HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12 Work Plan, January 2012 update City of Bozeman Adopted 2011 — 2012 Work-Plan
January 2012 Update
Policy Initiatives
1. Enhance Downtown Development Opportunities
a. Conduct a "Full cost & benefit study: social, economic & traffic considerations for one-way
conversion to 2-way, shared lanes, streetscape improvements and truck route modifications"
as recommended by the Downtown Plan. (Arkell/Hixson) -May 9, 2011 the commission held a
policy session regarding downtown enhancements with our staff and the downtown partnership.
The consensus was that this project will likely get done in smaller phases over the next several
years as redevelopment opportunities present themselves.
The DBP committed,$100,000 toward this project. We have confirmed with a couple consultants
that this detailed of a study will cost between ,$200,000 and,$250,000. MDT has advised us that we
cannot use our Urban Funds for this study. We have not identified other funding options. (DA)
b. Amend the UDO to eliminate or reduce parkland dedication requirements for downtown
development and other high intensity mixed uses (McHarg) -Amendments to the UDO were
adopted on June 27, 2011 by the city commission.
c. Facilitate development of a downtown hotel as identified in the downtown development plan
(Fontenot) - The RFP for a boutique hotel has been completed and reviewed by the city
commission. Per commission action, the RFP will be brought back to the city commission for your
review on January 23, 2012. On January 23rd the commission will provide direction on the RFP
process. After discussions with development professionals, staff recommends a different approach
than was earlier discussed and approved by the commission.
2. Implement the adopted economic development plan
a. Ongoing Financial Commitment to Economic Development (Commission) —Substantial
increases into ED was adopted as part of the FY2012 budget. This included the position of
Economic Development Director and the funding of several programs including Gallatin College.
FY13 budgets are being developed now and will include requests for funding new initiatives,
outreach and partnerships.
b. Commitment to a business-friendly process with a focus on retention and expansion of existing
local businesses (McHarg)
• Expand Planning Director administrative approvals —Several ideas were presented and
well received by the commission during their Sept. 26 meeting. Staff recommends that the
drafting of the resulting UDC amendments be a priority for 2012.
• Exempt small projects based on specific criteria (i.e. COAs)—Amendments to the UDC
were adopted on June 27, 2011 by the city commission. Staff is currently partnering with
the MSU MPA Program to work with the HPAB on a strategic planning process for
historic preservation. This strategic planning process will include an evaluation of the
NCOZ to identify alternatives to restructure the current COA regulatory approach, which
will likely result in proposals for further amendments to the UDC.
• Implement over the counter approvals - The commission reviewed our proposals in
September. Staff is currently evaluating physical,personnel and software system changes
for the Planning and Engineering Departments to most effectively implement over the
counter approvals. Staff recommends that these changes be a priority for 2012.
• Simplify reuse application process -Planning and Economic Development Staff held a
stakeholder meeting in November to outline options to improve the reuse process. Several
ideas were formulated, including education, outreach, integration with business licensing,
improvements to software systems, expanded use of informal applications, and UDC
changes. Staff recommends that implementation of these efforts be a priority for 2012.
• Evaluate options for efficient re-platting of subdivisions—Amendments to the UDC were
adopted on June 27, 2011 by the city commission.
• Reduce conditional uses— The commission reviewed our proposals in September. Staff
recommends that the drafting of the resulting UDC amendments be a priority for 2012.
• Implement administrative deviation and alternative compliance processes— The
commission reviewed our proposals in September. Staff recommends that the drafting of
the resulting UDC amendments be a priority for 2012.
• Revise Workforce Housing standards and process— Completed as part of the ordinance
adopted at the July 18, 2011 city commission meeting. Staff is currently working with the
consultant on the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment to evaluate housing policy
options, including the need for inclusionary zoning in the current real estate market.
• Consolidate regulatory structure of zone district standards and overlay zone guidelines
(entryway corridor design standards)—Staff has met with the NSURB and the Planning
Board to discuss alternatives for creating a character based zoning system for the N 7th
Ave district. Such a system would codify many of the policies and guidelines from the N
7th District Plan and the Entryway Corridor Design Guidelines and restructure the design
review process in the district. This approach would serve as pilot project for establishing
character based zoning in other areas of the city. Both the NSURB and Planning Board
were very receptive to the concept and would like to proceed. Staff recommends that the
drafting of the resulting UDC amendments be a priority for 2012.
