill Curtis, 507 Meagher, stated he is a new resident to the community. He . questioned the amount of semi-truck traffic on residential streets, and whether there are any weight limits on the city streets. He also noted the potholes that they create on those streets, suggesting that if the City did not have to maintain those streets so much, the monies would be available for other projects. 05-19-94 Town - 4 - Ms. Anne Banks, 7 Hill Street, asked if the list of projects to be funded through the general obligation bond is a prioritized listing, noting that will have an impact on how the next set of projects for enhancement monies may be prioritized. Planning Director Epple responded that the listing before the public at this time is . simply a rough list. He stated that a finalized list will be developed in conjunction with placing a bond issue on the ballot; and noted that enhancement projects will be coordinated with that list. Mr. Dennis Hoeger, 415 Henderson, stated support for the South 3rd Avenue widening project, which is contained in the list of proposed projects. He feels it is more appropriate to have this project funded through a general obligation bond issue that through a special improvement district against residents of Westridge and Figgins Additions. He asked, however, what will happen to South Third Avenue south of Graf Street, particularly in light of the new school which is proposed in that area. Planning Director Epple stated he anticipates that development of South Third Avenue south of Graf Street as well as other roads in that area will occur in conjunction with . development. He suggested an alternative would be the City and the County choosing to initiate improvements to those roadways through some other method. Dr. Rogers asked if there is any plan to extend Graf Street west to South 11 th and to extend South 11th Avenue to Kagy Boulevard, to alleviate some of the traffic on South Third. The Planning Director responded that staff recognizes the need for the extension of other streets in that area. He noted, however, the computer model did not reflect that those street extensions would dramatically decrease the amount of traffic on South 3rd Avenue. Commissioner Stiff stated the comments forwarded by Mr. Hoeger and Dr. Rogers reflect the importance of implementing impact fees as Quickly as possible. Mr. Gary Griffith noted that the voters made a significant statement when they voted . to approve a $9 million bond issue for a new middle school, which is to be constructed on South Third Avenue. He stated that to limit improvements to South Third Avenue to that stretch between Graf Street and Kagy Boulevard and not include that portion between Graf Street and Goldenstein Lane might be a mistake, and encouraged the Commission to expand that project. 05-19-94 Town - 5 - Mr. Dennis Hoeger stated that if the $1 million for extension of 7th Avenue to Babcock Street were eliminated, those monies could be used to fund extended improvements to South Third Avenue. Ms. Lisa Prugh, 404 South 6th Avenue, stated support for some type of the general . obligation bond issue, since the common complaints and criticisms revolve around traffic. She noted, in reality, the traffic problems are limited to certain areas at certain times of the day. She stated that, as a citizen, she would like to see the bond issue approved. She stated that, as a member of the Planning Board, she was involved in development and adoption of the transportation plan. During that process, she voiced her concerns about the extension of 7th to Babcock Street; and she is still concerned about that street extension, because it could easily become a direct route, through a residential neighborhood, to the campus. Mr. Don Borgeson, 311 Teton, noted that Valley Unit Subdivision is accessible only from Durston Road and Babcock Street. He noted that at the present time, if one attempts to use the improved portion of Ferguson Road to gain access to Main Street, it extremely difficult to get onto the street. He stated that with all of the construction occurring in that area, . including government buildings, access to Main Street should be made easier. Director of Public Service Forbes responded that under the Bozeman to Four Corners project, a turn lane is proposed at Ferguson Road, although immediate installation of a traffic signal is not anticipated. Mr. George Engstrom, 10 West Arnold Street, noted the sign on the wall behind the Commissioners which says "Just Do It". He stated that is the way he feels about the transportation plan, and encouraged the Commissioners to begin taking action. Mr. Bill Martel, 2516 Spring Creek Drive, stated he feels the City is spending too much money on equipment for the Street Department. He suggested that if he were to operate his business like this budget unit is broken out, he would be broke in a year. He then stated that he does support the bond issue. . Director of Public Service Forbes noted the $177,000 for equipment reflected in the graph is based on the current fiscal year's budget, and does not portray an accurate picture of annual expenditures on equipment. He also noted that, in addition to $113,000 for major projects, another $250,000 is budgeted annually for major maintenance items, such as chip and seal projects, overlays, and replacement of curb and gutter. 