Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-10 Northeast Urban Renewal Board Minutes Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 8, 2010 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. PresentAbsent: : Voting Members: Erik Nelson, Chair Daniel Doehring Tom Noble Robert Pavlic Jeanne Wesley-Wiese (arrived at 7:00 p.m.) Non-Voting Members: Nelle Devitt Lisa Danzl-Scott Commissioner Liaison: Carson Taylor Staff: Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Ken VanDeWalle Call to Order. Chair Eric Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Public Comment. No comment was received under this agenda item. Consent – Approve minutes from May 4, 2010, meeting. It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Bob Pavlic, that the minutes of the meeting of May 4, 2010, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 3-0 vote. Discussion Items – Gary Vodehnal, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, to discuss trail improvement proposal for North Church Avenue right-of-way between East Cottonwood and East Juniper Streets. Planner Keri Thorpe submitted the report for Gary Vodehnal, who was unable to attend this meeting. She stated the GVLT is planning to improve the existing trail to the standard 6-foot-wide trail with gravel fines, and install a totem, signage and the traditional barricade for cars. She noted that, while Gary Vodehnal is supportive of improving the trail to the 6-foot standard and construction of the proposed bridge, adjacent property owner Cheryl Ott is opposed to the 6-foot- NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 1 wide trail. Planner Thorpe reminded the Board members that all of the trail section and the bridge are located in the public right-of-way, and the proposed improvements will tie into the existing trail. She stated that, if the Board is willing to construct the bridge, Gary Vodehnal is willing to complete the trail improvements. She noted those improvements may include benches in a couple places along the trail. Planner Thorpe reported that Gary Vodehnal also proposes extension of the trail in what appears to be existing public right-of-way. She noted that a fence has been erected across the right-of- way and a “no trespassing” sign posted; and that could create problems for the proposed extension of the trail. Ken VanDeWalle showed the Board a couple ideas for benches along the trail. He noted one idea includes the use of tractor seats that have up and down height adjustments and one includes use of a wagon wheel. He reminded the Board that the Gallatin Valley Land Trust is supportive of protecting agriculture in the area; and Park Superintendent Thom White likes the ideas. He suggested the benches, along with signage and garbage cans, could develop a theme that could be varied throughout the development area. He noted the bridge could include the traditional arch, or a very different design could be created. He stated that, years ago, he built bridges and would be interested in working with this Board and GVLT. Chair Eric Nelson stated he especially likes the furniture idea, and noted that he would like this district to create its own identity in its own way. He cautioned against a design that includes moving parts, particularly since children could easily get their fingers crushed in those parts. He then suggested that a design competition could bring more energy to the area. He concluded by suggesting that monies could be added to this year’s work plan to complete a park area with bench along the trail. Chair Nelson then voiced uncertainty about extending the trail to North Rouse Avenue and suggested, rather, it may make more sense to extend the trail to connect with the trail that goes to Story Hills. Nelle Devitt expressed her concurrence, noting that a trail extension to the spur trail and Depot Park better meets this Board’s desires. She then stated that if the Gallatin Valley Land Trust wishes to improve other trail extensions, it can do so but this Board should not become involved in those improvements. Ken VanDeWalle stated he likes the art on Main Street and suggested that it may be interesting to consider this district as another venue for public art. He proposed that it be started with a couple pieces followed by a charette for art. Chair Nelson stated that the work plan is pretty general and that this option could probably be inserted without requiring any changes to the plan. Planner Keri Thorpe reminded the Board that an encroachment permit will be required for the proposed trail improvements. She then suggested that the proposed improvements should be NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 2 posted at a minimum, and notice possibly sent to property owners, even though there are no specific noticing requirements for an encroachment permit. Commissioner Liaison Carson Taylor noted that the City Commission is generally supportive of trails and likes to see them extended to destinations. He cautioned that the Commission will listen to and carefully consider opposition to a proposal, particularly if that opposition is well organized and timely. Tom Noble noted that Bridger Bowl is giving away towers and suggested that might be a possibility. Ken VanDeWalle expressed agreement, noting that cables could then be used for the bridge. He also noted that chairs from the chair lift could be incorporated into the design of trail improvements. He then volunteered to work with the Board on different designs and possibly develop charettes to consider those designs. Planner Keri Thorpe suggested that refining of the visioning document this fall might be an appropriate time to receive additional input on these design issues. The Board thanked Ken VanDeWalle for his participation in this discussion. Aspen Street Community Garden Sketch Plan. Planner Keri Thorpe reported on the status of the professional services agreement with Phoenix Engineering for the Phase I Environmental Assessment. She noted that Tim Marcinko, representative from Phoenix Engineering, has cautioned that if the Phase I assessment demonstrates a need for testing and if contaminants are found in that process, the Department of Environmental Quality may require that the site be cleaned up; and this District would be responsible for that remediation and the attendant costs. She then stated that extension of the street along this right-of-way would not trigger the Phase I environmental assessment process. Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated the environmental assessment is being triggered by the proposal to plant and harvest food on this site; no other use identified by the Board to date would trigger that requirement. Chair Nelson noted the intent was to find an interim use for this vacant ground and suggested another alternative may be preferable. Bob Pavlic voiced support for putting in a trail and planting trees instead of spending monies to pursue the community garden idea. Tom Noble suggested that raised beds could be an alternative. Nelle Devitt noted that the gardens were a good idea, but not in light of the assessment costs and potential mitigation costs. NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 3 Chair Nelson noted that last month’s rally seemed to be a popular event and suggested that this right-of-way could be a great open space for events. He stated with the way the work plan is written, the use of this right-of-way could be changed without impacting the plan. Bob Pavlic stated that, since Phoenix Engineering did the environmental assessment on The Tin Works property, he will ask Jim Browning if he can see what the report says. Chair Eric Nelson indicated that he will also talk to Tim Marcinko from Phoenix Engineering. Application submittal requirements. Price quotes for environmental assessment and soil testing. In light of the above discussion, there was no discussion on these agenda items. Updates as needed Depot Park construction. Bob Pavlic stated the boulder is now done; and Sweet Pea Landscaping will be completing its portion of the project. Tom Noble stated the boulder is to be wrapped so it can cure for a month. Responding to Chair Nelson, Bob Pavlic stated residents in the area are nervous about the noise levels that may result from activity in this park and the boulder, especially after 10:00 p.m. In light of those concerns, Bob suggested that there should be rules established for use of the park. Chair Nelson stated he has heard comments from the industrial part of the district about how this park and boulder might impact their businesses, especially those close to the site. Nelle Devitt asked when the grand opening will be held. Planner Thorpe responded that she will get an update, and noted that curbing, landscaping and a dry well are still to be installed. Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated Randy Wahl has written a letter that essentially provides a bid for a bid document. Chair Nelson cautioned that the Board cannot directly hire a consultant, but the letter could be used as a template for the scope of services. Planner Thorpe reported that Director of Public Service Debbie Arkell has directed an engineer be assigned to this project. She then confirmed that the request for qualifications process must be followed in retaining a consultant. Tom Noble suggested that the budget for the bridge for the upcoming year be increased to $30,000 to cover anticipated costs. NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 4 Chair Nelson responded that he anticipates the proposed work plan and budget contains enough monies to complete engineering services and that construction of this project can then be identified as a priority for open space and trails monies in the Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget. Status of proposed Demolition by Neglect ordinance. Planner Keri Thorpe reported that this ordinance is still being considered by the Historic Preservation Advisory Board; but she has no additional information at this time. Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated she does not believe there has been any change in MRL’s liability insurance requirements for possible removal of graffiti on the depot. Review of FY 2011 District Work Plan and Budget. Planner Thorpe read a letter from Dan Doehring forwarding his ideas on the work plan. He wants more money for the depot fence, and wants to work with parties interested in using the building. He also suggested installation of a totem, doggy bag station and garbage can for the North Church Trail, with widening of the trail delayed until the bridge issue has been resolved. Chair Eric Nelson stated he feels the work plan needs very little revision, and suggested that the Board review the budget. Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated that over $7,000 in TIF monies remain in the budget for Depot Park. She noted that Park Superintendent Thom White wants to have those monies fully expended before the Park Improvement Grant monies budgeted for these improvements are used. Chair Nelson asked staff to check into whether the benches for have already been ordered for this park, noting he would prefer to have a custom bench on the site if the benches have not been ordered. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated that she cannot pull weeds along Depot Trail this year; however, she is willing to do the watering and her husband can continue to do the mowing. She noted that her husband has been doing the mowing at no cost to the district; Nelle Devitt stated she feels that he should be compensated for the work. Planner Thorpe cautioned that the City’s purchasing policy for general maintenance must be followed to retain someone to pull weeds, which includes getting three bids for the work to be performed. In light of this discussion, Chair Nelson suggested that the word “general” be added before the word “maintenance” under the Depot Trail line item and that $1,000 be added to this line item to accommodate additional costs of maintenance, including weed pulling and mowing. Chair Nelson turned his attention to the Aspen Street right-of-way, noting he finds the wording is general enough to allow for Board discretion in determining the type of amenity to be developed on this site. NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 5 Chair Nelson then suggested that the amount budgeted for the North Church Avenue trail improvements is adequate, and noted those monies should continue to be budgeted even if the Gallatin Valley Land Trust is considering completing the improvements, to help ensure that the work is actually completed. Chair Nelson turned Board attention to the infrastructure portion of the budget. He voiced his support for the budget as presented; the Board concurred. Chair Nelson then addressed the neighborhood development planning portion of the budget, noting that the total should be $17,000. Responding to questions from Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated that $2,000 is the carryover in the line item for the visioning document as prepared by the Community Development Center. She noted that retaining this budget line item will give the Board flexibility in the scope of services to be completed by the students during the fall semester; and she believes it is adequate. Further responding to the Chair, Planner Thorpe stated that Historic Preservation Officer Courtney Kramer anticipated a response on the Preserve America grant application in June; but she has heard nothing to date. She then noted that staff time can be used as a portion of the match for the grant, but only if the monies are earmarked for that purpose. As a result, she suggested that the Board earmark $5,000 of the $15,000 match for staff time. Chair Nelson suggested that the Board could earmark those monies without any additional wording in the budget document. Planner Thorpe found this acceptable. When asked about the Re-development Incentive Program, Planner Keri Thorpe stated that she th wrote the redevelopment incentive program language specifically for the N. 7 District. Although th many of its concepts would be based on the program written for the North 7 Avenue urban renewal district, the program created for the Northeast District will reflect the Northeast District’s Plan guiding principles and goals. Action Items Consider a motion to finally adopt FY 2011 District Work Plan and Budget. Chair Nelson reviewed the edits to the proposed document, which include adding the word “general” before “maintenance” under the line item for Depot Trail and adding $1,000 to that line item. It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 District Work Plan and Budget be adopted with the revisions outlined by Chair Nelson. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Adjournment – 8:10 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Erik Nelson adjourned the meeting. NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 6 Erik Nelson, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman NURB Meeting – June 8, 2010 7