HomeMy WebLinkAboutNortheast Urban Renewal Board Report and 2013 Work Plan and Budget
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner
Tim McHarg, Planning Director
Anna Rosenberry, Finance Director
SUBJECT: Annual Work Plan and Budget for the Northeast Urban Renewal
Board (NURB)
MEETING DATE: June 4, 2012
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Work Session Item
RECOMMENDATION: Review attached materials, listen to Staff/Board presentations, ask
questions, and provide direction on proposed Annual Work Plan and Budget for the NURB.
BACKGROUND: On May 1, 2012, the NURB unanimously approved the attached FY13
Work Plan and Budget.
The NURB proposes a Work Plan and Budget and submits a report on an annual basis as per
Section 7-15-4237 of the Montana Code Annotated 2009:
“(1) An agency authorized to transact business and exercise powers under this part and
part 43 shall file with the local governing body, on or before September 30 of each
year, a report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) The report shall include a complete financial statement setting forth its assets,
liabilities, income, and operating expenses as of the end of the fiscal year.”
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission
FISCAL EFFECTS: If approved by the City Commission, the NURB FY12 Work Plan and
Budget Proposal will be adopted as part of the City of Bozeman Annual Work Plan Budget on
September 12, 2011.
Attachments: 1) NURB Annual Report and FY 2012 Budget Proposal
2)Draft NURB May 1st, 2012 meeting minutes
Report compiled on: May 24, 2012
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
59771
NORTHEAST URBAN RENEWAL BOARD BUDGET FY 2013 PROPOSAL TO THE
BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION
In 2005, the Bozeman City Commission adopted ordinance 1655 which formally enacted the
Northeast Urban Renewal Plan. The stated mission of the plan and general goals are as follows:
DISTRICT PLAN MISSION/VISION
“This Plan is the City’s response to remedy the conditions of blight found in the August 2005
[Blight] Report. The Plan also addresses other issues important to the District. The Plan’s
purpose is to ensure the vitality of the Northeast Urban Renewal District (NURD) the vitality of
the NURD for generations to come and to make the NURD an area in which its citizens can take
exceptional pride. The Plan envisions a mixed use neighborhood that is user friendly, safe,
secure and healthy. While this Plan envisions a District with diversity of housing businesses and
amenities, it intends to maintain the unique ambiance and historic character of the District”.
Nine principals were developed for the plan for the plan. Each of the principals has one or more
goals associated with the plan some of which specifically relate to this work plan others
represent general objectives and directives. The Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) goals
are as follows:
GENERAL GOALS:
Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired, replaced, or otherwise
improved.
Provide public utilities to the area efficiently in ways that are not visually or
physically obtrusive.
Encourage a land use pattern that facilitates all modes of transportation –
vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, mass transit, and commercial – for safe, efficient
and convenient access for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
Harmonize commercial and industrial development with residential quality of life.
New structures should be designed and built keeping in mind the public values of
durability, flexibility, and simplicity. Thoughtful consideration of design,
materials, and massing in the construction of new private buildings will add
strength and character to the built environment. To the degree that the private
sector can be influenced by a public partner in development, the community ought
to strongly encourage excellence in urban design as a basis of partnership.
Promote sustainable building practices and design within the district
Procure new land for park and open space
Improve landscaping in existing public spaces
Neither the City of Bozeman nor any of its subdivisions shall use eminent domain
to take private property for private use in the implementation of an urban renewal
project or similar redevelopment plan.
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
Encourage the City to help ensure the success of the Northeast Urban Renewal
Plan by giving a high priority to the Northeast District in its capital improvements
plan.
Work with neighborhoods and businesses to ensure actions taken in the district are
compatible with adjacent developed areas.
Work with the City to ensure actions taken outside of the District are compatible
with projects inside of the District
BACKGROUND
In 2010, the Northeast Urban Renewal Board began implementing plans and projects
reflecting their three funding priorities: 1) Parks, Trails and Greenspace; 2) Infrastructure and
3) Neighborhood Development Plan.
2012 AT-A-GLANCE
In FY 2012, the Board continued to work on these priorities by finishing trail projects on N.
