HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-11 Minutes, City CommissionMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
August 8, 2011
The Commission of the City of Bozeman met in the Commission Room, City Hall at 121 North
Rouse on Monday, August 8, 2011. Present were Mayor Jeff Krauss, Commissioner Cyndy
Andrus, Commissioner Sean Becker, Commissioner Chris Mehl, Commissioner Carson Taylor,
City Manager Chris Kukulski, City Attorney Greg Sullivan, Finance Director Anna Rosenberry
and Deputy City Clerk Aimee Kissel.
These minutes are not word for word and should be considered along with the audio recording.
0:00 :19 A. Call to Order - 6 p.m. - Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse
0,00:22 B. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
0:01.37 C. Changes to the Agenda
Mayor Krauss asked City Manager Chris Kukulski if there were any changes to the agenda.
Mr. Kukulski reported he was not aware of any changes.
0:01:43 D. Minutes - Regular and Executive Session minutes from June 20, 2011 and
regular minutes from June 27, 2011
0:01:49 Motion and Vote to approve the regular and executive session minutes from June
20, 2011 and the regular minutes from June 27, 2011.
It was moved by Cr. Taylor, seconded by Cr. Andrus to approve the reeular and executive
session minutes from June 20, 2011 and the regular minutes from June 27 2011.
Those voting Ave beine Crs. Taylor, Andrus Mehl Becker and Ma or Krauss.
Those votine No being none.
The motion passed 5-0.
0:02:06 E. Consent
I. Authorize Payment of Accounts Payable Claims (LaMeres)
2. Authorize City Manager to sign Notice of Award for the Lower Yards Paving
Project, Schedule 1 to Big Sky Asphalt in the amount of $58,987.44 (Kerr)
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3. Authorize City Manager to sign Interlocal Agreement for Biosolids and Green
Waste Disposal and Management for Beneficial Reuse with the Gallatin Solid
Waste Management District Board and the City of Bozeman (Arkell)
4. Approve Depository Bonds and Pledged Securities as of June 30, 2011 (Clark)
5. Approve payment of $9,060.36 for the Buttrey's Solvent Site Cost Recovery
(Cooper)
0:02:46 Public Comment
Mayor Krauss opened public comment on consent items.
Seeing no public comment, Mayor Krauss closed public comment on consent.
0:02:46 Motion to approve consent items E. 1-5 as listed.
It was moved by Cr. Andrus, seconded by Cr. Mehl to approve consent items E. 1-5 as
listed.
Those voting Aye being.Crs. Andrus, Mehl, Becker, Taylor and Mayor Krauss.
Those voting No being none.
The motion passed 5-0.
0:03:15 F. Public Comment
Mayor Krauss opened general public comment.
0:03:41 Wayne Erhanus, Public Comment
Mr. Erbanus of 402 Bonner Lane spoke to both the increase in water and wastewater rates as
well as community climate action plan implementation. Ile feels these items should not be dealt
with separately and asked who is taking on the role of water conservation in the community and
asked where the city sits with leadership roles. Ile would challenge the city to look at reduction
in water usage. The climate action plan is not ambitious enough without a strong water
conservation component.
0:07.16 Wendy Weaver, Public Comment
Ms. Weaver of 3748 Bungalow Lane asked the Commission to lend budgetary support for the
community climate action plan above and separate from what is being provided for the municipal
plan and asked that it be placed as a high priority by the City.
0:08:00 Bill Fiedler, Public Comment
Mr. Fiedler of 242 Cottonwood spoke regarding concerns about proposed increases in water and
sewer rates. Mr. Fiedler said the City government has a few primary responsibilities such as
police and fire, planning, maintenance of roadways and fresh water and treatment of wastewater
with all other projects secondary. Mr. Fiedler reels that taxes paid are first and foremost meant to
cover these four items and when taxes are raised to pay for other types of items, the government
has misused tax money.
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0 :1 :0 Kathleen Wrizht, Public Comment
Ms. Wright of 501 South 3rd thanked the Mayor and Commission for their past efforts towards
Community Climate Action. She finds it really promising that our community has stepped up to
find viable ways to reduce our use of energy and to decrease the long term expenses of energy,
improving our community for future generations. She would ask that the commission support the
community climate action plan and implementation of the plan. Ms. Wright stated these plans
deserve to be funded in the upcoming budget and urged that they please prioritize this in the
budget.
