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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080508 Planning Board MinutesMINUTES CITY OF BOZEMAN PLANNING BOARD COMMUNITY ROOM, GALLATIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2008 ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE President JP Pomnichowski called the regular meeting of the Planning Board to order at 7:03 p.m. and directed the secretary to take attendance. Members Present: JP Pomnichowski, President Erik Henyon Chris Mehl Cathy Costakis Sean Becker Brian Caldwell Donna Swarthout William Quinn Members Absent: Staff Present: Jody Sanford, Senior Planner Chris Saunders, Assistant Director of Planning Shoni Dykstra, Planning Secretary Guests Present: Monika Johnson Wendy Weaver Randy Carpenter Rob Pertzborn ITEM 2. PUBLIC COMMENT (0-15 MINUTES) {Limited to any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board and not scheduled on this agenda. Three-minute time limit per speaker.} Monika Johnson of Madison Engineering stated she had a conversation with Andy Epple, the Planning Director regarding Tract 19A of the Homesites Subdivision. At his suggestion she was addressing the Board due to the revision and review of the land use designations. She stated the property fronts North 19th, and they would like the underlying growth policy updated to Business Park. She stated the property is currently zoned R-O and the change would allow for a greater flexibility of uses such as personal convenience shops, coffee shops, delis, and support services. She noted it would allow development to become more walkable and provide for the amenities along the corridor. President Pomnichowski sought clarification if an application would be presented. Ms. Johnson noted an application had already been denied, and if the underlying growth policy was not changed, another application would be brought forward. Brian Caldwell sought clarification on the proposed change with regard to R-O restrictions. Ms. Johnson responded the underlying designation was the purpose of the change, and then they would move forward with a zone map amendment. Mr. Henyon asked if infrastructure had already been installed. Ms. Johnson responded the basic infrastructure was already there and office space had been approved, but the change would allow for more flexibility for the different types of businesses who could buy or lease the spaces. Seeing no other public comment, President Pomnichowski closed this portion of the meeting. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF JULY 15, 2008. Sean Becker noted his statement under C should end, “the City should build out with a hard edge.” Cathy Costakis noted on page three it should read, it takes roughly 6,000 persons per service area to support commercial nodes rather than 6,000 persons per acre. It was moved by Donna Swarthout, seconded by Chris Mehl, to amend the minutes of July 15, 2008 as stated. Those voting Aye being Ms. Swarthout, Mr. Mehl, Mr. Becker, Ms. Costakis, Bill Quinn, and President Pomnichowski. Those abstaining being Erik Henyon and Mr. Caldwell. Those voting No being none. The motion carried 6-0. ITEM 4. BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE Presentation by Bozeman Sustainability Group Wendy Weaver of Engineering, Inc noted the Bozeman Sustainability Group had begun meeting several months ago. She noted the objective was to meet the needs of the growing community without compromising the unique qualities that make Bozeman the community it is. She noted the Group had developed the following vision statement for the Group: The community of Bozeman recognizes its responsibility to meet the challenges of growth and change in a manner that sustains our natural and built environment for future generations. Bozeman commits itself as a leader on the path to sustainability. We will work with our neighbors in the Gallatin Valley and the Greater Yellowstone Area to meet the needs of the present without compromising the next generation’s ability to meet its needs. Ms. Weaver stated the Group had also developed a preliminary matrix to emphasize the different strategies, activities, and outcomes related to sustainability and conservation. She stated the result was not comprehensive, but that it was a good start and they were beginning to seek feedback from other entities. Mr. Caldwell sought clarification on how the Group would like to apply the strategies listed and how it would be applicable to projects. Ms. Weaver responded it would ideally cover all projects as well as encourage the implementation of sustainability and conservation in the daily lives of Bozemanites. Mr. Henyon sought clarification on the implications of adopting the matrix. Ms. Weaver responded the matrix contained overarching ideas and she was not sure what would be the best method of adopting them. Mr. Henyon sought clarification if members of the Group were also members of Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA). Ms. Weaver responded there were probably people who were members of both, and the intent was to try to reach as many people as possible. Mr. Henyon suggested getting SWMBIA involved as builders and developers would be directly impacted by the implementation of sustainability standards. Ms. Swarthout sought clarification on the City’s involvement with the Group and on the process the Group has gone through to incorporate public process. Ms. Weaver responded the City and the County were invited to participate. She stated Planning Director Epple