HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-10 Northeast Urban Renewal Board Minutes
Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB)
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6,
2010, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana.
PresentAbsent:
:
Voting Members:
Erik Nelson, Chair Jeanne Wesley-Wiese
Daniel Doehring
Tom Noble
Robert Pavlic
Non-Voting Members:
Lisa Danzl-Scott
Nelle Devitt
Commissioner Liaison:
Carson Taylor
Staff:
Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner
Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary
Guests:
Ken VanDeWalle
Dave Crawford
Chandler Dayton
Gary Vodehnal
Anjin Herndon
Call to Order.
Chair Eric Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
Public Comment.
Chandler Dayton, 716 East Peach Street, thanked everyone for dealing with
the issues and problems identified in her letter read into the record at the last Board meeting. it
appears things are moving, and she is feeling pretty positive about the situation right now.
Dave Crawford, Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, noted he appeared before this Board several months
ago, when the Depot Park project was just starting. He stated the park improvements are nearing
completion, with the boulder and paths looking good. The well and power have been installed,
and the new dry well seems to be addressing the drainage issues. Excavation for the curb and
gutter is currently being done, and he anticipates the curb and gutter will be installed within the
next few weeks. He concluded by thanking the Board for the opportunity to work on this project.
Responding to questions from Bob Pavlic, Dave Crawford stated the curb will be vertical with a
little chamfer and will be backfilled. He then acknowledged there should be little rock or gravel on
the surface that could be disturbed by young people riding bikes through the site.
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 1
Bob Pavlic voiced concern that the trees planted on this site may be in jeopardy because of the
various items that have been dumped on this site over the years, including hydraulic oil and
diesel.
Consent –
Approve minutes from June 8, 2010, meeting.
It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded
by Daniel Doehring, that the minutes of the meeting of June 8, 2010, be approved as submitted.
The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
Discussion Items –
Gary Vodehnal of Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) to discuss trail
improvement proposal for North Church Avenue right-of-way between East
Cottonwood Street and East Juniper Street. Gary Vodehnal noted that he has worked on
trails in Bozeman for over ten years, and is always looking for opportunities to connect the
community. He noted that six or seven years ago, the rail bridge across the creek was
deemed a hazard after someone fell through it. The bridge was later repaired and a no
motorized sign installed. At the same time, it was proposed that the trail along the North
Church Avenue right-of-way between East Cottonwood Street and East Tamarack Street be
improved to a 6-foot-wide trail with fines surface. That proposal met with strong opposition
from adjacent landowner Cheryl Ott and, as a result, was dropped. He continues to feel,
however, that the 60-foot-wide public right-of-way should at least be signed so that the public
knows it can walk through the area.
Chair Nelson asked about the approval process for constructing a trail in a public right-of-way
and whether there is a standard process to follow.
Gary Vodehnal responded that if there is any question about whether a road will be
constructed in the right-of-way, then it is best to go through the encroachment permit
process. He suggested that a totem be erected at the south end of the trail, with the
standard signage that identifies it as part of the Main Street to the Mountains trail system and
provides a description of the trail, what it connects to, and its name if there is one. If there
are contributors to the project they could also be identified on the signage. He noted the
standard signage also includes a sign stating dogs must be on leash and a sign that no
vehicles are allowed. He suggested that, since North Church Avenue dead ends at the south
end of the proposed trail, it may be beneficial to have the typical dead end triangles erected
at this site.
Gary Vodehnal stated that, at the present time, there are railroad ties at the end of the right-
of-way forcing people to the far right side of the right-of-way and into a tree. He proposes
that those ties be moved so that people can more easily and safely access the right-of-way
and trail. He then stated that it is much more difficult to construct a 4-foot-wide trail than a 6-
foot-wide trail because the machinery they use for trail building is 6 feet wide. Also, if a
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 2
bridge is to be constructed at the Aspen Street location in the future, the amount of traffic will
dramatically increase, triggering the need for the wider trail.