• Evaluate approaches for conversion of condominium lots to townhome lots—
Unfortunately, this issue has proved to be more difficult to solve than originally
anticipated in the current real estate market. Staff continues to work with banks on REO
properties, much of which are condominium lots. However, as part of the continuing
market equilibration process, banks are primarily focused on disposing of single family
properties, because of the current demand structure. Staff is open to a range of
alternatives, including cluster and patio homes,for these lots. It is likely to be some time
before the surplus supply of attached residential product is absorbed and developers again
become interested in developing multifamily or attached product. However, current rental
vacancy rates are extremely low, resulting in upward pressure on rents. This may create
some interest in developing multifamily rental projects.
c. Stabilize existing local incubators and create a full service business incubator program to
achieve a healthy business ecosystem (Fontenot)
• Exploring means of stabilizing the only local business incubator, TechRanch. - The City
Manager's Recommended Budget funded the $25,000 request that Tech Ranch submitted
to the city this past May. TechRanch withdrew this request on August 8th however City
staff continues to support TechRanch when possible.
This Fall,Ken Stocks met on multiple occasions with Mr. O'Donnell, searching for
opportunities to assist TechRanch.
• Workforce Development - included in the approved FY 2012 budget, and paid in October
2011.
Approve 2012 and 2013 fiscal year budgets that includes 1.5 mills for Gallatin College
programs.
• Gallatin College Programs has funded and completed a Workforce Assessment Study to
inform GCP as they evolve programming.
e. Mandeville Farm (Fontenot) - The city and DNRC received a CDBG Economic Development
Planning Grant for approx 300 acres including Mandeville farm in Nov. 2011.
The project scope and RFP was released to the public on January 6, 2012 and closes on February
10, 2012. We continue to discuss FTZ in relation to Mandeville Farm. Intersection
improvements to the N7th and Griffin Drive intersection were discussed with the Impact Fee
Advisory Committee and added to the Street Impact Fee Capital Improvement Plan as
"unscheduled" (AR)
3. Adopt plans to address deferred infrastructure maintenance
a. Street System— 15 year strategy to eliminate deferred maintenance (Winn/Hixson)
• Curb replacement/ADA ramps — On July 25, 2011 the commission increased street
assessments by an additional 2% to fund the "curb replacement fund"(last year's budget was
the first to enhance the curb replacement fund by the same additional 2%) Similar increases
are scheduled for 2013—2015. South Willson curb replacement is scheduled for FY12. In
December 2010, the commission approved the list of CTEP projects for FY12 and FYI 3,
which includes 9 ADA curbs/striped crosswalks. Staff Engineer Dustin Johnson is now
heading up the CTEP program. (DA)
• Storm Water—see storm water utility listed under tier H
• Sidewalks/trails— CTEP College pathway is completed from 11th to Ferguson. Last year we
installed$125k in handicapped accessible ramps and we anticipate investing$215k next
summer. In December 2010, the commission approved the list of CTEP projects for FY12 and
FY13, which included 6 sidewalk/path projects. Staff Engineer Dustin Johnson is now
heading up the CTEP program. (DA)
• Streets— On July 25, 2011 the commission increased street assessments by an additional 13%.
This increase includes a financing strategy to rebuild South 8th in FY12 and a proposal to
create a "street reconstruction program"(SRP). By increasing the street assessment by 13%
we will finance the South 8th project and raise approximately $155,000 annually for SRP(7%
for S. 8th & 6%for SRP). Senior Engineer Bob Murray is developing the design and bid
package for South 8th, and the project will be put out to bid in February,for this
spring/summer/fall construction. Dustin Johnson is heading up the creation of the SID, and
the commission will be holding that public hearing this winter.
Dependent on the bid price received, sections of 7 streets will be milled/filled and a thick
overlay will be applied to Kagy from Highland to Bozeman Trail this year.