had attended the first meeting and encouraged the Group to move forward. She also stated Mr. Becker had been involved, and Planners Chris Saunders and Jody Sanford had received emails from the Group keeping them informed of what was taking place. Mr. Mehl sought clarification on a statement regarding the current growth not being sustainable and how that related to the implementation of the Group’s ideas. Ms. Weaver responded if growth continued without change, future generations would not enjoy the same place we do today. She stated a lot can be done to preserve the aspects we love about Bozeman. Mr. Mehl sought input regarding communities in situations similar to Bozeman’s and what research had revealed as far as viability of adopted programs related to sustainability. Ms. Weaver responded the Group had researched areas and found a wide variety of implemented tools aimed at conservation and sustainability. Ms. Costakis thanked the Group for their work to date. She sought clarification on the adoption of LEED standards and the Greater Yellowstone Framework. Ms. Weaver noted they were both standards the City should encourage, but the most important aspect the Group would like incorporated in the Update is the vision statement. Randy Carpenter noted the matrix was to help identify and articulate what sustainability means and what it might entail. He noted many of the strategies were already being implemented. He stated a goal or implementation policy could be achieving a certification under the Greater Yellowstone Framework. President Pomnichowski noted the information the Group brought forward could be implemented within the Update. Mr. Caldwell stated sustainability is referenced in the current Growth Policy, but there are not incentives behind it. He would like to promote implementation through a process similar to form based zoning or through PUD incentives or in another way. He emphasized the Update should include ways to encourage sustainable and conservation practices. Ms. Weaver noted incentives were key to builders and developers coming forward with new projects. Mr. Becker noted Bozeman has taken a leadership position with regard to sustainability. He noted sustainability and conservation practices will always bear fruit and provide a positive impact on the community. Mr. Caldwell noted that the discussion can be focused on the optimum percentages within the different land use designations to become more effective. Mr. Mehl thanked the Group for coming, and asked for further communication regarding details of successful implementation by other communities, becoming ambassadors within the community to continue promoting sustainability, and to study the effects of incorporating percentages as incentives. Mr. Carpenter stated the Group became a group because they want to make a difference in the area. He stated the City should have a bold goal with respect to sustainability. He stated the Group was going to continue working on measureable goals. Review of chapters and appendices to date Planner Saunders stated additional word smithing and adjustments could come after tonight’s discussion, but recognizing direction with corrections or omissions of information were the focus for the discussion. He stated the land use designations and chapter were where the majority of the changes had taken place to date. Chapter 1 Planner Sanford stated the first two chapters and appendices had been reformatted and minor changes had been made between the existing plan and the drafts. She noted the driving force behind the changes was feedback provided by Clarion. Mr. Quinn stated he liked Chapters 1 and 2. The format was concise and was more user-friendly. Ms. Swarthout stated she had editorial comments that she would like to give to Staff after the meeting, but she also had brief clarifications she would like made. She noted under section 1.2 there was a bullet stating, “An active citizenry composed of diverse, interesting and friendly people.” She stated since it is a part of the vision statement other descriptors such as active and engaged should be used rather than friendly. She also noted that under G-1.1 ensuring the process of growth is also conducted in an open and orderly manner with a focus on transparency should be included. Planner Saunders responded that particular goal was referencing the physical layout and planning rather than the public process, but the wording of the goal could be changed to include both the physical and the public process. Ms. Swarthout noted G-1.4 only mentioned energy and water conservation but air and land conservation could be easily included by changing the wording to “natural resource conservation”. Mr. Mehl sought clarification on the contents of the executive statement. Planner Saunders responded it would include an overview of the chapters and appendices and would be the last portion of the Update developed. Ms. Costakis stated under 1.2 the bullet point referencing safety and quality of life should also include health. She also noted health should be included in the statement G-1.3. Planner Saunders noted his only concern with including health in the goal would be due to the corresponding code updates due to different jurisdictions. Mr. Henyon stated he was in agreement with Ms. Costakis and the need to emphasize health and welfare in the chapter. He stated he did not like the word “require” being included in the Update as he would much rather use the word “encourage” in the vision document. Planner Saunders responded projects that