Gary Vodehnal stated there is a flat spot tucked in the trees and overlooking the creek that
would make an excellent place for a bench, possibly made of tractor seats. He also identified
another location where a small table, possibly with tractor seat chairs, could be installed. On
the north end of the trail, a totem and signage would also be installed. The public right-of-
way extends northward from East Tamarack Street to East Juniper Street, and Gary
Vodehnal suggested that a totem be installed along with signage that identifies it as a trail
access. He noted that a fence and no trespassing sign have been erected across the public
right-of-way, and he is concerned this type of encroachment may result in permanent closing
the public right-of-way to public access. He also noted that providing access to the creek is
important, but recognized that private ownership of the property along the creek may make
that access difficult. He is also interested in constructing a bridge on Birch Street to further
extend the trail. He stated that the railroad is requiring a significant amount of liability
insurance to extend the trail across their right-of-way, and suggested approaching the City to
sign off on that requirement.
Responding to questions from Bob Pavlic, Gary Vodehnal stated it is important to maintain
vegetation along the creek.
Gary Vodehnal turned attention back to the south end of the proposed trail, noting that Cheryl
Ott has talked about people camping out in the area in the past. He stated that trail
improvements would result in increased usage of the area and a decrease in problems. One
of the main concerns is dogs off leash running through Ott’s yard, and he stressed the
importance of avoiding problems with the adjacent landowners. He then noted that the trail
improvements would also result in helping to control weeds within the corridor, and helping to
clean up the garbage, lawn clippings and branches that currently infringe on the creek.
Gary Vodehnal stated that, in the big picture, he see these trails providing a good connector
th
past the Fairgrounds to North 7 Avenue. He also sees a future paved trail on the Story Mill
right-of-way to Bridger Drive and a paved trail to the M.
Planner Keri Thorpe cautioned that Parks/Recreation Superintendent Ron Dingman seems
generally supportive of the proposed trail improvements, except for trail furniture with moving
parts, as suggested at the previous meeting.
Responding to comments from Daniel Doehring, Gary Vodehnal stated that, until sidewalks
are constructed along North Rouse Avenue, he does not believe the extension of the trail
between East Tamarack Street and East Juniper Street should be undertaken.
Anjin Herndon stated he lives adjacent to the trail and rides his bike on it. He suggested that,
until other trail connections are made, additional width is not necessary.
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 3
Planner Keri Thorpe urged the Board to give careful consideration to the trail requirements
contained in the PROST plan, which was developed by a volunteer board with representation
from a broad spectrum of the community.
Gary Vodehnal suggested the Board consider improvements at the south end of the trail that
include fines and a configuration that allows for easy mowing along the edge. He indicated
that construction of a 6-foot-wide fines trail costs $4 to $5 a foot. He stated he has a stockpile
of fines that can be used for the trail improvements. He then stressed the importance of
ensuring that adjacent property owners are not negatively impacted by the improvements,
including locations in which people may park.
Tom Noble stated the Board must decide whether or not to construct a bridge across the
creek, noting that could impact decisions about the trail improvements. He then suggested
that a gate could be constructed across the main part of the public right-of-way with space on
the east side for trail access.
Responding to Chair Nelson, Gary Vodehnal expressed his interest in the GVLT working with
this Board in getting the trail improved, noting that the two groups could jointly forward this
project to the Commission. He then stated he has a couple totems reserved with the City,
and GVLT would be willing to pay for the signage. The Land Trust, however, does not have
the monies for the trail construction. He noted that the bench and table amenities could
possibly be funded through sponsorships or memorials.
Planner Thorpe noted that the Board currently has $4,300 in its budget for trail
improvements.