If a similar increase is also added for the SRP in FY 2013 and 2014, we greatly improve our
ability to tackle deferred maintenance in our street system. This new program (approx. $460k
annually, after 3 years) will need to be utilized alongside SIDs, impact fees and state &federal
funds in order to keep up with ongoing street maintenance, reconstructions and expansions to
the street network. (DA)
4. Water distribution system—20 year strategy to eliminate deferred maintenance (Winn/Hixson) -
On August 8, 2011 the commission increased water rates by 4.5%for FY 2012 and 4.5%for FY2013.
Similar increases will be needed in FY 2014—2016 to fully fund a pipe replacement fund
Implementing this pipe replacement plan should eliminate any deferred maintenance related to
existing water pipes over the next 20 years. Senior Staff Engineer Bob Murray is developing the
design and bid package. Dependent on the bid price received, water pipe under sections of sir streets
is scheduled for FY12. (DA)
5. Waste water collection system—20 year strategy to eliminate deferred maintenance
(Winn/Hixson) - On August 8, 2011 the commission increased sewer rates by 6%for FY2012 and
6%for FY2013. Similar increases will be needed in FY 2014—2016 to fully fund a pipe replacement
fund.Implementing this pipe replacementplan should eliminate any deferred maintenance related to
existing sewer pipes over the next 20 years. Dependent on the bid price received, sewer pipe under
sections of ten streets is scheduled for rehabilitation in FY12. (DA)
NEW ISSUE: In September staff from Region 8 EPA (Denver) audited our Pretreatment Discharge
Elimination program. This is the program thatDarigold and a few other industrial dischargers are
permitted under. The audit identified 24 required action items and several recommended action
items. We are required to provide specific corrective action dates for completing the required actions
by January 21, 2012. Many of the required action items focused on our lack of staffing to adequately
monitor, inspect and enforce the program, the need for the pretreatment sections of the Municipal
Code to be updated, and provide public education on the issue. Staff is meeting next week to develop a
response and will likely be requesting an additional staff person to oversee this and other
environmental-based programs in the FY13 budget. (DA)
CONTINUING ISSUE: Engineering staff will be heavily involved in the implementation of the
Record of Decision for the Bozeman Solvent Site. (DA)
a. Facilities (Winn/Kukulski)
• Police Station/Municipal Court— Gallatin County approved the MOU in August, the city
commission amended the MOU in Nov. 2011. The amended MOU was presented to the county
commission and adopted on January 17th. On February 6th, the city commission will be
presented with an FY12 Budget Amendment to begin fund initial design work in the current
budget year from reserves assigned to Capital Projects. (AR)
• Lindley Center—FY2012—2016 CIP;ADA Deck replacement is included in the approved FY
2012 budget Accepting bids for the construction of the Lindley Center outside deck.(RAD)
• Park Bathrooms—FY2012—2016 CIP
• Story Mansion— The mansion and carriage house roofs were replaced as a result of last
summer's hailstorm.
We are working with Exergy's attorney to finalize the documents related to the sale. We'll have
them sometime in mid-January. The documents will include an agreement to address shared
maintenance of the city parkland
• Bogert Pool—FY2012 - 2016 CIP includes all of these upgrades over the next 5 years, one of
the most significant projects is included in the proposed FY2012 budget(gutter and pool shell
replacement). Research has been completed on the current pool configuration and a report is
being written for commission review within the next sixty days. We would like to get the pool
shell, gutters and boiler replaced asap.
Bogert has been postponed until the Feasibility Study is completed
• Swim Center— The FY2012- 2016 CIP includes all of these upgrades over the next 5 years.
FY2015 is the next big scheduled project to replace the pool's filtration system. Working on
engineering for Pool Heater replacement. Heaters will not make it to FY13 and need to move
up to FY12. Following engineering we will have an accurate cost for the Heater
replacement.(RAD)
The city commission will be presented with an FY12 Budget Amendment to fund this project
from reserves assigned to Capital Projects. (AR)
Adopt responsible funding plans to pay for a, b, c, d (Rosenberry)
• Street Assessments: (Discussed Above)
• Urban Funds: At numerous meetings last fall, the Impact Fee Advisory Committee expressed
great interest in how Urban Funds should be allocated to street projects. This policy issue is
expected to be a topic of discussion during the Street Impact Fee Study this winter/spring.