0:13:38 G. Mayoral Proclamation - September: Thriving Community Month
0:13:43 Mayor Krauss
Mayor Krauss read the Proclamation out loud urging everyone to support families and children
this September and recognizing the valuable programs offered by Thrive, Inc, to help support
families.
0: 15.23 H. Action Items
0 :15 :2,71. Public Hearing on Impact Fee Appeal No. 1102, regarding procedural flaws
in Impact Fee Credit Request No. 1101, consideration of waiving Criterion 5 regarding
Timing of Application for Credits and consideration of holding a Public Hearing to .amend
the Water and Transportation Impact Fee Capital Improvement Programs (Saunders)
(opened and continued from May 23, 2011 and June 20, 201
0:15:58 Chris Saunders, Planning Department and Impact Coordinator
Mr. Saunders provided the staff presentation on this item.
0 :19 :03 Commission questions for staff,
0,26:13 ' Tom Henesh,Big Sky Land Consulting on behajLOLNorton Pr9perties and the J & D
Family Partnership
Mr. Henesh provided the applicant presentation on this item.
0:28:49 Commission questions for the applicant.
0 :3 :00 Joe Billion, Ap p lican
Mr. Billion spoke regarding his long term relationship with the City on this project,
0:35:14 Public Comment
Mayor Krauss called for public comment.
No person commented, Mayor Krauss closed public comment.
0:35:33 Motion that having heard and considered the evidence and _public testimon, I
move to waive criterion 5, timely re _quest for impact fee credit request 1101 and direct staff
to advertise a public hearing to consider amending the street and water impact fee capital
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improvement programs to include the items in impact fee credit reCLuest. 1101 and direct
the applicant to provide actual cost of work evidence in support of requested amounts.
It was moved by Cr. Mehl, seconded by Cr. Becker that having heard and considered the
evidence and public testimonj, I move to waive criterion 5, timely request for impact fee
credit re guest 1101 and direct staff to advertise a public hearing to consider amending the
street and water impact fee capital improvement programs to include the items in impact
fee credit re guest 1101 and direct the applicant to provide actual cost of work evidence in
SUDDOrt of reauested amounts.
0:36:18 Discussion on the motion.
0:46.06 Vote on the motion that having heard and considered the evidence and publi
testimony, I move to waive criterion 5, timely request for impact fee credit request 1101
and direct staff to advertise a public hearing to consider amending the street and water
impact fee capital improvement prolzrams to include the items in impact fee credit request
1101 and direct the applicant to provide actual cost of work evidence in suP]2ort of
requested amounts.
Those voting Aye being Crs. Mehl, Becker, Taylor, Andrus, and Mayor Krauss.
Those voting No being none.
The motion passed 5-0.
0 , 46 - 382. Public Hearing and possible approval of Resolution No. 4327, including a 5%
increase to Water Rates effective on September 1, 2011 and a 5% increase on September 1,
2012 (Rosenberry)
0:46:59 Anna Rosenberry, Finance Director
Ms. Rosenberry provided the staff presentation on this item.
0:53:32 The Commission asked questions of staff.
1:03:59 John Alston, Water and Sewer Superintendent
Mr. Alston answered questions .from the Commission.
1:26:08 Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Services
Ms. Arkell spoke to the public comment received earlier in the meeting regarding current water
consumption and the factors that influence that number.
1:27:42 Break
Mayor Krauss called for a ten minute break.
1:28:20 Back to Order
Mayor Krauss called the meeting back to order at 7:46 p.m.
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1:28 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry spoke to how the rate models work and provided additional information about
the options available to the Commission on this item.
1:31 Rick Moroney, Water 'Treatment Superintendent
Mr. Moroney answered questions from Mayor Krauss explaining the city's water conservation
efforts,
1:33 John Alston
Mr. Alston spoke about new water meters that collect 9 days of data allowing users to detect
leaks and prevent backflow. He also spoke further about how the city currently addresses water
consumption issues.
1:36:37 Public Comment
Mayor Krauss opened public comment.
1:36:47 Susan Bealo,.Puhfic Comment
Ms. Bealo of 885 Brookdale Drive spoke to an earlier comment that leaking toilets are the
number I indoor waste of water adding that landscaping watering is the largest waste of water
overall. She would urge the Commission and citizens to work on water conservation regarding
landscaping.
1:38:26 Public comment closed.
Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Krauss closed public comment,
1:38:38 Motion to approve Resolution No. 4327, which includes a 5% increase to water
rates effective September 1, 2011 and a 5% increase on September 1, 2012.
