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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102108 Planning Board Minutes MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2008 ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE President JP Pomnichowski called the regular meeting of the Planning Board to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, Montana and directed the secretary to take attendance. Members Present: Staff Present: JP Pomnichowski, President Andy Epple, Director of Planning Cathy Costakis (arrived at 7:25 p.m.) Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner Dawn Smith Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Donna Swarthout Chris Mehl Brian Caldwell Sean Becker Members Absent: Guests Present: Erik Henyon, Vice President (excused) Bill Quinn (excused) 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.} Seeing there was no public comment forthcoming, President Pomnichowski closed this portion of the meeting. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 7, 2008 Donna Swarthout stated she was excused from the meeting and asked that the minutes be changed to reflect the excused absence. Seeing there were no additional changes, additions or corrections to the minutes, President Pomnichowski stated that the minutes from October 7, 2008 will stand as revised. ITEM 5. BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE 1. Review and discussion of Chapter 9 – Environmental Quality & Critical Lands (Thorpe) Assistant Planner Keri Thorpe presented the Staff Report. She stated that much of information from the previous plan will be retained; however, there are some additional areas that need to be addressed, including global climate change, alternative energy resources and sustainability. She noted that, with guidance from Clarion and Associates, staff is trying to make the comprehensive plan a shorter document with a new format that makes it easier to understand. Assistant Planner Thorpe stated the biggest portion of the additions will pertain to sustainability which is a broad, moving target. The Assistant Planner drew attention to the list of items under Section 9.1, stressing that this is not a complete list, but one that simply provides examples of environmental items that need protection. She then drew attention to Appendix E, which includes a list of existing policies, programs and plans. She recognized that the writing in this draft is somewhat disjointed and assured the Board that she will correct those problems. She concluded by stating she has not yet started working on the implementation policies, and requested Board advice and suggestions. President JP Pomnichowski commended Assistant Planner Thorpe on her work, noting this chapter has been well fleshed out and stating she is pleased with the progress being made. Responding to Donna Swarthout, Assistant Planner Thorpe acknowledged that recycling and reuse are in the climate change action plan and are included in that reference, even though they are not specifically identified in this Bozeman 2020 Community Plan update. Donna Swarthout asked that the 3Rs—reduce, reuse and recycle—be specifically addressed in this document rather than included under another broad plan. She feels this issue should be elevated to a higher level where it is its own goal with its own implementation policies, particularly since the City has a new recycling program coming on line soon. She also suggested there could be more options made available for recycling along Main Street and within public spaces. Chris Mehl stated he has identified a number of small items, noting that very few physical features follow political boundaries. He also noted that the consultants have recommended the regional portion of the plan be beefed up. He acknowledged that the appendix is the appropriate place for the items that have been included in it. He then suggested that the list on the first page of this chapter be condensed, using more general topics such as “water” rather than identifying multiple issues pertaining to water. He also suggested that noxious weeds and noise be included in the list rather than being contained in the narrative below the listing. Assistant Planner Thorpe responded that the listing versus narrative was her attempt to identify the difference between protection and control. Chris Mehl noted that he comes from a conservation perspective, and he would like to see something in the document that indicates this will save taxpayer monies and that it’s the right thing to do. He recognized that these are not motivations but are factors to be recognized. He also noted that some of the photos have captions while others do not, and characterized this is a distraction. He also suggested that hyperlinks be included in the text, particularly for references to other documents. He concluded by asking for Board input on whether objectives should be repeated, particularly since every effort is being made to reduce the length of the document and to eliminate redundancy. JP Pomnichowski stated that, while she feels there are times where it might be appropriate to repeat objectives because they pertain to different issues, it is important to keep the word count down. Chris Mehl asked that people referenced in the plan be identified by title or a summary of their expertise. Brian Caldwell voiced concern that this community is no longer recycling as it used to, and suggested that not recycling glass could be a part of the reason. JP Pomnichowski linked Mr. Caldwell’s comments to Ms. Swarthout’s comments, and suggested that the narrative include a statement that says the community is to be more responsible with its resources and to encourage enhanced recycling efforts in the future. She reminded the Board that this is the vision document for the next twenty years – or at least the next five to seven years. Donna Swarthout stated she has language from the USEPA for the 3Rs that she would be willing to share with staff if the Board so directs. A majority of the Board members expressed interest in doing so. JP Pomnichowski noted that the third paragraph under Goal 9.2 talks about alternative energy and energy resources, and suggested that a new paragraph be added that talks about the 3Rs. She suggested that paragraph could include an overview of past practices and encourage the community to be the most forward community in recycling that it possibly can be. She recognized that the objectives and implementation policies will further flesh out the goals; and she expects these issues to be addressed at that time. Brian Caldwell noted that it is important to educate those doing projects about lighting strategies and practices as well as other issues. President Pomnichowski suggested