HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-13 ccm
~. . .
MINUTES OF THE
MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
October 13, 1992
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. The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in regular session in the Commission Room,
Municipal Building, October 13, 1992, at 3:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Swanson, Commissioner
Frost, Commissioner Vincent, Commissioner Knapp, City Manager Wysocki, City Attorney Luwe
and Clerk of the Commission Sullivan. Commissioner Stiff was absent in compliance with Section
7-3-4322(2) M.C.A.
The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
None of the Commissioners
requested that any of the Consent Items be removed for
discussion.
Minutes - October 5. 1992
It was moved by
Commissioner Frost, seconded by Commissioner Vincent, that the
.minutes of the regular meeting of October 5, 1992, be approved as amended. The motion carried
by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost, Commissioner
Vincent, Commissioner Knapp and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none.
Discussion ~ recognition of volunteers
City Manager Wysocki
reminded the Commission that Commissioner Knapp had requested
this item for discussion.
Commissioner Knapp
distributed a memo forwarding several issues which she feel the
Commission should discuss and make decisions on.
She reminded the Commission that last
September, the Commission conducted an open house to recognize the City's volunteers at the
Lindley Park Center; and it was the general consensus following the event that it be done again.
.Shenoted that these open houses are conducted for two reasons: (1) to keep in touch with the
volunteers and (2) to honor them for their efforts.
She then forwarded her suggestion that the
Commission meet with its boards and commissions on an annual basis, noting those meetings
l
should be brief and convenient. She suggested that during those meetings, the board/commission
could provide an annual report with recommendations for changes to make them more effective.
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Commissioner Knapp
then suggested that if the Commission decides to conduct an open
house this year,
it should be held in mid-November or mid-January. She also suggested that the
location of the
open house be moved to a different City facility each year, to make the volunteers
.a more aware of the various departments, their facilities and duties.
~ Commissioner Knapp
asked if there are any volunteers which the Commission would like
to honor with either
an outstanding service award or a long-term award this year. She also asked
how the volunteers
should be notified, particularly since last year's process of calling everyone
seemed to be an
ineffective use of time for two individuals.
Commissioner Knapp
then asked that the Commission determine whether to have an open
house to recognize
volunteers this year and, if so, when and where; determine whether to pursue
annual meetings
with the boards and commissions; decide on an awards policy; and decide on how
the volunteers
are to be notified.
Mayor Swanson asked
for a straw vote on whether an open house should be held; the
Commissioners concurred
there should be one. A majority further concurred that such an open
~ house should be held in the summer at the Lindley Park Center, so that both the indoor and outdoor
.,.,
facilities could
be enjoyed.
The Commissioners
then concurred that having an annual meeting with the various boards
and commissions
would be beneficial. They noted that these meetings should be held in the
evening, with possibly
five or six different boards scheduled each evening. They also recognized
that, while the
public may be in attendance at those meetings, it would be beneficial to retain as
much of the discussion
between the Commission and the board as possible, since the public input
could become disruptive
and confrontational in some instances.
The Commission
then discussed the possible development of an awards policy. Following
that discussion,
it was generally accepted that nominations should be solicited for the Commission
. award, with the Commission making the final decision on who should receive the award. It was
also recognized
that the Mayor's award should be determined by the Mayor, with no formalized
external process.
They also discussed the possibility of making two different awards for each this
year, either one for 1992 and one for 1993, or one for special recognition of a job well done and
one for long-term service.
Executive Director
of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce Daria Joyner noted that
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the Chamber has
been considering the idea of a community volunteer recognition program. She
then suggested
the possibility of the City and the Chamber working together to develop a program
that will recognize
all community volunteers under one umbrella.
Commissioner Knapp
noted the City essentially has two different types of volunteers--
. those that are appointed by the Commission to serve on various boards and commissions, and
those who serve
as departmental volunteers, i.e., senior citizens, recreation and the library. She
then suggested
that the notifications of the open house should recognize those differences.