It was moved by Cr. Becker, seconded by Cr. Taylor to approve Resolution No. 4327
which includes a 5% increase to water rates effective September 1, 2011 and a 5% increase
on September 1, 2012.
1:40 : Friendly amendment to the main motion to than e the increase to 4.5%. Cr.
Becker made a friendly amendment to his motion asking that the inercase be changed from
5% to 4.5%. Cr. Taylor agreed with the friendly amendment.
1:40:29 Commission discussion on the motion.
1.50:04 Vote to approve Resolution No. 4327, which includes a 5% increase to water rates
effective September 1, 2011 and a 5% increase on September L 2012 with a friendly
amendment to change the increase to 4.5%.
Those voting Aye: being Crs. Becker, TMIor, Andrus, Mehl and Mayor Krauss.
Those voting No being none.
The motion passed 5-0.
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1:50:21 3. Public Hearing and possible approval of Resolution No. 4328, including a 7%
increase to Wastewater Rates effective on September 1, 2011 and a 7% increase on
September 1, 2012 (Rosenberry)
1:50:37 Anna Rosenberry, finance Director
Ms. Rosenberry provided the staff presentation on this item.
1:54:04 Commission questions for staff.
1 :56 :43 Motion and Vote to approve Resolution No. 4328 changing the rate increase to a
6% increase to wastewater rates effective September 1, 2011 and a 6% increase on
September 1, 2012. It was moved by Cr. Taylor, seconded by Cr. Andrus to approve
Resolution No. 4328 which includes a 6% increase to wastewater rates effective Se tember
1, 2011 and a 6% increase on September 1, 2012.
Those voting Ale being Cr. Ta for Andrus Mehl Recker and Mayor Krauss.
Those voting No being none.
The motion passed 5 -0.
1:57 :32 Mr. Kukulski
Mr. Kukulski announced that the sewer treatment plant project is wrapping up and recognized
staff such as Bob Murray and Thom Adams and Montana contractor, Williams Brothers, HDR
and Morrison- Maerle who working together saved millions of dollars that could have needed to
be spent on that project.
1:58:461. Fork Session
1:58:51 1. General Fund Budget Work Session (Rosenberry)
1:59:27 Anna Rosenberry, Finance Director
Ms. Rosenberry provided the staff presentation on this item.
2:04 :04 Mr. Kukulski
Mr. Kukulski emphasized the need to keep capital equipment projects for the Swim Center and
Bogert pool within the budget as they have both had recent capital equipment failures that shut
them down.
2:04 :06 Discussion began between staff and the Commission.
2 :04:49 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry spoke regarding police officer positions and then went into funding for the
cemetery perpetual care fund.
2:06 :12 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry spoke regarding the top seven capital items within the general fund.
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Boweman Cite Commission AJinwcsj(")) N, 2011
2:07:40 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry went into further detail regarding the general fund budget.
2:14:55 Mayor Krauss
Mayor Krauss began questions regarding the certified taxable values and how appeals will affect
that number now and next year.
2:22:29 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry spoke regarding vacancy savings from the police department and suggestions for
additional cuts from the general fund budget.
2:25:52 Mayor Krauss
Mayor Krauss began a discussion with staff and the Commission regarding police vacancy
savings and how they will be accounted for within the budget,
2:28:41 Ron Price, Chief of Police
Mr. Price answered questions from the Commission regarding staffing levels needed and savings
from vacancies.
2:36:39 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry continued her presentation speaking regarding tiers 2 and 3 on the proposed cuts
list.
2:37:19 Cr. Taylor
Cr. Taylor began questions and discussion regarding the cemetery perpetual care fund.
2:40:52 Mayor Krauss
Mayor Krauss asked questions and began discussion regarding the proposed library budget
savings going into the libraries capital reserve fund.
2:50:26 Ms. Rosenberry
Ms. Rosenberry spoke regarding outside requests for funding from the general budget which
includes Streamline, TechRanch and the Spay and Neuter Task Force and the request brought
forward from the City Attorney for the ongoing Victim's Witness Program.