Church Avenue and E. Aspen Street. Working with MSU Community Development Center
students, the Board completed an update to their Neighborhood Development Plan. With the
assistance of City staff engineer Dustin Johnson, the Board continued working with local
engineering firm Morrison-Maierle to prepare conceptual designs for East Peach Street
sidewalk improvements. The Board approved a special design standard for East Peach Street
within the District. Adoption of the E. Peach Street design standard is pending City
Commission approval. Staff assisted the Board with a Montana Fish,Wildlife and Parks
Recreational Trails grant application for the Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge. The FWP grant
was not awarded, and the Board continues to seek funding opportunities for the bridge. The
Board continued to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the District’s historic
character by offering financial assistance to the property owner for the completion of the
Historic Brewery development project on N. Wallace Avenue.
MOVING FORWARD – FY2013
The Board continues to support opportunities to work with Montana Rail Link and Burlington
Northern Santa Fe on preservation projects for the passenger depot. Additional TIF funding
has been contributed to the Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge project. With assistance from City
Planning staff, the Board continues to fine-tune their Neighborhood Plan and Redevelopment
Incentives. The Board will seek funding opportunities for completion of E. Peach Street
improvements and pursue partnerships with developers to complete portions of the project. If
adopted by the City Commission, the proposed design for E. Peach Street will provide new
sidewalks and boulevards with vegetated storm water detention swales on the north side of E.
Peach Street and will designate the right-of-way as a sharrow (shared right-of-way) for
bicycles and vehicles. The Board has set aside funding for engineering design services to
analyze the potential for similar improvements on E. Tamarack Street, Front Street and N. Ida
Avenue.
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
PRIORITIES I, II & III– IN DETAIL
I. PARKS, TRAILS AND GREENSPACE
District Trails and Depot Pocket Park Area Maintenance $ 5,000
The original trail, landscaping and bench installation were completed in 2002. Landscaping
maintenance, including mowing and weed spraying, is on-going. Water is provided, as
needed, from an adjacent property. The Board proposes continuing the operation of the
temporary irrigation system, weed control and general maintenance. Weed control and
general maintenance may also be needed in other District trail areas.
Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge $ 30,000
Board members identified the need for a pedestrian bridge at the terminus of E. Aspen
Street and the N. Church Avenue trail east of N. Rouse Avenue. E. Aspen Street comes to
an end at Bozeman Creek. The use along this section of E. Aspen Street is largely
residential with a retail store (butcher shop) at the southeast corner of N. Rouse Avenue and
E. Aspen Street. The Board feels the District’s pedestrian connectivity could be improved
with the construction of a pedestrian bridge to the N. Church Avenue Trail. During FY11,
the NURB received positive feedback from the Northeast Neighborhood Association
(NENA) on the project and Gaston Engineering completed a feasibility study and cost
estimates. Construction of the bridge is estimated between $52,470 and $57,715. The
budgeted amount is for construction. The budgeted amount does not cover the full cost of
the bridge. The NURB continues to seek additional funding resources.
Priority I Total $ 35,000
Priority I Rationale: The park, trail and green space improvements meet Guiding Principle
4 and Goals A & B under Principle 4 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District
Plan:
Guiding Principle, “Public open space is essential to a healthy and appealing
urban environment”
Goal A, “Procure new land for parks and public open space”
Goal B, “Improve landscaping in existing public spaces.”- to include enhancing
boulevards and public rights-of-way by planting and maintaining trees where appropriate
and controlling weeds
The spending of TIF funds on park and open space improvements is allowed under 7-15-
4255, Authority to provide or contract for services related to urban renewal, of the
Montana Code Annotated. Specifically, item (1b) states that “Every municipality shall have
power to install, construct, and reconstruct streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other
public improvements”
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
II. INFRASTRUCTURE
Poor pedestrian connectivity within the District is well documented. Lack of street
improvements including missing curb, gutter, pavement and sidewalks creates an
unwelcoming and potentially unsafe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. A lack of
storm water drainage facilities leads to the ponding of water in public right-of-ways
encouraging pedestrians to walk in the street emphasizing the need for street
improvements. The District has a historic mix of light manufacturing and residential uses
creating a more urban environment on the streets, especially during business hours. Modest
improvements to pedestrian facilities to create safer more welcoming routes for pedestrians
will reduce conflict between users. The lack of street delineation/improvements and storm
water facilities has caused an unknown number of individuals to use some sections of the
District as dumping grounds for unwanted appliances and furniture. Street improvements
coupled with improvements to trails and parks and the landscaping of public spaces will
improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists and reduce, if not eliminate, dumping in
the public right-of-way.