Mayor Swanson indicated
a willingness to draft two different letters, one for board
members and one
for departmental volunteers, with those letters thanking them for their
contributions and
inviting them to attend the open house scheduled for their recognition.
The Mayor then
asked Commissioner Knapp to assume the role of organizing this effort.
Reconsideration
of date and Dlace for auction sale of sDecified Vallev Unit Subdivision Drocerties
The City Manager
reminded the Commission that they had set the tentative date and place
for the auction
sale at the regular meeting of September 21. He noted, however, that with the
. offer to purchase four of those lots, which was received at the September 28 meeting, and the
Commission's decision
at last week's meeting to accept that offer, it is necessary to change the
date and place
of the auction to allow sufficient time for advertising and preparing for the sale. The
City Manager then
recommended that the Commission change the date of the sale to Wednesday,
November 4, and
the location to the Holiday Inn, with Lots 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A deleted from the
sale and the fair
market values and terms for sale of the remaining lots to be as originally set.
It was moved by
Commissioner Vincent, seconded by Commissioner Knapp, that the
Commission re-establish
the time, date and place for the auction of specified Valley Unit
Subdivision properties
as follows: 1 :00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, at the Holiday Inn; and
confirm the fair
market values for those specified lots to be sold at the public auction, as follows:
. Lot
~ Fair Market Value
38
1 $ 25,592.
48
1 19,190.
58
1 19,190.
68
1 38,379.
Unolatted
cas 1 510
Tr A 241,215.
cas 1 509
Tr A 769,994.
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and that the terms of the sale be set forth as follows:
20 percent of the purchase price as the
down payment; that the balance be carried by the City for a five-year period at an interest rate of
7 percent, unless the buyer builds within one year from the date of sale, in which case the rate will
be reduced to 5 percent, retroactive to the date of sale; with semi-annual payments; and that
.Mandeville Auction Service and Security Title Company be retained for said sale. The motion
carried by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Vincent,
Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Frost and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none.
Work Session - aeneral Commission discussion
The City Manager reminded the Commissioners that they had set aside time for this type
of item on the agenda whenever possible on a Tuesday meeting following a Monday holiday.
Mayor Swanson asked any interested Commissioner to forward any topic for discussion.
(1 ) Commissioner Vincent
stated that he does not have a topic which he wishes to
forward at this time; however, he forwarded one which he wants the Commission to consider at
some time in the future.
He noted that with the current level of management which the
. Commission has, the workload and time commitment are quite extensive; and it appears that the
load will only increase in the foreseeable future. He then expressed concern that with the number
and length of meetings, Commissioners become unable to bring their best to each and every
meeting.
Commissioner Vincent also noted that the compensation for Commissioners is relatively
low, which could be a disincentive for some people who may wish to serve. He noted, however,
that when this issue was discussed during the budgeting process, it was the consensus of a
majority of the Commission that the current compensation is adequate.
Commissioner Knapp noted that the function of local government is reviewed every ten
years by a Local Government Study Commission; and that process should occur again within the
'. next five years. She suggested that any documentation which the City Commission might develop
over the next three or four years could be helpful to the Study Commission in its work.
Commissioner Knapp then noted that the Commission's management function is quite
limited, since it only has two employees; and its main function is to make policy decisions. She
noted that much of the impact on the Commission and the length of its meetings has been the
direct result of the new master plan and zone code; and those issues should possibly be reviewed.
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She suggested that one zone code amendment that should be seriously considered is to change the
code so that all variance requests are submitted to the Board of Adjustment, like they were under
the old code. She
noted this type of request seems to be taking a considerable amount of
Commission time; and she feels it is appropriate that those decisions be made by a non-political
.bOdY since three specific criteria must be met.
Commissioner Vincent noted Mayor Swanson's recent retirement, which provides greater
flexibility for him to accept many of the mayoral types of activities.