05-19-94 Town - 6 - Mr. Loren Iverson, 1722 West Durston, stated he cannot afford any more taxes to pay for a bond issue. He stated the concept is good, noting that Durston is probably one of the worst streets for traffic problems in the community. He stated there are 14,450 registered voters in the city, with hundreds and hundreds coming from outside the city limits and using . the streets; and those individuals won't be asked to help pay for the improvements. He then reiterated the fact that he cannot afford to pay any more taxes. He stated he is on a retirement income; and last year, his house payment increased. Mr. Jerry Perkins, 511 North Wallace Avenue, asked for a schedule that shows how the proposed general obligation bond issue would impact commercial properties as well as residential properties. He noted there are many business people in Bozeman who live outside the city limits but who pay taxes on their commercial properties. He also noted there are many people who live outside city limits who work in the city limits but do not pay property taxes. He then suggested that the Commission consider a local option tax on gasoline, possibly in the amount of 2 cents per gallon, rather than a general obligation bond issue which is repaid by property owners. . Mayor Vincent noted that under the current state statutes, that option is not available to municipalities, but is available to only counties. Administrative Services Director Gamradt stated that when he prepared the handouts for tonight's meeting, he recognized that most people would be concerned about impacts to residential properties. He noted that commercial properties could be included on future handouts. Ms. Mary Vant Hull, 416 East Story Street, stated that when she was serving on the City Commission, she tried and tried to persuade the former County Commission to put a 2- cent local option tax on gasoline, with no success. She noted that would have allowed county residents to assist in funding of improvements to the city streets. She then asked the Commissioners to consider carefully whether each of the projects on this proposed list will help . to make Bozeman a good place to live. She reminded the Commission that during the public meetings for update of the master plan and development of the new zone code, comments were consistently forwarded indicating that people want to make Bozeman a pedestrian-friendly community and ensure the preservation of neighborhoods as comfortable, quiet places to live. She stated, in that light, she does not support the extension of 7th Avenue to Babcock Street. 05-19-94 Town __.._.,._.__u ...._ - 7 - She noted the character of Main Street has been cited as the heart of Bozeman; and she feels that character, as well as the character of South Willson Avenue, must be carefully protected. Mr. Don Borgeson noted that gasoline prices went up 5 cents a gallon just this morning. . Mr. Ed Dobson, 118 South 15th Avenue, questioned the wisdom of extension South 15th Avenue from Main to Babcock. He stated that if the street it extended, it will be across a piece of prime commercial property. Mr. Don Bachman, 109 North Broadway, noted the truck route proposed around the northeast side of the community. He stated that, while much of the route has been identified and could be easily constructed, crossing the wetlands at Highland Boulevard extended could create problems. He asked that impacts to the northeast neighborhood be carefully considered as this route is pursued. Ms. Carla Neisel, East Peach Street, stated concern about the proposed peripheral truck route. She stated that if not all of the elements for the truck route are included in the same package, it could dramatically impact the northeast neighborhood. She also stated an . interest in seeing funding for storm drains in the northeast part of the community, because the lack of storm drains is a definite problem. Ms. Neisel then asked if some of the bond monies could be used to purchase land and establish an industrial park away from all residential neighborhoods. She stated that moving the industrial portion of Bozeman away from the existing residential development on the northeast side of town, thus improving the quality of life in that area. Mr. Darrel Behrent, 208 Lindley Place, asked if a loop around the city, using Bear Canyon exchange and Kagy Boulevard is still being considered. He suggested that could help to alleviate much of the traffic in the community. City Manager Wysocki responded that the westward extension of Kagy Boulevard past North 19th Avenue is not anticipated in the transportation plan update. He noted that . after the Belgrade interchange is improved, efforts will probably be made to encourage truck traffic to access U.S. Highway 191 from that interchange rather than going through Bozeman. Responding to questions from Mr. Behrent, Administrative Services Director Gamradt stated there is approximately $750,000 in the Valley Unit receivables account; and the City is 05-19-94 Town .