Making improvements to sidewalks on unimproved streets comes with some difficulty
especially if elevation differences are present across the width of the right-of-way and if a
need to improve storm water drainage is warranted as well. What seems like a rather simple
project turns into a large scale street improvement project. Without additional information,
moving forward on these improvements is difficult, so survey and design is the first step.
Regarding design, the Board recognizes that creative solutions are needed to enhance the
public right-of-way for two very different user types in the District. In support of
improvements to these streets, the Board has allocated a portion of the FY13 budget to the
following deficient street sections in the District:
E. Peach Street – Sidewalks, Storm Water control, Landscaping
& Sharrow Construction $ 88,912
Survey and designs for E. Peach Street improvements have been completed. The Board
approved the designs in November 2011. The Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Board and the
Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee have reviewed the proposed design
standard. An ordinance is being prepared by the City Attorney’s office for the City
Commission’s consideration. If approved, this “special” design standard will be adopted for
E. Peach Street within the Northeast Urban Renewal District. The total project cost is
estimated at $321,000. As funding and/or funding partnerships become available, the Board
will implement construction.
E. Tamarack St., Front St. and N. Ida Ave survey and design $ 45,000
The Board wants to evaluate E. Tamarack, Front Street and Ida Avenue for “complete
street” improvements. N. Ida Avenue may be particularly challenging since the right-of-
way is extremely narrow and utilized by trucks coming from adjacent and nearby light
manufacturing businesses. Creative solutions are necessary to improve these streets as
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
multi-modal connectors to District trails, the Deport Park, and hopefully in the near future,
the re-developed NPRR passenger depot.
Priority II Total $ 133,912
Priority II Rationale: The infrastructure improvements meet Guiding Principle 1 and Goals
A & B under Principle 1 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan:
Guiding Principle, “Ensure the health, safety, and security of the District”
Goal A, “Outdated or insufficient infrastructure should be repaired, replaced or
otherwise improved.”
Goal B, “Encourage a land use pattern that facilitates all modes of transportation
– vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, mass transit, and commercial – for safe, efficient
and convenient access for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.”
The spending of TIF funds on infrastructure improvements is allowed under Section 7-15-
4288, MCA which states, “Costs that may be paid by tax increment financing” allows the
municipality to use tax increments to pay the following costs of or incurred in connection
with an urban renewal project: (1) land acquisition; (2) demolition and removal of
structures; (3) relocation of occupants; (4) the acquisition, construction, and improvement of
infrastructure;… and 5 ) costs incurred in connection with the redevelopment activities
allowed under 7-15-4233…
III. NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Redevelopment Incentives $ 15,000
The NURB has set aside funds to offset the costs of upgrading public infrastructure in
conjunction with redevelopment activities which implement the District’s guiding
principles emphasized in the District’s Neighborhood Plan.
Preserve America Grant Match $ 15,000
If additional historic preservation grant opportunities arise, the NURB has pledged to
provide up to $15,000 in funds towards a grant for renovation opportunities. Matching
funds may provide for a professional historical architectural and engineering team to
examine the existing conditions, evaluate the architectural integrity of the building, identify
potential issues with the site and study the feasibility of re-use opportunities at the site.
Funds may also be used to offset the cost of Historic Preservation staff time spent
managing the grant.
Priority III Total $ 30,000
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
Priority III Rationale: Neighborhood Development Planning meets Guiding Principle 2 and
the Goal under Principle 2 of the adopted Northeast Urban Renewal District Plan:
Guiding Principles, “Balance commerce and livability in the District within the
mixed-use framework” AND “Honor the unique character and vitality of the
District”
Goal, “Harmonize commercial and industrial development with residential
quality of life”
Implementation Action, “Where historic structures are affected by public or
private development, seek out the advice and assistance of local, state, or federal
historic preservation professionals for opportunities to renovate existing historic
structures.”
This funding proposal is for Neighborhood Plan implementation activities which are meant
to encourage developers to build on parcels within the Northeast Urban Renewal District. It
recognizes the complexities of redeveloping parcels which have existing substandard
buildings and infrastructure and was created to offset the costs of those complexities with
grants for those proposing work which eliminates blight and advances the implementation of
the District Plan. Board proposes to award grants to reimburse developers for costs
allowable under Section 7-15-4288, MCA, but limited to public infrastructure.