satisfy the goals and intentions are acceptable, but regulatory language would still need to be followed. Ms. Swarthout stated she would like to use require and recommend at different times based on the situation. President Pomnichowski stated she supports the usage of require as requirements can be met in a number of different ways. President Pomnichowski sought clarification on the language currently used in the Growth Policy. Planner Saunders noted that the language reflected the current Plan. President Pomnichowski stated a change in wording would ease the burden for new applications. Mr. Henyon noted policy is policy, but the Board should be careful about the use of require when incentives could be used instead. President Pomnichowski agreed. Chapter 2 Mr. Mehl stated Chapters 1 and 2 should be reversed as Chapter 2 is more about how great Bozeman is and less textbook like. He also noted 2.1 the beginning statement should replace “Place” with “City”. Planner Sanford noted the switch could easily be made. Mr. Henyon noted Chapter 2 being first would be more logical. Ms. Swarthout noted in section 2.3 the last bullet point could be more expansive as she was not sure what was being improved after reading it. Ms. Costakis noted health should be included with safety and welfare in the first paragraph of the chapter. She also noted it could be included in the second paragraph as well. Mr. Mehl stated the heading Community Plan Elements could be changed to Chapters as it would be clearer for the general public. Planner Saunders noted it could be changed, but plans usually used the word elements to reference different aspects of the Plan. Appendix A President Pomnichowski noted the second paragraph under A.1.2 the future quality and quantity of groundwater was not uncertain but critical as all the water has been over appropriated. Mr. Henyon noted the pictures included could be offset by current pictures to demonstrate where we have been and where we are currently. Appendix B Mr. Henyon stated the latest information from the census would be close to a decade old at publication and he would like estimates included. Planner Sanford noted the population trends were revealed through the study even though current information wasn’t included. She noted the second table did include estimates, but including the estimates would be misleading as information would be presented in different time increments. Mr. Mehl noted the blending of data sources affected the reliability of the information presented and there was a footnote in the table. Mr. Henyon noted some of the data in the chapter is from the 1980’s and he would prefer to see more up to date information even if it did not fit the model. Mr. Caldwell stated the information is what is currently available. Mr. Henyon responded local entities had more up to date information. Mr. Quinn noted that it is historically depicted by decade and did not feel estimates needed to be included as long as they were on the following page. It was decided that additional research could be brought forward by Board members to be included. Chapter 7 Planner Saunders noted the land use chapter had not been reformatted at this point. He stated the goals and objectives have remained largely the same with LU-4 addressing sustainability. Mr. Caldwell noted broadly speaking the land use designations effectively hits what the Board has been discussing with regard to the future land use category. Mr. Henyon stated he was pleased with the land use categories. He sought clarification on what was referenced by strengthening the historic core of Bozeman. Planner Saunders responded it was the area within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District which included residential, commercial, and industrial uses and was further addressed in the Historic Chapter. Mr. Henyon noted the Update should include a clear definition of what is “historic” as blanket statements could devalue the truly historically significant properties and areas. Planner Saunders responded the Historic Preservation Board was going to be providing a definition. Ms. Costakis noted including well designed areas impact on sense of place could be important. Planner Saunders responded the concept of design component was mentioned but could be strengthened. Ms. Costakis noted that LU-1.2 which addresses the City’s policies and ensuring that sprawl is not encouraged by City actions could be changed to state sprawl is discouraged by City actions. President Pomnichowski stated she likes the current language as annexations are not always adjacent to the City limits, but are beneficial to the community as a whole. Planner Saunders noted the City recognizes different entities have different time frames and the language in the glossary allows for different checks and balances with regard to sprawl. Ms. Swarthout noted that the change to discourage would imply taking a stronger stance. President Pomnichowski responded that discouraging would imply the denial of projects and she felt not encouraged is sufficient. Mr. Caldwell noted not encouraging implied the lack of promotion while discouraging implied taking steps to raise a barrier. President Pomnichowski encouraged members to come up with different wording for the sentence. Mr. Henyon stated that the City did encourage sprawl at times with policies it adopted. Mr. Quinn stated the City is taking a leadership role and the language should be strong with regard to sprawl. President Pomnichowski stated she liked the sustainability section