2:50:58 Greg Sullivan, City Attorney
Mr. Sullivan spoke regarding the request for annual funding from the City towards the partnered
Victim's Witness Program with the County and a reduction in funding from the Montana Board
of Crime Control for this program. He spoke in further detail regarding the request and what the
combined money would be used for,
2:55:31 Mr. Kukulski
Mr. Kukulski confirmed that TechRanch has withdrawn their request for funding at this time
because they are currently in transition,
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2 :5 8:04 Warty Lambert, Gallatin County Attorney
Mr. Lambert thanked the city staff for prudently handling surcharge monies, making it passible
to enhance the program without using general fund money for victims witness advocacy. There
are seven courts in the Law and Justice Center with only three advocates making it difficult at
times to offer mandatory services to crime victims. The fourth advocate to be hired will help a
great deal. Combining resources between the City and the County allows both to provide better
services, This program is successful due in large part to the partnership between the City and
County. Funding from grants may be less in the future and partnerships help make up the
difference.
3 :01 :58 Mr. Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan explained further details regarding the request for this program.
3 :02 :11 Cr. Mehl
Cr. Mehl asked questions and began further discussion on this item.
3:03:51 David Kack, Chairman of the Human Resource .Development Council Board of
Directors
Mr, lack thanked the City Commission for the support they have provided and spoke regarding
the partnerships that have been necessary for the success of Streamline. Streamline has grown
from about 75,000 rides in the first year to over 230,000 rides this year, with the 1 millionth ride
happening in November. MSU accounts for about 56% of ridership. This year Streamline will
have half hour frequency during peak hours of 7 -9 and 4 -6 p.m. They have also had increases in
maintenance costs. This puts them at about a $40,000 deficit with these changes. Despite that,
they are moving ahead with hope that the City will become part of the partnership. This issue ties
into the climate action plan. ASMSU has provided additional funding for a tracking system that
will be available on the website allowing riders to have the ability to text from a bus stop to
determine timing for the bus.
3:08:01 Cr. Andrus
Cr. Andrus began questions and discussion about Streamline.
3:14:10 Public Comment
Mayor Krauss opened public comment.
3 :14:51 Susan Bealo, Public Comment
Ms. Bealo, 855 Brookdale Drive spoke as a volunteer for the Spay and Neuter Task Force and
would respectfully request that the funds requested be placed in the budget as the money will be
very well spent and spoke regarding what important community events the Spay and Neuter
Task Force puts on.
3 :16 :20 Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Krauss closed public comment.
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3:16:32 Cr. Mehl
Cr. Mehl began questions for staff on general fund accounting,
3:20:34 Cr. Mehl
Cr. Mehl asked that the City Manager come back to the Commission with additional budget cut
suggestions.
3.21:00 Cr. Andrus
Cr. Andrus also asked for more suggestions for tier I budget cuts.
3:21:34 The Commission and staff continued discussion regarding budget cuts.
3:23:34 Mayor Krauss
Mayor Krauss discussed his position on the budget and would also like to see further budget
cuts.
3:27-41 Mr. Kukulski
Mr. Kukulski provided information about Resolution 4265 regarding the library fund.
3.29:48 Cr. Becker
Cr. Becker spoke regarding his views regarding the general fund budget and asked for more
detail on specific items and provided specific direction on a number of issues.
3:33:37 Cr. Taylor
Cr. Taylor spoke regarding his views on the general fund budget,
3 :36:12 Mayor Krauss
Mayor Krauss spoke regarding being nervous about the amount of the minimum reserve.
3:37:50 Mayor Krauss suspended the rules of procedure for 30 minutes to allow the meeting to
extend beyond 10 p.m.
3:37:58 2. Community Climate Action Plan Implementation (Meyer)
3.3,8:33 Natalie Meyer, Community Climate Action Plan Coordinator
Ms, Meyer provided the staff recommendation for implementing this plan.
3:59:58 The Commission began questions for staff.
4:08:14 Mayor Krauss suspended the Rules of Procedure for another 15 minutes to allow the
meeting to proceed.
4:14.33 Public Comment
Mayor Krauss opened public comment.
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4:14:45 Rob Evans, Public Comment
Mr. Evans from the South West Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA) spoke
regarding resources available with the SWMBIA Green Building meetings that is market based
and highly educated in their considerations. Please see the SWMBIA website to see when they
meet.
4:15:24 Scott Bisclike, Public Comment
Mr, Bischke of 3940 Graf Street thanked the Commission for adopting both the Municipal and
Community Plans. He also spoke regarding the Importance that Ms. Meyer has played in this
issue and he appreciates all the work that has been done. He also expressed appreciation for the
City Manager and Finance Director who have a difficult job balancing the budget. Mr. Bischke
would also strongly advocate putting forth funding that is needed to continue to support both
plans.