These proposed expenditures are allowable under Section 7-15-4233, subsection (1)(a),
MCA, which grants the City the power to formulate and coordinate a workable program as
specified in Section 7-15-4209, MCA, which states : (1) A municipality may formulate a
workable program for utilizing appropriate private and public resources:
(a) to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of blighted areas;
(b) to encourage needed urban rehabilitation;
(c) to provide for the redevelopment of such areas; or
(d) to undertake such of the aforesaid activities or other feasible municipal activities as
may be suitably employed to achieve the objectives of such workable program.
(2) Such workable program may include, without limitation, provision for:
(b) the rehabilitation of blighted areas or portions thereof by re-planning, removing
congestion, providing parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements; by encouraging
voluntary rehabilitation; and by compelling the repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated or
deteriorating structures; and
(c) the clearance and redevelopment of blighted areas or portions thereof.
Additionally, Section 7-15-4288, MCA states, “Costs that may be paid by tax increment
financing” allows the municipality to use tax increments to pay the following costs of or
incurred in connection with an urban renewal project: (1) land acquisition; (2) demolition
and removal of structures; (3) relocation of occupants; (4) the acquisition, construction, and
improvement of infrastructure;… and 5) costs incurred in connection with the
redevelopment activities allowed under 7-15-4233…
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Northeast Urban Renewal Board Annual Work Plan and Budget FY13
IV. ADMINISTRATION
Part-time staff and other Admin Services $ 6,800
The Board needs staff to assist with District Plan implementation. $5,000 is transferred to
the Department of Planning to offset the cost of staff time used to assist the NURB with
District Plan implementation. $1,800 is budgeted to cover administrative services. This
money is a permissible use under state statute 7-15-4288, (5), “costs incurred in connection
with the redevelopment activities allowed under 7-15-4233 and 7-15-4288 (7)
“administrative costs associated with the managements of the urban renewal area…”
Outreach $ 600
The Board has requested money for public noticing and mailings in the District. The
purpose of the noticing and mailings is to inform property owners about and request
feedback on NURB implementation and activities.
This money is a permissible use under state statute 7-15-4233, “Powers which may be
exercised by urban renewal agency or authorized department…(f) to disseminate blight
clearance and urban renewal information;”
TIF Correction
The amount of increment the District will receive appears to be rather dynamic at this time.
Staff discovered FY11 revenues were inaccurately reported in the FY12 annual report. This
resulted in a shortage in the beginning balance for FY12. That correction is highlighted in
this report. Previously, $58,189 was reported as the “actual” revenue for FY11. New
information from the City Finance Department reflects that “actual” revenue for FY11 was
$93,742. After correcting the starting balance for FY12, staff calculated a remainder of
$33,429. It is staff’s recommendation that this increment be set aside to offset any potential
reductions in future revenue (increment). Staff took a conservative approach in projecting
future revenues for the remainder of FY12 and FY13 and left the “anticipated” amount
unchanged. Any new information received prior to the June 4th, 2012 City Commission
hearing will be forwarded to the Commission, if time allows, or provided at the meeting.
SUMMARY: FY 13 PROPOSED BUDGET
Priority I $ 35,000
Priority II $ 133,912
Priority III $ 30,000
Staff time $ 5,000
Noticing and Administrative Services $ 2,400
TIF Correction $ 33,429
Overall Budget Total $ 239,741
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FY2012 AT- A - GLANCE FY2013
BALANCES
STARTING
(CORRECTED)
REVENUE
(Anticipated by end of
June 2012)EXPENDITURES ENDING
FY12
REMAINING
REVENUE
FY13 ANTICIPATED
REVENUE
FY13 to
BUDGET
TIF Balance 161,968 58,189 38,605 181,552 181,552 58,189 239,741
HB 645 American Recovery & Reinvest Act
DETAIL
NE Urban Renewal Board FY2011 Work Plan and Budget
ACTUAL 2010 Revenues
& Expenditures
ACTUAL 2011 Revenues &
Expenditures:
CORRECTED 2012 Anticipated Revenues*
2012 Actual Revenues as of
May 22 2012 Budgeted
2012 Actual
Expenditures Proposed FY13
Starting Balance 73,254 120,902 161,968 128,539
Interest 1,847 1,366 1,100 1,366
TIF allocation on 1/21/10 62,441
Anticipated TIF allocation FY 2011 57,089
Actual FY11 TIF allocation as of 6/30/2011 92,376 24,591