He noted, however, that in
slightly over a year, he will become Mayor; and his full-time jOb must take priority over welcome
addresses and other mayoral activities. He suggested that at that time, the other Commissioners
may need to assist with some of those duties, becoming more actively involved.
Commissioner Frost stated he recognizes the time constraints, acknowledging that the
Commission has imposed some of the workload on itself. He noted that most people do not realize
what is involved in being a Commissioner, or the amount of time that it requires. He then stated
that he does not feel a person should run for the Commission because of the money; rather, it
should be from a desire to serve the community.
He then stated his preference for a part-time
.government rather than a full-time Commission; however, he noted that the jOb will become more
difficult as the community grows.
Commissioner Frost then suggested that the Commission establish a limit of three public
hearings a night, noting that after 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., he loses his ability to concentrate and
absorb the information being set forth. He noted that to have more evening meetings might create
another disincentive; however, he feels that is preferable to late night meetings.
Mayor Swanson noted that in 1988, there was approximately $4 million in construction;
the ten-year average is $8 million; and in 1992, there is approximately $12 million.
He then
suggested that the pressure created on the Commission is directly related to the increased
construction activity; and he anticipates that the construction boom should subside within the next
.few years. He then suggested that one of the problems in attracting candidates for City
Commission might be the public perception that the action is at the federal level rather than the
local level.
Ms. Daria Joyner, Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce, noted
it has been difficult to get business owners interested in running for City Commission, because they
feel that the position should be filled by someone who is retired or has a very flexible schedule.
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She also noted
that approximately 52 percent of the business owners in the community reside
outside city limits
and, therefore, cannot run for or vote for the City Commission.
Commissioner Frost
suggested that what has been perceived as the Mayor's duties in past
years are really
more public service activities, rather than being a part of the job description.
...... Commissioner
Vincent encouraged the Commissioners to give this topic further
~ consideration, suggesting it might be brought back for additional discussion at a later date.
(2)
Commissioner Knapp forwarded her suggestion that a zone code amendment be
considered which
would forward all variance requests to the Board of Adjustment for action, as
originally suggested
in the above discussion. She suggested that this change would free some of
the Commissioners'
time, as well as establish what she feels is a more proper procedure.
Commissioner Frost
stated that amendment is to be a part of the impending zone code
amendment process;
and he feels it should be carefully considered. He then suggested that by
revising some of
the definitions and criteria for deviations, as well as the process for making
decisions on those
applications, it might be possible to eliminate those items from Commission
consideration as
well. He noted, however, that he feels care must be taken in making that change,
.~ since there are some decisions on deviations that should possibly be more political in nature.
He
.~
also noted that
some of the items which have recently been considered under the variance process
would have been
more appropriately addressed through the deviation process.
(3)
Mayor Swanson distributed information to the Commission which he had received
as a member of
the "diaper line" committee, providing a brief update on that committee's work.
He noted that they
have established the boundaries of the study area, which is located in the
Bozeman Creek drainage
area. He stated the area includes approximately 43 square miles, with
16 percent in City
ownership, 23 percent in State ownership, and 60 percent in federal ownership.
He noted that no
private ownership is included in this study area. He then reviewed the statistics
for the federally-owned
portion of the property, noting that is the only part being considered for
. timber harvest at this time. He stated that of the 14,507 acres, 2,360 acres are suitable for timber
harvest; and 36
percent of that has already been harvested.
Mayor Swanson stated
that the next meeting of the Bozeman Creek study group is set
for October 22,
at which representatives from the State will be presenting a plan for their lands
within the study
area. He then stated that the issues which will be addressed at future meetings
of the group include
water issues, wildlife issues and recreation issues. He noted that after that,
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the group will
attempt to develop a series of projects, possibly including some trails, that they can
agree on.
At that time, they will prepare a public document and accept public input on its
. contents. He then
reviewed the members of the committee, which represent a broad spectrum of
groups and interests.
