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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-12 Northeast Urban Renewal Board MinutesNortheast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, October 2, 2012 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 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 Non-Voting Members: Commissioner Liaison: Chris Mehl (arrived at 6:43 p.m.) Staff: Keri Thorpe, Assistant Planner Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Chris Nixon (arrived at 6:55 p.m.) Call to Order – Chair Erik Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Public Comment – No comment was received under this agenda item. Consent Items – Approve minutes from September 4, 2012 meeting. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Tom Noble, that the minutes of the meeting of September 4, 2012, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Action Items – Proposal for zone code amendment to limit restaurants in the HMU District. Chair Nelson noted that at last month’s meeting, the vote on this issue ended in a tie since Tom Noble was not present. As a result, action on this item was continued to this meeting. Tom Noble noted he has reviewed the survey results, but would like additional information on the City Attorney’s position. Planner Thorpe responded the Planning Director has stated that if the Board wants more input, it should hire a planning consultant. She then noted Commissioner Mehl has cautioned that the Commission has given Planning staff the direction to simplify the process; and this proposal to make restaurants a conditional use is going in the opposite direction. She indicated that, if the Board chooses to proceed with a zone code amendment, she can assist in preparing it. She cautioned that another Planner must then carry the amendment through the process, and she is unsure whether it will be possible for staff to forward it with a positive recommendation in light of prior Commission direction. Following a brief discussion, it was moved by Tom Noble, seconded by Bob Pavlic, that the Board forward a zone code amendment to make restaurants a conditional use in the Historic Mixed Use zoning district. The motion carried on a 4-1 vote; Erik Nelson voted No. Election of NURB Officers. Chair Nelson stated he is willing to step down as Chair. He would be willing to serve as Vice Chair but would like to have someone else lead the Board. Tom Noble indicated he would be willing to Chair the Board; however, he is concerned about setting the agendas for the meetings. Planner Thorpe indicated she prepares the agenda based on actions needed and input from the Board, generally at the previous meeting. It was moved by Bob Pavlic, seconded by Erik Nelson, that Tom Noble be appointed as Chair of the Northeast Urban Renewal Board. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. It was moved by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, seconded by Erik Nelson, that Erik Nelson be appointed as Vice Chair of the Northeast Urban Renewal Board. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. Discussion Items – Neighborhood News. Chair Nelson asked for an update on the proposal to construct an ice climbing tower at the Fairgrounds. Chris Nixon stated he spoke to Christopher Spogis after the County Commission meeting. Several people addressed the Commission during the public comment period regarding the proposal, voicing concern about the noise that extends beyond the deadline set in the City’s noise ordinance. He noted the ice climbing tower sounds like a good idea; however, to meet the multi-use criteria set by the County, the proposal includes a concert venue that will seat approximately 3,000 people. He noted the available parking would support a venue for 600 under the City’s code, so that issue must be addressed along with the costs of directing traffic for big events. Chris Nixon announced a neighborhood meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, in the Commission Room. Agenda items include the trails, parks and open space bond issue; an update on the recent brewery wall event and the status of the wall; a report from this Board; and possibly the Fairgrounds proposal. Planner Thorpe asked what items should be included on the agenda for next month’s meeting. Chair Nelson asked for discussion on evaluating parking in the total district rather than on a site-by-site basis be included. Responding to questions from Board members, Planner Thorpe cautioned that Assistant City Attorney Cooper has not yet placed the ordinance for the East Peach Street design on the agenda, so sharrows have not been added to that roadway. Responding to concerns voiced by Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, Planner Thorpe stated that commercial use generally triggers the requirement for street and sidewalk improvements, which are the types of improvements for which tax increment financing monies can be used. She noted that tax increment financing monies would also be available for a large residential development that triggers the requirement for such infrastructure improvements. She stressed that a single-family residence would not trigger the requirement for such infrastructure improvements and, therefore, would not be eligible for tax increment financing monies. Responding to Bob Pavlic, Planner Keri Thorpe confirmed that the City did receive a $5,000 grant to conduct a structural analysis of the depot and reminded the Board that it had earmarked $15,000 as a match for that grant. Historic Preservation Planner Courtney Kramer and a selection committee are now reviewing applications from three firms to conduct that analysis. Erik Nelson suggested that this grant may help to establish greater ties to the railroad, with the possibility that another grant could be requested in the future to rehabilitate the building if it appears it may fall to decay. He noted that the additional information made available as a result of this study could help to attract a developer. Bob Pavlic asked about the possibility of creating a quiet zone at the North Wallace Avenue railroad crossing. Commissioner Liaison Chris Mehl stated that the North Wallace Avenue crossing is the only one controlled by the City; the North Rouse Avenue and Griffin Drive crossings are controlled by the State. He noted the State has allowed cities to install the equipment necessary to allow quiet zones on State-controlled roadways; but those communities must bear all of the costs of doing so. He cautioned that the costs involved are quite high, noting that the City of Billings did a bond issue to provide for three quiet crossings. Chair Nelson asked if there are any other items to be added to next month’s agenda. He then asked if an assessment of current parking in the district has been done. Tom Noble asked if there is anything new on the East Peach Street project. Responding to Chair Nelson, Dan Doehring stated a new looped water main is being installed for North Church Avenue. It has been routed so that it does not involve a creek crossing on East Peach Street; however, Peach Street has been closed to allow for that looping. He noted the project has taken longer than initially planned. Chair Nelson asked that an update on the selection of a contractor for structural assessment of the depot be added to the agenda. Adjournment – 7:18 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