that the Planning Office be tasked with developing a brochure on lighting, similar to the others that it has on file to assist in educating the community. Dawn Smith asked if this is the only chapter that addresses conservation of resources, suggesting that if it is, other conservation measures should also be identified. She noted the City has incentive programs for conservation, such as the water rebate program for changing out toilets to new low flow toilets. Donna Swarthout suggested that the 3Rs should also be mentioned in the chapter on economic development and that turning recycling products into goods to be resold in the community should be encouraged. Sean Becker encouraged the use of hyperlinks to connect to the documents of other jurisdictions, such as those on wildland fires and the Gallatin National Forest Plan. He also asked that the Wetlands Review Board look at this chapter if possible, to ensure that it adequately addresses the critical lands. He stated a discussion on non-jurisdictional wetlands is needed, particularly since this chapter does not apply to those areas. He identified a need to market existing services, such as the toxic waste dump at the City’s landfill. He then expressed his support for looking at the community’s footprint and at the cost of recycling in addition to its benefits. He stated that reference to the stormwater plan and run-off systems is important as well as identifying out-of-compliance systems in the community. Assistant Planner Keri Thorpe stated that the implementation component of the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan needs to be updated to include reference to the stormwater plan. Sean Becker noted that other environmental quality contributors are included in other sections of the growth policy but, while transportation is discussed, public transit is not. He characterized the transit system as a significant factor that should be tied to subdivision design, zoning and land use and requested that a stronger reference be included. Cathy Costakis stated she feels vehicle miles traveled should be identified, and there should be benchmarks for determining whether the vehicle miles traveled are decreasing appropriately. She noted that 30 to 40 percent of carbon emissions are generated by vehicles, and that is a huge sustainability factor. She also noted that wetlands is appropriately addressed in the plan, but she suggested that drought resistant plants be included as well as capturing of run-off before it enters the stormwater system. Assistant Planner Thorpe indicated that climate change is part of the community action plan and, while funding of the Streamline bus system is mentioned, public transit is not discussed at length. She then stated that she sees the capture of run-off falling under implementation policies rather than in this chapter. JP Pomnichowski stated she feels that each of the items in the list on the first page deserves its own mention, noting that they serve different purposes and functions. She suggested, however, that reference to wetland buffer be changed to riparian area protection and that water quantity be added to the list. She would also like to see some reference to agricultural uses, particularly since several agricultural irrigation facilities run through the city. She noted that those facilities are not always streams but they are functioning waterways that need protection. She then asked that the Montana Water Center and the Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators’ Association be added under “E” in the appendix. She further asked that gray water capture be included in the plan. She stressed the importance of addressing water quantity, since Bozeman is located in a closed valley and there is a definite relationship between surface water and groundwater. She concluded by requesting that an opening statement be added regarding how environmental quality and critical lands relate to land use. President Pomnichowski opened the meeting to public comment. Seeing there was no public comment, the comment period was closed. ITEM 4. SPECIAL PRESENTATION – Cathy Costakis Cathy Costakis gave a lengthy power point presentation on the issue of obesity trends in the United States and how planning and zoning can help to address it. Cathy Costakis began her presentation with several slides regarding obesity trends, noting that they are based on height and weight and self-reported data. In 1985, Montana was in the 10-14 percent category. In 1991, a category for 15-19 percent obesity was added, and in 1992 Montana went to that category. In 1997, a category for over 20 percent was added, and in 2001 a category for over 25 percent was added; and Montana went to the 20-24 percent category. She stated that researchers have found that in this self-reported data, women tend to under-report weight and men tend to over-report height. Responding to Sean Becker, Cathy Costakis stated that body mass index is used to determine obesity, but an easy benchmark is being 30 pounds overweight. Cathy Costakis identified several chronic diseases that are directly related to obesity, including heart disease and diabetes. She noted that the nation spends $117 billion annually to address those illnesses, and much of that burden is borne by cities and counties through the services they provide. Cathy Costakis stated there is a clear connection between public health and the built environment. In her professional life she is a health practitioner, and one of the things they are working on is a statewide project on increasing physical activity, improving the built and natural environment, and increasing access to healthy foods. She stressed that there is a clear connection between public health and the built environment. Cathy Costakis stated that obesity is influenced by a lot of spheres, including government, where one lives and where one works. Because of these factors, she noted that planning and public health have a lot of history, dating back to the 1900s. She stated that planning and zoning were implemented in the early 1900s to separate factories and residences and, with that separation has come an increase in vehicle miles traveled and an alarmingly similar increase in obesity. At Ms. Costakis’ request, Dr. Pam Hiebert gave a brief synopsis of her view of the problems created by obesity. She noted that, as an internist in Bozeman for twenty years, she has seen the increase in obesity and the attendant health problems. She noted that increased exercise can delay the onset and progress of Alzheimers. She stated it is important to make opportunities for exercise available in the community, and this can be done through providing parks, a safe and attractive walking environment and public transportation. She