........ Responding
to Commissioner Frost, the Mayor stated that the clear cuts have been made
~ on federal land, which generally borders the City-owned properties. He then stated the next timber
sale has been scheduled
for October 1993, with work to begin during the Winter 1993. He noted
that this should
minimize damage to the area in which the timber harvest is being conducted. He
further noted it
is anticipated that the logs will be removed by mechanical means, with the trucks
to leave the Bozeman
Creek drainage by going over the top and exiting by the Langohr
Campground.
(4)
Mayor Swanson suggested that five of the most important resolutions adopted
at the recent Montana
League of Cities and Towns convention be selected and forwarded to the
candidates for
the State Legislature, for their review and comment. He then asked for Commission
response to this
idea.
... Commissioner Knapp
stated that, while she feels this is a good concept, she does not feel
..,
there is adequate
time before the election, which is only three weeks away. She also noted that
the opinions of
each community represented at the convention varied; and care must be taken to
ensure the wrong
perception is not transmitted. She then suggested that the City not forward any
information until
the synopsis from the League office has been received.
City Manager Wysocki
noted that in the past, representatives from the City have
attempted to meet
with the successful candidates between the election and the beginning of the
Legislative session,
so they can forward their concerns and interests. He suggested that the
Commission establish
a date for such a meeting, noting he will contact Alec Hansen, Executive
Director of the
League, to see if he can attend that meeting as well.
Commissioner Vincent
noted that the City could send the information to the candidates,
. on an informational basis only. He stated that at this time, the candidates are typically busy filling
out surveys and
campaigning; and they don't have the time to respond to an invitation to attend
a meeting or respond
to possible legislative issues. He then suggested it would be more beneficial
to wait until after
the election to conduct a meeting.
Mayor Swanson suggested
that the Commission set a meeting for November 16, or
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possibly November 23. He then asked the City Manager to contact Alec Hansen to see when he
would be able to attend.
Responding to Mayor
Swanson, Commissioner Vincent noted that, on balance, the State
Legislature is still a rural legislature.
He noted that with the reapportionment in 1995, that may
.change. He then stated that, typically, the Legislature does view local government as another
special interest group, like the Chamber of Commerce or any other similar group. He noted there
"is no love affair between the Legislature and local government", noting that the legislators do not
trust those in local government and further does not trust the people to vote for what they think
is right.
Mayor Swanson stated
he will draft a letter to the candidates, inviting the successful ones
to a meeting with the Commission on November 16. He then indicated that if the summary report
from the League convention is ready by the time the letter is mailed, he will include it with the
letter.
Discussion - FYI Items
. City Manager Wysocki
presented to the Commission the following "For Your Information"
items.
( 1 )
Letter from Mrs. Ruth Butler, 823 South 6th Avenue, dated October 7, stating
her opposition to the possible closure of South 6th Avenue and West Harrison Street.
(2)
Agenda for the special Planning Board meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. this
evening in the Commission Room.
(3)
The City Manager submitted his weekly report, as follows.
(1) Reminded the
Commission that the Interagency Breakfast is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14,
at the Baxter.
(2) Noted that on next week's agenda, the Commission will be asked to approve
budget amendments to be included in closing of the Fiscal Year 1992 books, as a result of the
. auditors' field work. (3) Announced that he met with three Mayors from Bolivia this morning, with
garbage being the topic of discussion. (3) Reminded the Commissioners of the meeting with
Commissioner of Higher Education Hutchenson at 5:30 p.m. tonight at Joe and Peg Gary's home.
(4) Announced that staff closed the sale of the four Valley Unit Subdivision lots today. (5) Noted
that at next week's meeting, the Commission will be asked to adopt a resolution allowing for the
refunding of bonds for seven separate SID's through a pooled bond sale, which is estimated to
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result in a $455,000
savings in assessments to the owners of properties within those districts.
(6) Reminded the
Commission of the invitation to attend a dedication of trails at 4:00 p.m. on
Saturday, October
17. (7) Announced that Planning Director Epple participated in the Chamber of
Commerce retreat
on Thursday and Friday.
