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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-02-11 Northeast Urban Renewal Board Minutes Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 2, 2011 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: Erik Nelson, Chair Daniel Doehring Tom Noble (arrived at 6:40 p.m.) Robert Pavlic Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Non-Voting Members: Commissioner Liaison: Carson Taylor Staff: Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Kevin Jacobsen, Morrison-Maierle Trevor McSpadden, Morrison-Maierle Bill Cochran, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board Call to Order. Chair Erik Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Public Comment— Bill Cochran, Vice Chair of the Bozeman Area Bicycle Board (BABAB) stated their Board is trying to work with this Board to ensure that everyone can accept the plan for improvements to East Peach Street. He noted that tomorrow night's BABAB meeting has been cancelled since they will not have a quorum present. He then asked if the Board members have seen the new bike lanes on Peach Street west of North Rouse Avenue, stating that he has used them and they seem to be fine. He noted that he anticipates traffic will move slower on this corridor with the narrower travel lanes resulting from the installation of these bike lanes. NURB Meeting—August 2, 2011 1 Consent Items — Approve minutes from July 5, 2011 meeting. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese voiced concern that the motion on Page 6, regarding amending the proposed budget, references moving monies from the East Peach Street project instead of infrastructure projects into the bridge project. Planner Keri Thorpe responded that she had put all of the monies into the East Peach Street fund under her initial draft. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the minutes of the meeting of July 5, 2011, be approved as amended to read "It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the budget be amended to move $10,000 from East Peach Street/infrastructure fund to the bridge." The motion carried on a 3-0 vote. Discussion Items — Peach Street engineering study and concept planning update with Kevin Jacobsen from Morrison-Maierle. Kevin Jacobsen stated that, based on his July meeting with the BABAB, he has prepared a design that includes sharrows and signage reflecting the shared use of the travel lanes. Bill Cochran noted that sharrows are used in Portland, and they have proven functional. He stated that this concept is specific to sharing of the travel lane by both vehicles and bicycles. Kevin Jacobsen distributed a proposed draft letter from the BABAB to this Board indicating its support of the East Peach Street design, for review and possible consideration by the BABAB. He also distributed copies of the new design with sharrows, noting that it will be an exhibit accompanying the letter. He indicated that the sharrows could be done with epoxy paint or thermoplastic. BABAB Vice Chair Cochran stated that, since the Board will not be meeting this month, he will send the letter and exhibit to the members via e-mail. He noted that this design is consistent with what the Board has discussed. He recognized that this design is inconsistent with the bike lanes to the west of North Rouse Avenue, but acknowledged that the right-of- way restrictions do not allow for adequately accommodating bike lanes on both sides of the road as well as parking on the south side of the street. Bob Pavlic voiced his continued concerns about the bioswales, noting that they appear to be a cheap solution until one looks at the maintenance aspects. Responding to Kevin Jacobsen, Planner Thorpe stated that Bronken's was notified of the improvements to East Peach Street prior to the NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA) meeting, but a significant amount of discussion has occurred since that time. NURB Meeting—August 2, 2011 2 Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe encouraged the Board members to take a strong advocacy role on this project prior to its being considered by the City Commission. Responding to comments from Bill Cochran, Kevin Jacobsen stated the sharrow symbol on this design is the one that has been accepted by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). He noted that a sharrow will be painted on the roadway at the beginning of each block, so there would be a total of eight symbols in this four-block section of roadway. Responding to Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Chair Nelson stated that the entire East Peach Street right-of-way between North Rouse Avenue and North Plum Avenue is included in this project, not just the north side of the street. He acknowledged that a majority of the improvements are to be on the north side, but some curb and other improvements on the south side are included. He then noted that the funds set aside for this project to date will not fund even half of the project; however, funding from other sources such as the CTEP program or the City's capital improvement program could help make the improvements a reality more quickly than if just tax increment monies are used. Trevor McSpadden reminded the Board that the standard for these street improvements will apply, no matter who undertakes them, including the Montana Department of Transportation when they do the intersection improvements at North Rouse Avenue. Kevin Jacobsen asked what the Board sees as the next step in this process. Planner Keri Thorpe proposed that the Board members assume the advocacy role, possibly with the Bike Board assisting them. She stressed the importance of notifying those within the district of the proposed improvements and ensuring that their questions and concerns are addressed to the greatest extent possible. Trevor McSpadden suggested a simple tri-fold brochure could be beneficial, and offered to assist the Board in developing that brochure. Chair Nelson noted that general acceptance of the improvements by Bronkens Distributing and Simkins-Hallin Lumber is critical to the success of this project, so contacting them early in the process is important. Chair Nelson asked if this street design creates any potential challenges for Karst Stage; Kevin Jacobsen responded that no changes are being proposed to the roadway. Trevor McSpadden suggested that overlaying the design on an aerial photo could help people better understand the project. NURB Meeting—August 2, 2011 3 Kevin Jacobsen noted that most approaches