Chair Nelson stated the existing trail lies within the district and needs to be enhanced. He
noted that, while he will not stand in GVLT’s way on northward extension of the trail, he
would not endorse expenditure of this Board’s monies on it. He voiced his interest in seeing
other trail connections within the district, including extensions along Front Street and to the
Brownfield site. While he finds the idea of a picnic table attractive, he is concerned about
potential parking problems. He concluded by stressing that the Board must consider the
entire district and providing connectivity both within the district and outward to the rest of the
community.
Ken VanDeWalle noted that trails are an excellent way to get from Point A to Point B;
however, he feels they can also provide destination points.
Planner Thorpe cautioned that the Board must follow the City’s purchasing policy when using
tax increment financing monies.
Responding to comments from Chair Nelson, Gary Vodehnal stated it is important to work
with City staff to determine what they deem is the best approach to providing easy access to
the trail while limiting potential motorized access.
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 4
Gary Vodehnal stated he and Ken VanDeWalle have brainstormed about possible options for
the bridge, including the use of towers and possibly even the chairs from Bridger Bowl,
incorporating a ski theme into the bridge. He noted that seating on a bridge gives people the
opportunity to sit and enjoy the water.
Ken VanDeWalle suggested that the Board allow the Gallatin Valley Land Trust to work with
them, noting that GVLT has the potential to raise funds for the project.
Chair Nelson stressed that the Board must follow City procedures. He stated that, while he
does not want to thwart creativity, the Board has a finite amount of monies to spend on this
project. He then stated the Board’s objective is to determine what is needed to improve the
district and to generate excitement within it. He noted that if the Board is then able to obtain
other monies to help fund those projects, it has the opportunity to complete more of the
identified improvements.
Ken VanDeWalle noted it is important to look for different objects and themes to carry
through the district, and suggested that charettes would be a good way to identify those
themes and potential hurdles.
Tom Noble noted that the Board determined what specifications the climbing boulder was to
meet and, as a result, obtained the desired boulder through the bidding process. He
suggested a similar approach could be taken for the bridge, but the first step is to determine
what it can afford and whether the project is feasible.
Chair Nelson expressed support for interesting bridges within the district, noting that includes
the vehicle bridges along East Peach Street and East Tamarack Street. He noted that this
year’s budget includes monies to complete a feasibility study in anticipation of funding the
projects in future years. He then voiced support for holding design charettes, which would
get the community more involved.
Responding to questions from Gary Vodehnal, Planner Thorpe asked that he wait until after
the District’s budget is presented to the Commission on July 19 before approaching those
who may be interested in contributing toward a memorial bridge.
Responding to Angin Herndon, Planner Thorpe noted that public comment is always
beneficial in ensuring that a specific project is funded or approved. She stated that comment
may be e-mailed to her, and she will forward it for the Commission packets.
Chair Nelson noted that the trail improvements must go through the City’s approval process,
which includes Development Review Committee review. As a result, it will be necessary to
identify the location of the right-of-way, the trail location and width, and the floodway.
Planner Thorpe noted that, since benches are allowed with trail improvements, that
component will also be included in the application.
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 5
Gary Vodehnal noted that, if the Board is interested in the installation of sidewalks in certain
areas, it is important to get those ideas to Ron Dingman, who is the keeper of the City’s list of
projects for CTEP funding. He stated the CTEP Committee has $200,000 to $300,000 to
earmark for non-motorized transportation projects.
Updates as needed.
Aspen Street Community Garden and alternate project ideas. Planner Keri
Thorpe stated she met with representatives from Phoenix Engineering in light of the Board’s
apprehension about spending $1,800 for the initial study and then possibly another $10,000
in soil testing, with the potential that the results would trigger a requirement for remediation.
Chair Nelson stated that, while he could still support the Phase I environmental study, he
feels doing a community garden would be really cumbersome.
Responding to questions from Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated the Interim Planning
Director will probably require spot testing for asbestos, particularly since it will be necessary
to excavate down six inches for a natural fines trail. She noted that such testing would not be
unreasonable or cost prohibitive.
Responding to Bob Pavlic, Planner Thorpe confirmed that $9,000 has been budgeted for
improvements in this right-of-way.