~ (4)
letter from RSVP, dated October 9, inviting the Commissioners to participate in
~ their volunteer recognition activities scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14.
(5)
Agenda for the Development Review Committee meeting scheduled for 10:00
a.m. on Wednesday,
October 14.
(6)
Agenda for the Design Review Board meeting scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, October
14.
(7)
Agenda for the County Commission meeting which was held at 1 :30 p.m. today,
along with daily
minutes for the week of September 28.
(8)
Commissioner Frost submitted the following. (1) Attended the Planning Board
meeting on Tuesday
evening. (2) Noted he will be meeting with the Mayors from Bolivia regarding
urban forestation
on Wednesday. (3) Attended the open house of the Habitat for Humanity, where
~ the Southwest Montana Home Building Industry Association donated $8,000 toward another home.
.,.,
(9)
Commissioner Knapp submitted the following. (1)
Requested that on the
November 9 agenda,
those who attended the league of Cities and Towns convention in lewistown
t
be given an opportunity
to submit their comments and observations, for the benefit of the three
Commissioners who
were unable to attend. (2) Noted the invitation in the Commissioners' packets
to a meeting sponsored
by the Casper, Wyoming, Housing Authority. She then asked if it would
be beneficial to
have someone from the staff attend the meeting, which is on housing
developments for
low and moderate income people; the City Manager suggested that the
information be
forwarded to the HRDC, since Bozeman has no housing authority.
(10)
Mayor Swanson submitted the following. (1) Gave information he has received
from the Rocky
Mountain Chapter of the International Chapter of Arborculture regarding an
. upcoming meeting in Great Falls to Commissioner Frost. (2) Noted he has received an invitation
to attend the recognition
dinner for the ROTC Air Force on November 7. He indicated he is unable
to attend, and
asked any interested Commissioner to contact him. (3) Noted that Mayor Kemmis
from Missoula and
Mayor Rauthe from Kalispell would like to meet with representatives from
Bozeman at local
Government Day in Helena. He stated suggested topics of discussion include
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affordable housing
and the transportation plan update in Bozeman.
(11 )
City Attorney Luwe
submitted the following.
(1 ) Noted that
he and
Administrative
Services Director Gamradt spent a considerable amount of time on the closing of
the sale of the
four Valley Unit Subdivision lots this past week, with that closing just being finalized
. this afternoon. (2) Stated that he and Staff Attorney Wordal met with representatives from the
Battered Women's
Network last Tuesday to discuss issues of concern. He stated that these
meetings will be
held on a semi-annual basis, to ensure that good communication is maintained
between the two
offices.
Consent Items
City Manager Wysocki
presented to the Commission the following Consent Items.
Reauest for 6-month
extension for final site Dlan - Gaston Engineerina & Survey
for Town PumD. Inc.
Deviation - to
allow encroachment of structure 15 feet into reauired 25-foot
front vard setback - William & Cathie Norton. 230 North Plum Avenue:
Der ORB recommendation
Buildina InsDection
Division ReDort for SeDtember 1992
Claims
. It was moved by
Commissioner Knapp, seconded by Commissioner Frost, that the
Commission approve
the Consent Items as listed, and authorize and direct the appropriate persons
to complete the
necessary actions. The motion carried by the following Aye and No vote: those
voting Aye being
Commissioner Knapp, Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Vincent and Mayor
Swanson; those
voting No, none.
Adjournment - 5:07
c.m.
There being no
further business to come before the Commission at this time, it was moved
by Commissioner
Frost, seconded by Commissioner Vincent, that the meeting be adjourned. The
motion carried
by the following Aye and No vote: those voting Aye being Commissioner Frost,
. Commissioner Vincent, Commissioner Knapp and Mayor Swanson; those voting No, none.
7l2/ ~ ~
ROBIN L. SULLIVAN
Clerk of the Commission
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