Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-11 Northeast Urban Renewal Board Minutes Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 1, 2011 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 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 Non-Voting Members: Commissioner Liaison: Carson Taylor Staff: Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner Dustin Johnson, Project Engineer Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Kevin Jacobsen, Morrison-Maierle Engineering Trevor McSpadden, Morrison-Maierle Engineering Chris Nixon Marcus Engler Call to Order. Chair Erik Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Public Comment. No comment was received under this agenda item. Consent Items – Approve minutes from January 4, 2011 meeting. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese expressed concern about the third paragraph under discussion on the district neighborhood plan, which states: Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated she feels that the first portion of the draft document, to the site analysis, can be eliminated. She then noted that the portion where they identified the connections and gateways should be retained as well as the section NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 1 on Bozeman Creek. She also eliminated the bridge section. While she feels the preservation of the depot is very important, she does not find the information contained in the draft plan particularly valuable. Jeanne noted that she does not want to eliminate the bridge section of the plan, rather, she feels the pictures should be removed but the project should remain in the plan. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the minutes of the meeting of January 4, 2011, be approved as amended. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Discussion Items – Update on Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge: New Cost Estimates. Project Engineer Dustin Johnson noted the feasibility study has been completed and the estimated costs are now known. He has a professional services agreement drafted and ready for signature if the Board chooses to proceed. He then cautioned that the Board does not have sufficient monies to complete both this project and the East Peach Street improvements within the next year or two. Chair Nelson noted that the allocation was made for this project so that the Board could better understand its costs. He voiced his hope that some grant monies can be acquired to help write down the costs of the project since they are significantly higher than originally anticipated. He then suggested that the remaining funds allocated for this project be used to raise monies. Responding to Tom Noble, Project Engineer Johnson stated that $1,820 of the $15,000 in this year’s budget for this project has been expended to date. Tom Noble noted that if the Board earmarks another $15,000 for the bridge in next year’s budget, it will have half of the monies set aside for the project. Chair Nelson stated he would feel more comfortable proceeding with the bridge if the Board had half of the monies already in the coffers. Project Engineer Johnson noted that, with the cost estimates and pictures from the feasibility study, the Board is now in a better position to proceed if it gets grant monies or some other funding for the project. Chair Nelson stated he is not prepared to put the rest of the monies earmarked for this project toward engineering at this time noting that, as a single project, the bridge represents about 70 percent of the total revenue for a year. He stressed that, given its costs, it is important to weigh what this project accomplishes for the district versus what other projects might accomplish. Responding to Tom Noble, Engineer Johnson confirmed that the proposed bridge is slightly arched. NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 2 In light of this discussion, Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated he will contact Jeremy Olson at Gaston Engineering tomorrow and let him know that this project is on hold. Update on Trail construction projects: North Church Avenue and East Aspen Street. Planner Keri Thorpe stated that she met with staff to see where staff assistance may be available. She has not yet heard back from Park Superintendent Thom White regarding the availability of totems, but those costs can easily be incorporated into the budget for this project. She noted that staff also met with Velma McMeekin regarding her concern about how installation of a sidewalk may impact her property. She has met with Project Engineer Dustin Johnson regarding maintenance of landscaping and trees in the East Aspen Street right-of-way, particularly since that vegetation will need a sprinkler system for at least three years to ensure its viability. She stated the irrigation system can utilize the water from the well at the Depot Park, and it may be possible to include those costs in an alternate in the bid package. She concluded by reminding the Board that East Aspen Street remains a street right-of-way and, if the lots along it develop, it will become a street. Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe stated that $9,000 has been budgeted for the East Aspen Street project and $4,300 for the North Church Avenue trail improvements. Planner Keri Thorpe stated Velma McMeekin’s concern is that the installation of a sidewalk adjacent to her property would result in a speed bump through her driveway. She noted staff has come up with a design that seems to please her, but the costs are not yet known. Responding to Chair Nelson, Project Engineer Johnson stated it would be preferable to bid the North Church Avenue trail improvements as a single project, with the general contractor being responsible for subcontracting the sidewalk portion of the project. Chair Nelson noted it appears there are not adequate monies in the budget to fund the trees and irrigation system for the East Aspen Street project. Planner Thorpe suggested that the trees and irrigation system could be bid as alternates and, if there are monies available, those alternates could be awarded along with the base bid. She then indicated she has no time estimate for the construction of those improvements. Planner Keri Thorpe stated Velma McMeekin has voiced some concern about weed encroachment on the edges of the North Church Avenue trail. She noted there is an agreement for maintenance of the trail; however, the Board may want to look at the entire district and identify a cost-effective way to deal with maintenance and weed control. She proposed that one mechanism might be to contract with the City, possibly through budgeting a specific amount of money to fund the Park Department’s costs similar to the $5,000 that has been set aside for Planning staff time in this year’s budget. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Planner Thorpe confirmed that the Parks Department’s weed control program includes spraying. NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 3 Chair Nelson noted that the North Church Avenue trail has been in existence for a long time, and this project simply improves it. He stated, however that if the tax increment financing district is a success, the East Aspen Street project will probably be only temporary. In light of the concerns expressed by landowners adjacent to the North Church Avenue trail regarding the potential of weeds spreading to their lawns, Chair Nelson suggested that the issue can be addressed if it occurs. Planner Thorpe stressed that, as this project moves forward, communication and addressing any problems as they arise are critical to its success. Action Item – Professional Services Agreement with Morrison-Maierle for engineering services for Peach Street improvements . Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated the scope of this project has been broken into three sections: preliminary design, pre design and final design. Three meetings are scheduled in the preliminary design portion, including a round table charette; and the end product of this agreement is a final working engineering design to bid out for construction. He noted that no one is expecting construction this summer and, as a result, only the number of days allowed for completion of each section is included in the agreement. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Kevin Jacobsen stated that the majority of the existing sidewalk is along the south side of the street, so the sidewalks to be installed in conjunction with the street improvements are predominantly on the north side. Chair Nelson encouraged the consulting engineers to keep this Board on task to ensure that the costs of the preliminary design don’t go up unnecessarily. Kevin Jacobsen noted it is important to have everyone involved on the same page early in the process rather than having to take a step back later in the process because the design is not something the Board can endorse. Trevor McSpadden voiced his agreement, noting that it is better to have inefficiencies at the front of the process that may result from running conversations. Planner Thorpe noted that the Engineering staff has already identified some issues and asked how much public input the Board wishes in this process. She then stressed that knowing where the north boundary of the right-of-way is will be a key component. She reminded the Board that East Peach Street lies in a 60-foot right-of-way and is designated as a collector street, although building to that standard would be extremely expensive. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese voiced her hope that less expensive ways to address storm drainage may be used. NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 4 Bob Pavlic stated that East Peach Street is not currently pedestrian friendly, particularly along the north side. He then noted that alternatives to storm drainage may work in certain environments, but not always in snow or run-off situations. Dan Doehring noted that the existing sidewalks along the south side of the street are low and, therefore, become water covered or icy and hazardous. Responding to questions, Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated that there is typically a 1 to 3 percent grade from the property line to the curbline; however, over thirty years, that grade is lost because the turf builds up. He then noted that in this instance, the street and sidewalk were installed at different times and at different elevations. Planner Thorpe suggested that the charette be held after the boundaries of the right-of-way have been identified. Kevin Jacobsen noted that the determination of the boundaries and completion of the topography map will be dependent on the weather, but they will complete the process as quickly as possible. Responding to concerns expressed by Chair Nelson, Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated that this contract, as written, can be terminated at the end of each phase, or at 30 percent, 90 percent or 100 percent of the work completed, if it is determined the process is not working. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Tom Noble, that the professional services agreement with Morrison-Maierle Engineering for the East Peach Street improvements be approved with a change in the schedule to complete the boundary design prior to the charette. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Discussion Items (continued) – District Neighborhood Plan (aka Visioning Document). Chair Nelson noted that the Board discussed this plan quite extensively at its last meeting but did not take any final action on input to be provided to the students. He then briefly summarized that discussion, noting that an informational map of the various district elements is desired along with areas of pedestrian connections, street furniture, corridors and green spaces. He noted the Board also desires to prepare the vision statement for the plan as the students work on the remainder of the elements. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese stated she feels the key projects should be included, such as the depot and the bridge, but without the pictures contained in the draft document. She also noted that parking has been identified as a concern. In light of last month’s discussion, she suggested that the plan should also include designs for the entrances to the district, lights, benches, bike racks and bus stops. Responding to Bob Pavlic, Chair Nelson stated he anticipates the students will proceed with revisions to the draft document as soon as they receive this Board’s input on what it does and does not like about the draft. NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 5 Bob Pavlic noted there are currently street lights at every intersection, so power is readily accessible. He then suggested that the existing street lights could possibly be replaced with something more aesthetic. Planner Thorpe reminded the Board that design of the East Peach Street improvements will be underway under the agreement just approved. She noted that once the Board has the design elements, it can identify its likes and dislikes and apply those ideas to the East Tamarack Street corridor. She then suggested that the Board may wish to narrow the focus on street designs in this district neighborhood plan to other streets, possibly Front Street and Ida Avenue. Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe suggested that the students focus on the major intersections and entrances to the district rather than on specific street designs. She suggested, however, that it may be beneficial to have the students research ideas for a shared use street design for Ida Avenue. Dan Doehring asked if the Board wants to keep this plan to a minimum, like five to ten pages; Chair Nelson responded in the affirmative. Following a brief discussion, Chair Nelson indicated that he, Tom Noble and Planner Keri Thorpe will meet with Tom McNab, Community Design Center, prior to the next Board meeting so the students can begin the process of revising the district neighborhood plan. Chair Nelson then expressed his interest in finding a way to encourage people to develop the vacant parcels within the district. Tom Noble noted that the residents within the district love it because it is quiet and friendly, with a lot of open space. He stated people are drawn to the district because of its undeveloped character and are concerned that further development will destroy its feel. He then noted the initial idea of this district was that people could live and work in the same district. Project Engineer Dustin Johnson noted that the Engineering Department must require City- standard streets with curb and gutter; however, this Board can seek a waiver of those standards from the Commission. He suggested another alternative would be to establish district standards for infrastructure improvements. Update on Preserve America grant application. Planner Keri Thorpe announced that this grant application was not successful. Update on the Brewery wall and City Commission decision. Planner Keri Thorpe stated she will forward information from Planner Allyson Bristor when she receives it. Commissioner Liaison Carson Taylor gave a brief overview of the Commission meeting, noting that the Commission determined the developer did not adequately demonstrate that he has the right to demolish the brewery wall. He noted the Commission was concerned that the developer NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 6 had made a deal and is now trying to back out of it, and that concern was tempered with what can be done. After accepting input and discussing the issue, the Commission voted to deny the request to demolish the wall rather than putting a time limit on it. He stated the projected costs are $80,000 to demolish the wall and $160,000 to shore it up. He concluded by noting that the developer owns the property outright. Commissioner Liaison Taylor noted that, if the City were to provide a loan to assist with shoring up of the wall, then it should insist on a mortgage right to secure it. Planner Thorpe cautioned that a tight nexus must be established between implementing the plan and proposed infrastructure improvements for the expenditure of tax increment financing monies. She noted that in Billings, a public/private venture was undertaken for renovation of the Wilma Theater and an attendant retail component. The theater is now in public ownership and the retail component is held by a private individual. She suggested it may be possible to explore that type of creative approach if the Board so desires. Chris Nixon noted there are other developers interested in this site, largely because of the wall. He stated one of those is an individual from Germany who does preservation of breweries throughout the world. Chair Nelson expressed concern that the project may be more in jeopardy if the property changes hands. He then noted he was interested in seeing how the Board might react if the developer were to approach this Board for a loan. Commissioner Liaison Taylor stated it appears the developer is not interested in selling at this time, but is prepared to ride out the economic downturn. He then suggested it would be good for the Board to talk to the developer and try to determine what his intent might be. Board member recruitment. Planner Thorpe announced that Nelle Devitt has officially resigned as a non-voting member. As a result, there are no non-voting board members at this time. Adjournment – 8:42 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Erik adjourned the meeting. Erik Nelson, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman NURB Meeting – February 1, 2011 7