noted the School Board is interested in preventing obesity in students and in providing safety for those walking to school. She suggested that addressing the issue will result huge cost savings to the community in the form of reduced medical bills and less missed work. She noted that a decrease in junk food and fast food should be encouraged, and increased access to healthy food should be provided. She concluded by stating doctors agree that planning within the community can make a big change in the current trends. Cathy Costakis noted that the safe routes to school was a great public/private partnership and has resulted in identifying safe walking routes for all of the elementary schools. The projects that will provide those safe routes have been added to the capital improvement projects in the transportation plan update. She stated that parents perceive distance and traffic as hazards and find a higher comfort level when their children are indoors and safe; however, that has led to the increased obesity rate in students. Cathy Costakis showed several slides from her Great Pacific Northwest Tour, noting that one was viewed as one of the most livable places and yet has very dense development. She stressed that planning is paramount in dense development; and density is essential in providing many of the desired amenities, including public gathering places and public transportation. She noted that in Vancouver, there are small cottage houses with clustered parking, residential uses above retail establishments, tall towers that are spaced and oriented so that everyone has a view of the water and the mountains, and a waterfront that is totally open to the public. Cathy Costakis turned her attention to Davis, California, with its amazing system of greenways that provides a very safe environment for children and adults alike. She showed pictures of the bike racks at a high school in Davis, noting that many of the students used the greenway to bicycle to school. In that community, she noted the trees and green infrastructure provide traffic calming, and public art is everywhere in the community. She stated that social connectedness is also critical for health, noting that people who are isolated are not as healthy as those who socialize. Cathy Costakis showed slides of a pedestrian pathway and bridge over the interstate and a bridge with a viewing platform where pedestrians can stop to watch whales and other attractions in the water. She then showed slides of a sustainable housing project that replaced a public housing development constructed during World War II. The project included new streets and a demonstration storm water management project that includes porous materials, native grasses and plants and attractive drainage systems. She concluded by noting that Seattle has a green building team in the City’s Planning Department. Chris Mehl noted that these slides are from very large communities and asked, with land costs so much cheaper in Bozeman, what incentives might be used to encourage commercial development to provide structured parking. JP Pomnichowski noted that the North 7th Avenue corridor plan includes public art. She then stated that the City develops when developers decide to develop; and that is how the community has come to be the shape it is. Brian Caldwell noted that applicants present mixed use projects; however, they never seem to be in the right place and there is something wrong with every proposal. He suggested that a lot of people want to embrace the concepts that have been raised, but there is always a sacrifice attached. He noted that creating a functional PUD process rather than the current “neutered” process might be a small step toward creating the type of development that Cathy Costakis is promoting. Cathy Costakis stated she does not feel the community should replicate North 19th Avenue, noting it is not good land use and does not provide a walkable environment. Cathy Costakis turned attention to her recommendations, stressing that political will is essential in making changes. She would like to see a vision statement in the plan that states an active lifestyle is important. She feels that health impacts and sustainability considerations should be included in community development decisions. She also proposed some wording changes in goals to promote healthy living and encourage more public/private partnerships. She stressed that density needs to not be a dirty word but a concept that is embraced. Sean Becker noted that the Commission dealt with so many details when reviewing a project that the planning priorities were sometimes overlooked. Donna Swarthout suggested that this issue be placed on the agenda for discussion; President Pomnichowski stated she supports that suggestion and asked that it be placed on the next agenda. Director of Planning Epple asked Ms. Costakis to e-mail the last eight or ten slides, with their specific recommendations, to staff for review and to provide a basis from which to begin discussion. ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS Brian Caldwell reported on the update of the downtown neighborhood plan, noting that he was pleased with how succinctly the meeting’s business was done. He noted the advisory group is trying to set up a clear selection process for the work to be done and reviewed the criteria for selection of a consultant to help with the plan update for the downtown core area. He stated that Missoula spent about $350,000 on a redevelopment plan for the city core, and the group plans to uses a few of their ideas for the RFP process. Responding to President Pomnichowski, Chris Mehl stated that Prospera is meeting every three weeks and is scheduled to have its survey completed in February. JP Pomnichowski noted that the County Planning Board is meeting next Tuesday night, and the agenda includes a meeting with representatives of the City Planning Board regarding the City’s process for update of its growth plan, since the County will be updating its growth policy next year. She asked that Assistant Director of Planning Chris Saunders send an example chapter and a copy of his synopsis of the process to date to the County Planning Board members so they have the information prior to the meeting. She noted the meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. and encouraged all interested Bozeman Planning Board members to attend. ITEM 7. ADJOURNMENT Seeing there was no further business before the Board, President Pomnichowski adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m. __________________________________ __________________________________ JP Pomnichowski, President Chris Saunders, Assistant Director Planning Board Planning & Community Development City of Bozeman City of Bozeman