HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-2013 Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOP) Committee Minutes MINUTES OF THE TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND PARKS MEETING, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Don Beeman Sandy Dodge
Tom Starner Bob Hawks, Chair
Cyndy Andrus, Commission liaison
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Doug Chandler
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Mitch Overton, Director of Parks & Recreation
Chris Saunders, Policy& Planning Manager
Doreen Olean, Recording Secretary
A. Meeting was called to order by Committee Chairperson Hawks at 9:05 a.m.
B. Approval of Minutes of September 9, 2013 meeting—Committee member Dodge
motioned to approve the September 9, 2013 minutes as written. Committee member
Beeman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Changes to the Agenda
➢ Committee member Dodge asked to add a discussion to review the procedural
process of reviewing proposals.
D. Public Comment: none
E. Disclosures:
➢ Committee member Starner had some concerns about being involved in real
estate and meeting with other realtors. Realtor Lloyd Mandeville had shared
information that the pond land was back on the market and Committee member
Starner asked Mr. Mandeville to contact Mitch Overton. Committee member
Starner was also aware of land that would work for soccer fields. Comments
shared during disclosure are important. Chris Saunders said public records could
be relayed and let individuals know where information is found regarding the
Trails, Open Space and Trails Bond. Mitch Overton can be a clearing house for
questions. Mr. Saunders stated that questions could also be referred to the City
Planning or Engineering Department.
➢ Committee member Dodge was informed by James Gorman of Florida, who
owns land in Bozeman, that Mr. Gorman felt that the Mandeville property would
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MINUTES OF THE TRAILS,OPEN SPACE AND PARKS MEETING, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
make a good, big park. Committee member Dodge said he would pass on the
information to the Committee members.
➢ Commissioner Andrus was asked by Penelope at GVLT to meet with her
regarding the Ponds Project. The meeting was declined by Commissioner Andrus
because of her position on the City Commission and the TOP Committee. She is
not meeting with people individually. There is a process for applications and
they are reviewed with the committee.
➢ Mitch Overton is having communication with applicants and potential applicants.
He has visited with GVLT regarding the Trail to the "M" and also communication
with GVLT regarding the potential application of the 12 acres north of the
Bozeman Pond. Mr. Overton and Thom White, Parks & Cemetery
Superintendent, met with Paul Rubright from Blitz Soccer in an informal meeting
about finding appropriate property and acreage for a facility. Mitch also had
communication with Gary Weiner from the National Parks Service regarding the
project of the Bozeman Creek Enhancement through Bogert Park. The Bozeman
Creek Enhancement Committee has received a $100,000 grant to do planning
and perform a scope of work on this project.
F. Special Presentation: none
G. Action Items:
i. Bicycle & Pedestrian Pathway to the "M" and Drinking Horse Mountain
Application— Rough Cut Checklist—Motion &Vote whether proposal passes the
Rough Cut Checklist.
Public Comment:
o Kelly Pohl from GVLT gave public comment on the Bicycle & Pedestrian
Pathway to the "M" and Drinking Horse Mountain. This project
represents an incredible opportunity to the community to improve safety
by resolving dangerous issues on Bridger Drive; complete critical trail
connections basically connecting Main Street to the Mountains; and adds
to the variety and opportunities for recreational and transportation trails,
while leveraging tax payer dollars at the rate of 1 to 8. This project is
identified in nearly every planning document including the ballot
language.There are a dozen agencies involved in this project. Gallatin
County and the Gallatin County Commission are active supporters of the
program, but have not committed financially. The City will be responsible
for maintenance of the trail including annual sweeping and brushing.
Maintenance would cost between $1200 to $2000 per year per mile.
o David Cook spoke in support of this GVLT proposal as an individual. The
completion of the trail to the "M" would be iconic. Would be received by
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MINUTES OF THE TRAILS,OPEN SPACE AND PARKS MEETING, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
the community as a great first step from the Trails, Open Space and Parks
Committee. The grant match is a great opportunity for funding. Urged
TOP to approve this proposal. Thanked GVLT for their dedication to this
project over the years.
o Maddy Pope spoke as a resident and on behalf of the Trust for Public
Lands, by whom she is employed. She is a past board member of GVLT.
This project has been a long time in coming and would be a wonderful
opportunity on the north side. Great deal for the public. Great first
project for the TOP group. TPL has acquired the property at the corner of
Story Mill and Bridger Drive and will be bringing a proposal to TOP for
consideration of a community park and as part of the proposal will be
working on the parking issue. Supports the GVLT proposal and thanks
everyone.
➢ The four voting TOP members all scored the proposal with 5 or more yeses
on the TOP Rough Cut Matrix including yes to the mandatory yes "of project
proposal aligns with at least one ballot language initiative". The proposal has
passed Step One in the process. Committee member Dodge motioned that
the TOP Committee does not do a site visit for this proposal. Committee
member Beeman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Discussion
i. Confirmation of next Committee meeting date on October 10, 2013.
➢ The next committee meeting will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2013 from
12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Upstairs Conference in the Professional Building if
the room is available at that time. GVLT will give a presentation. The TOP
Committee will run the proposal through the Community Benefit Matrix and the
Prevailing Characteristics Matrices.
I. FYI
➢ GVLT will be bringing a proposal forward soon regarding the purchase of land
north of the Bozeman Pond.
J. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 a.m. made by Committee member Dodge,
seconded by Committee member Beeman.
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MINUTES OF THE TRAILS,OPEN SPACE AND PARKS MEETING,SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
1
Sandy Dodge, Committee Vice-Chairperson
ATTEST:
Doreen Olean, Recording Secretary
PREPARED BY:
Doreen Olean, Recording Secretary
Approved on
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