will remain as they are; the only one that will be impacted is the access to the Bronkens Distributing site. Trevor McSpadden stressed the most important issue at this time is getting the design standard set so that any changes to the roadway comply with it. Bill Cochran stressed that he does not want this design to set a precedent for other projects; however, he recognizes the unique conditions involved with this site. He acknowledged that the complete street standard can be better accomplished in new development. Kevin Jacobsen stated he will develop a new plan that shows different installation options for the north side of the street, with details for each of those options. He noted that the specific options will not be identified on the plan; rather, a notation for an option will be included so that flexibility in implementation of the plan remains available. Responding to Chair Nelson, Planner Thorpe suggested that this design be submitted to the Development Review Committee after the fall NENA meeting, which will probably be held in October. In anticipation of the NENA meeting and the meeting before the Commission, she suggested that those leasing property be contacted as well as the property owners. Chair Nelson noted that when talking to property owners, Board members should encourage them to attend this Board's September meeting if they want to influence the design that is submitted to the Commission for consideration. Kevin Jacobsen stated he will prepare exhibits that include an aerial, the existing roadway, and the proposed improvements on 11-by-17-inch paper so they are available for Board members to distributed as they contact property owners. Depot Pocket Park Maintenance — follow-up discussion on recent maintenance. Planner Thorpe stated she thinks Bill Conover did a good job of mowing and treating the weeds. She noted that he was asked to mow two to three feet on each side of the trail, which he did; and he hauled all of the debris off site. He is willing do another weed treatment this summer if desired. She then noted the flags identifying the plantings remain in place. North Church Avenue and East Aspen Street trails request for bids — status report. Planner Keri Thorpe stated she received one bid, which was under $20,000. She noted that the budget includes $9,000 for the Aspen Street trail and $4,300 for the North Church trail. She stated the budget did not include irrigation for the trees in the Aspen Street right-of-way, which will require piping from the well in Depot Park to this site. She then reminded the Board that this bid included the base bid and several alternates so that portions of the project could be done as the budget allowed. NURB Meeting—August 2, 2011 4 Planner Thorpe indicated that the trees are to be maple trees, per the recommendation of Forestry Superintendent Ryon Stover. Chair Erik Nelson noted that the base bid, trees and sprinkler system could be done within the existing budget and, if the Board wishes to do more, it could increase the budget. Responding to Planner Keri Thorpe, Chair Nelson suggested that a pedestrian crosswalk sign between the Aspen Street trail and Depot Park would be preferable to painting crosswalks on the roadway. Chair Nelson voiced his interest in including Alternates 1 and 3, which would require an additional $2,100 in the budget, and eliminating the dog waste station. Following a brief discussion, he proposed that, to cover the additional costs, $1,000 each be taken from maintenance of the depot pocket park, the bridge and Preserve America grant. If not all of those monies are needed, one-third of the remaining monies would be returned to each of those line items. Planner Thorpe noted that award of this bid must be placed on the consent agenda for Commission approval. She then stated it is her hope that work can be begin within a month. Responding to Bob Pavlic, Planner Thorpe stated maintenance of the Aspen Street trail is covered under an agreement executed by the NorthEast Neighborhood Association, the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the City of Bozeman as part of the sketch plan approval. She noted that, if this Board wishes to have a higher level of maintenance, it can include monies in the budget for doing so. Demolition by Neglect (aka Property Maintenance Code) — follow-up discussion on memo from Historic Preservation Officer Courtney Kramer. Planner Thorpe stated she sent a memo to the Board members from Historic Preservation Officer Courtney Kramer outlining the status of this issue. She noted that at last month's meeting, Commissioner- Liaison Carson Taylor recommended Board members contact City Commissioners individually if they wish to see this issue move forward. Chair Nelson requested that further discussion on this item be placed on the agenda for next month's meeting. Action Items — Consider a motion approving NURB Annual Work Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2012. Planner Thorpe noted that the proposed work plan and budget were distributed to Board members prior to this meeting. She stated it includes the revision made at last month's meeting as well as adjustments to projected revenues in light of updated information from the Finance Department. After reviewing the revised budget and the narrative as NURB Meeting—August 2, 2011 5 prepared by Planner Keri Thorpe, the Board members that no additional changes were necessary, but accepted the following submitted budget: Priority I - Parks, Trails and Greenspace Depot Trail Area $ 3,000 Aspen Street Right-of-Way/North Church Avenue Trail 13,300 Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge 22,860 Total — Priority 1 $ 39,160 Priority 11 — Infrastructure East Peach Street/North Ida Avenue $ 105,670 Priority III — Neighborhood Development Planning Neighborhood Development Plan (visioning document) $ 2,000 Preserve America Grant Match 15,000 Total — Priority III $ 17,000 Staff Time $ 5,000 Noticing and Administrative Services $ 2,000 Total Budget $ 168,830 It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, that the Board approve the annual work plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 as revised in light of last month's meeting and adjustments to projected revenues. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Adjournment— 8:20 p.m. There being no further business to come before the board at this time, Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting. Erik Nelson, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman NURB Meeting—August 2, 2011 6