TIF Balance 137,542
HB 645 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act 18,600
Park Improvement Grant 20,000
Depot Park Donation 2,000
Total Revenue Available 178,142 214,644 220,157 154,496
Expenditures Totals
PARKS AND GREENSPACE - PRIORITY 1
-Depot Park 52884 22026 0 0
-Aspen & Church Trails and Open Space 100 16300 15694
Depot Pocket Park trail 2374 1425 5000
-FY 2011Ped Bridge Engineering Services 2,140 22,234 30,000 35000
INFRASTRUCTURE-PRIORITY 2
-Tamarack, Ida Ave and Front Street Engineering Services 0 45000
- E. Peach Street 22165 105,670 14776 88,912 133912
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING - PRIORITY 3 3137 16374
-Redevelopment Incentive 15000
-Cost share funds for Preservation grants 15000 30000
Part-time staff and other professional services 0 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
Admin Services 1100 1125 1800 1620 1800
-Notices and Outreach 120 120 200 90 600 7400
TIF CORRECTION 33,429 33429
Total 52,884 52,676 146,578 239,741 239741
Summary of Expenditures per Fund
TIF 14,284 52,676 *Based on revenues 38,605
HB 645 FY2010 18,600 received as of
PIG FY2010 20,000 30-Jun-11
Total Expenditures 52,884 52,676 38,605
Ending Balance 125,258 161,968
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NURB Meeting – May 1, 2012 1
Northeast Urban Renewal Board (NURB)
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1,
2012, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman,
Montana.
Present: Absent:
Voting Members:
Erik Nelson, Chair
Daniel Doehring
Tom Noble
Robert Pavlic
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese (arrived at 6:37 p.m.)
Non-Voting Members:
Commissioner Liaison:
Chris Mehl
Staff:
Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner
Ken Stocks, Grants Specialist
Dustin Johnson, Project Engineer
Courtney Kramer, Historic Preservation Officer
Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary
Guests:
Chris Nixon, 719 North Wallace Avenue
Call to Order – Chair Erik Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Public Comment – No comment was received under this agenda item.
Consent Items –
Approve minutes from April 3, 2012 meeting. It was moved by Dan Doehring,
seconded by Bob Pavlic, that the minutes of the meeting of April 3, 2012, be approved as
submitted. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
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NURB Meeting – May 1, 2012 2
Discussion Items –
FY 2013 Work Plan and Budget – Review draft FY 2013 work plan and budget.
Planner Keri Thorpe distributed copies of the draft work plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2012-
2013, noting they are based on the minutes from last month’s meeting. She highlighted the
anticipated carryover and revenues, noting that the total amount to be budgeted is $174,592.
She stated that the expenditures budgeted were taken directly from the minutes, with the East
Peach Street line item being the one used to balance the revenues and expenditures.
Responding to Chair Erik Nelson, Planner Thorpe confirmed that the work plan is essentially the
same boilerplate as last year with a few changes to reflect the current budget.
Chair Nelson reviewed the budget by priority. He noted Priority I, Parks and Green Space,
provides for maintenance of the open space and trail improvements that have been made to date
as well as 50 percent of the estimated costs of the Aspen Street bridge. He voiced his hope that
funding from additional resources can be obtained during this upcoming year to complete the
bridge project.
Responding to Commissioner Liaison Chris Mehl, Chair Nelson stated the amount budgeted for
maintenance was increased because of the improvements made this year, including the North
Church Avenue trail and the East Aspen Street improvements. He noted that the entire Aspen
Street right-of-way will need to be maintained, particularly because of the knapweed problems
that exist.
Chair Nelson turned attention to Priority II, Infrastructure. He noted that under this budget, the
same level of design will be provided for East Tamarack Street and Front Street/North Ida
Avenue as has been done for East Peach Street. He stated the monies budgeted for East Peach
Street could be used as matching funds for construction of this shovel ready project.
Responding to Planner Thorpe, Chair Nelson confirmed that the engineering services for East
Tamarack Street and East Front Street/North Ida Avenue should be lumped into one line item.
Responding to questions from Commissioner Liaison Chris Mehl, Chair Nelson stated the Board
will initiate engineering of the improvements for East Tamarack Street and Front Street/North Ida
Avenue this year; however improvements to East Peach Street may or may not happen.