• Improvement districts
• Gas tax
• Utility rates: (Discussed Above)
• Bond issue: A refinance of both the Transportation General Obligation (GO) and the Library
Bonds (GO) was anticipated this fall. After discussions with bond experts, it was
recommended that we wait until April 2012 to refinance these debts. (The recommendation to
wait a few months is based on the call features of the current bonds and interest rates/costs
associated with advance refunding escrow accounts). This refinancing is expected to
decrease taxes for city residents, beginning in the Fall of 2012 and continuing until 2021.
• General funds: The commission approved allocating a portion of prior year budget savings to
pay for General Fund capital improvement items when the budget was adopted in September.
During our update of the General Fund CIP, we discussed utilizing portions of this reserve to
begin design of the Police/Muni Court Facility and to replace the Swim Center Heater in
FY12.
• Grants: During this quarter we were awarded a ,$560,000 grant for Victim Witness service
through the federal Office of Justice Programs, a ,$15,000 planning grant for Economic
Development at Mandeville Farm through the MT. Department of Commerce's Community
Development Block Grant(CDBG)program, a ,$10,000 Montana Trout Foundation award for
Hydro-mapping of Bozeman Creek, and a ,$15,000 grant for preliminary engineering work for
Creek Improvements at the Rouse Parking Lot from the MT Department of Commerce's
Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP). We received notice that the TIGER program
would not be funded(our,$2.8M application for College Street improvements.) We received
notice of a denied grant request for a ,$50,000 Tourism Infrastructure Improvement Program
grant for the Bozeman Sculpture Park. In partnership with the DNRC, we received a ,$25,000
Montana Department of Commence Community Development Block Planning Grant for the
Mandeville Farm project.
• Loans
6. Develop an Integrated Water Resource Plan:
a. Complete a scope of work to bid the water resource plan for the city(ArkeWHixson)— The
scope of work was reviewed by the commission on May 2, 2011.
b. Hire a firm to complete an integrated Water Resource Plan (Arkell/Hixson)— The team of
AE2S, Engineers;Peter Scott, water rights attorney; and Dave Schmidt, water rights specialist,
has been selected to complete the Plan. Staff Engineer Brian Heaston will present a draft scope
of the Plan to the commission at their February 6 meeting. The commission will also be asked to
review and approve a list of potential Technical Advisory Committee (TA C) members at that time.
(DA)
c. Select a water rights attorney to help guide the city (Sullivan)—Peter Scott has been hired to
represent the city in this area.
d. Develop a strategy to purchase additional water rights (Rosenberry) —A portion of the adopted
water rate increase for 2012 includes funding approx. ,$200k annually for purchasing additional
water rights.
GS (12128): We've been working to develop a strategy for purchasing additional shares in the
Hyalite Reservoir. Peter Scott has been involved. More details will be made available as we refine
the strategy.
2nd Tier Initiatives
1. Creation of a storm water utility (ArkeWHixson) - The DEQ audit of our stormwater program was
completed the first week of August. Results were received December 14. This audit resulted in 8
Commendable Elements, 16 Program Deficiencies, 23 Recommendations for Improvement, and one
Permit Violation. The Permit Violation was in the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
program component as we have not yet compiled a comprehensive map of the storm water system and
receiving waters. We must submit a plan to DEQ by March ], 2012 to detail how we will address the
violations, deficiencies, and recommendations. This audit will help us identify the amount of money
needed to implement the program. Staff Engineer Dustin Johnson will give the commission an update
at the January 23 meeting. (DA)
We have created a Storm Water working group that has been meeting to focus our efforts and prepare
a comprehensive program proposal for the city commission to review and consider. (CW)
We anticipate preparing our 2012 Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP)grant request for a
large storm water/creek project. If awarded in the summer of 2013, a $]:$] local match will need to
be provided. The Storm water Utility could be a logical source of local match. We could also utilize
existing employee work time, other grants, and donations for the match. (AR)
2. Implementation of the community climate action plan (Rosenberry/Meyer) -An implementation
strategy was presented to the commission on August 2011. The adopted budget includes funding for
community engagement and implementation, a commercial building benchmarking program, a
passive solar design workshop, an anti-idling education campaign, expanding the composting
program,promoting recycling, and an LED pilotproject. Resolution 4358 establishes 3 task
forces/working groups to assist in implementing the plan.