Chair Nelson expressed his support for improvements that include a trail and possibly
planting of trees to provide shade for benches. He stressed the importance of identifying a
project that draws people to the area.
Planner Thorpe noted the community needs a place for summer bands or movies on the
lawn.
Tom Noble noted that gardens have been built by City Hall, and he is not sure that additional
community gardens are needed at this time. He then suggested that the entire width of the
right-of-way should be cleaned up with the trail located on one side so that the remainder of
the site is open for other activities.
Bob Pavlic cautioned that there are no public bathrooms to serve the site.
Planner Thorpe reminded the Board that a plan for weed control must be developed.
Chair Nelson stated he sees this as an evolving site, and noted that additional improvements
can be made in future years.
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 6
Responding to Planner Thorpe, Chair Nelson stated it is his preference not to do a Phase I
environmental assessment unless one is required in conjunction with a trail improvement.
Bob Pavlic noted that a little train is set up in this area on holidays, and quite a few parents
bring their children over to see it. He suggested that this right-of-way might be a good site for
it once it is cleaned up.
Depot Park construction. Chair Nelson noted this item was covered in
previous discussion.
Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge. Chair Nelson noted this item was covered
in previous discussion.
Review of FY 2011 District Work Plan and Budget. Planner Keri Thorpe reviewed
the final work plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. She noted that this budget is lower
than the preliminary budget considered at last month’s meeting because more monies were
expended on the Depot Park this past fiscal year than had been anticipated, and briefly
highlighted those changes. She then stated that $5,000 has been taken out of the monies
allocated for infrastructure projects and earmarked for staff time should the Planning Director
request those monies.
Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated that she will not hear anything about the
Preserve America Grant until after Historic Preservation Officer Kramer returns on July 14.
Responding to Planner Thorpe, Chair Nelson requested a map of the district for presentation
of this budget to the Commission at its July 19 meeting.
Action Items –
Consider a motion to finally adopt FY 2011 District Work Plan and Budget as
revised. It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Bob Pavlic, that the Board finally adopt
the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 work plan and budget as presented. The motion carried
on a 4-0
vote.
Consider a motion to approve change order for Depot Park – sod installation in
lieu of seeding. It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Dan Doehring, that the Board
approve a change order for Depot Park to provide for installation of sod in lieu of seeding.
The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
General Discussion. Chair Nelson announced that he will be absent from the August
meeting; Bob Pavlic stated he will be absent from the September meeting.
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 7
Planner Thorpe reviewed some of the items to be on the August agenda, including the RFP
for engineering services for the bridge and for infrastructure improvements to East Peach
Street and East Tamarack Street, the trail application, and an update on the brewery and
opening of the sidewalk.
Tom Noble expressed concern that the developer is leaving the brewery in a hazardous state
until the Commission allows them to tear the structure down.
Eric Nelson noted that it is important for the Board to identify what the best option for the
property would be and then encourage the developer to take that option. He stated it is
important to acknowledge the project is not going to happen as originally planned, so the next
step is to determine if it is acceptable to just re-use those bricks or if the structure needs to
be accurately reconstructed. He then cautioned that the bricks will dissolve if allowed to
remain in their current state since they now have no protection.
Tom Noble stated he feels it is important to get the sidewalk opened and suggested that
could be accomplished by covering it.
Chair Nelson suggested that the Board discuss this issue further at the next couple meetings
to identify the preferred alternative.
Planner Thorpe stated she will ask the Building Department to inspect the site once again to
determine its safety and continuing progress.
Responding to Planner Thorpe, Eric Nelson, Bob Pavlic and Tom Noble voiced interest in
reviewing the requests for proposals for engineering services.
Adjournment – 9:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Board at this
time, Chair Erik Nelson adjourned the meeting.
Erik Nelson, Chair
Northeast Urban Renewal Board
City of Bozeman
NURB Meeting – July 6, 2010 8