under 10.2 and sought clarification on the process of incorporating the vision paragraph from the Bozeman Sustainability Group. Planner Saunders noted it might make a nice sidebar within the Chapter. Mr. Mehl sought clarification on implementing a policy to measure the cumulative effect of a project on an area. Planner Saunders responded with an example that Traffic Impact Studies incorporated that information. President Pomnichowski noted it would be relevant to have information which affects the community as a whole when it came to project reviews. President Pomnichowski noted LU-4.3 does not include commercial node or commercial center as a focal point. She would also like to see a side bar near 7.4 referencing floor area ratios and their calculations. Appendix X Land Use Mr. Caldwell noted the Urban Mixed Use zoning had been adopted but it was not referenced. Planner Saunders noted it had not been mapped at the time the inventory was completed. Mr. Mehl stated a parenthetical reference or footnote could reference that. Mr. Henyon stated the allowable uses within each designation should be included. Mr. Caldwell suggested referencing the UDO instead as changes were periodically made. The general consensus was to provide a link to the information. Ms. Costakis sought clarification on where green infrastructure would fit within the Update. Planner Saunders responded it would be included in many different areas but the public facilities chapter had a section devoted to forestry. Chapter 8 Planner Saunders noted between the chapter and its appendix the information is almost identical to what is used currently. He stated there is a pending proposal to formally fund an economic development plan for the City. Ms. Swarthout noted no public hearings have happened to date on the economic development chapter, and the economic development plan was too far out to incorporate within the Update. She sought direction on being able to delve into the materials in depth and incentives the Board could incorporate within the chapter. Mr. Caldwell encouraged members of the Board to appeal to the Commission with regard to the funding proposal. Planner Saunders noted economic development could be on the next meeting agenda. President Pomnichowski stated ED-2.2 called out Gallatin County’s agricultural character, but made no mention of the tourism revenue. Ms. Swarthout stated she would like to address the employer side as well as the labor side of the topic. Planner Saunders responded there are a variety of organizations which would have relevant information with regard to economic development. President Pomnichowski noted ED-3.1 could be strengthened and have more emphasis placed on it. Mr. Henyon stated he had resubmitted a document with regard to the economic development plan. He noted the chapter should be much more in depth and highlighted various points from his white paper. Appendix X Economic Development Mr. Henyon sought clarification on the difference in charts with regard to the demographic information. Planner Saunders responded the charts had come from different sources. He also noted if the funding was approved for the development of an Economic Development Plan the appendix would be replaced by the adopted Plan. Chapter 10 PROST Plan Planner Sanford stated the adopted PROST Plan would serve as the appendix for Chapter 10. Ms. Costakis noted education regarding the trail system was important and including way finding signs would promote parks and trails. Mr. Mehl stated GVLT was installing a color coded sign for the trail at the library. Planner Sanford noted uniform signage and having maps available were stipulations within the PROST Plan. Ms. Costakis noted she would like education of the public regarding the existing trails to be more prominent. Mr. Henyon noted Safe Routes to School (SRTS) was not mentioned as an implementation policy. President Pomnichowski responded the PROST Plan, Transportation Plan, the Climate Action Plan (CAP) all mentioned SRTS. President Pomnichowski sought clarification on where the CAP would be included within the Update. Planner Saunders responded it would be referenced in the Public Services and Facilities. ITEM 5. NEW BUSINESS Planner Saunders noted that the Board had received a letter of public comment in their packets and another letter during the course of the meeting. President Pomnichowski noted she had forwarded an email as well. Mr. Mehl sought clarification on the Board’s intent of including three open ended questions on the National Citizen’s Survey for $1500. He noted there were three questions which were going to be purchased and which would be chosen from submittals from all of the departments. Mr. Quinn stated he does not think the questions would be applicable after the Update is completed. Mr. Becker encouraged submittals to be considered for the three open questions. President Pomnichowski noted she would like to submit consideration for the open questions. Mr. Caldwell noted he would not be at the September 3, 2008 meeting. Mr. Becker noted he would not be at the August 19, 2008 meeting. Ms. Costakis noted she would not be at the September 3, 2008 meeting. ITEM 6. ADJOURNMENT Seeing there were no further issues before the Board, President Pomnichowski adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m. __________________________________ __________________________________ JP Pomnichowski, President Chris Saunders, Assistant Director Planning Board Planning & Community Development City of Bozeman City of Bozeman