Chair Nelson then turned his attention to Priority III, Neighborhood Planning, which includes
monies for a redevelopment incentive plan and matching monies for preservation grants. The
Board agreed with the budget for those items as listed.
Chair Nelson noted the final portion of the budget is for administrative services and is the same
as in past years. He then indicated he is comfortable with presenting this budget to the City
Commission, and stated he would be excited to obtain some matching grant monies this year.
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NURB Meeting – May 1, 2012 3
Planner Thorpe noted it is anticipated there will be an additional increment of approximately
$25,000 received yet this fiscal year and asked where the Board would like to have those monies
budgeted.
Chair Nelson suggested that they be added to the East Peach Street line item; the Board
members concurred.
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese suggested that the Board consider the installation of sidewalks along East
Aspen Street between the creek and North Rouse Avenue as an additional infrastructure project,
noting it may increase the chance of obtaining grant monies for the bridge. She recognized it is
too late to include the project in this budget, but suggested that it be included in the Board’s next
discussion on projects.
Project Engineer Dustin Johnson suggested that if the Board waits until after the Montana
Department of Transportation does its improvements to North Rouse Avenue, it can tie its street
and sidewalk improvements to theirs. He recognized that installing sidewalks along East Aspen
Street is a good project, but cautioned that the MDT keeps changing its plans, which could have a
negative impact on any improvements made prior to theirs.
It was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Dan Doehring, that the Board approve the work plan
and budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 as written. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote.
Historic Passenger Depot. Historic Preservation Officer Courtney Kramer stated she
is working on a grant application for the depot. She noted this is a planning grant only, to do a
structural analysis of the building and identify any environmental issues, as well as a baseline of
what the building looks like and its as builts. She noted the maximum grant is $5,000; and there
is $15,000 in the budget as a match for a grant. She asked if the Board wants to use all of the
$15,000 as a match or if it wishes to limit its match to $5,000. She recognized that Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) is notoriously difficult to work with, and one of the first steps will be to
get them to allow a qualified contractor to be on the property for five days without requiring City
indemnification. She concluded by stating she is still pursuing grants for this property whenever
the opportunity arises.
Chair Nelson stated he does not feel the City has exhausted all of its options for what can be
done to get through the railroad’s system. He also wants to understand how the building and/or
the grounds can be used. He recognized that information for a specific project is specialized and,
as a result, the developer must do that step himself.
Officer Kramer stated she tried to pick just one element to address in the application, and she
agrees that getting through the process is the best approach available at this time.
Chair Nelson left the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and turned the gavel over to Vice Chair Noble.
Planner Thorpe asked about the possibility of moving the depot across the street.
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NURB Meeting – May 1, 2012 4
Officer Kramer responded that if the depot were picked up and moved across the street, it would
still be eligible for a historic grant, and recognized that might be a more realistic approach. She
noted that the Historic Preservation Advisory Board has been working with her on that possibility
and they’ve received good feedback but no real action to date. She stated that, while BNSF is
difficult to work with, Montana Rail Link (MRL) has indicated a willingness to do so.
Responding to Historic Preservation Officer Kramer, Planner Thorpe stated it would be possible
for the NorthEast Urban Renewal Board to fund the installation of a fence if the property on the
district side of the fence is then available to the district.
Historic Preservation Officer Courtney Kramer announced that Historic Preservation Days will be
held in May. Activities include a run sponsored by the Big Sky Windrinkers on Wednesday, May
16, that begins at the depot, and a walking tour of the Northeast Neighborhood on Sunday, May
20, that also begins at the depot.
Responding to Chris Nixon, Officer Kramer stated she included the offer to reroof the depot in an
e-mail she sent to BNSF but has not yet received a response. She noted that MRL, along with
the lessee, are responsible for the building. She concluded by stating she will include a follow-up
on her list of things to do.
Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) grant – a potential funding source
for East Peach Street improvements. Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated that TSEP
funding is on an every two year cycle. He noted the program is procedurally confusing, but the
hard work is done, with the environmental check list and preliminary engineering report yet to be
completed.
Grants Writer Ken Stocks stated the Morrison-Mairle report is almost acceptable, but staff did not
have the time to pull the application together for this cycle. He noted this grant works well with
the Montana Department of Transportation’s North Rouse Avenue project. He then stated the
biggest hurdle is matching funds; and the monies budgeted for the Peach Street improvements
could be used for that purpose. He noted there may also be other grants available to assist with
the construction of these improvements.
