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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-13 Northeast Urban Renewal Board MinutesNortheast Urban Renewal Board (NURB) Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 2, 2013 The Northeast Urban Renewal Board met in regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in the Conference Room, Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, Montana. Present: Absent: Voting Members: Tom Noble, Chair Jeanne Wesley-Wiese Daniel Doehring Erik Nelson Robert Pavlic Non-Voting Members: Commissioner Liaison: Chris Mehl Staff: Allyson Brekke, Neighborhood Coordinator Robin Sullivan, Recording Secretary Guests: Call to Order – Chair Tom Noble 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 March 5, 2013 meeting. It was moved by Dan Doehring, seconded by Erik Nelson, that the minutes of the meeting of March 5, 2013, be approved as submitted. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Discussion/Ac tion Items – Prepare Work Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14. Recording Secretary Robin Sullivan distributed copies of the Work Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14, noting that she made revisions to the draft budget and work plan based on discussions at last month’s meeting. Bob Pavlic distributed copies of a newspaper article from the March 21 issue of The Bozeman Daily Chronicle titled Weaker coal train whistle bill reaches Senate. He noted a number of neighbors have approached him about a quiet crossing on North Wallace Avenue, particularly since westbound trains beginning blowing their whistles adjacent to their homes. He suggested that the Board consider adding monies to the budget for this issue, noting that grant monies may be available to assist with the installation of a quiet crossing. Erik Nelson noted the article indicates a $200,000 grant would upgrade one crossing, which he believes is a realistic cost estimate. Bob Pavlic stated when the depot park was done, everyone in the district liked the fact that a physical project they could see and feel had been done. He feels it is important to again use tax increment financing monies on something tangible rather than just another study. Erik Nelson voiced his support for the idea of including a quiet crossing in the work plan, but recognized it would not be possible to pursue the project without obtaining grant monies. Neighborhood Coordinator Allyson Brekke cautioned that one of the first steps would be to determine whether tax increment financing monies can be used for a quiet crossing; the next step would be to determine who would qualify to apply for the grant monies if the legislation is passed and funded. She then noted that some crossings may cost more to upgrade than others, depending on the condition of the existing crossing. Chair Noble questioned if it would be appropriate to upgrade the crossing on North Wallace Avenue without upgrading the other two inside city limits. Neighborhood Coordinator Brekke announced that the presentations for tax increment financing programs are scheduled for June 3 and urged someone from the Board to make the presentation to the Commission. Chair Noble indicated he would be willing to do so unless Erik Nelson wishes to do it again. Responding to Recording Secretary Sullivan, the Board concurred that funding for a quiet crossing is far enough off that no monies need to be included in this year’s budget. If the grant monies do become available this upcoming fiscal year, the Board can request the use of some of its reserve monies to cover its portion of the costs of a quiet crossing. Neighborhood Coordinator Brekke encouraged the Board to talk to the NorthEast Neighborhood Association since a quiet crossing is also one of their hot topics. Chair Noble asked if the Board wishes to make any other changes to the budget or work plan. Neighborhood Coordinator Brekke asked if the Board wishes to specifically reference reroofing of the depot or if it wishes to include a more generalized statement pending the results of the structural analysis currently underway. The Board agreed that all references to reroofing of the depot should be changed to depot stabilization. Responding to the Neighborhood Coordinator, the Board agreed with the revised wording for the pedestrian bridge. Responding to Board comments, the Neighborhood Coordinator recognized it will be important to make property owners within the district aware of the monies that have been budgeted for redevelopment incentives as well as the streambank restoration. Erik Nelson noted that, given the amount of monies budgeted but not yet expended, it is critical that steps be taken to spend monies on a project this year if at all possible. It was moved by Dan Doehring, seconded by Erik Nelson, that the Board approve the Work Plan and Budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 as amended by the above discussion and that staff be directed to forward it to the Commission. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Discussion re engineering services for East Tamarack Street/Front Street/ North Ida Avenue street improvements. Neighborhood Coordinator Allyson Brekke stated her first priority is to follow up with Staff Attorney Tim Cooper to determine the status of the ordinance for the East Peach Street design. She will also talk to Project Engineer Dustin Johnson to determine if he will be involved in this design project. Erik Nelson stated he anticipates the process for the design of East Tamarack Street/Front Street/North Ida Avenue will be the same as that followed for East Peach Street. He suggested that, even if the Board decides not to meet in May, the RFQ process could be undertaken and a pre-meeting with the successful engineering firm scheduled for the next Board meeting. He noted that the contract for this project will be a little more expanded than the one for East Peach Street since it will include follow-up to ensure the approval process is completed in a timely manner. Neighborhood Coordinator Brekke indicated she will ask Project Engineer Dustin Johnson to be present at the next Board meeting to provide an update on this project. Report re status of depot structural analysis. Neighborhood Coordinator Allyson Brekke noted that Erik Nelson and Tom Noble went to the meeting that was held last month. She stated a public meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, in the Community Room of the Library, and the neighbors will be invited to attend that meeting. At that meeting, the consultant will review the findings of the analysis. Erik Nelson noted the consultant is finding interior features in the depot that warrant preservation of the structure. It is his hope that the City will be able to develop a stronger connection with the railroad to preserve and re-use the structure. Determine whether to meet in May; set agenda or cancel meeting. Following a brief discussion, it was moved by Erik Nelson, seconded by Dan Doehring, that the Board cancel its May meeting and set the next meeting for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. Neighborhood News. Chair Noble reported that the bakery at the corner of North Wallace Avenue and East Peach Street seems to be doing well. Adjournment – 7:25 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, Chair Noble adjourned the meeting. Tom Noble, Chair Northeast Urban Renewal Board City of Bozeman