4:18:19Mayor Krauss suspended the Rules of Procedure for a bit longer to allow the meeting to
proceed.
4:18:28 Kathy Powell, Public Comment
Ms. Powell of 1213 South 3rd spoke on behalf of the League of Women Voters commending the
Mayor and Commissioners .and Task Force for what they have done. She then encouraged the
City to implement the Community action plan, move forward with a permanent advisory board,
and add to the budget for community outreach. They also feel the coordinator position is critical.
The League of Women Voters feels energy production and energy conservation will provide the
most bang for the buck with this issue. Ms. Powell ended by saying climate action is a very
important priority for the League of Women Voters and would ask that the Mayor and
Commission stay serious about this issue and take action.
4:21:17 Catherine Weeden, Public Comment
Ms. Weeden of 2155 Lomas Drive acknowledged that it is obvious that the Commission has
been very supportive of the need for action to reduce carbon emissions. With talk about debt we
are leaving to our children, the climate mess will be even more of a burden to them. She knows
this is a balancing act with the budget, but her fear is that the staffing we have now for this is
tenuous. Ms. Weeden hopes the Commission will be sure not to let this happen and provide
adequate funding in the budget for the moderate expenses proposed. In the proposal, the major
share of reduction will happen in energy production and she hopes that will be implemented as
soon as possible.
4:23:44 Dan Stevenson, Public Comment
Mr. Stevenson of 3009 Westridge Drive commended Council and staff for sticking with this
issue in a year in which it would be easy to ignore. The most important thing he sees after the
initial planning effort is the need for continuity of planning and implementation. Mr. Stevenson
said whether or not there are resources for additional staff, he would recommend moving
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forward with the conservation advisory board as well as the suggested early stage
implementation.
4:25:1.6 David Kaek Public Comment
Mr. Kack of 7007 Jackson Creek. Road, said he and Dan Stevenson have worked on the
Community Climate Action Plan for Montana State University. He emphasized the importance
of partnerships. There are lots of resources within the community and this is a regional issue. Mr
Kack said it is Important to focus on implementation and keeping the momentum going.
4 :27 :03 Public Comment Closed.
Seeing no further public comment, Mayor Krauss closed public comment.
4:27:21 Cr. Taylor
Cr. Taylor said he would like the City Manager to come back before the final budget adoption
with a scenario funding an additional .5 full time employee to be devoted to the Community
Climate .action Plan. He would also like to see education pieces moved up in the timeline
including the benchmarking, commercial commissioning and perhaps move up ideas regarding
coordinating with others.
4.28.35 Cr. Andrus
Cr. Andrus said that in addition to what Cr. Taylor said, Cr. Andrus would like specific dollar
amounts needed for some of the implementation items figured and when those would be
implemented in 2012. She would also like the advisory board appointed and have suggestions
from staff on who might be on it and what that might look like.
4 :29:15 Cr. Mehl
Cr. Mehl referred to the matrix (policy and pace) and the budget. He would like to see all the
budget money into the general fund pooled together. Cr. Mehl hopes we can fund a full time
employee for this, this year. That would allow us to get running with one person in charge. He
would also support an advisory board. He would also be interested in prioritizing education and
competitions. He would encourage staff to look at plastic bags and anti - idling. Streamline and
bicycling are also important.
4:33:58 J. FYI/Discussion
4:34:07 1. Peach Street going west is now being used as two lanes.
Mayor Krauss reported seeing a driver use the new bike land parking lane on Peach Street going
west as a second lane. He would recommend a bike lane stripe.
4 :34 :46 2. Pork chop at Highland and Ellis
Mayor Krauss reported he read an article today regarding not removing the pork chop at
Highland and Ellis. He would encourage us to remove this as it has been a long time complaint.
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4:35 3. Meeting with ASMSU Senate
Mayor Krauss spoke regarding setting up a September meeting to speak with the Associated
Students of Montana State University Senate. They are interested in buses, recycling and using
the parking garage to park overnight and use the bus after drinking.
4:35:54 4. Gallatin County Emergency Plan
Deputy City Clerk Aimee Kissel announced that she and Ms. Ulmen had provided to the
Commission a disc with the Gallatin County Emergency Plan which would be coming to the
Commission August 22nd.
4:36:43 K. Adjournment
Mayor Krauss adjourned the meeting at 10:58 p.m.
ATT�S?4
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PREPAR Y:
Aimee Kissel, Deputy City Clerk
Approved on 1
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il��Y Krdus's, Mayor
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