- -- -... .-- .---..--------- .-- -., ...--- - 8 - accumulating interest on those monies. He cautioned that the $2 million figure which has been discussed is a receivables figure; and those monies are being received over an eight-year period. Mr. Behrent noted that the traffic problems being encountered in the community seem to be related to rush hour traffic for work. He noted that if he goes to work before or after the . rush hour traffic, he has no problem getting through town. He then suggested that, rather than making improvements to the transportation system, it may be better to have employers stagger work start times, thus allowing for better utilization of the existing system. Mr. Behrent then questioned how well extension of 7th Avenue to West Babcock Street would work. He suggested that it could result in traffic being backed up through the traffic signal at Main, thus creating more problems than it might solve. Mr. Behrent then suggested that, in an effort to address the impacts which subdivisions outside city limits are creating on City services, it might be appropriate to add $5 to the license fee on cars registered outside city limits. Mr. Chad Groth, 701 South Willson Avenue, stated concern about the proposed pedestrian bulbs along South Willson. He stated that at the present time, the City does an . excellent job of plowing that street; however, he is concerned that the plowing would become extremely difficult if bulbs were installed. He then stated his opposition to the extension of 7th Avenue to Babcock. He also encouraged the Planning Board and the City Commission to carefully look at subdivisions which include cul-de-sac streets and looped roads which dump traffic onto existing major streets like South Third and South 19th. He suggested, rather, additional east/west and north/south streets should be provided in conjunction with new development. Ms. Michelle Harland, 1220 North 8th Avenue, stated support for proposed improvements to South Third and Durston Road. She noted that many of her friends live in Figgins Addition; therefore, she must drive across town frequently. She suggested that if the speed limit on some of the major streets were increased, it might encourage people to use . those streets, thus protecting the neighborhood streets. Mr. Chuck Parks, 1705 Durston, stated that with recently-approved subdivisions, traffic on Durston has become "horrendous". He noted the importance of developing an impact fee system to ensure that developers pay for some of those impacts, rather than relying on taxpayers to bear those costs. He stated that he has watched property taxes increase faster 05-19-94 Town ----.. .- ----- .- - 9 - than his income; and he cannot afford additional property taxes at this time. He stated that since the transportation system is not used by just the city taxpayers, he feels other sources of funding should be pursued. He then asked what other funding sources the City might consider. . Planning Director Epple stated that, while City staff is preparing a proposal for impact .. fees, it must be recognized that the monies generated from that source will be substantially less than needed to fund the transportation projects in the transportation plan. Mayor Vincent cautioned that revenue possibilities for cities are very limited. He suggested that it may be beneficial for cities to organize a lobbying effort to make it possible to implement a local option gasoline tax on a community-by-community basis rather than providing that option to just counties. Mayor Vincent then asked the audience to give an indication of whether or not they would support a $3, $4, or $5 million general obligation bond issue, whether they are opposed to a $3, $4 or $5 million general obligation bond issue, or whether they are undecided. On each of the questions, approximately one-third of the audience raised their hands. . The City Manager stated that, based on the comments received, it appears people don't want any more property taxes. He stated that the City forwarded the general obligation bond as a possible funding source which is currently available to cities. He stated that if the City could obtain the authority to implement a local option gasoline tax, or if the County Commission could be convinced that a local option gasoline tax is needed, then that might become a viable source of funding that could be considered. Mr. Bill Davis, 307 South Bozeman Avenue, noted the importance of getting people to vote. He noted that he has served as an election judge for several years; and local elections typically attract a 17-percent turnout. Mayor Vincent thanked those who have attended and participated in this town meeting. He then adjourned the meeting at 9: 14 p.m. . ATTEST: J ~J: ;;( J2llw:~ RaiN L. SULLIVAN Clerk of the Commission 05-19-94 Town