The city received a grant for an Energy Corps intern to assist us for 11 months. The intern will focus
on the street lighting inventory &LED replacement program, Gallatin Earth Celebration,passive
solar design workshop, organize a Climate Action Plan community workshop, and assist with
recycling education in our local schools.
3. Amend the sign code (McHarg) -Some changes to signage requirements are included in the June
27, 2011 UDO amendments
a. Investigate eliminating a re-use permit triggering compliance of signs that are not changed.
b. Investigate the triggers necessitating sign compliance with current requirements.
c. Investigate monument sign with moveable lettering and how these fit into the sign ordinance.
d. Investigate how to exempt signs with a historical use from the sign code.
4. Mayor's "state of the city" (Mayor Krauss)
a. Change zoning for mobile home park-Discussed during the May 9, 2011 city commission
meeting. This issue is being evaluated as part of the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment.
b. Suspend workforce housing, replace with up to $50k for down payment assistance- On July
18, 2011 the commission suspended the workforce housing ordinance. The current program for
down payment assistance is being evaluated as part of the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment.
c. Temporarily reduce the transportation impact fee- This item was placed on the October 2011
agenda. The commission direction was to wait to make changes based on the updated impact fee
study that is under review.
d. Accelerate sidewalk ramp replacement program - $340k between FY2011 and FY2013
e. Review density requirements
6. Buy Local Initiative (Sullivan) - Winter 2012.
7. City & state could partner on right of way purchases and park development along Bozeman
Creek. (Dingman)Bozeman Creek Enhancement Committee is looking at properties along Rouse
that may be candidates for sale due to close proximity to the proposed road location. BCEC has
approached the State on this and talks will continue. BCEC is interested in some relocation of the
Creek along Rouse if properties can be obtained. Who will purchase and funding will be the issues.
(RAD)
MDT has a public meetin,-scheduled for January 25, 6.30- 9 pm, Bozeman Senior Center, to review
the near-final design of the Rouse Avenue improvements. (DA)
8. Distracted driver ordinance (Price) - Final adoption of Ordinance 1818 occurred on November 28
with an effective date of January 17, 2012. The police department is participating with numerous
community members to identify and implement an education and media campaign. Initial
enforcement plans call for a thirty day period of warnings prior to ticketing. Work continues with
legal and courts to finalize plans for fine and appeal systems. (RP)
The first reading of ordinance 1818 was adopted on November 14, 2011, second reading is scheduled
for November 28 with an effective date of January 17, 2012. (RP)
Signs will be installed by the City Sign Division on streets entering the city prior to the effective date.
(DA)
9. Parking Plan for senior center (ArkelUVanDelinder)- The city worked with the county fairgrounds
to develop a paved area with parking blocks and striping for senior center overflow parking. We
investigated the shared use of parking with the apartment complex to the west. Access from that
parking lot to the Center is not accessible, but improvements could be made to make it more so. The
complex owner was contacted several years ago about shared use and was not interested in a formal
agreement. James may be contacting them again, as we would want a formal agreement if we made
improvements on their land for access. (DA)
10. LED fighting (Winn) -A LED pilot project was included in the adopted FY2012 budget. We
proposed LED lighting be considered for the Willson/Cleveland and North 7th projects, both
proposals were rejected. North Willson by NWE and North 7th by the N7URB. Working with Cooper
Park neighbors on a plan to replace light through park,possibly with LED lights. (RAD)
Staff Engineer Dustin Johnson is our lead on LED lighting. He and Natalie Meyer have worked with
a consultant to develop a pilot program to replace 8 lights on the first 8 poles on the north side of
Durston Road from 7th to 11th Avenues with BetaLED lights. We will purchase 7 lights and the
factory will provide one for 'free'. The manufacturers specifications may require a licensed
electrician to install the lights. If not, the City's Streets and Signs Divisions will install the lights, as
the consultant estimates it should take about 10 minutes per light to change out. The consultant
estimates these bulbs will provide a 45% energy savings. (DA)
The city received a grant for an Energy Corps intern to assist us with a street lighting inventory &
LED replacement program.
11. Recreation & Park board periodically review policies regarding dogs every other year (Dingman)
No movement on this to date. (RAD)