Planner Thorpe noted that Controller Brian LaMeres has indicated it may be possible for the
district to borrow against future increments if necessary to fund improvements.
Project Engineer Dustin Johnson stated most of the grant monies available are for creeks and
water at the present time. He asked the Board to let staff know if they are interested in pursuing
any grant options.
Responding to questions from Tom Noble, Engineer Johnson stated the City and the State are
co-permitted for realignment and reconstruction of the bridge across Bozeman Creek on East
Peach Street.
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NURB Meeting – May 1, 2012 5
Pedestrian Bridge. Planner Keri Thorpe stated attendance at a one or two-hour
training session is required for the electronic grant application, but she may be able to fulfill that
training via a webinar rather than traveling to Helena. She asked if the Board is interested in her
attending the training and covering the costs of doing so. She noted that she can then update the
previous application and update the numbers based on the budget approved earlier in the
meeting and increasing the previous cost estimates.
It was moved by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, seconded by Dan Doehring, that the Board authorize
and direct staff to attend the training session for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Trails Grant
electronic application process and submit revisions provided by the Board for FY13 grant cycle.
The motion carried on a 4-0 vote.
Proposal for zone code amendments to limit restaurants in the HMU District –
letter to property owners requesting feedback. Jeanne Wesley-Wiese suggested that people
across the street from the district be included in the list.
Planner Thorpe noted that will include property owners on both sides of North Rouse Avenue and
East Peach Street. She distributed copies of a draft of the letter from the NorthEast Urban
Renewal Board and asked for Board comments. She then noted that the postcards to
accompany this letter will be done at a print shop.
Bob Pavlic suggested that boxes be included on the postcard so respondents can identify if they
own commercial, residential or mixed use properties.
Dan Doehring questioned whether people will know what the wording means and if they will
understand the processes involved.
Planner Thorpe asked if the Board wishes to keep it simple and just ask if they want to eliminate
restaurants. As a result of Board comments, the Planner indicated she will give respondents the
options of do not amend; eliminate restaurants; and evaluate on a case-by-case basis with public
input.
After listening to the Board member comments, Commissioner Liaison Chris Mehl proposed
several revisions to the letter, stressing the importance of keeping it simple and not being too
technical.
Planner Thorpe indicated she will send out a revised letter for the Board to consider at its next
meeting.
Neighborhood News. Bob Pavlic stated it appears a parking lot is being constructed
by the depot, noting that gravel has been dropped between the depot and his property. He noted
more track maintenance is being planned for this summer, and the parking lot is for those
workers. He stated that maintenance is to include extension of the sidings to accommodate the
extended lengths of trains.
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Bob Pavlic stated the warehouse next to him was purchased by Steve Schlegel; and he has had
his lot surveyed. He does not yet know the new owner’s plans for the building. He then stated
that Sam Robinson bought the lot next to him and is going to build a house near the railroad
track. He noted that this district has cheap property for those who wish to build in the city and, as
a result, he is nervous for the residential people.
Tom Noble noted that when gentrification occurs, those involved find they don’t like the
neighborhood and then move away.
Commissioner Liaison Chris Mehl noted one of this district’s goals is to procure parkland. He
stated that, at its May 21 meeting, the Commission will have a policy discussion on putting a bond
issue on the ballot for trails and parks. He noted that, with the current land prices and interest
rates on bonds, now is the prime time to acquire land. He encouraged Board members to
forward comments to him or any of the Commissioners or to attend the meeting.
Responding to Planner Thorpe, Commissioner Liaison Mehl confirmed a maintenance component
will be included in the bond issue.
Bob Pavlic identified the land at the intersection of North Plum Avenue/Avocado Street/East
Peach Street, as a possibility for open space.
Commissioner Liaison Mehl noted the Commission is very interested in the Story Mill area, noting
one of his goals is to work with the County in providing a safe route to the M.
Commissioner Liaison Chris Mehl noted the City is working with other cities to address potential
issues revolving around the increase in coal trains. He stressed that the City is very limited on
what it can do, noting the State has more ability to influence issues. He then noted that the
southeast ports export more coal than others; however, it appears China may continue to want
coal and that would likely be exported through the west coast, thus affecting this area.
Adjournment – 8:12 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this
time, Vice Chair Noble adjourned the meeting.
Erik Nelson, Chair
Northeast Urban Renewal Board
City of Bozeman
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